FAQ's - Warrawi Healing and Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy with Thaedra

Questions?  Contact Thaedra, here.

The process

One on one sessions with clients from infants and caregivers to Elders.

Sessions are conducted on a therapy table with clients fully clothed and include dialogue/yarning, somatic inquiry, hands on somatic healing, deep listening, intuitive inquiry, connection to Country, nature and Ancestors and Ancestral practices such as sacred rhythm (sound healing) and cleansing with First Nations healing scent. 

Thaedra is trauma aware, trained in anatomy and in working with the nervous system, body, soma and fascia through formal qualifications, lived experience and practice-led research. She works like an Ombudsman or Mediator impartially and respectfully aligning to the health and supporting the resolution of concerns in the body, mind and spirit. 

Foundational skills include presence, deep listening, somatic intelligence, anatomical knowledge, dialogue and communication, trauma informed frameworks, focussing, cultural integrity and awareness.  

Working with you, Thaedra facilitates awareness and presence with, the potently alive, interwoven landscapes of the physical and physiological body, systems, structures, brain, mind, spirit, Country, nature and Ancestors which can build up our sense of self and muscles of interoception and empower actionable outcomes and narrative shifts grounded in the tangible and innate ability to regenerate and regulate that is part of our DNA and self healing capability inherent in the nervous system, brain and body. 

The outcomes 

Presence and connection with the inner landscape of your body is a multifaceted experience, a unique journey with potential and creative outcomes such as:

  • ease of tension (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual)
  • alleviation of experience of symptoms of pain and shock
  • increased interoception and awareness of body, state of mind & nervous system
  • increased intuition, insights, clarity and action
  • holistic support in injury and post surgery recovery 
  • feeling more attuned 
  • greater self understanding and belief in oneself
  • felt connection with Ancestors
  • mindful and embodied presence
  • increased sense of wellbeing
  • increased energy
  • greater connection and expression

Our body landscape and Country is regenerative and rich in wisdom in achieving optimal health and balance. These benefits may extend to the past, future, community and Country. 

Who

Thaedra works predominantly with adults and with clients during pregnancy and post-partum along with infants and with children where their caregivers are existing /concurrent clients. 

Clients attend with a range of intentions and concerns from seeking relief from tension or injuries to deeper connection, alignment, resourcing, practitioner self care, spiritual connection, experiences of grief, loss, stress, shock, trauma, neuro expression, anxiety, depression, pain, injury, illness, post -surgery, jaw tension, perimenopause, aches, tension, restless legs and pelvic floor health.

We respect modern medical expertise and other holistic approaches. We aim to work with your unique needs, diagnosis and circumstances. 

What is Biodynamic craniosacral therapy 

Biodynamic craniosacral therapy is a vital, body-based, somatic approach and gentle touch holistic therapy working with the whole person for a broad range of conditions and symptoms. It is effective in reducing clients’ experience of pain and tension in the body, mind and spirit regardless of the cause or diagnosis. Craniosacral therapy has its origins in First Nations / Indigenous healing, osteopathy and therapeutic embodied and somatic mindfulness practices. Read more about the origins here

What is Warrawi healing 

Warrawi is a word describing healer in Thaedra's Dhudhuroa (First Nations) healing practice and encompasses her identity, lived experience, connection with Country and Ancestors and the therapeutic healing approach.  

Do I need to try to relax or be calm in the session

You are met as you are. You do not need to come in calm or to try and relax, settle or realign yourself during the session. 

More on this: 

Healing is an experience. Essentially, we are remembering how to hear the language and rhythm of our body and are supported to be with and listen to these sensations in the present moment. It's a bit like going for a slow walk in nature or on Country and noticing the sounds, the feeling of the air on our skin, the temperature, the different textures, the cadence of our footsteps, the colours, whether things are dry or hydrated and we notice as we walk through that landscape that things are actually moving and changing. 

Our sensations are always changing, however subtly, and our analytical brains can be trained, like a muscle, to be able to sense, feel and be present with whatever is arising. This is often surprising, for example, something that is initially described as feeling painful (perhaps hard, cold, absent etc) can transform to a place that feels comfortable and free. 

This is also empowering because we can feel how we are on a physical and physiological level and act accordingly. We can remember how to orient to places in our bodies that have safety and comfort and to move through the world with greater awareness of ourselves. 

We cannot possibly hold everything for ourselves, particularly when we are sensitive and empathetic souls living in a fast paced world. We need to have time where we are supported to see things from a broader perspective and to relax and heal. So when we have concerns that are ongoing, or overwhelming, our sessions can facilitate healing including understanding and moving through the challenges that we are uniquely experiencing and the health that we occupy. 

What do I wear? 

You will be in a supported position, usually lying down, or side lying fully clothed on a massage table with support to ensure you are comfortable and feeling safe.  Your feedback and consent is paramount. 

Please let Thaedra know at any stage during the session if you are not comfortable or have any concerns or questions. 

What do I do after a session?

It is recommended that you take some time and space after your session for integration and reflection, rest and hydration and to support the healing process. You may find that you feel fatigued, some irritability and emotions arising and even increased energy, this is part of the process of healing. You are encouraged to listen to what you need. 

The therapy is continuing its work following the session. If you feel spacey or overwhelmed, please advise Thaedra. You are welcome to provide feedback or ask questions at any point in the session or those following. 

More on this:

Allowing time and space for our feelings to be acknowledged, felt and expressed supports healing and provides opportunity for greater clarity and understanding. Tears are a natural healing balm and body medicine, allowing them to run down your face is like a waterfall or the rains, it releases what was held and cleanses the spirit. 

How many sessions do I need? 

Healing takes time. If you have ever jammed your finger and waited for the nail to regrow, you know that can take a few months even for a minor injury. It's the same with the body, mind and spirit. For most clients, initially you will need a minimum of 4 consecutive weekly or fortnightly sessions. For long term or acute situations, a series of 8-12 sessions is recommended at regular (weekly or fortnightly) intervals. In babies and children who respond quite quickly, they may only need a couple of sessions. We will discuss what is needed after the initial 2 session and reassess with each session. 

Maintenance

These sessions are therapeutic and not designed for one off treatments or quick fixes. Just like you will regularly update your computer and software, service your car, clean your home, brush your teeth, we are supporting your body, mind and spirit to clear out anything that is not needed and make space for greater health and wellbeing. Plus we are attuning to deeper awareness and presence which is a cumulative journey.

Scheduled sessions at regular intervals eg. once a month are recommended to support your wellbeing. 

See this video for more on looking after our minds, body and spirit.

Can I do other therapies and exercise with the healing?

From experience, Thaedra recommends that you consider pausing other body work therapies such as osteopathy, including cranial osteopathy, chiropractic, bowen or any manipulative therapy while engaging in your series of healing sessions in order to receive the full impacts and benefits.

Gentle massage and acupuncture is ok within a shorter time frame (after 48 hours) and can be complimentary. Gentle movement or exercise that you do regularly only is suggested in the first 24 hours of your treatment to allow the treatment to unfold. While your body is realigning it may be more vulnerable to strain. 

What if I am taking medication? 

Please advise Thaedra if you are taking medication and supplements – they may impact your experience of the treatment and how your body responds during and after treatment. For example, pain relief may impact on how much you can feel during a session although it will generally not impact the ultimate effectiveness of the session. 

Are there contraindications? 

There are very few contraindications as we are working with you and your body in a very gentle way. However, biodynamic craniosacral therapy and Warrawi healing does increase your awareness of your body, mind and spirit including emotional and physical sensations and invoke changes on an holistic level so it is really important to allow yourself time and space for changes to occur and integrate. If you are unsure, please contact Thaedra to chat about any concerns. Please always notify Thaedra of any health conditions you are experiencing.