Frequently Asked Questions
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, noninvasive form of bodywork designed to increase parasympathetic function of the central nervous system (AKA rest and digest). The light touch combined with the practitioner's neutral intention and nonjudgmental presence creates a deep sense of safety. This allows the body to release restrictions in the muscles and connective tissue, restoring optimal functioning.
What is SomatoEmotional Release?
SomatoEmotional Release (SER) organically builds on the techniques of CST to facilitate deep, functional healing from physically, emotionally and psychologically traumatic experiences. The body has the ability to store memories in its tissues and muscles which can lead to pain and imbalances long after an experience is over. SER provides the opportunity for releasing and integrating traumatic experiences, allowing the body and mind to find optimal homeostasis.
What can I expect from a CranioSacral Therapy session?
Though every session is unique due to the nature of CST, folx commonly report many benefits such as deep relaxation, ebbs and flows of intensity and stillness, the urge to breathe deeply, openness and expansion of the body, reduced tension and pain, feeling lighter, heat, tingling sensations, and relief. Some sessions may involve a lot of dialoging and others may be quiet. It will depend on what your body needs for the time you are on the table. Feel free to ask more specific questions about what to expect.
How many sessions are recommended?
We tailor our treatment to the unique needs of our clients and regularly assess how we are meeting your goals for therapy. We recommend getting started with 3 to 5 CranioSacral Therapy sessions, 1 to 2 weeks apart. This is typically followed by monthly sessions, which are recommended to maintain nervous system changes and encourage parasympathetic dominance. We’ll communicate regularly about your needs and can adjust the plan as needed.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can email, text, call, and schedule online for appointments. You can find our contact information here. You can also schedule additional appointment at the end of your session.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept payments via cash, credit card, debit card, HSA card, or bank account. We primarly use Square invoices (sent to your email after each session). We will not save your card or bank information.
Do you accept tips?
Tips are greatly appreciated, but not required. Standard tip is 15% to 20% of the service price. Check in with yourself about what you can afford.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please offer 24 hours notice for canceled appointments with exceptions for emergencies and positive covid tests or exposures. Less than 24 hours notice will require a payment of 50% of your scheduled appointment price. Repeated cancellations with short notice may result in termination of services from Red Maple CranioSacral.
Do you accept insurance?
No, we don't accept insurance. However, you can use your HSA card if that's part of your insurance plan.
What should I wear?
You will remain fully clothed for CST sessions. Begin with your comfort in mind; wear what makes you feel like your most authentic self or allows you to feel the most at ease in your body. Try to avoid long, heavy earrings or large belt buckles as these can get in the way.
Can I wear a binder during my session?
Yes, of course. Please note that it's restrictive nature may inhibit some tissue releases for optimal relaxation and pain reduction, so consider your needs accordingly. Feel free to discuss this further with your practitioner.
Do I need to stay still during my session?
Definitely not. Please move, stim, reposition, shift, fidget, wiggle, etc as much as you need and want.
Can I bring a fidget or something to hold during my session?
Yes, bring anything with you to hold, play with, share, etc during your session.
How does CranioSacral Therapy affect/benefit gender-affirming hormone treatment?
CST supports the body’s changes and can help ease the physical, emotional, and mental adjustments that come along with gender-affirming care. It also allows for increased metabolism and assimilation of all things that are ingested by (or injected into) the body including medications, food, and drinks. Please be advised that regular sessions can result in the need for medication adjustments as the body becomes better equipped to absorb what it needs. Keep your mental and physical health care providers informed about your treatment.
Is your office Accessible?
Our office features accessible parking, elevators, accessible bathroom stalls, and a ramp at the building entrance.
Are there all gender restrooms in the office?
Safety, comfort, and gender affirmation are very high priorities for us. Unfortunately, the restrooms on the floor are binary gender specific (men's and women's). If desired, we are happy to accompany you to whichever bathroom you’d like to use and will wait outside the door to ensure you have the space to yourself.
How can CranioSacral Therapy help with pre and post operative experiences?
CST can be a powerful companion to your surgery experience. Our bodies experience surgery as trauma and as disruptive to the central nervous system (CNS). As such, scheduling CST sessions before an operation can help the CNS regulate optimally prior to this trauma taking place. Additionally, post surgical sessions allow the body to recover more quickly, can lower pain, and reduce the amount of scar tissue and adhesions. It is best to wait several weeks before receiving CST sessions for post operative care. Please discuss the details with your practitioner for individual treatment suggestions.
What safety precautions is Red Maple taking for Covid?
The treatment space and high contact surfaces are disinfected between clients.
You are always welcome (but not required) to wear a mask.
Please wash your hands when you arrive or use hand sanitizer.
In warmer weather, the treatment space will get aired out with open windows.
Blankets and sheets will be used once and washed after each use.
Time between clients is increased to reduce traffic and allow time for cleaning.
**Please do not come in if you are feeling ill, have a fever or cold, have been exposed to a known positive case, or test positive for covid.