I’ve been trying to come up with a metaphor that portrays what CranioSacral Therapy feels like to me. Then I remembered “Diablo.” Imagine a maligned, misunderstood wild animal, perhaps a panther. This magnificent animal resists contact and threatens caretakers. No one understands why the panther is so hostile, and no one knows how to comfort her. Until an animal communicator is consulted. This real-life Dr. Dolittle can “talk” to the animals, can “hear” their concerns, fears, and thoughts. She asks questions and gives suggestions non-verbally. She silently communes with the panther. Some call this intuition, some call it psychic ability, empathy, or sensitivity. Whatever she does works -- after feeling heard, understood, and respected, the panther changed from a feared creature to a joyous, trusting queen.

This is what CranioSacral therapy feels like to me. I am the empath, and the client’s psyche is the panther. People tend to repress feelings and impulses that are too scary or unsettling. The parts of us that “embody” these feelings can feel wild, raw, primitive, panther-like. They are afraid of or unable to communicate with our wise Self. And we are afraid of communicating with them, perhaps. By tuning in, “blending” with the client, I, as a CranioSacral therapist and integrative psychotherapist, commune with the resentful panther within, the wounded child, the angry teenager, the aching heart. I partner with the client to connect with parts of themselves that haven’t been adequately heard. We listen and dialogue respectfully. And the act of listening begins the healing process. The client and her parts feel heard and respected, and they begin to trust and relax. The angry teenager may soften, the aching heart may heal, the inner panther purr.