CranioSacral Therapy in Crested Butte, Colorado and Burlington, Vermont
Home
At the heart of my work is a deep trust in your body’s natural wisdom and its innate ability to heal. I offer a supportive, compassionate space where you are gently guided through a process that encourages deeper embodied awareness. When a body notices itself, it can heal. Through CranioSacral Therapy, Resonant Kinesiology, and other holistic bodywork practices, we explore and support your body’s capacity for balance, resilience, and ease together.
When you are living in the natural flow of life, your body moves with ease—you recover from injury and illness, navigate life’s challenges, and continue to grow personally and spiritually. Sometimes, this flow is interrupted, and what begins as an acute concern can become chronic, showing up as pain, restricted movement, illness, or emotional distress. These disruptions may stem from physical restrictions, habitual patterns in the body, emotional holding, or deeply rooted beliefs.
Our work together is an invitation to gently bring awareness to what may be asking for attention within you. As we uncover the patterns that limit ease and vitality, we support your body’s own healing intelligence in restoring balance, freedom, and a sense of well-being. It would be an honor to work with you.
I am in Crested Butte, Colorado November through May, and Burlington, Vermont June through October. After March 23rd, I will be doing HOME VISITS ONLY in Crested Butte. Please contact me for a special home visit rate through the month of April.
Craniosacral therapy stems from Cranial Osteopathy which was developed by William Sutherland. In the 1970’s, physician and researcher John E. Upledger, studied with Sutherland and developed Upldeger CranioSacral Therapy which is a gentle, hands-on technique based on the principles of cranial osteopathy. It is used worldwide by healthcare professionals to detect and correct restrictions in the craniosacral system.
The CranioSacral System consists of the brain and spinal cord which are enveloped by a tough waterproof membrane called the dura mater and cerebrospinal fluid which is produced within the system. The CranioSacral rhythm is the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid within the borders of the dura mater and intracranial membranes and can be palpated by a CranioSacral therapist. Since the CranioSacral System is connected to the network of fascia that supports your organs, bones and muscles, the rhythm can be felt anywhere on the body. By evaluating its quality and locations of limited mobility, problems can be detected and then treated with subtle touch at various points around the body.
The dura mater is attached to the cranial bones and the inner surface of the sacrum and subtle manipulations of these bones can release restrictions in the membranes and dura mater using the cranial bones and sacrum as “handles”. Releases of the membranes can be felt as relaxation, heat, pulsation and sometimes memories of trauma that caused the restriction in the first place. When these feelings are expressed, there is often a dramatic decrease in painful symptoms and improved function of the involved area.
CranioSacral therapy helps a child find more ease
SomatoEmotional Release
SomatoEmotional Release (SER) complements CranioSacral Therapy through light touch techniques that help a person release the lingering physical effects and emotional energy associated with old injuries or traumas. Based on research performed by biophysicist Zvi Karni and John E. Upledger DO, SER is a gentle process that supports a person’s transition from unresolved issues towards well being and full function.
Resonant Kinesiology
A resonant kinesiologist uses movement, touch and sound to help people increase awareness and learn about their bodies. Resonant Kinesiology is based in the concept that when a body notices itself, it can access its inner healing wisdom and begin healing. Often, deep transformation on a whole body level occurs.
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation (VM) helps to mobilize organ specific fascia to release dysfunctions and imbalances throughout the body including. musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic tissues. The motility and suspension of organs, menbranes and fascia is restored with gentle touch in the direction of ease, Visceral restrictions often have structural connections so VM can help relieve symptoms of neck/back pain, headaches, joint disorders, poor posture and more.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
Lymphatic fluid carries toxins and waste products away from tissues back to the heart through contractions of the smooth muscle cells contained within channels to the nodes and then on to the ducts that return the fluid to the cardiovascular system. Very light pressure in rhythmic motions can stimulate lymphatic flow to help detoxify the body. People with primary and secondary lymphedema would need further treatment from certified practitioners who provide wrapping and advise on pressure garments.
Yoga
Yoga uses various breathing techniques and bodily postures to bring strength, balance, flexibility and alignment to the structure of the body, as well as peace and clarity of the mind and spirit. It improves circulation of bodily fluids, mobility of joints and tissues and function of organs and glands. It is an excellent form of exercise in a rehabilitation program. I am certified in teaching Hatha Yoga through the Sivananda Yoga center.
Virtual Visits
My skills for holding a healing space enable you to deepen, clarify or engage your healing process. The intention is for you to more easily and accurately complete the puzzle of your disease, illness or discomfort through accessing your innate healing forces and enhancing self awareness. When a body notices itself, it has the potential for change. Changes can come in the form of new perceptions, healthier boundaries or greater ease in physical structures. By changing your internal environment, you can create a more integrated flow and feel more freedom in your being.
The session is a collaboration in facilitating personal empowerment for self healing. In a long distance session, I will be connecting, listening and feeling from my navigational field for how your physiology changes and will be asking for feedback throughout the session. You decide the pace and how much to receive. You can always ask for what you need in releasing layers that are physical, emotional or energetic.
For nearly 30 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the body’s quiet intelligence. Whether working with a newborn or an adult, I have seen time and again that the body possesses an innate capacity to heal—it simply needs the right environment to begin.
My path to this realization wasn’t linear; it began with a knee injury and ACL surgery. During my recovery, I experienced firsthand that healing isn’t something that can be forced or “fixed” through effort alone. Instead, I discovered that the most profound shifts happen when we listen closely and create safety for the nervous system. This awakening redirected my life, moving me away from a purely mechanical view of the body toward a practice rooted in presence, respect, and the unfolding of the healing process.
Training & Clinical Roots
My foundational training began in 1996, when I earned my Master’s in Physical Therapy from Regis University. My early career was spent in the fast-paced environments of sports medicine, acute care, and assisted living. However, when a colleague introduced me to CranioSacral Therapy (CST), the physical and emotional impact was so transformative that it redefined my professional mission.
To better support the “whole person,” I expanded my clinical expertise to include:
Certifications: CranioSacral Therapy, Resonant Kinesiology, and Hatha Yoga.
Integrated Studies: Distance Healing and Plant Spirit Medicine.
The Practice Today
I have served the Burlington, Vermont community since 1998, and in 2022, I was thrilled to open a second practice in Crested Butte, Colorado. My goal is to help clients cultivate an empowered, intuitive relationship with their own bodies. It is not uncommon for my clients to experience a meaningful shift in their well-being after just a single session.
Beyond the Table
When I’m not in the office, you’ll find me skiing, sailing, or engaged in the tactile arts of knitting, sewing, and cooking. Much of my inspiration also comes from the water; working and playing with dolphins has been one of my greatest joys. Their unique healing energy deeply informs the work I do with people on land, reminding me to always approach healing with playfulness, depth, and flow.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EMAIL IS NOT HIPAA COMPLIANT. Please limit communications to this email address to general questions about my services or scheduling. To ensure your medical information is kept private, please call me on the phone so we can discuss any confidential, personal, and/or sensitive concerns.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY helps create more ease in the body
FAQs
How can I benefit from holistic therapies?
CranioSacral Therapy and other holistic modalities support the central nervous system and the body as a whole by helping reduce stress and restore balance. By complementing the body’s natural healing mechanisms, holistic therapies can support the relief and management of both acute and chronic symptoms.
This integrated approach can be especially helpful for stress-related conditions such as head, neck, and back pain, insomnia, headaches, and TMJ dysfunction. Many people also experience symptomatic relief from issues including whiplash, muscle strains and sprains, tendinitis, muscle spasms, migraines, tinnitus, neurological challenges, spinal injuries, fibromyalgia, and other connective tissue disorders.
Children often respond particularly well to CranioSacral Therapy and have been supported with challenges related to reflux, torticollis, colic, birth trauma, and developmental concerns, among others.
Baby being treated with CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Are there any contraindications to CST?
CranioSacral Therapy is generally very gentle and can be safely used with people of all ages, including older adults, children, infants, and newborns. However, it is not recommended in situations where changes in intracranial pressure are contraindicated, such as in cases of acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage, or certain severe bleeding disorders.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone responds to treatment differently, so the number of sessions needed varies from person to person. It is often helpful to schedule a few sessions close together to support the body in releasing long-held patterns of tension or restriction.
Many people find that 3–8 weekly sessions are sufficient, though I also offer intensive programs with two sessions per week for those who want deeper support over a shorter period (See the bottom of this page). Others prefer a slower rhythm, such as every other week, monthly, or occasional sessions as needed.
While I can share feedback about changes I notice in your body, you are the best judge of your own progress. As you begin to notice shifts or improvements, the frequency and number of sessions that feel right for you will become clearer.
How is a session performed?
Clients remain fully clothed during a session, though most people remove their shoes. It’s best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of your treatment.
During the session, most people lie on their back while I position myself next to their head, midsection, legs, or feet. I will often gently hold the head, and place my hands on other areas of the body, sometimes under the back or holding an arm or leg, always using a very light touch. Most people choose to close their eyes.
Some sessions include quiet conversation, while others are completely silent — the pace and tone are guided by your comfort and needs.
What might I experience during a session?
Everyone experiences a session differently, and your experience may vary from one session to the next. Some people notice deep relaxation, warmth or coolness, increased range of motion, reduced pain, a greater sense of well-being, or the relief of finally taking a full, easy breath. Others may feel very little or feel as though they were in a deep sleep.
During a session, some people talk freely, recalling past events or releasing emotions, while others prefer to lie quietly. Some may feel the need to move their body, and they are always encouraged to do so. Every response is natural, and there is no “right” way to experience CranioSacral Therapy.
What will I experience after a session?
After a session, you may feel deeply relaxed, or you may feel energized. Some people notice a decrease in pain immediately, while for others it may take a few days for the effects to unfold. Occasionally, the body goes through a period of reorganization as it adapts to releasing old patterns, and some improvements may appear even weeks later.
I recommend drinking plenty of water after a session and paying attention to your body’s needs as it integrates the work.
Intensive packages
We live in a stressful, fast-paced world that often leaves little time for self-care and self-healing. An intensive program offers the opportunity to dive deeply into your healing process and support overall health and well-being. Receiving multiple sessions over a short period can foster profound self-awareness, vulnerability, and deep healing.
Intensive packages are offered at a reduced rate for purchasing multiple sessions in advance. They are designed to help clients engage fully in their wellness journey and are intended as twice-weekly sessions over consecutive weeks. Payment is expected at the time of booking.
To prepare for an intensive, it is recommended to read Your Inner Physician and You by Dr. John Upledger.
Intensive Packages
Two Weeks
Three Weeks
Four Weeks
Two Standard Sessions per week
$570.00
$825.00
$1050.00
Two Extended Sessions per week
$800.00
$1155.00
$1475.00
Heal It Forward Program
I participate in the Heal It Forward Program through the Upledger Institute, providing a quiet, credit-based way to access CranioSacral Therapy for those with constrained resources. Availability is limited, and anyone who feels called is welcome to inquire. All conversations are conducted with care, respect, and confidentiality.
Cancellation Policies
Individual Sessions: If a session is canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, the client will be charged the full cost of the session. In cases of emergency or illness, the cancellation fee may be waived.
Intensive Packages:
Full refund of the payment will be issued if cancellation occurs more than one week before the first session.
If cancellation occurs within one week of the first session, 10% of the payment will be retained.
Once the program has begun, individual sessions can be rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice at no additional charge. Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be forfeited.
If you have further questions, please contact me. I would be delighted to speak with you.
Mindy Cohen PT, CST 
You must be logged in to post a comment.