About Me
Soňa Hoddinott BSc, BCST, RCST, SFA
I’m a biodynamic craniosacral therapist, qualified in London with CTET. I am registered with the Craniosacral Therapy Association in the UK and The International Affiliation of Biodynamic Trainings.
Qualification:
CTET Diploma in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
700hr International Affiliated Biodynamic Trainings in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy BCST
Working with Babies, Mothers and Pregnancy advanced workshop (Sarah Nesling, 2020, UK)
High Maintenance Babies workshop (Sarah Nesling, March 2021, UK)
The Embryo In Us (Jaap Van Der Wal, April 2021, UK)
Mobile Infants workshop (Sarah Nesling, April 2021, UK)
Supporting Early Attachment workshop (Sarah Nesling, May 2021, UK)
Puberty and Teens workshop (Mary Bolingbroke, June 2021, UK)
Surgical First Assistant (Buckinghamshire New University, 2022, UK)
Trauma Review Workshop 1 - Working With Activation (Sarah Nesling, April 2022, UK)
trainee in humanistic counselling (The Gestalt Centre, UK)
I have been working as a nurse since 2004. I worked in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom for several years. I am experienced in various disciplines (cardiovascular surgery, operating theatres general, gynaecology and obstetrics, urology, ENT, ophthalmology, plastics, gender reassignment, neurology). I graduated with a BSc in special education (psychology) in 2008 in the Czech Republic.
I love empowering clients to understand their bodies and discover their vitality resources. As a craniosacral therapist, I enjoy bridging the gap between Western medicine and the “alternatives” while providing a safe and nurturing healing atmosphere.
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Berkshire
I offer a natural and holistic approach to medicine. I’m a registered craniosacral therapist based in Reading. I believe in the power of body self-healing mechanisms and resources that may be facilitated through holistic alternatives complementing western medicine approaches.
What is craniosacral therapy?
It is a gentle, non-invasive and non-manipulating way of working with the body using a light touch.
Craniosacral therapy works with the whole person and changes may occur in body, mind and spirit during and after sessions.
Craniosacral therapy originates from osteopathy and perceives the body as a self-regulating system.
Who is it for?
Craniosacral therapy is suitable for everyone from newborns to the elderly. I work with physiological and emotional issues as:
mental and physical trauma, PTSD
anxiety and depression, low energy levels
stress and burn-out syndrome
back/shoulder/neck pain, headaches, migraines
disrupted sleep patterns, digestive issues
injuries, postoperative recovery
conditions as fibromyalgia, muscular tension
autism, Aspergers, ADHD
birth trauma, fertility issues, pelvic pain
addictions in the recovery phase
backaches, pains and accidents
I treat pregnant women, mothers and their babies for problems associated with difficult births.
Craniosacral therapy supports letting go of tension and fear held in the body and helps to settle into calmness.
Craniosacral therapy also supports your body’s innate ability to balance, restore and heal itself, as well as reduction of stress and build your underlying energy. The practitioner senses tensions in the body and helps to release them in a safe and comfortable way. During or after a session you may feel calm and energised, with increased clarity of mind and a feeling of well-being.
What happens during the session?
During your first session, I will take a written case history, and we will discuss the reasons for your visit. This part of the session is important, both for gathering information and to establish a good understanding of your needs and condition. The first session typically lasts an hour to 90 min dependent on your case. Following sessions last 60 min.
You remain fully clothed, usually lying face up or on your side on the treatment table, or you may be seated. I will make light contact with your head, the base of your spine and other areas, encouraging your body to relax and begin to make the changes it needs. Because the body functions as a whole, I may focus on areas other than where your symptoms occur.
In the longer term
After a session, there is occasionally a short period of adjustment as part of the healing process, when you may become more aware of symptoms. Clients reported having deep sleep, being a little bit emotional or tired. It is important to know that this may be a response to the healing processes within the body. People often report relief after only one or two sessions. A course of 3 - 8 treatments is recommended with a review of progress and individual response to the treatment.
For long-standing problems, further sessions may be needed. Some people find they benefit from regular treatment over an extended period and say that, as well as noticing an improvement in their physical or emotional symptoms, they feel they have increased self-awareness and improved quality of life.
Craniosacral therapy is not intended as primary healthcare but to work alongside the service provided by your doctor. In complex chronic conditions, I always recommend visiting a specialist in healthcare.
Craniosacral therapy not only for babies
Craniosacral therapy has got a good reputation for its effectiveness in helping women in pregnancy.
Are you pregnant or do you know anyone who is?
Do you need to ease backache or improve digestive problems of pregnancy?
Would you like to feel relaxed and refreshed?
Does your baby suffer from colic or other digestive problems, is unsettled or have problems sleeping?
Craniosacral therapy can support your baby in establishing and supporting breast feeding, developing better sleep patterns, bonding with parents, easing of Torticollis, reflux, colic etc.
Craniosacral therapy offers to women and their partners skillful and sympathetic help and support during these stages as well as when their children are older. Parenting can be a challenge, craniosacral therapy has proved to be a valued resource during these times.
From the moment of conception, a child’s life is a whirlwind of change and development.
If a baby or child has had a stressful birth, craniosacral therapy can help relieve associated tensions and symptoms – perhaps enabling them to relax and enjoy life for the first time. It is not necessary for words to be used to convey how the treatment is being experienced, so it is ideal for babies and children with no, or limited, speech.
Contact
For more information about Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and appointments, don’t hesitate to contact me!
Reading, RG4 5JT