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In 2002, I was introduced to complimentary healing therapies to heal from injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident. I began studying various healing modalities to further my recovery. Through my studies and own experience I have gained a greater understanding of how injury and illness are held in the body and how best to support the body to release these patterns and return to optimum health. The therapies I offer are an opportunity for clients to experience the dynamic nature of the body and to develop a greater awareness of their healing journey. (see description of therapies below)

I have completed the Swedish Relaxation Massage certification program with Calgary College of Holistic Health and Clinics.

I have completed the Integrative Energy Healing Practitioner (IEHP) certificate program from Langara College in Vancouver. Through this three year program, I gained experience treating clients with a wide variety of conditions and illnesses. I received clinical training at Vancouver Coastal Health community health units and treatment centers and completed a practicum at the Central City Lodge addiction recovery program in Vancouver. In addition to the IEHP program, I completed an internship on spinal cord injury at George Pearson Centre with experience at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre. I am currently studying advanced energy healing practices under the guidance of a mentor.

I have studied Craniosacral Therapy with Upledger Institute and am currently pursuing certification in Visionary Craniosacral Work with Milne Institute (to be completed in December 2009). I am a teacher assistant with Milne Institute.

I have a B.Sc. (Advanced) from the University of Saskatchewan.

I am a member of Natural Health Practitioners of Canada.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST):

Craniosacral therapy relieves pain and dysfunction and improves whole body health and performance. Proper function of the body can be impeded by restrictions, compressions or tensions in the body resulting from accidents, injuries, surgeries, stress or other trauma. When the body experiences more physical trauma than it can deal with, it begins to compensate, reinforcing the original strain, and creating additional problems. The accumulation of traumas and compensations inhibit the body’s normal, self-correcting tendencies. The length of time and number of sessions needed is extremely variable and depends, among other factors, on the complex layers of injury and trauma that may mask the original cause of the problem as well as the body’s defense mechanisms. The result of CST is greater physical and mental wellbeing.

CST works on many different levels and influences the musculo-skeletal system, the nervous system, the cardio-vascular system, the immune system, the organs, the connective tissues, the fluids and the energy systems of the body. CST can be useful in treating a number of conditions, including:

* headaches and migraines
* back and neck pain
* dental and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems
* sciatica
* central nervous system disorders
* brain and spinal cord injuries
* chronic problems from injuries
* repetitive strain injury, tension, anxiety, stress, insomnia, depression

A Craniosacral Therapy session with Shelagh:

I discuss the client’s concerns and goals. I then assess where restrictions or tensions are held in the client’s body. I use subtle manipulations to release these patterns which the body has been unable to resolve on its own. Rather than following a standard protocol to determine how these changes should be made, I follow cues from the body on how to proceed. Clients may experience muscle releases, physical shifts and unwinding as restrictions let go and the body realigns. During the session the client lies fully clothed on a massage table or is seated in a chair or wheelchair. At the end of the session, I discuss the client’s experience, insights and self care.

Integrative Energy Healing:

Anxiety, pain and illness are often the result of imbalances and restrictions in the body's energy systems. Integrative energy healing sessions use gentle touch to restore balance, flow and vitality to the body's energy systems and can help to:

* decrease tension and anxiety
* promote relaxation
* increase energy level
* improve circulation
* strengthen the immune system
* decrease pain caused by injury, illness or surgery
* enhance your body’s innate healing ability
* empower you in your own health and well being

An Integrative Energy Healing session with Shelagh:

I discuss the client’s concerns and goals. I use various hand placements to promote the flow of energy and restore balance and harmony in the body. Clients may experience sensations of heat, cold, tingling, vibration or muscle release as they become aware of the movement of energy in their body. Guided dialogue and visualizations are used to help clients gain body awareness and to support the healing process. During the session the client lies fully clothed on a massage table or is seated in a chair or wheelchair. At the end of the session, I discuss the client’s experience, insights and self care.