“So, I took SER1, now what?”
Welcome!
I love this topic and I want to share with you the wisdom that I gained from talking with my colleagues. These videos address commonly asked questions I receive from those who have taken SER1.
In this series, I am speaking with experienced Craniosacral Therapy Practitioners about their SomatoEmotional Release (SER) work. I ask them for any advice they have for practitioners who are just learning this aspect of Craniosacral Therapy.
These videos were originally geared toward practitioners who are new to SER, however, the conversations dive into topics that even the most seasoned practitioners will find thought-provoking and helpful for deepening their practice.
Enjoy!
Candace Pantoga, CST-D
An Interview with Rob Fournier, an Instructor at the Upleder Institute
My first interview is with Rob Fournier. In this interview. Rob and I discuss how to create an opportunity for SER through "dialoguing." Rob reminds us that dialoguing with clients doesn't have to be difficult, it can be as simple as talking with an old friend.
Note: at the time of this interview Rob was in the process of becoming an instructor and is now a full-fledged Instructor--congrats Rob!
Resources that Rob recommends in supporting his work with SER:
The Act Of Will by Roberto Assagioli
Psychosynthesis: A Collection of Basic Writings by Roberto Assagioli
Owning Your Own Shadow by Robert Johnson
Upledger Alumni FB page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/upledgeralum/
An Interview with Mindy Totten,
a Business Coach for Massage and Bodywork Therapists
Next in the series, I chat with Mindy Totten about SER and how to maintain good boundaries when emotions run high. Mindy will share with you wonderful examples from her practice that taught her big lessons about boundaries. Mindy reminds all practitioners that on this CST/SER journey with a client, the practitioner facilitates by having a safe container for the work, like driving a bus, letting the client know that "wherever you go and however this plays out, someone is driving the bus."
Here are links to Mindy's podcast and website, as well as to the resources that she found helpful when first practicing SER.
Mindy's podcast: https://www.mindytotten.com/podcast/episode164
Mindy's website: mindytotten.com
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD
An Answer to Your Pain Case stories edited by the Upledger Institute
Working Wonders: Changing Lives with Craniosacral Therapy Case stories edited by the Upledger Institute
An Interview with Liz Allen, LMT
Next in the series, I interview Liz Allen about her experience with SER and why neutrality is both critical to the work and elusive. Liz's passion for getting our egos out of the way of our practice is clear and she encourages therapists to take the direction of ease, "If we can keep reminding ourselves that it is a facilitation, not a healing or a fixing or a doing from us to them, of any kind, man does that change everything!"
Here is the link to receive a free practice series (meditation, embodiment, and more) and to get on Liz's mailing list/newsletters.
Resources that Liz mentions and some resources that she found supportive in her exploration of SER:
Owning Your Own Shadow by Robert Johnson
Knowing your shame triggers Erica Layne blog
Understanding our triggers Crystal Young
More on Shame: "Listening to Shame" TedTalk with Brené Brown
Liz Allen, LMT Interviews Candace About SER and Self Awareness
Finally, I was inspired to mix it up a bit and have Liz Allen interview me about my experience with SER and the importance of self-awareness.
Important Resources
Stuck Not Broken Podcast with Justin Sunseri
The Craniosacral Podcast with Ryan Hallford
Polyvagal theory
Sukie Baxter gives clear explanations of the polyvagal theory and in this video, she gives practical advice for supporting your vagus nerve, try it if you become activated by something that a client brings up on the table! Vagus Nerve Exercises to Rewire Your Brain with Sukie Baxter.