common questions

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What kinds of issues can BCST help?

How many sessions do I need to have benefits?

What is a session like?

Your first session will be about an hour and 15-20 minutes. That will allow us to discuss your goals for this therapeutic modality, as well as your psychological and medical history. There is no pressure to discuss anything you are not comfortable addressing. When you’re ready, you’ll move to the massage table. Sessions after the first one, including discussion time, are about 65-70 minutes.

Clients remain fully clothed, just shoes removed for the session. The practitioner in BCST uses a light, neutral touch. Consent is an important element, and pressure is not applied to the client’s body. Much of the session is quiet and still, but the client is encouraged to track and share what they are noticing in their body.

The practitioner may make contact with your feet, head, the base of your spine (sacrum), back, and shoulders, encouraging the system to relax and begin to make the changes it needs. Because the body functions as a whole, usually the practitioner first contacts areas other than where your symptoms occur.

At the end of the session, we will discuss any impressions or sensations you and I received during the session. In BCST the practitioner aims not to interpret too much about what was perceived, but I am happy to support you with tools like self-dialogue, which you can use at home, to inquire into your own body-mind system about its process.

Do I have to lie down for the session?

Generally sessions work well when the client lies on their back or side, but if needed you may remain seated.

What will I feel?

Some experience tingling, especially in the hands or feet. Many notice sudden twitches or tremors emerge. These do not last, but indicate the nervous system discharging nerve signals that likely built up in a tense joint or muscle. Other common words heard from clients:

• My legs/arms felt heavy
• A burst of heat in my hip
• A brief pain passed through
• I was drifting, like a dream-state, with images
• Shifting colors seemed to be around me
• A subtle vibration moving within my body
• My sacrum seemed to pulse

I’m exhausted most of the time. Is it ok if I fall asleep?

Of course. Your body knows what it needs, and we endeavor to trust that.

What should I expect following the session?

Most feel somewhat tired – it’s best to give yourself space and not expect a readiness in your nervous system to meet high demands. There is a contingent of clients that feel very alert and energized after their sessions. Sometimes individuals feel an ache that persists in their body. If that’s you, please reach out and let me know – we can do some further resolution work by phone. This type of sensation indicates your body is addressing some very old or significant material, which needs time in its process. For everyone, I recommend some type of detox practice, to support their fascia and lymph in the clearing initiated during the session.

Do you treat pregnant moms and infants?

Yes – one of my favorite areas. Sessions for newborns and infants are typically shorter and yet much can be achieved.

Can I bring my child for sessions?

I am only able to accommodate some child sessions at this time. Pertinent factors include their development, symptoms, and activity level. You are welcome to call me, and we can gauge together if your child would be a good candidate.

How does this help trauma?

The main doorway this modality uses to healing is the autonomic nervous system (ANS). You know from experience that stress is alerted to us through the nervous system. And perhaps you suspect your body is carrying trauma – through nervous system states like anxiety or hypervigilance, or a difficulty with digestion (also influenced by the nervous system). Maybe you sense trauma underlying your patterns in relationships. All of these are stress-response patterns, stuck, we might say, in the nervous system.

Many people don’t recall what “traumatic experience” may have led to their stress-response patterns, yet their body is still alerting them that something is not right. It can be confusing! Peter Levine has said, “Conscious, explicit memory is only the proverbial tip of a very deep and mighty iceberg.” And Bessel van der Kolk, known for The Body Keeps the Score, claims that “All trauma is preverbal,” or having started before we could process language. Of course we’ve all been through a lot of stress since then! So many layers. Stressors following the preverbal time might couple with old perceptions of threat, or we experience a recapitulation, like a replay, of the overwhelming things we don’t fully remember (implicit memory). Complicated right!

In this modality we are aiding the nervous system to titrate old ANS activation patterns, discharging activation (or old stress layers) in small, non-overwhelming sensations. Many who have used this modality feel that the best part of that discharge is not having to talk about what might have happened, or even experience flashbacks. Sometimes we get an insight on what imprint, of which past experience, is leaving, but the quality of that insight feels safe. Grounded, not overwhelming. This is a major aspect of BCST for trauma resolution and there is much more to share. If you’re interested in discussing by phone, please visit the contact form.

I’m a science lover. What can I read to help me, with how this modality works?

I have scientists in my family and appreciate this! Try looking at HeartMath as their research measures and validates the kind of non-sensory perception used by the BCST practitioner. Stephen Harrod Buhner compiled some fascinating facts and references regarding the heart as perceptual organ in his The Secret Teachings of Plants. Also, this article, among others, on quantum theory is relevant – acknowledging that observation by either devices or conscious observers creates ripple effects in what’s being observed. Clearly it’s a complex query still evolving.

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Each treatment from Steph has been beyond my highest expectations. Her treatments are more than deeply relaxing, I became keenly aware of energy moving and balancing throughout my body. The energetic experience was palpable, productive, and healing!

Shannon