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My Intention:
My intention is to hold space for my fellow travelers to come home to themselves, connect with their innate wisdom, and follow their own unique journey. The name Touching In came to me while in conversation with a colleague about the ease with which Craniosacral Therapy helps us Touch In and learn to listen to our inner selves. (It’s simple, I know, but it stuck.)

My Healing Journey: 
My healing journey began at a young age, triggered by a sledding injury that resulted in TMJ disorder and chronic neck pain. Allopathic medicine had little to offer so my parents turned to Chiropractic care, which while helpful, didn't resolve the underlying issues. Then at age 11, I began to suffer from weekly migraines. Since there is no cure for migraine, this chronic, invisible pain has been a constant companion in my life and, with time, has also become a great teacher.

In 2010, I discovered I had another invisible illness, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. It began with a prolonged mold exposure and it has forced me to make lifestyle changes that not only affect me but also those around me. Thankfully, my parents were not strangers to alternative healing because this is where I’ve found most of my healing.

In one of my first Massage Therapy sessions the therapist, unbeknownst to me, was trained in Craniosacral Therapy (CST). I didn't know "what she did", but I knew the work was transformative and held answers to my chronic pain conditions. It wasn't until my mid-30s, after Massage Training, that I connected the dots and then became a CS Therapist myself. Along my journey, I've explored many forms of alternative healing including massage of all kinds, Jungian therapy, Acupuncture, Vipassana Meditation, Ayurveda, Yoga, Shamanic Healing, Lymph Drainage, Conscious Movement (Soul Motion), and of course, lots of Craniosacral Therapy! Each of these modalities has furthered my healing process and informed my path as a healer and guide. With time, my TMJ has settled down significantly, and although the migraines continue, they are less frequent and no longer have the hold they once had on me.

My Education
My lifelong commitment to learning, and infinite curiosity for the human body, have guided me well on my journey. In 1997, I graduated from college with a BA from Portland State University, Oregon. After working in the public health field for many years, I began to feel pulled toward the Healing Arts. And so, in 2003/2004 I studied to be a Birth Doula and attended Massage School, and in 2005, I established my bodywork practice in Oakland, CA. As a Birth Doula, I was witness to the harmful effects of allopathic medicine on infants and their families. At that time in a midwifery class, I learned about the healing benefits of CST for infants. It didn’t take long to decide, and between 2006-2011, I studied CST at the Mckinnon Institute and the Milne Institute. And, in 2010, I helped my CST teacher start the SF Bay Area Children’s Craniosacral Collective - a free, peer-run clinic for infants in the SF Bay Area.

My Volunteer Experience
My volunteer experiences have also informed and enriched my journey as a healer immeasurably. I would not be the practitioner I am today without them. I've had the honor of working with several organizations; The St. James Infirmary, Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic, and the SF Bay Area Children's Craniosacral Collective. I've also volunteered, as well as attended retreats, at the Spirt Rock Meditation Center. The balance between stillness with mindfulness meditation, and movement through conscious dance have been fulfilling sources of self-care over the years.

Online Healing work…
During the pandemic, I began facilitating online groups, including a Migraine Support Group, a weekly Guided Meditation Group, and offering Distance Craniosacral Healing. None of us could have predicted what would come from a global pandemic. I was so grateful, and honored, to find ways to utilize my years of silent meditation practice, and skills as an Energy Healer to hold space and create an oasis of connection and healing during this unprecedented time. 
​If you’re still with me, lol, and my words resonate, or if you have questions, please reach out. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust the universe in connecting me with those I'm meant to work with. Blessings on your journey!

​Professional Credentials:
2003-Birth Doula Training, Abigail Regan, Rebirth Women's Wellness
2004-The Body Electric; Conscious Breathwork, Swedish & Deep Tissue Massage
2006-16-Mckinnon Institute; Craniosacral Therapy, Pre/Perinatal & Infant Massage, Reflexology, Lymph Drainage
2006-12-The Milne Institute; Visionary Craniosacral Therapy(TM), Pediatric Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation
2012-Certified Massage Therapist, CAMTC
2013-Instructor, Conscious Touch, Honaunau, HI
2015-Michelle Emanuel; Torticollis/Plagiocephaly & Tummy Time Instructor Training(TM)
2018-Instructor, Mckinnon Institute, Craniosacral Therapy including Biodynamic CST
2020- Distance Healing from the Core(TM), and Energy Healing with the Syntara System 
2021-Olivia Bareham, Sacred Crossings, Death Doula Training
2021-Licensed Massage Therapist, State of Hawaii