Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About CranioSacral Therapy:

  • What is CranioSacral Therapy?

    • CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that focuses on the craniosacral system within the body. It aims to enhance the body's natural healing processes and improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

  • What are the benefits of CranioSacral Therapy for children?

    • CranioSacral Therapy offers a multitude of benefits for infants and children, including:

      • Torticollis: Helps in correcting the twisted neck in newborns.

      • Poor Latch: Assists in improving the baby's ability to latch onto the breast.

      • Nursing Issues: Addresses a variety of breastfeeding challenges.

      • Colic: Aids in soothing the nervous system to reduce excessive crying.

      • Plagiocephaly: Helps in treating flat head syndrome.

      • Facial Asymmetries: Works to balance and harmonize facial structures.

      • Digestive Issues: Assists in alleviating digestive discomforts.

      • Toe Walking: Helps in correcting the walking pattern.

      • Late Crawling: Supports the development of crawling skills.

      • General Aches and Pains: Provides relief from minor discomforts. Additionally, CranioSacral Therapy can assist with emotional and neurological challenges, promoting overall well-being in children.

  • Are there any side effects to CranioSacral Therapy?

    • CranioSacral Therapy is a non-invasive and gentle approach. Most individuals find it relaxing. However, as with any therapy, it's essential to discuss any concerns with the therapist before starting sessions.

About Amy's Practice:

  • How does Amy's approach differ from other therapists?

    • Amy Berkman brings to her practice 30 years of experience as an occupational therapist, specializing in developmental movement and milestones. Recognized as an expert in her field by her peers, she integrates traditional developmental movement philosophies with her specialized training in biodynamic CranioSacral Therapy. Her unique blend of expertise, combined with her background in dance and profound understanding of the human body, ensures holistic care tailored to each child's needs. Furthermore, Amy has fostered deep relationships with other pediatric professionals in the community, enabling an expansive teamwork approach. When necessary, she can provide referrals to some of the best specialists in the city.

  • How long has Amy been practicing CranioSacral Therapy?

    • Amy has been in practice for over 30 years, dedicating her expertise to enhancing the well-being of children and infants.

  • Is Amy a licensed therapist?

    • Yes, Amy is a licensed Occupational Therapist and Massage Therapist, ensuring that your child receives professional and certified care.

  • Where is Amy's practice located?

    • Amy's practice is located in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. Additionally, she offers house call services. Please note that rates vary depending on the service selected. See Rates & Bookings for more.

  • How can I book a session with Amy?

  • Does Amy take insurance?

    • She does not take insurance directly. However, she can provide you with a superbill, which requires a prescription from a physician for occupational therapy.

Session Details:

  • What age groups does Amy cater to?

    • Amy specializes in pediatric CranioSacral Therapy, with a primary focus on children and infants. Notably, she has a particular expertise in working with tongue-tied babies. If your baby is tongue-tied, Amy strongly recommends collaborating with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Emphasizing teamwork is vital in ensuring the best care for your child.

  • How long is a typical therapy session with Amy?

    • A session with Amy is typically scheduled for one hour. However, it's important to note that Amy conducts baby-led sessions. This means the session could extend beyond the scheduled time, as pauses are taken for soothing, nursing, and diaper changes when needed. Parents should plan to be present for approximately 1 to 2 hours.

  • How many sessions does it take?

    • It's difficult to say without seeing your child in an initial consultation. The number of sessions required varies for each individual. As a general estimate, it might take 3-6 sessions, but it could be more or less, depending on the situation.

  • What should my child wear to a therapy session?

    • It's best for children to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the session. This ensures they remain relaxed and allows Amy to work effectively.

  • Can I be present during my child's therapy session?

    • Absolutely! For infants, not only are parents encouraged to be present, but they may also actively participate in the session. This can involve holding the baby's feet, using toys to engage the baby, or simply being a comforting presence. With older children, parents might be required to engage them by reading a book, telling stories, or any other method they find effective. The presence of parents, especially for younger children, ensures they feel comfortable and secure throughout the session.

  • How soon can we expect to see results from the therapy?

    • Some children show immediate improvement after just one session, while others might require multiple sessions to observe noticeable changes. Each child's response to the therapy is unique.

Additional Information:

  • How can I learn more about CranioSacral Therapy and its benefits?

    • Amy offers a 15-minute no-fee phone consultation for parents who wish to learn more about the therapy and how it can benefit their child. See Rates & Bookings for more.