Meet Amy Sanders
Registered Occupational Therapist
Diplomate CranioSacral Therapist
Licensed Massage Therapist
Amy is a Diplomate Certified CranioSacral Therapist, the Co-Founder of the Be Well Center in Austin. Amy holds a degree Occupational Therapy and is a licensed Massage Therapist.
She began her career working in neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation settings, developing an understanding the body, with a focus to get to the source of the pain or discomfort that creates the symptoms manifested within the body system.
Amy has been utilizing CranioSacral Therapy and Myofascial Release therapeutic techniques for over 25 years, supporting her patients to awareness, recovery, and healing.
She encourages clients to access their self-healing mechanisms,
and support the body to self-correct and heal naturally.
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral Therapy is an gentle hands-on, whole body therapy that offers the opportunity to create physical, structural and emotional changes from within.
CranioSacral Therapy was developed by John Upledger, DO, an osteopathic physician and clinical researcher at Michigan State University.
Our CranioSacral System is comprised of the tissues and cerebrospinal fluid that support and protect the brain and spinal cord. This system runs from the base of the spine to the head, and has its own motion based upon the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid. As a result of this connection, CranioSacral therapy has a direct impact on the health and well-being of our central nervous system.
The goal in a CST session is to evaluate the flow of this fluid, determine the tension patterns within the whole system,
and faciliate the release within the biological fabric of the body.
Life stresses and strains are processed through our bodies; When the load held becomes overwhelming, we develop symptoms.
CST helps your body to release the held somatic tensions, and allows for the deep connection with the part of us that knows what is needed to heal.
The result is reduced pain and stress, enhanced function, motion, and improved health and well-being.
What challenges can
CranioSacral Therapy address?
The
Safe and Sound
Protocol
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through filtered music. As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to re-tune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience. The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider, in-person or remotely. Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.
Highlights of the SSP:
● A five-hour auditory intervention developed and patented by Dr. Stephen Porges, author of the Polyvagal Theory.
● Designed to reduce sound sensitivity, and improve auditory processing and behavioral state regulation.
● Activates the client’s social engagement system, helping to accelerate and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
● Supports physiological state regulation, allowing for greater resilience.
What Is Polyvagal Theory?
Developed by world-renowned researcher, Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory focuses on what is happening in the body and the nervous system, and explains how our sense of safety, danger or life-threat can impact our behavior. Understanding Polyvagal Theory gives us a scientific framework that can be applied through physiological, or “bottom-up” therapies, to help change and improve how we feel, think and connect with others.
The SSP Package includes
-5 hours of modulated music to be listened to over 10 days in 30 min. sessions
-Intial and midpoint session with Amy virtually or in office
-Self access to programming through your device at home
-Strategies for regulation of your own nervous system provided
-Autonomic Mapping and Education on the Polyvagal Ladder
$300.00
Click on this link for more information:
Email Info@amysanderstherapy.com for a 15 min free consultation
Contact Me
Contact Info
Phone
(512)- 963-0485 Please use this number if cancellations within 24 hours
Address
1906 West Koenig Lane Austin, TX 78756
Have a Look Around:
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What can I expect to feel during and after treatment?CST is a gentle, light touch, manual therapy. Hands-on techniques are utilized anywhere on the body holding the tension patterns that create the symptoms you are experiencing. Often during treatment, we tune into your body to access the self-healing mechanism we all hold. Most people express a sensation of lightness, ease, and calmness after therapy. Sometimes, as the body is adjusting itself from the session, it can cause a range of emotions, increased awareness, or sensations to arise. This is a normal and healing part of therapy, as our systems store both physical and emotional pain from illnesses, injuries, surgeries, and other events. If this should occur, be sure to drink some extra water, get plenty of rest, sit in a warm bath if it sounds good, and ride the wave of change. You can also call the office with any questions about this process.
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How long are treatment sessions?Treatment sessions are 60 minutes in duration. Treatments begin and end promptly on time. The hour is specifically reserved for you to receive a one on one treatment session. A brief consultation about how you are feeling that day, the manual treatment itself, and any instructions are included in the hour.
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What should I wear to treatment sessions?CranioSacral Therapy is best received in loose-fitting comfortable clothing. T-shirts and shorts or pants with a loose waistband are recommended. Try to avoid wearing Jeans, spandex, and tight binding materials.
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How many visits does it take to start feeling better?Most patients feel an improvement after their very first visit, but for some people, progress is a bit slower. I expect you to be making positive progress towards your goals by at least the 6th visit. The timing of visits can also be an important factor. More consistent treatments more closely spaced tend to lead to faster results. As you are feeling better and maintaining your progress, treatments may be spaced farther apart.
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Do you take/file my insurance?I do not participate with any insurance providers and I am considered an Out of Network Provider under my Occupational Therapy license. Insurance reimbursement patterns vary based on diagnosis and insurer. I have chosen to not participate with any insurance companies so that I may focus on YOU and your specific treatment needs without this influence. You receive one on one manual therapy for an hour with a highly trained therapist which leads to quicker and more lasting treatment results. Patients who utilize Occupational Therapy Services may choose to try to self submit a claim to receive reimbursement for their out of pocket therapy expenses. However, all payments are collected in full at the time of service. You will need to contact your insurance company to ask about your out of network Occupational Therapy benefits and determine if your medical diagnosis is covered for services. A Superbill will be given to you by request at the time of service for you to file with your insurance. Patients with Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Programs may be able to use those funds towards therapy services. Contact your provider with questions. Massage Therapy is not typically covered by insurance companies, however, be sure to check with your provider to find out if it is covered by your company. You may be able to use your Flexible Spending Account or HSA for massage therapy services if you have a prescription from your doctor and the massage is being used to treat a physical defect or illness. It is your responsibility to check for HSA/FSA massage benefits.
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Do you take cash/checks/credit cards?Yes! Cash, checks, and Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted.
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How do I schedule an appointment?Scheduling is available 24 hours a day to you using the online scheduling program. You can make, change, or cancel an appointment using the program. If the date and time you prefer are unavailable, please reach out to me to be placed on the waitlist.
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Where are you located?My office is located at 1906 West Koenig Lane Austin, Tx 78756. It is housed inside of the Be Well Yoga House, across the street from Northwest Montessori. There are two parking spaces in front of the building and several spots in the back. To access the parking lot, turn left onto Camino Real Street (By Kings Florist) and take another left through a large metal gate. Drive through the large parking lot to the last two-story light grey building. To access the front of the building, pass through another small metal gate to the front door.
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What is your cancellation policy?Please notify our office 24 hours prior to your appointment time, or you will be charged the full amount of your treatment session.
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Do I need a prescription from a physician?Massage Therapy Services do not require a prescription. However, you will need a prescription from your Doctor if we are scheduled to do a formal Occupational Therapy assessment and treatment plan. Formal O.T. assessments are scheduled prior to the session.
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Is there a condition for which CranioSacral Therapy shouldn’t be used?There are certain situations where the application of CST would not be recommended. These include conditions where a variation and/or a slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability. Acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or other pre-existing severe bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected by small intracranial pressure changes.
Resources and Reference:
CranioSacral Therapy: What is it and how does it work?
Upledger Concussion Study
Special Considerations for the C-Section baby
Myofascial Release: An Introduction for the patient
Effects of CranioSacral Therapy on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Benefits of CranioSacral Therapy for Veterans
Pain-Free Post Frenectomy Care
Understanding Polyvagal Theory
For more information about CranioSacral Therapy, please visit: www.upledger.com