Marina Collard
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist (CSTA)
My name is Marina Collard and I have been working as a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist since 2010 and am based at HQ Therapy Rooms in Haggerston, Hackney E8.
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) is a gentle and profound bodywork modality that addresses the whole person. Sessions are an invitation for the client to gain awareness of their physicality and increase their embodied, integrated sense of self.
When someone is unwell or has suffered long periods of stress and anxiety, symptoms related to patterns of disturbance in the body, mind, and emotions become manifest.
BCST addresses these patterns and supports the client’s capacity to restore a healthier balance and ease in their physical and emotional selves. The therapy works through relational touch with the fine-tuned listening skills of the hands of the therapist.
How I Work:
In a session, you remain fully clothed and are invited to lie on a couch, though occasionally we work sitting or standing, or with slow movement if more suitable to your needs. I make gentle hands-on contact and together we notice the sensations that emerge.
Treatments can be relaxing as well as being a place for more intense, challenging experiences. Change manifests in individual ways and requires a balance of safety, tranquillity, and challenge.
This is supported by verbal dialogue as the client and therapist track the bodily sensations that emerge. Increased integration and awareness through the support of the therapeutic/relational touch, is a powerful way to restore the body’s capacity to self-repair.
Treatments are beneficial for a wide range of issues including stress-related conditions, muscular-skeletal issues, persistent pain, anxiety, recovering from surgery, PTSD, sleep and digestive disorders.
My background:
Having worked in dance for 20 years before becoming a bodyworker, my treatments are informed by my extensive experience in somatic, body/mind-based practices and years of in-depth physical enquiry.
Alongside my clinical practice, I continue to work as a dance artist and teacher in professional and educational settings and as a member of the faculty at Trinity Laban Conservatoire for Movement and Dance. I enjoy working both as a dance artist and therapist as I find that each of those practices informs the other and enriches, as well as deepens, my curiosity about the body.
I have taught a series of ‘Engaging the Body’ workshops in London and at the Da Sein Institut in Switzerland. These workshops are both practical and theoretical and are delivered in collaboration with leading BCST practitioner Steve Haines. They are open to therapists and non-therapists and offer approaches to exploring how movement and awareness can help us overcome pain.
I am currently seeing clients face-to-face. If you would like to book an appointment or ask any questions please contact me below:
***If you are in need of more information and guidance about therapy, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.***