CranioSacral Therapy of the South Bay
![Karen Axelrod copy.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1616bb_427f0f36a4be4413ae7385331d4e50fc~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_134,y_88,w_231,h_198/fill/w_93,h_80,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Karen%20Axelrod%20copy.png)
About Me and My Work
My treatments encompass integration of body, mind, and spirit to help clients recognize and reconnect to inner resources necessary for deep healing at a core level.
​
My practice focuses on infants and children, adults of all ages, pregnant moms, and the elderly. I often work with clients who are experiencing chronic, debilitating disorders; those going through life transitions; and infants and children with developmental delays.
I have extensive experience working with trauma and PTSD, anxiety disorders, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, post-concussive syndromes and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), chronic pain syndromes, immune system problems, and sensory processing disorders in both children and adults.
I take a very holistic approach to your health and healing. My work is influenced by current research on somatic psychology, mind-body medicine, neurobiology, mindfulness, anatomy, and physiology. By empowering you to take charge of your body and understand its self-healing capabilities, I can help you uncover the mental, emotional, and physical blocks that are keeping you from your true healing -- and living -- potential. Each session is uniquely tailored to your individual needs, taking into consideration your personal health history, emotional well-being, and physical limitations.
​
I am also a community outreach volunteer speaker and lecturer on CranioSacral Therapy and holistic bodywork. I am available to speak on a variety of wellness topics at your next conference, parent meeting, special event, or educational seminar.
​
Please contact me to discuss speaking opportunities.
![145_Karen_headshot.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1616bb_539d2516f7694491a7797f656d745f26~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_265,h_267,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/145_Karen_headshot.jpg)
Karen Axelrod
MA, CST-D
CAMTC #7399
Redondo Beach, CA
![109_UI-CST-D-Certification-Logo.gif](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1616bb_6bd86c6036344895a95971657f031573~mv2.gif)
My Background
I have studied CranioSacral Therapy with Dr. John Upledger and the Upledger Institute, French osteopath Alain Gehin, a variety of biodynamic instructors, and at L.A.'s Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing (IPSB).
IPSB's 500-hour Massage Therapist Training Program provided me with a foundation in holistic bodywork. I went on to pursue other bodywork and personal growth studies at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. I am also trained in Dr. Bruno Chikly's Advanced Lymph Drainage Therapy and Suzanne Scurlock's Full Body Presence/Healing from the Core work.
I hold a Master's in Psychology from Antioch University, with an emphasis on somatic interventions for trauma recovery.
​
In addition to my private practice in Redondo Beach, I am a CranioSacral Therapist with the UCLA Children's Pain and Comfort Care Program. In the past, I have worked as a staff therapist at Torrance Memorial Medical Center.
I have been a contributing writer/editor for four books related to chronic pain and CranioSacral Therapy:
-
Healing Through Chronic Pain, by Mary Ruth Velicki, MS, DPT
-
Healing With Awareness: Activating the Body-Mind-Spirit Connection, by Mary Ruth Velicki, MS, DPT
-
An Answer to Your Pain: CranioSacral Therapy for Health and Healing, a collection of CST practitioner case stories
-
Pain in Children and Young Adults: The Journey Back to Normal, by Drs. Lonnie and Paul Zeltzer
CranioSacral Teaching Certifications
CranioSacral Teaching Certifications​
-
Upledger-certified instructor of:
- CranioSacral Therapy 1
- CranioSacral Therapy 2
- CST for Cranial Nerves
- CST & the Immune Response
- CST & the Immune Response: Abdomen
- CST & the Immune Response: Praxis- Clinical Applications
- Intro to CranioSacral Therapy
- CST Techniques Certification Applicant Preparation
Other Upledger Institute CranioSacral Certifications
-
Diplomate-level certified CranioSacral Therapist
-
Techniques certification examiner
-
Teaching assistant
-
Mentor
-
Study group leader
Professional Associations & Memberships
-
California-state certified massage therapist with CAMTC (California Massage Therapy Council) #7399
-
ABMP -- Associated Bodyworkers and Massage Professional
-
ACSTA -- American CranioSacral Therapy Association
-
IAHP -- International Association of Healthcare Practitioners