Lisa Halse - DO
Osteopathy and Certified Hakomi Method Practitioner
I trained at the European School of Osteopathy (a four year full time course) qualifying in 1992. I chose this school because its programme integrated various approaches within Osteopathy, including working with the organs of the body and with the cranial mechanism.
I have a particular interest in exploring Osteopathy in the Cranial Field. This work focuses on how best to support the intention of the clients self- healing mechanism.
My interest in working with children began during my training and, after qualifying, I worked at the Osteopathic Centre for Children in London. For the past 8 years I have been part of a team of Homoeopaths and Osteopaths running a children's clinic in Sheffield.
Prior to my training I practised massage, reflexology, metamorphic technique and stress management. I also have a degree in Theatre Language, which involved movement, writing, acting and directing.
About Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a system of manual medicine which explores the interrelationship of the structure of the body and its function. Poor mechanical function leads not only to aches and pains, but also disturbs the circulation system or nerves to any part of the body, which in turn affects our health.
Osteopathy is based on a holistic philosophy which acknowledges that all life is connected at its deepest foundation, and its aim is to support the person in regaining a sense of balance and harmony.
An Osteopathic consultation
At your first consultation, I will take a detailed case history to uncover the sequence of events involved in you seeking help.
I then use observation and palpation(touch) to examine you. You will usually be asked to undress to your underwear and perform a simple range of movement tests (e.g. bending to the side)
Osteopaths are trained to look at both the effects of strain patterns in the body from postural effects, trauma, and life events (such as pregnancy), as well as your ability to compensate.
Following the examination a diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is explained to you. As well as the osteopathic treatment, this plan may include postural advice, suggestions about diet, exercise or lifestyle changes, and possibly referral to another professional (e.g. your GP, a homeopath, or councillor).
The intention of treatment is to re-establish the intrinsic health and order in your cells and tissues, whatever the disorder or pathology which may be present.
Osteopathic technique
Osteopathy uses manipulation (the skilful use of the hands) to facilitate your own healing.
I use various techniques as appropriate, from the very subtle 'cranial' techniques described below, through soft tissue work, articulation of the joints, to quickly taking a joint through its range of movement where sometimes a “pop” is heard (like when you crack your knuckles).
Most osteopaths develop their art individually, choosing a variety of preferred techniques, which means that patients may experience quite a difference in style between practitioners.
Cranial Osteopathy
This more subtle approach was developed initially by an osteopath Dr William Sutherland from his in depth study of the individual skull bones. He was interested in their gearing system, which he concluded must be designed for movement.
He went on to discover the inherent, involuntary movement of all the fluids, cells and tissues of the body and the natural biodynamic forces which act through them, maintaining and integrating health. This gentle technique of working with these forces, augmenting their therapeutic properties, is my preferred method.
Osteopathic treatment can help at all ages and stages of life from the release of retained birth compression in the infant, to the improvement in mobility and independence in the elderly.
Osteopaths ate state regulated and registered with the General Osteopathic Council. Our safety record is excellent, you are 'safe in our hands'.
HAKOMI – ASSISTED SELF DISCOVERY
What is Hakomi Method?
Hakomi Method was originally developed as a body-centred psychotherapy method by Ron Kurtz.
Hakomi Method draws on Buddhist principles of non- violence, (the client leads, the practitioner guides) and Mindfulness (a quiet inward attention on present moment experience, as it is, in the body, now).
Try it, as an experiment; take a moment to shift your attention inwards,
notice what happens…. In your body, mind, emotions and sensory experiences…
Are you curious about yourself?
Do you find yourself reacting in the same old way, even though it’s not helpful.
Our experience shapes us and we unconsciously organise it into habits of action, thought and beliefs.
Some habits serve us well, others limit our choices or cause us unnecessary suffering; because those beliefs may be outdated or inaccurate, yet still be automatically applied.
Hakomi is assisted self discovery to help you develop a practice of mindfulness to learn about your inner beliefs and how you organise your life around them. Support to change this is offered to allow a more realistic and nourishing experience of life.
The method is gentle, experimental, often playful and always helps you see more about yourself. The focus is on the storyteller rather than the story, it’s not about talking out your problems or a conversation about your troubles and emotional history, it avoids analysis to allow meaning to arise from within. Not only do you learn something new about yourself, you can create the possibility of a new more rewarding relationship with yourself and others, bringing more freedom of choice.
Hakomi comes from the archaic Hopi Indian word meaning “How do we stand in relation to these many realms” put simply who am I and how do I see and relate to what’s around me.
I started to study Hakomi Method in 2004 I gained my practitioner certificate in Mar 2008.
I have gained a huge amount personally as well as from being an assistant to other students of the training.
My background helps, as osteopaths are skilled at observing and reading strain patterns from trauma, dysfunction and postural influences.
I really value the simplicity of the method to integrate the possibility of a more full and complete relationship with the whole of who we are. Rather than a focus of what’s wrong or needs to be fixed.
For more information look at website www.hakomi.com