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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. 

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Karen Axelrod

MA, CST-D

CAMTC #7399

Redondo Beach, CA

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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:

CranioSacral Teaching Certifications

CranioSacral Teaching Certifications​

  • Upledger-certified instructor of:

    - CranioSacral Therapy 1

    - CranioSacral Therapy 2

    - SomatoEmotional Release 1
    - 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

Testimonials 
"Wish I would not have waited so long to see you!
 You have such healing gifts!"−A.W., Los Angeles
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