Susan Vaughan Kratz
Bodywork Book Series
Course Description & Syllabus
2.0 CEUs
20 contact hours
3-DAY In-Person Workshop
Pediatric Bodywork - Clinical Application Course
Combining Bodywork for Sensory Integration
with Bodywork for Babies
(Course content can be generalized to all populations)
Learning objectives: Develop the specific touch method that
fuses the benefits of craniosacral therapy, visceral maneuvers,
myofascial expansion, lymphatic mobilization,
& other soft tissue release.
Target audience: Any pediatric professional with a license to
"therapeutically touch." Training in any specific method is not
required but it would be helpful to understand at least the
non-invasive nature of craniosacral therapy. It is this kind
of touch that all other methods in Pediatric Bodywork is
gauged after.
Receiving the work prior to the class is a great way to learn.
All participants should come into this class being comfortable
palpating and locating basic organs and bony landmarks
on their own and a partner's body.
This intermediate level course offers extended learning on just how to
achieve the type of touch for manual therapies, far beyond how the basic
classes are teaching today. It is, after all, this touch allows the work to happen.
We go into tissues other classes have yet to explore.
Techniques learned will correlate to sensory of regulation and modulation.
Furthermore, this approach is perfect for addressing the common issues of infancy.
All learners will gain a deeper appreciation of the structural issues
observed to relate to sensory wellness challenges (at all ages).
Learners will leave with skills to implement immediately into practice.
Again, regardless of manual skill level, all pediatric practitioners with a
license to touch can attend. The knowledge level is INTERMEDIATE but
novices to these methods are welcomed with open arms.
Prepare to be blown away, as Sue shares her knowledge of 40+ years
of accumulated observations in clinical practice.
This is a PERFECT CLASS to test the waters of manual therapies without
committing to a long series of classes. Return home being able to
immediately apply methods to your pediatric population.
For all registrants: Stay tuned for preparatory learning videos
for hand placements prior to attending a course.
(still in development)
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Atlanta, GA
April 4-6, 2025
Tampa, FL
May 16-18, 2025
Chicago, IL
June 26-28, 2025
New York vicinity
July 2025
San Francisco, CA
Sept 4-6, 2025
Boston or Baltimore
Fall 2025
Phoenix, AZ
Fall 2025
Course Content
Bodywork for Sensory Integration
& Bodywork for Babies
This clinical application workshop presents an extraordinary opportunity to learn from a highly experienced therapist, who has dedicated twenty-five years to merging innovative methods that empower babies and young children to attain optimal health and wellness. Participants will delve into an array of effective manual therapies, including:
- Craniosacral therapy
- Visceral organ maneuvers
- Lympho-fascia release
- Interstitial tissue mobilization
These techniques are thoughtfully combined with the "just right touch," a hands-on approach that enhances handling.
Designed to support sensory processing and neurodiverse populations, these methods have demonstrated effectiveness in promoting sensory, motor, and autonomic wellness. The workshop emphasizes evidence-informed practice alongside experience-based knowledge. While it is tailored for those with intermediate knowledge, professionals of all backgrounds will benefit significantly from the insights gained through the experiential learning this course offers.
Most training workshops leave the nuances of precise and gentle manual therapies to chance. In contrast, this course offers unparalleled guidance and analysis on the therapist’s use of touch, the vital element that drives optimal outcomes. As such, this workshop is perfectly suitable for both novice and advanced practitioners. Every attendee, irrespective of their initial skill level, will leave with tangible advancements that elevate their practice. Don’t miss the chance to learn in such a supportive and enriching environment mixed with lectures, labs, and live treatment demonstrations.
You will learn…
…how manual therapy approaches changed the paradigm in behavioral analysis. (Is it sensory or behavioral? Well, it could be structural).
…osteopathic-based discoveries in anatomy correlates to typical sensory
integration difficulties.
…innovative ways to treat the gut brain, visceral organs, primary circulatory
vessels, and the autonomic nervous system directly to enhance
parasympathetic recovery, regulation, & modulation.
…why the meningeal system and the cranial nerve pathways are crucial missing
pieces in sensory integration theory; and practical ways to treat these tissues to assist nervous system changes.
…palpation skills to discern the structural world that can influence behaviors; and how a specialized kind of touch with specificity can influence self-corrections
Bodywork for Babies is now part of this 3-Day Pediatric Bodywork Workshop
Day three of the course is dedicated to address the unique concerns of function and quality of life for babies. Clinically proven to help resolve and promote self-correction of:
colic, reflux, constipation, torticollis, plagiocephaly, breastfeeding struggles, tongue tie management, fussiness, self-regulation, and sensory modulation.
Course syllabus
I. Modern blend of osteopathic history with contemporary
manual therapies embraced by allied health professionals
Compare and contrast therapies relevant for the immature systems of babies and young children II. Anatomy, physiology, and behaviors of the autonomic nervous system.
III. Anatomy, physiology, and behaviors of the continuous organ of fascia
suspending all structures
IV. Explore and refine the paradigm shift in palpation and touch input that is
"just right" for infant anatomy. Lecture and lab opportunities.
V. Correlations of structural discoveries related to each of the ten sensory systems and the
relationship of sensory integration, modulation, and wellness.
VI. Days 1 + 2: Lab following lecture to learn the specific type of touch necessary to yield best results
Palpated key structures of each sensory system: receptor field, pathways, and origin
Gain immediate manual skills to help with:
- olfaction and gustatory function (smell and taste)
- ocular motor and visual function
- auditory and vestibular function
- proprioception and kinesthesia function
- deeper awareness of layers of touch receptors and lymphatic drainage to help clear
touch receptor field
- gut brain structures to assist autonomic and enteric regulation in behaviors and mood
- vascular masses to assist the homeostatic regulation of the ANS, changing foundational
readiness of sensory reception
VII. Day 3 is dedicated to specific issues babies need help with
Lecture and lab (practicing on other class participants) to define structures
involved in the occupational tasks of the first few months of life, and what
anatomical and fascia restrictions can interfere with ease in attaining these
tasks within parasympathetic state.
a. Breathing maximization with thoracic organ and tissue flexibility
b. Self-regulation and modulation; digestive motility
c. Readiness to move into and master gravity; fascia flexibility
d. Readiness to receive, respond, and adapt to sensory
information for all ten systems: cranial nerves and spinal paths
e. Optimal nutritive and non-nutritive sucking: oral structures
VIII. Multiple treatment demonstrations through video, photos, and live observation
2.0 CEUs
20 contact hours
Meet Your Instructor
With 40 years of Occupational Therapy experience, Sue has extensive background knowledge in the general practice of OT as well as specializing in neurological rehabilitation and pediatrics. She participates in clinical research of current innovative ways to assist her clients and families to overcome their difficulties. Along with clinical work, Sue has been active in workshop presentations, professional consultations, post-gradue teaching, and research. Sue holds a Diplomat in Upledger Craniosacral Therapy, certified in Ayres' Sensory Integration Treatment and qualified in Neurodevelopmental Therapy. She is the author of this growing series of bodywork books that offer clinical applications of various forms of manual therapies.
Sue is credentialed with the follow certifications and qualifications:
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CranioSacral Therapy (advanced) – Diplomat level through Upledger Institute International
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Sensory Integration in Ayres' Fidelity methods
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Neuro-Developmental Therapy (NDT) for pediatrics
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Licensed to practice Occupational Therapy in Wisconsin
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Member of International Alliance of Healthcare Practitioners
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Member of Chikly Health Institute
Come learn with us. Contact Special Therapies Institute to inquire about
bringing this course to your area. Class size minimum is 20 people.