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Susan Vaughan Kratz, OT, CST-D

​​Susan Vaughan Kratz, OT, CST-D

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. From her start at a large trauma hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, and then her years as a staff therapist at the Rehabilitation Institute of Pittsburgh, she honed skills of assisting brain injury recovery. These experiences prepared her to work the next stage of her career with autism and other sensory processing challenges. It is with these populations she first learned craniosacral therapy as offered to the world by Dr. John E. Upledger, DO, OMM. The clinical results she observed with this and other manual methods were significantly faster and more lasting then other methods she was trained in. Sue has dedicated the past 25 years studying the effects of bodywork methods in her private occupational therapy practice.

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As her practice continued to grow, more and more families sought help with a whole host of presenting challenges. A lifetime student of emerging sciences, Sue has embraced the new knowledge of connective tissues and applied an underlying construct of sensory function and behaviors related to the autonomic state of fascia. Bodywork methods most certainly has a positive effect through fascia on traditional behaviors of sensory processing, breastfeeding and tongue tie, self-regulation, body tension and symmetry, and overall wellness. Babies and children equally deserve to achieve health and wellness through structural medicine and Sue believes bodywork is one way to help.

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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.  S​he is ​the author of this growing series of bodywork books that offer clinical applications of various forms of manual therapies. 

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Sue created Special Therapies Institute to bring innovative clinical education to all professionals licensed to touch therapeutically. All seminars are grounded in decades of practice-based evidence and supported by a growing body of evidenced-based practice.

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Sue is credentialed with the follow certifications and qualifications:​

  • CranioSacral Therapy (advanced practitioner) – Diplomat level; Upledger Institute International

  • Sensory Integration in Ayres' Fidelity methods  

  • Neuro-Developmental Therapy (NDT) for pediatrics

  • Licensed to practice Occupational Therapy in Wisconsin

  • Member of International Alliance of Healthcare Practitioners  

  • Member of Chikly Health Institute   

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Articles & Books Written​​

 

"Parent Companion Guide for Bodywork for Babies,"  Orange Hat Publishing - Ten16 Press, 2024.

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"Bodywork  for Sensory Integration - Harmonizing Anatomical Challenges to Sensory Wellness."  Waukesha, WI:  Orange Hat Publishing - Ten16 Press, 2023.   

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"Bodywork for Babies."  Waukesha, Wisconsin: Orange Hat Publishing - Ten16 Press. 2022

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Kratz, SV and Kratz, DJ. "Effects of CranioSacral Therapy upon Symptoms of Post-Acute Concussion & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A Pilot Study." Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2021.

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Case report: Manual therapies promote resolution of persistent post-concussion symptoms in a

24-year-old athlete. SAGE Open Medical Case Reports, 9, 2050313X20952224. 2021

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Case Report: Lymphatic Drainage Resolves Toe Walking Gait in a Boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Int J Foot Ankle, 4, 039. 2020

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Breman, G.M. and Kratz, S.V. “A Touch Better: Two Therapists’ Journeys and  Lessons They Learned from Dr. John E. Upledger about CranioSacral Therapy”. Upledger Productions: Palm Beach Gardens. 2020

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Manual Ther Reduce Pain Assoc w/ Trigeminal Neuralgia. Journal of Pain, 1(1), 5. 2017.

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Manual Therapies Promote Continence and Mobility in a Patient with Cerebellar Agenesis.   

Int J Phys Med Rehabil, 4(345),2.  2016.

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Kratz, SV, Kerr, J, Porter, L. "The use of CranioSacral therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Benefits

from the  viewpoints of parents, clients, and therapists." Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 21(1), 19-29. 2016.

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2 Case Studies: Upledger, J. E.  Working Wonders: Changing Lives with CranioSacral Therapy. North Atlantic Books. 2005.​

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"CST: Are We Helping the Brain Heal?" Autism File magazine - December 2009 issue

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"Historical Perspectives on Sensory Integration & its effect w/ Pediatric Neurotransmitter Disease."

J of Inherited Diseases Aug 2008.

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