I am an Upledger Techniques Certified CranioSacral Therapist and a Certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). I have been practicing CranioSacral Therapy since 1999 and Somatic Experiencing since 2020. Before becoming a CranioSacral Therapist I spent fifteen years in private practice as a massage therapist. I opened Mount Washington CranioSacral Therapy in 2005, in Northeast Los Angeles. I have also received extensive training in The Feldenkrais Method, Hatha Yoga, and Continuum Movement. These methods inform my CranioSacral practice. In addition to my bodywork certifications, I hold a B.F.A. in dance and an M.F.A. in choreography and performance. I am still active as an independent choreographer. My origins in movement and dance influenced my decision to become a bodyworker and somatic therapist. As a somatic therapist, and someone who has worked to heal physical injuries and emotional trauma, I believe that as we are supported in discovering the information held in our bodies - whether it be physical symptoms, emotions, or memories - we can become more fully ourselves.
I am always honored to witness the transformations that occur during sessions. Both CranioSacral Therapy and Somatic Experiencing provide clients a sense of deep and attuned listening on both physical and emotional levels. People often seek treatment because they are suffering from pain or discomfort from a physical trauma or injury. Sometimes, they come because recent or old emotional traumas are creating physical and/or psycho-emotional symptoms. Whatever draws you to this work, I would love to support you.
“As a therapist, Carmela is able to employ a great physical intelligence in her techniques which result in a magnificent session, unique to each client. She helped me through hip surgery, and I came out healthier and stronger because of her sessions. ”
“Carmela is amazing! My acupuncturist suggested that I try CranioSacral Therapy with Carmela and it has worked. I was recently in a car accident. In addition to muscle spasms in my neck, shoulders and back, the accident caused neurological issues including severe headaches and facial muscle spasms. I tried other treatments, but none worked like Carmela’s CranioSacral Therapy. Each time I go, I am impressed with the relief I get. I can’t explain it, but it works. ”
“Carmela Hermann’s understanding of the body is magical! Her skill and mastery are evident from the release and relaxation I feel after each Craniosacral Session. I look forward to the next appointment! ”
“I tried physical therapy, acupuncture, and almost every pill known to rheumatology, but nothing made a dent in my fibromyalgia pain. Then, completely by chance, I found Carmela. Now, if I can’t keep my regular every-other-week appointment, my body KNOWS, and reverts to its cranky, creaky, pre-Carmela state almost immediately. She truly has magic hands, but her caring and compassion are equally important to her effectiveness as a therapist. She has made an enormous difference in the quality of my life. ”
“Carmela’s precise healing touch and receptive presence make her a wonderful practitioner. I come out of sessions with her so much more balanced and relaxed in both body and mind. I have scoliosis and a number of old injuries that cause quite a bit of pain, but regular sessions with Carmela keep me flexible and pain free. And I love how it feels as the tensions melt and misalignments correct themselves as she works on me!
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BODYWORK CURICULUM VITAE
MASSAGE TRAINING:
1989: Institute of Psycho Structural Balancing (IPSB) Massage Therapy Training
UPLEDGER INSTITUTE TRAININGS:
2000: CranioSacral Therapy level 1
2001: CranioSacral Therapy Level 2
2002: CranioSacral Therapy Somato Emotional Release Level 1
2002: CranioSacral Therapy Somato Emotional Release Level 2
2007: CranioSacral Therapy for Pediatrics Level 1
2010: CranioSacral Therapy Sensory Integration
2015: CranioSacral Therapy for Pediatrics Level 2
2016: CranioSacral Therapy Cranial Nerves
2017: CranioSacral Therapy Advanced Level 1
2017: CranioSacral Therapy The Brain Speaks Level 1
2018: Completion of Mentorship Program Level 1
2018: CranioSacral Therapy The Brain Speaks Level 2
2020: CranioSacral Therapy for Conception, Pregnancy and Birthing Level 1
ADDITIONAL PEDIATRIC TRAINING:
2018: Cranial Nerve Dysfunction in the Infant (Michelle Price Emmanuel OTR/L
2018: Oral Dysfunction in the PreCrawling Infant (Michelle Price Immanuel OTR/L & Melissa Cole IBCLC)
2019: Tummy Time Method Level 1 (Michelle Price Immanuel)
2020: CranioSacral Therapy for Breastfeeding (Allison Hazelbaker IBCLC; CST-T)
SOMATIC EXPERIENCING TRAININGS
2020: Beginning levels 1, 2 and 3 with Ariel Giaretto
2021: Intermediate levels 1, 2 and 3 with Ariel Giaretto
2022: Advanced 1 with Dave Berger
2023: Syndromes, Chronic Pain and Covid-19 with Peter Levine
EMPLOYMENT:
1989-2000: Private massage therapy practice
1997-1989: Alan Edward Salon and Spa (Massage Therapist)
2000-2005: Sat Hari Chiropractic (CranioSacral Therapist)
2005-2007: Delson Chiropractic (CranioSacral Therapist)
2016-2019: Karen Axelrod Holistic Bodywork (CranioSacral Therapist)
2007-Present: Mount Washington CranioSacral Therapy (Private Practice/ CranioSacral Therapist)