Healing Through Craniosacral Therapy & Hanna Somatic Education
Shell Adams offers expert Craniosacral Therapy and Hanna Somatic Education Sessions designed to ease tension, enhance mobility, and support whole-body healing.
Hello, I am Shell Adams. I'm so pleased you have taken the time to visit my website.
Metta ~
I am a Registered Massage Therapist specializing in:
CranioSacral Therapy
SomatoEmotional Release
Hanna Somatic movement
I am trained in and teach Hanna Somatic education, offering regular weekly classes and specialty programs. With years of experience in Holistic health, I am dedicated to helping patients/students achieve balance and well-being.
CST (Craniosacral Therapy)
SER (Somatoemotional Release)
fall under Massage Therapy benefits.
HANNA SOMATIC MOVEMENT
Most people move too fast for their nervous system to change.
Our muscles have the ability of forgetting what they’re supposed to be doing due to habit, stress and injury.
Slow mindful Hanna Somatic movement = new neural pathways.
NEUROPLASTICITY occurs when speed, direction and amplitude of a movement changes.
Our body no longer predicts old movement patterns.
In this private class you will get acquainted with Somatics. Verbal cues and hands on approach help guide you. You are always encouraged to stay in comfort and ease.
MySoma Reset 75 offers the full experience - a slow, mindful journey through all six lessons of the Daily Cat Stretch Plus, following Thomas Hanna’s principle of releasing from the center first.
MySOMA is relaxing • MySOMA is relaxed
WEDNESDAYS
MySOMA Reset 75
7 PM - 8:30 PM
1.5 hour $40
Save 10% with purchase of 4 or more classes
(Classes must be used within a month of purchase)
MySoma Reset 75 offers the full experience - a slow, mindful journey through all six lessons of the Daily Cat Stretch Plus, following Thomas Hanna’s principle of releasing from the center first.
MySOMA is relaxing • MySOMA is relaxed
BY APPOINTMENT
MySoma reset 75
1.5 hour $40
Save 10% with purchase of 4 or more classes
(Classes must be used within a month of purchase)
MySoma Reset 75 offers the full experience - a slow, mindful journey through all six lessons of the Daily Cat Stretch Plus, following Thomas Hanna’s principle of releasing from the center first.
MySOMA is relaxing • MySOMA is relaxed
BY APPOINTMENT
MySOMA Reset 45
1 hour $35
Save 10% with purchase of 4 or more classes
(Classes must be used within a month of purchase)
MySoma Reset 45 builds on MySOMA Reset 25 patterns with deeper awareness and integration.
MySOMA is relaxing • MySOMA is relaxed
BY APPOINTMENT
MySOMA Reset 25
1/2 hour $25
Save 10% with purchase of 4 or more classes
(classes must be used within a month of purchase)
MySOMA Reset 25 Introduces the fundamental movements.
MySOMA is relaxing • MySOMA is relaxed
ZOOM APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
E-Transfer to shellyirmen@gmail.com to recieve your Zoom Link
In 1996 I graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy’s 3 year course in Vancouver, British Columbia.
I also trained 5 years under the Upledger Institute. John E. Upledger an osteopathic physician pioneered and developed CranioSacral Therapy CST1, CST2, CST Paediatrics, and SomatoEmotional Release SER1 SER2.
I trained 1 year with The Barral Institute for Visceral manipulation.
- Hanna Somatics MOD 1, MOD 2, MOD 3
- Gentle Somatic Yoga GSY-P1
- Restorative Yoga 30hr
- Baptiste Vinyasa Flow Level 1
My life has taken me on a beautiful journey in which I am thankful for as it has made me the resilient, mindful, smart woman I am today.
CST... More of how I practice.
I handle each body with deep care and am ever attuned to a persons mental and physical state.
At some point during a session breath work is involved. I will coach a person in understanding breathing, and when to breathe, holding the space for the patient to begin to know themselves when to breathe.
I am trained to listen to your body. My hands are my eyes. I do my utmost effort to create a comfortable, safe place for your body to talk. I have a relationship with your body because I listen to it.
In essence, your body is the ONLY true healer. My role as a Therapist is first and foremost to remain humble, continually feeling the tissue always being led by the body. I have no agenda for there is no I. The body only wants to be heard, there are very few that listen. Your body knows what it needs to heal.
It is my goal for my patients to have self-awareness and be tuned to their body.
This is the beginning of your relationship with your body.
This is a picture of your DURA in your brain, it continues to cover your entire spinal cord to your sacrum.
What is CST (CranioSacral Therapy)?
Natural unwinding processes take place and are felt as sensations, inner movement and quite often outer movement. Emotions may arise opening the gateway for SomatoEmotional Release which is release of emotion that is held in the tissue.
When having a CranioSacral Therapy session
“every treatment protocol should be dictated by the wisdom of the patient’s own body“
Visceral Manipulation (VM) was developed by renowned French Osteopath and Physical Therapist, Jean-Pierre Barral. Through organ-specific fascial mobilization, VM assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic dysfunction. It evaluates and treats the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia, and ligaments. VM increases proprioceptive communication within the body, thereby revitalizing a person and relieving symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and poor posture.
What is Muscle Energy Technique
Therapist Shell uses the techiques developed by Osteopath Fred Mitchell. This manual therapy uses the muscles own energy in the form of gentle isometric contractions to relax the muscles via autogenic or reciprocal inhibition and lengthening to muscle.
Let your thoughts be Ethereal. Delicate and light.
Hanna Somatics
I guide those who are seeking a practice of turning inward and working from within.
• Is NOT stretching
• Uses PANDICULATION
• PANDICULATION is mindful engagement of certain muscles followed by SLOW disengagement of those muscles
• Done slowly, CHANGE happens in the MOTOR CORTEX
• Done too quickly the movement comes from the cerebellum, there is NO CHANGE
• Reminds muscles how to work properly
• Reminds your brain to release chronic muscle contraction
• Emphasizes on internal awareness and the mind - body connection, helping individuals connect with their SOMA (body) and emotions
• Improves posture, coordination, and flexibility
Mindfulness Meditation is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness meditation involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.
Breath is the monitor of the nervous system. It is a beautiful way to approach your Hanna Somatics practice with conscious inhalation and exhalation, engaging the parasympathetic nervous system and alpha brain waves; deep inward presence is attained.
Hanna Somatics Class Description
MySOMA Reset 25 • 1/2 hour
Introduces the fundamental movements
MySOMA Reset 45 • 1 hour
Builds on MySOMA Reset 25 patterns with deeper awareness and integration
MySOMA Reset 75 • 1.5 hour
MySoma Reset 75 offers a full experience, a slow mindful journey through all six lessons of the Daily Cat Stretch Plus drawn from Thomas Hanna
In these classes you will:
• Release long-held muscular tension and stress patterns
• Restore functional movement and postural balance
• Reconnect sensory-motor awareness and coordination
• Cultivate calm, focus, and reconnect with your body’s natural state of ease
• Done slowly, change happens in the motor cortex
• Done too quickly, no change movement comes through cerebellum
• Improves posture, flexibility and coordination RATHER THAN stretching or strengthening
(Created and adapted by Domonique Semeniuk, this class stays true to the tradition of Thomas Hanna's Daily Cat Stretch Plus, developed through the work of Eleanor Criswell-Hanna, Susan Koenig, and Phil Shenk)
"I recently did my first Hanna Somatic class with Shelly. The class was super easy to follow and if I had any difficulties with positions she guided me to where my body needed to be! My body felt lighter and more aligned than it had in a long time! I look forward to doing it again! Highly recommend"
Jessi Needham
"I am very new with somatics and Hana somatics is very easy to do. Shell is very helpful with every position and she keeps telling me that it's me and my body and being aware of my body that is khelping me to get such good results. I am now able to use my right arm so much more and i see results after every session."
Kathy Lind
"I’ve been attending Shelly’s gentle somatic movement classes for a few months now and have experienced amazing results! It is very gentle and body led unlike any class I’ve attended in the past. My body feels stronger and I have more range of motion and mobility. Unhelpful patterns my body had developed over many years are slowly being changed layer by layer. I never feel sore after Shelly’s class. Shelly is an excellent instructor and modifies movements to fit individual needs, she cares that her students are getting as much benefit out of her class as possible and is excellent at explaining the body led movements. She also plays a lovely sound bath at the end of her class and has some beautiful instruments and music. Highly recommend!"
Amie Crossan
"I recently had the opportunity to experience CranioSacral Therapy, and I cannot recommend it enough. From the moment I walked into the therapist's space, I felt an immediate sense of calm and trust. The environment was peaceful, and the therapist’s grounded presence helped me feel safe and at ease.
The session itself was deeply relaxing, yet subtly powerful. With incredibly light touch, the therapist was able to tune into areas of tension and restriction in my body that I wasn’t even aware of. I could feel my body unwinding layer by layer—physically, mentally, and emotionally. There was a profound stillness during the session, and afterward, I felt noticeably lighter, clearer, and more balanced.
What impressed me most was the therapist’s intuitive approach. They didn’t force anything, but instead gently supported my body’s own healing process. This modality may seem subtle, but the effects are anything but.
Whether you're dealing with stress, chronic tension, past trauma, or just looking to reconnect with your body, I highly recommend giving CranioSacral Therapy a try. It’s a beautiful reminder of the body’s natural ability to heal—and a truly transformative experience in the hands of a skilled practitioner."
Christina Brousseau
"Why I luv restorative yoga I find my time with Shelly very grounding, calming and safe. Shelly really pays attention to what I need re posture, proper form, relaxing muscles and breath When I leave, my body feels more loose, my mood is usually better and my mind is calmer. Shelly is so caring, kind and thoughtful. She understands my needs and absolutely knows how to help me create a healthier happy mind and body."
Judy Fahlman
"Thoroughly enjoy Shelly’s somatic yoga class. Very different from any yoga I’ve done in the past, what seem to be such small movements are transformative. I feel it is body lead, I have noticed a real shift in the way my body feels and moves since starting this class(stronger and more flexible)"
Amie C
"Shelly is a very nice and kind person she always makes sure you are comfortable in your surroundings and there is this very nice heating pad bed and she always asks if it’s too hot or too cold. She is always up to chat and talk which is awesome because I’m a chatty person. Overall she was so great! I felt relaxed and calm after my appointment. I normally have a hard time falling asleep, but after my session, I fell asleep immediately. My back feels looser and I am able to move more freely in taekwondo."
Autumn C (daughter of Amie C)
"Shelly is a wonderful person full of demonstrated strength and knowledge for herself and others who have faced or are facing health challenges in their life. She has a true ability to instill in those that come to her for help, the confidence that if they work hard and listen to her advice that they will get better."
Thomas Abbey
"I had a wonderful cranial sacral appointment with Shelly. Her kindness, support, and deep knowledge made the session incredibly reassuring. She was respectful and attentive to my individual needs and circumstances, creating a healing experience tailored just for me. I highly recommend her for anyone seeking a compassionate and skilled practitioner."
Kale Derkson
"Shelly is my craniosacral therapist and as such she has given me relief, comfort, and ease of movement. She has the ability to adapt her skills to the individual’s needs, for whatever your problem is you will find comfort and a sense of well-being."
Christina Hehr-Brousseau
"Shelly is an amazing CST practitioner. Shelly explained to me how it works, that the CST rhythm comes about by the production of cerebral spinal fluid. One of the benefits CST provides is release of tension in the fascia. I found Shelly‘s level of knowledge and understanding impressive. After my session, I had a deep level of relaxation and peace. The atmosphere in her home base practice is one of serenity and peace adding to the whole healing experience. I highly recommend Shelly."
Karen
"Over 20 years ago I was a client of Shelly's for Massage Therapy, She also did Cranial Sacral Therapy. Once i experienced the amazing benefits I was hooked.Her knowledge and skill gave me incredible help. I also achieved immense emotional release. I was sad when her life took her in other directions. in early June Shelly contacted me to say she was starting her practice, would I be interested. Amazing, it's been life changing once again. Her skill level of anatomy, and extraordinary ability to read both mental and physical needs always amaze me. Timing has been perfect and I highly recommend her. Thanks Shelly, Faye I have a hard time putting into words Shelly how your skills impact my life and health."
Faye Mcleod
"Shelly is an incredible therapist with calming energy. She always welcomed me so kindly. Shelly created an environment that was relaxing, calming, and healing. After each craniosacral appointment, I felt rejuvenated and peaceful. Thanks for being amazing, Shelly. I highly recommend her."
Rachél
"I had a session with Shelly a few weeks ago & it was nothing short of amazing, from the moment I first met her I instantly felt safe in capable hands! Her treatment was wonderful & healing! She is a very gifted practitioner & I look forward to my next session ❤️"
Billy MacLeod
"Shelly is both an amazing person and practitioner who genuinely cares about her patients. Her warm and caring energy puts you at ease knowing you are in such skilled hands. She is knowledgeable and professional, a real gem!"
Amie Crossan
"I've known Shelly for 15+ years. Shelly has taught me yoga and how to properly hold poses and different breathing techniques. She has also worked on me through her cranial sacral therapy, helping release built-up pain. She is nothing short of amazing, and it shows in her work. Shelly is a beautiful soul, and you instantly feel welcomed in her presence. Highly recommend her and her services."
403-875-7265
shellyirmen@gmail.com
Adams. I'm so pleased you have taken the time to visit my website.
In 1996 I graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy’s 3 year course in Vancouver, British Columbia.
