Psychotherapy from a Mindful and Somatic Perspective
Josh has a trauma-informed approach to psychotherapy deepened by years of meditation practice, youth counseling, and end-of-life work. A graduate of Yale University and New York University’s Silver School of Social Work, he was a school counselor and a hospice social worker before moving into full time private practice.
Josh has years of experience working with clients of all ages, as well as with groups and couples. His time as a teacher and a coach helps him to connect with teens and young adults, and two decades as a meditation student and teacher informs his work with people seeking deeper meaning to their lives. Josh is also a widely published author and works with writers and other artists seeking to accentuate and nurture the creative spirit.
He uses many modalities, among them Somatic Orienting and Internal Family Systems. He is a big believer in the importance of incorporating humor and joy — and also anger — we are complex often contradictory beings, full of power and grace, and our healing should reflect that.
What is Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy?
“The gentlest thing in the world overcomes the hardest thing in the world.” -Tao Te Ching
Restrictions cause discomfort and pain. Accidents, illnesses, trauma, shock, abuse, anxiety, pregnancy and birth, aging -- all these can create restrictions in our systems leaving us with everything from a feeling of just being “off” to deep chronic pain.
With Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, restrictions in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord are released, as well as restrictions on other levels, opening the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and allowing the central nervous system and the entire body and spirit to move into new levels of health and wellness.
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is helpful at all stages of life, from week-old newborns experiencing birth trauma and latching difficulties to 95 year-olds finding new ways to relate to their changing bodies. Infants integrate into this world with more ease and safety, toddlers release shock and deep fears, and adults process and release anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, head injuries, surgical trauma, post-partum physical and emotional states, injuries from car accidents and other trauma, and grief (to name just a few).
Beneath all these restrictive states our powerful and gentle and shining health is waiting to help us heal. In Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, we give it the space to do so.
Areas Of Benefit
Physical Health
BCT is great for old injuries and new pains, for getting at stubborn aches that won’t release, for unwinding shocks to the nervous system. Fatigue and vertigo, tensions, surgeries, illnesses -- releasing these pains and the somatic memory of the events that caused them frees great health and energy.
Emotional Health
Our bodies hold emotion and emotions can carry injuries just as muscle and ligaments do. Buried out of awareness, old emotional trauma might interfere with present efforts at happiness. As the system opens in BCT, this history unwinds and releases, allowing for greater ease of being.
Children
The systems of little ones are incredibly resilient and receptive. Often distress chalked up to colic or chronic ear infections or being a “sensitive baby” or “hyperactive child” is an expression of birth or prenatal trauma. Releasing these traumas, the child can grow with wholeness and confidence.
Read Josh's Insights for more on BCT's benefits
A therapist by day and writer by night, Josh delights in sharing this work.
Email him for more information.
Testimonials
Everyone has their own experience. Take a look at what people are saying.
I began BCT with Josh to treat chronic back pain (fully resolved!) and trauma. I experience the work as an extraordinarily gentle and powerful unfolding. Frequently in my sessions, old painful constrictions, both physical and emotional diminish and disappear, sometimes in a cognitive experience, other times not. Each session is profoundly different. I experience a home state that is filled with potential and tranquility. The concluding state is a reminder that deep happiness can be felt throughout the self simply, the way a content baby seems to experience the joy of simply being.
L.D.
Our sweet oldest daughter had been growing more and more anxious during her first grade year, and her anxiety was crippling. We spent hours soothing tears and fears and belly aches/headaches each night. After seeing every doctor and taking every test and using every last resource, someone recommended Josh. We knew nothing about craniosacral therapy. Josh was great with our daughter and put everyone at ease, but we weren't sure it would make a difference. The next morning our daughter woke up a new person. We really couldn't believe it. She skipped off to school, went to bed easily at night - all her physical symptoms disappeared, the tears and fears just stopped. It was as though a switch had been flipped, and our beautiful daughter emerged. We will be forever thankful for Josh and his work in our lives - a gifted healer and a great resource right here in Ithaca.
K.M. and R.M.
I came to Josh due to struggles with Anxiety and insomnia. I continue to work with him and have found his treatment incredibly valuable, not only for the original conditions for which I sought treatment, but also in helping me heal and address deeper underlying conditions of trauma, grief, and self acceptance, thereby leading me to an overall improved mental, physical, emotional health, balance and well being. I find Josh to be a compassionate, professional and caring practitioner. I recommend him for those wishing to improve their overall health and well-being, and especially those open to deep positive changes in their life.
A.H.
Josh Swiller, BCT, LMSW
Meet Josh
Josh Swiller is a certified Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist. He is also a Licensed Master Social Worker, published journalist and author, human rights advocate, a partner to a wonderful woman, and a father of two boys.
After years of study in various healing modalities , Josh was inspired by a single treatment of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy to study for two years under Franklyn Sills, the founder of the field. His own healing journey continues to deepen and inform his practice.
Josh began his psychotherapy practice in 2005. He opened his Ithaca craniosacral practice in 2014, and has been active in both modalities since then. His engaging personality, two decades of meditation practice, years of hospice work, and calm demeanor create a safe environment for deep healing. He is an encourager of honesty and authenticity and believes a playful, gentle heart is essential for all healing work. He has lectured on these topics across the country – drop him a line to schedule a talk.
When not working, you will probably find Josh writing, coaching youth sports, buried in a book, and avoiding folding the laundry. Josh will be honored to work with you.
Josh's Office
222 S. Albany St.
Ithaca, NY, 14850
joshswiller@gmail.com
646-957-1140
Schedule A Session
Want more information about this work? Do you have a curiosity about how BCT can be helpful for your condition or inner experience?
Send Josh a message!