About Jackie Emm, MPH, RCST®
Jackie moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, from San Francisco in 2001. Along with many years of professional training, Jackie offers deep listening skills, open awareness, and presence. She considers this type of work to be psychotherapy for your body. She believes that when we listen deeply to our body without judgement or expectations, it creates a safe place for it to unwind and reorganize for optimal health.
Jackie has a Masters of Public Health from the University of Hawaii in health education. She spent ten years in women's health, and non-profit program management before starting her family. After the traumatic birth of her second son, Jackie discovered Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) and its deep healing capacity for people of all ages.
Jackie first studied craniosacral therapy with Janet Evergreen, MA, in Charlottesville, VA, and has completed all of the craniosacral, vagus nerve (Porges Polyvagal Theory) , and other somatic coursework at The Sanctuary. Jackie has also assisted with several of Janet's classes.
Jackie went on to complete a 700 hour Biodynamic Craniosacral Professional training in 2012, through The Wellness Institute. She studied with international teacher, Roger Gilchrist, MA, RPP, RCST®. This very in-depth 2.5 year course resulted in certification as a Registered Craniosacral Therapist (RCST®) through the Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America, (BCTA/NA), and is one of the leading trainings in the field of craniosacral biodynamics.
Jackie also completed a pre and perinatal professional training with Myrna Martin, MN, RCC, RCST®, of the Kutenai Institute, which included training in the field of epigenetics, attachment, and the importance of recognizing one's earliest developmental trauma, and the imprints on functionality in everyday life.
Today she practices a combination of therapies which includes BCST with a focus on trauma integration, the vagus nerve system/polyvagal theory, and early pre and perinatal patterns and how they inform our whole lives. Jackie also uses her experience as a health educator to coach her clients in their overall wellness.
Jackie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as taking long walks/hikes, yoga, acting, and taking as many classes as time will allow. She has also acquired wisdom in the following areas from personal and family experience; natural childbirth, traumatic birth, conscious parenting, divorce, Celiac Disease, Hashimotos, food sensitivities, ADHD and other learning differences, anxiety, and raising boys.
“The results I have experienced from sessions with Jackie have been a true blessing to me. After years of cognitive therapy, I am thrilled to find relief from my anxiety. The work we have done to address my anxiety and past traumas has freed my mind from dwelling on the past, and has allowed my body to not go into fight or flight mode every time I do think of the difficult times. I have also become more aware of how my nervous system works, and which parts of my body are affected by my anxiety. This knowledge allows me to not fear the physiological symptoms of my anxiety and offers the opportunity to be present in my body to release the tension. Jackie is a calming gentle presence who truly cares about her work and I’m grateful to be able to work with her.”
“We appreciate the balance and intuition that Jackie brings to each session. She has deep insight and sensitivity to areas that need work. My daughter feels so relaxed after a treatment. Thank you for your care!”
