This class applies to working with both children and adults. Even when adults have integrated their primitive reflexes earlier in life, adults can have primitive reflexes return when they suffer major injuries. In this class we will explore the development of five common primitive reflexes, learn how to recognize their presentations, discuss the challenges they may be associated with, and practice craniosacral techniques that can support their integration.
Primitive reflexes are early movement patterns that help organize the developing nervous system, yet many remain active beyond infancy and may influence how we move, learn, regulate, and respond to stress.
These reflexes guide foundational motor, sensory, cognitive, behavioral, and nervous system development during infancy. As the nervous system matures, these reflexes are ideally integrated, allowing more voluntary and refined patterns of movement and regulation to emerge.
A variety of factors—including birth experiences, illness or injury, trauma, chronic stress, and limited opportunities for natural infant movement—may contribute to reflexes remaining active beyond the developmental period in which they are typically integrated. Retained reflexes have been associated with a range of physical, sensory, emotional, learning, and behavioral challenges.
As craniosacral therapists, we have a unique opportunity to support nervous system organization and reflex integration through gentle touch, fascial listening, unwinding, range of motion, and invitations that allow the body to access its own inherent capacity for change.
PREREQUISITE
Craniosacral l
INSTRUCTOR
Emily Barstad
Emily holds a Master's degree in Family Education from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and has been supporting children and families in healthy development since 2018. After working in public schools, she transitioned into Waldorf education in 2022, where she embarked on her three-year Waldorf Educational Support training known as Extra Lesson. This training provides an in-depth understanding of child development and prepares practitioners to conduct holistic developmental screenings and support integration through purposeful movement, drawing, painting, and other therapeutic exercises.
In January 2026, Emily opened her private practice, Tending the Currents, where she provides developmental screenings for Waldorf schools and works one-on-one with children using an integrative approach that blends CranioSacral Therapy with Extra Lesson. Over the past three years, she has also pursued extensive study of primitive reflexes through personal study as well as trainings through Sophia's Hearth, the Educational Support Conference in Switzerland, and mentorship with Shen Men / Spirit Gate.
Emily is passionate about supporting the whole child by removing obstacles to healthy development, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating playful, nurturing experiences where children feel capable, connected, and free to become more fully themselves.
MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE
18 Students
Time
1-5 pm
LOCATION
Professional Training Center, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, 11200 Mississippi Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN 55433. Please note: THIS LOCATION IS NOT ON CAMPUS, BUT NEAR CAMPUS. It is on the NW corner of the intersection of Coon Rapids Blvd and Mississippi Blvd. You will see the McDonald's in the SW corner of the intersection. After you turn onto Mississippi Blvd, take the first right into the parking lot. The building looks like a bank building or a dentist’s office. If you get to campus, you’ve gone too far.
EASY CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancel more than 2 weeks from the date of the workshop and receive a full refund minus a $20 processing fee. Cancel after this date and receive a credit for a BYS class with the Heartwood Teacher Group. This credit is not transferable to 3-day Heartwood Institute courses.
CLASS PRICE
$139 Early bird price — register two weeks ahead of time
$159 Standard price
TO REGISTER
This class is offered through the Heartwood Teachers Group. Registration is at www.janetberryhill.org. Click here to go to that website.