Samantha Paranavitana
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Samantha Paranavitana

KARUṆĀ Integrative Therapies
Mount Waverley, Victoria, Australia
Holds a relevant Working With Children Check
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Mount Waverley, Victoria, Australia
Holds a relevant Working With Children Check
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About

Samantha is a Biodynamic Craniosacral therapist and Mindfulness-based Psychotherapist. She offers a truly integrated approach to wellness by addressing the body, mind and spirit to help her clients be heard and held in a safe space. We all experience low points in our lives. When we are hurting we become overwhelmed and find it difficult to see the way forward, we can get caught in habitual patterns of fear and anxiety which keep us stuck. With over two decades in bodywork as an experienced remedial... Samantha is a Biodynamic Craniosacral therapist and Mindfulness-based Psychotherapist. She offers a truly integrated approach to wellness by addressing the body, mind and spirit to help her clients be heard and held in a safe space. We all experience low points in our lives. When we are hurting we become overwhelmed and find it difficult to see the way forward, we can get caught in habitual patterns of fear and anxiety which keep us stuck. With over two decades in bodywork as an experienced remedial massage therapist , yoga and meditation instructor and craniosacral therapist, Samantha incorporates all these skills into a wholistic approach, helping clients to slow down, find balance and the inner strength to help her clients move through the chaos into clarity. During her bodywork career, Samantha recognised that people with presenting physical issues were healing much more quickly when they were also clearing the emotional issues underneath the physical. Therapy has been of great benefit to Samantha in her own life during challenging times, giving her a greater sense of ease, self-acceptance and resilience. After experiencing a debilitating lower back injury during a fall from an inversion Samantha tried many modalities on her healing journey before discovering craniosacral therapy. From her first session, she felt like the lights had been turned back on in her world, her physical pain became manageable , the low grade depression that had been persistent since the fall disappeared and she was able to return to teaching yoga. A lifelong curiosity and love of learning has led her to attending workshops with many world-renowned experts in trauma, mindfulness and somatic therapies. Samantha had the privilege of training for two years with Franklyn Sills, a pioneer in the field of craniosacral biodynamics. A desire for a more holistic approach in her work led her to psychotherapy, in which she now holds a Masters degree. Samantha is a volunteer at Headspace and is currently undertaking further studies in Neuro-Affective Touch®, a somatic training which integrates the use of touch as the vital bridge to body mind integration. Whether it is through psychotherapy or craniosacral therapy, Samantha’s goal as your therapist is to support you in your healing process through the cultivation of inner resources like self-compassion, presence, resilience and embodiment. Samantha believes that wellness is our birthright and would be honoured to walk with you as you forge your own unique path towards healing. Read more

Languages

English

Therapies

Membership of professional associations

  • Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation Australia

Education and Training

  • 2021 – Master of Arts in Mindfulness Based Psychotherapeutic Practice – Middlesex University
  • 2017 – Mindfulness Yoga Teacher Training Program – Bodhiyoga
  • 2013 – Divine Sleep ® Yoga Nidra Teacher Training – Yoga Alliance
  • 2011 – Diploma in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy – Karuna Institute
  • 2002 – Diploma of Therapeutic Massage – ASTM
  • 2001 – Diploma of Yoga – CAE

Working hours (GMT+11:00) Melbourne

Monday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
Closed
Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

Samantha’s studio location

Mount Waverley, Victoria, Australia

Exact location will be provided after booking

Reviews

5.00(3 reviews)
Practitioner avatar

Adrian

AWAKEN WELLNESS GATHERING | 26 March 2023 | Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

3 Apr 2023

Samantha is an amazing practitioner. Highly intuitive and skilled at listening to your bodies signals rather than your mind and... Samantha is an amazing practitioner. Highly intuitive and skilled at listening to your bodies signals rather than your mind and in doing so able to support the parasympathetic nervous system to amplify your bodies own healing network. Trying many practictioners over 15 years with debilitating chronic health conditions Samantha is one of the best i have experienced and i am adding her to my healing team. I highly recomend her if you feel craniosacral therapy can support your healing journey. Read more

Practitioner avatar

Response from Samantha

4 Apr 2023

Thank you so very much for that wonderful feedback Aidrian:) Wishing you renewed health and much joy for the next chapter of your... Thank you so very much for that wonderful feedback Aidrian:) Wishing you renewed health and much joy for the next chapter of your healing journey🙏🏽 Read more

Practitioner avatar

Natalie

AWAKEN WELLNESS GATHERING | 26 March 2023 | Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

27 Mar 2023

I had such a profound experience with Samantha. My body felt so safe and released so much. The shift in my energy was huge. I... I had such a profound experience with Samantha. My body felt so safe and released so much. The shift in my energy was huge. I left feeling so centred and aligned and blissful. Highly recommend Samantha 💖 Read more

Practitioner avatar

Response from Samantha

28 Mar 2023

Thank you Natalie 🙏🏽 Truly appreciate you taking the time to leave that heartfelt review. I hope the shifts and changes continue... Thank you Natalie 🙏🏽 Truly appreciate you taking the time to leave that heartfelt review. I hope the shifts and changes continue as the wisdom of your body unfolds. May our paths cross again, I look forward to hearing all about it! Read more

Practitioner avatar

Tanz

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

14 Apr 2022

As I’ve been dealing with stress and anxiety in my life, a friend suggested I try Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. The idea that... As I’ve been dealing with stress and anxiety in my life, a friend suggested I try Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. The idea that this therapy encourages the body to naturally heal itself appealed to me, so I didn’t hesitate to book in with Samantha. I wasn’t sure what to expect but right away I felt at ease with Samantha. Her gentle and calming manner helped me relax as she explained the therapeutic process which encourages the movement of fluids in the body through light touch, in detail. She also happily answered all my questions. The therapy room had a lovely ambience and when Samantha began the gentle technique, I felt like I was in safe hands. She explained what she was about to do each time she touched my shoulders, head, back or feet and I felt very comfortable. Afterwards we discussed the process again in terms of how I might feel post appointment and Samantha provided useful tips and asked me to contact her if I had any concerns. I felt relaxed and at peace afterwards and would not hesitate to have a follow up appointment with Samantha. Read more

Practitioner avatar

Response from Samantha

14 Apr 2022

Thank you for your kind feedback, wishing you well on your healing journey,🙏🏽Samantha

Services

Discovery call session

A discovery call will provide an opportunity to ask questions and gain an understanding about... A discovery call will provide an opportunity to ask questions and gain an understanding about your current challenges, goals and pain points. This is a key opportunity for us to start building a relationship and understand how I may be able to assist you. You can also learn more about my expertise and knowledge, the success I have had in helping others with similar issues, and consider whether my offerings will be able to meet your needs. Ultimately, a discovery call helps to determine if there is a good fit and we can decide if we would like to take the next steps together. Read more

Online

15 min

FREE

Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy

Mindfulness-based psychotherapy is a compassion focused, trauma informed and depth relational... Mindfulness-based psychotherapy is a compassion focused, trauma informed and depth relational approach to therapy. This holistic model integrates Western psychological theory and Eastern contemplative practices into an effective approach to wellbeing. Therapy offers you the opportunity to explore your challenges and difficulties in the presence of a non-judgmental witness. Healing happens most effectively in a relationship, and sometimes this needs to be with a trained professional. Samantha’s approach is strongly somatic, and the process involves attuning to and honouring the insights and adaptations which the body reveals. Using breathwork and mindfulness practices, you will learn to connect with your core authentic self. She will help you work on increasing awareness, learning perspective taking, building inner resources, and developing a sense of safety. Samantha is committed to slowing down with you, tuning into the body, and allowing unconscious processes from the past to emerge into present time awareness so they can be integrated and resolved. “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate" - Carl Jung It would be a privilege to travel with you towards finding greater ease and purpose. Read more

Online
In person

1 hr

150 AUD

1 hr 30 min

180 AUD

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

Biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) is a gentle and effective touch therapy which supports... Biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) is a gentle and effective touch therapy which supports your body's innate potential to heal. BCST facilitates the nervous system's transition from activation into a state of balance, in which rejuvenating functions like rest, repair and digestion are optimised. The pace of life today demands that we are always multi-tasking, over-committed, under pressure and increasingly disconnected from our own bodies. Consequently, there is an increase in physical, mental and emotional stressors which have a detrimental impact on our general health. Regular BCST treatments give your body the time and the space in which to recover a sense of spaciousness, fluidity and wholeness, which are the qualities of its inherent health. Sessions take place on a treatment table and you remain fully clothed during the 50 minute treatment. Samantha’s hands listen to your body, just as a counsellor might listen to your story, as it unwinds and relaxes. This release can be physical, mental or emotional. Long held patterns of trauma and inertia from accidents, illness, birth trauma and surgeries are stored in the cellular memory. When the body feels safe enough, these rise to the surface to be integrated and resolved. You may also opt to have a 90 minute session, which allows time to process the emotional and mental aspects which arise during the table work. "When we give ourselves the chance to let go of all our tension, the body's natural capacity to heal itself can begin to work" - Thich Nat Hahn Samantha’s clients most often report feeling a sense of greater ease and calm, better sleep, more energy and resilience. This leads to a greater ability to manage the physical and emotional conditions which they face, and ultimately to enhanced wellbeing. Read more

Online
In person

1 hr

150 AUD

1 hr 30 min

180 AUD

Neuroaffective Touch

Touch is a basic human need and a powerful medium for communication, connection, and healing.... Touch is a basic human need and a powerful medium for communication, connection, and healing. Neuroaffective Touch® psychotherapeutic is a gentle and powerful technique which incorporates touch with talk therapy and is especially effective for addressing early relational trauma and attachment deficits. Read more

Online
In person

1 hr

150 AUD

1 hr 30 min

150 AUD

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Reviews

5.00(3 reviews)
Practitioner avatar

Adrian

AWAKEN WELLNESS GATHERING | 26 March 2023 | Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

3 Apr 2023

Samantha is an amazing practitioner. Highly intuitive and skilled at listening to your bodies signals rather than your mind and... Samantha is an amazing practitioner. Highly intuitive and skilled at listening to your bodies signals rather than your mind and in doing so able to support the parasympathetic nervous system to amplify your bodies own healing network. Trying many practictioners over 15 years with debilitating chronic health conditions Samantha is one of the best i have experienced and i am adding her to my healing team. I highly recomend her if you feel craniosacral therapy can support your healing journey. Read more

Practitioner avatar

Response from Samantha

4 Apr 2023

Thank you so very much for that wonderful feedback Aidrian:) Wishing you renewed health and much joy for the next chapter of your... Thank you so very much for that wonderful feedback Aidrian:) Wishing you renewed health and much joy for the next chapter of your healing journey🙏🏽 Read more

Practitioner avatar

Natalie

AWAKEN WELLNESS GATHERING | 26 March 2023 | Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

27 Mar 2023

I had such a profound experience with Samantha. My body felt so safe and released so much. The shift in my energy was huge. I... I had such a profound experience with Samantha. My body felt so safe and released so much. The shift in my energy was huge. I left feeling so centred and aligned and blissful. Highly recommend Samantha 💖 Read more

Practitioner avatar

Response from Samantha

28 Mar 2023

Thank you Natalie 🙏🏽 Truly appreciate you taking the time to leave that heartfelt review. I hope the shifts and changes continue... Thank you Natalie 🙏🏽 Truly appreciate you taking the time to leave that heartfelt review. I hope the shifts and changes continue as the wisdom of your body unfolds. May our paths cross again, I look forward to hearing all about it! Read more

Practitioner avatar

Tanz

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

14 Apr 2022

As I’ve been dealing with stress and anxiety in my life, a friend suggested I try Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. The idea that... As I’ve been dealing with stress and anxiety in my life, a friend suggested I try Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. The idea that this therapy encourages the body to naturally heal itself appealed to me, so I didn’t hesitate to book in with Samantha. I wasn’t sure what to expect but right away I felt at ease with Samantha. Her gentle and calming manner helped me relax as she explained the therapeutic process which encourages the movement of fluids in the body through light touch, in detail. She also happily answered all my questions. The therapy room had a lovely ambience and when Samantha began the gentle technique, I felt like I was in safe hands. She explained what she was about to do each time she touched my shoulders, head, back or feet and I felt very comfortable. Afterwards we discussed the process again in terms of how I might feel post appointment and Samantha provided useful tips and asked me to contact her if I had any concerns. I felt relaxed and at peace afterwards and would not hesitate to have a follow up appointment with Samantha. Read more

Practitioner avatar

Response from Samantha

14 Apr 2022

Thank you for your kind feedback, wishing you well on your healing journey,🙏🏽Samantha

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