Michael J. Shea is one of the leading teachers and authors in the fields of somatic psychology, myofascial release, and craniosacral therapy. He leads seminars in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

In 2019, I was officially recognized as having a 100% service-related PTSD disability. In 1972, as a soldier in the U.S. Army, I was caught up in a terrorist bombing. As a result of experiencing this moral violation and the resulting emotional trauma, I have spent my life studying and practicing therapies and methods to heal myself and others.

I was fortunate to have Dr. Jim Jealous as one of my mentors. He guided me in finding my embryo—his metaphor for love and compassion. Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is a gift from nature, and I am fortunate to have some understanding of it and to be able to share it with others. It does not belong to me. It meets the needs of today’s clients.

I now apply these principles to the cardiovascular system, the heart, and the immune system, which form the core of the biodynamic model that I teach and practice.

I teach what is known as the Long Tide model. It is based on the perception of Primary Respiration and its interplay with Dynamic Stillness. I begin my class with a guided meditation, which is applied to the work on the table in the afternoon. Afterward, I give a lecture or an audiovisual presentation. Before lunch, I then demonstrate the first steps of the practical work. We spend the entire afternoon practicing work on the bench and the relevant skills, interspersing the time with questions and answers.