About Michael Shea

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Dr. Michael Shea

Michael J. Shea is one of the preeminent educators and authors in the fields of somatic psychology, myofascial release and craniosacral therapy. He leads seminars throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Education, Certification and Experience

Dr. Shea received his master’s degree in Buddhist Psychology at Naropa University, and a doctorate in Somatic Psychology at The Union Institute. In 1986, he was certified as one of the first Full Instructors of CranioSacral Therapy by the Upledger Institute.

Dr. Shea has been a Florida Licensed Massage Therapist since 1976, and was an advanced rolfer for 20 years. He is a founding member of the International Affiliation of Biodynamic Trainings and the Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge task force (MTBOK).

Spiritual Education

Dr. Shea brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to teaching health and healing, with a teaching style grounded in a spiritual practice of developing compassion with the use of manual therapy.

He is a formal student of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and past apprentice with a medicine man on the Navajo reservation in Arizona.

Because of the influence of the Dalai Lama, Dr. Shea’s clinical focus is on treating infants and children with neurological problems and developmental delays. This also includes teaching clinical skills for adults that carry pre and perinatal trauma.

Books

including Somatic Psychology and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy – Volume 1 through 5, Myofascial Release Therapy and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy: The Heart of the Practice.  Michael’s latest book titled The Biodynamics of the Immune System: Balancing the Energies of the Body with the Cosmos now available on Inner Traditions and Amazon.

Personal

Dr. Shea makes his home in South Florida with his wife, Cathy.