Meet Renn Pruitt | CranioSacral Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Renn Pruitt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renn, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I see giving up and continuing as symbiotic partners. I do both everyday. Sometimes I give up on a thought that isn’t evolving, a feeling that’s not serving me, a truth that needs to change, or something bigger like internalized ableism or perfectionism. It’s often the giving up that keeps me going because it creates the space for growth, like cutting dead branches off a tree so the rest can thrive. It fine tunes the things that are worth investing in, gives me clarity on where I want to direct my energy, and keeps me from spreading myself too thin. The more I do this, the more I build a solid foundation of things that I’ll never give up on, like myself, my family, my kids, my partner, my friends, my work, my dog. All of these focal points of investment will look different over time and I may give up on certain aspects about them that are ready for change, but my desire and commitment to invest in them will be continual.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is called Red Maple CranioSacral. It’s queer and neurodivergent affirming somatic therapy that builds nervous system resources to create a foundation for deep healing. CranioSacral Therapy is an individually catered modality so it’s my favorite tool for meeting diverse people in their multitude of intersections.

I’d say what sets me apart from others is my intention to create a community resource that bridges gaps between existing supports for healing trauma. There isn’t one singular modality that works for every person and I love to be in collaboration with a variety of therapists and practitioners to catch people who might otherwise fall through the cracks of traditional resources.

As far as overcoming challenges, I’ve had plenty that every business owner can relate to, but the one that takes the most nurturing for me is the balance between trusting the process and scarcity. For example, if my schedule is light, my default reaction is to stress about money. There’s not any benefit to me in stressing about money, but there is a lot of benefit in trusting that it’s already here because in doing that, I’m aligning myself with my needs in a deeper and untethered way. I’ve learned that if my schedule is light, it actually means I need to rest or tend to myself because people are on their way. Trusting the process is something essential to practicing CST. It gets very meta, but I’m treating Red Maple as I do any client on my table, knowing that I can trust their body, perhaps the essence of my business, to tell me where to go and what to do. And then all I need to do is listen and follow. And trust the process.

If you stuck with me through that little trip, I’m excited to share that I’ll have some new services to offer in the near future. I’m currently working on the details for coaching services for parents, therapists, teachers, etc who want to better support queer and/or neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults in their lives. I’ll also be offering coaching for neurodivergent partners in the multitude of complexities they’ll encounter. Additionally, I’m looking forward to offering extended(1-3 day long) CST experiences for deeper nervous system healing. I’ll have more on these developments soon.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ohh, what a dream. Well, now you’ve had a tiny intro to my best friend, Cait so here’s how I’d set up our week.

We’d have to make stops at my favorite local, queer owned shops Rebel, Transfigure, and Fox Naturals. We would definitely eat at The Electric Cheetah and Terra. I’d also be sure to include coffee stops at Lotus Brew, Scorpion Hearts Club, and Outside Coffee throughout the week. We would need some nature too so Provin Trails would be on the itinerary, as would the Grand Ravines and maybe even Sagatuck State Park.

I’d be sure to check in with my friends Sarah Joy and Torie over at Joyful Vitality to schedule some of the best, nourishing bodywork in the area. I’d also set up vitamin infusions at Biofuse and make an appointment at Phlōt for a sensory deprivation experience to nourish our neurospicy selves.

Something that would round out this trip for two tired parents who I’m pretending are off duty, is a nap and the best way I know how to nap is with the band, Nap Party. I’d call on my friend, Ben and his very talented friends who play beautiful, live music for the purpose of putting you to sleep. We’d, of course, invite all of our friends to have a collaborative rest before getting back to our daily lives.

This sounds really good. Like, REALLY good. Perhaps the next time my schedule is light, this is how I’ll be filling my time…Trust the process!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m privileged to be able to fill this space with names of encouraging and inspiring people who deserve major credit for where I am today. The two that I want to mention here are my partner, Luca and my best friend, Cait.

Luca consistently stands beside me through everything that shows up in our lives. And there’s been a lot for us to navigate so that’s really something special. They have given me endless space to explore my identity and they possess courageous willingness to redefine our relationship as we both rapidly evolve. I’m very proud of us for what we’ve created together and our dedication to living authentically.

Cait and I have been friends for almost 20 years and she very much deserves a shoutout. She knew me before I truly knew myself and shows me what family is by unconditionally welcoming me into hers. She has always offered her strength and wisdom to me as resources and I’m endlessly grateful for her generosity and humor, two of her qualities that are continually life giving.
I love you both.

Website: https://www.redmaplecst.com

Instagram: @redmaplecst

Facebook: @redmaplecst

Image Credits
Melissa LaHaie