Heart-based healing pilgrimage with Penelope van Maasdyk
From the nurturing containment of my therapy yurt to the top of a magical Cape mountain, I will guide your physical, vital, mental and psychic bodies on a pilgrimage through the passages and over the pathways that are hooking you back from living into the full capacity you manifested as. I would like to invite you on an exploration–a pilgrimage–towards your innate health and inherent intelligence, so you are better able to understand that which is blocking your way and better equipped to find your purpose.
I work with the whole system, guided predominantly by my training in Functional Craniosacral Therapy (Integral Health), Integral Coaching (UCT), TIME (Dynamic) Meditation (500-hour TTC), Transformational Yoga (500-hour TTC), but also tapping into the breadth and depth of life experience, supplemented by research and additional studies in nutrition, developmental and Jung psychology, psychic development, Vedanta, shamanism, quantum physics, neuroanatomy and much more.
Our bodies don’t hold any ultimate physical laws; only entrenched behavioural patterns. Sometimes this embodiment of our true selves is beneath a lifetime of injury, trauma, addiction, illness, and subsequent compensation. Our bodies don’t hold any ultimate physical laws; only entrenched behavioural patterns and if you listen to your symptoms you will hear them as your body’s messengers and your inner guide to health.
In the years between initially studying Developmental Psychology and training through Integral Health to become a qualified Craniosacral Practitioner and now an Integral Coach with UCT Graduate School of Business, I have worked in Investment Banking; Human Resources; Consulting; Grief Counselling; Social Development; Social Entrepreneurship; Mentoring and Writing. Everything works in symbiosis and union; this has been a life work. I have a passion for nutrition, personal development and holistic health and believe in a patient-led approach that values the integration of body, breath, mind and heart as one dynamic system.
Health is not merely the absence of disease; it is an entity in itself–a vitality, a glow, a clarity of mind–an inner pool of resourcing that allows our flourishing. Physical injuries, emotional and psychological stresses, birth traumas and toxicity can become imprinted in the body’s connective tissues (fascia, ligaments, muscles and bones), including the head, acting like a recording that is replayed whenever stimulated. Yet within all of us is the freedom to rise to a higher state of being.
Combining my certifications, my skills, my experience with my empathic intuitive approach, I will show up as all that I am and meet you in all that you are and together we will work on all levels of your being to re-establish the dialogue between your body and its inherent health. This is holistic healing that combines anatomical bodywork with spiritual development to guide you back to who you are … to the best version of you that you can be.
Find more information on my website https://wellworthbeing.com/
You can also email me an email at wellworthbeing@gmail.com
Watch out for special offers in the Holistca Gift Guide and consider giving the gift of wellbeing with a Well Worth Being gift voucher this Christmas
Drop me a line and we can discuss where you are looking to go and how I can guide or shadow you on that journey, whether through hands-on therapy or any of the other tools you feel will benefit your particular journey.
Each body has its own stories; my job is to listen–to hear its stories as clearly as possible–and to respond effectively. If a body has dis-ease, it also has the ability to find ease. It’s not about never getting injured physically, emotionally, mentally, psychically or spiritually but feeling the pain of the wound and using this as the map to navigate back to balance and healing.
No, not necessarily. Because the body functions as a whole and because this is a client-led therapy, focus may be on areas other than where symptoms occur and you may find that the reason you came for treatment is not what changes first.
I call myself a camino coach not simply because I take clients on coaching walks but also because I guide clients on their own path to health through bespoke sessions that include Craniosacral Therapy, Integral Coaching, Dynamic Meditation, Transformational Yoga, Somatic Release, Nature Immersion and Water Therapy.
I have been seeing Penelope for over a year, starting with Cranio Sacral treatments for pain, then also seeing her for Life Coaching sessions. In both cases I felt held in compassion, and in a space where deep wisdom, knowledge & intuition merged. *Penelope is super authentic – she doesn’t mince words but in that she is loving and cares for her clients after the session and I’m my case has since become a deep friendship.* She has an incredible library of knowledge in her head which she readily shares with enthusiasm. I have experienced some major shifts in my life with Penelope’s guidance. I definitely recommend her healing, compassionate, wise input for anyone wishing to feel better in mind body & spirit.
Penelope is a friend and as she visited Auroville this time (again) had time to offer some treatment, as a friend. I am not biased. I receive many different treatments from practitioners of various healing modalities here in Auroville but have to say that Penelope is one of the best I have encountered. It is such a subtle treatment, with the holding, but the body really responds and connects well. Truly restful and energising and highly recommended.
I had the good fortune to catch Penelope just a few days before leaving Cape Town. I had 2 sessions and this was my first ever experiencing a cranialsacral massage. I went in open minded and welcoming to the energy and wow — it ease SENSATIONAL. The energy that came through my feet specifically … the 1.5 hrs passed by and my body felt completely relaxed and just held.. Penelope is wonderful, not only with her hands/energy but also to speak with about life obstacles… wonderful soul. Hope to be back in Cape Town again so I can experience more. Thank you 🧡
Penelope is truly a gift to the world and I am so grateful to have met her on my wellbeing journey. She is an incredible cranio-sacral therapist with genuine healing hands- but she’s also so much more. The diversity of experience and modalities that she is able to bring into a session makes her treatments truly unique. She meets me where I’m at and is able to tap into what my whole being needs. She has helped me re-set my nervous system and create new neural pathways! How lucky am I! Penelope is also wonderful with children.
I had several sessions of cranial sacral therapy and found them to be of very high quality, a rare find indeed. Definitely recommend!
I live over 12,000km from Penelope, and yet her work as a healing angel has reached me. I was feeling low, no energy, struggling with self-confidence and every attempt I made to try and get stronger again just didn’t work. I messaged Penelope, she asked about my symptoms. She took time to fully understand what was wrong, how the last 6 months had been for me. And then wow! The suggestions and advice she gave me were incredible. I could tell the depth of knowledge she has on holistic health, it was wonderful to learn so much from her. I took her advice, and 2 weeks later and I am just about back to my old self. My mojo is back thanks to Penelope! So even if you can’t physically go to Penelope, she can still be your healing angel via zoom and WhatsApp. It’s “Well worth being”.
11 July, 2020
I had never heard of craniosacral therapy and for the first 20 minutes, was still scriptural (even though I’m very woo already 😉 ). However, then I drifted off and didn’t remember anything until Penelope softly woke me up. I walked out that door feeling fabulous, exuding confidence and guys whistling and hollering all of a sudden. Wow! I felt like Goddess! I returned for a second and third time and each time left completely recharged. Penelope’s calming and soothing energy did the rest! 100% recommend to anyone!
4 April 2020
Penelope came into my life at just the right time, unaware of just how profound those subtle changes were to become,she guided me towards myself and now I feel more myself than ever before. She is a master at her craft. Cranial sacral therapy (light thought therapy)can change lives and that is what her hands have done. Everyone should be blessed with a session from her. I am truly thankful to have had sessions with her and will continue to do so.
Feb 14, 2020
The treatments I have had with Penelope have been the most relaxing I have ever had. It felt to me like Penelope was a conduit to cosmic bliss. She didn’t get in the way. She was the connection to an amazing flow of energy which soothed and nurtured my nerves. Penelope helped me remember how amazing our bodies! Thank you Penelope!
31 January, 2020
I have been going to Cranial Sacral Therapy sessions with Penelope for the last year on and off and can not recommend her enough, she is a beautiful intuitive healer and gorgeous human being! I used to have frequent migraines and nerve pain in my arm from yoga which have completely disappeared. My body LOVES going to her, it goes into a deep state of healing and relaxation as soon as her healing hands touch my body and I leave in a state of bliss! As a transformational coach I often refer my clients to Penelope so we can work as a team, integrating all levels (body, heart/soul and mind) towards the client’s balance and wellbeing.
15 October, 2018
Penelope is lovely. A warm intuitive healer. I am writing this recommendation 9 months after my treatment – enough time has passed to know that her cranial sacred treatment has had a profound effect on my life. I can only describe it as feeling like tutonic plates in my brain, shifted into an alignment that opened my mind and soul to my authentic way of being. I have explored different types of therapy over many years, but Penelope’s intuition and healing hands has truly been the my most necessary and profound.
20 September, 2018
Penelope has an incredible gift of bringing alignment and a sense of peace to one’s body, mind and soul. My experiences with her have been out of this world. It is hard to put it into words. It is simply magical and the therapy brings comfort and wholeness – a deep sense of well being and peace to one as a whole.
20 September, 2018
Penelope is magical, I absolutely love my healing time with her. Penelope has helped me with my severe anxiety. I feel like a new person after seeing her. She is so calm and gentle. She cares so deeply for the the people she treats. I can talk to her about anything, she is an amazing healer and friend! Thank you Pens – you are wonderful and I am so grateful for our journey and your amazing healing touch! 🙂 xxx
13 September, 2018
I was lucky enough to be one of Pen’s “case studies” when she was studying – what a luck and what a privilege! I have since enjoyed a number of effective treatments, and can highly recommend her for her intuitive healing and insightful wisdom. I will be back for more!
13 September, 2018
Penelope is an incredibly knowledgeable person in the area of Craniosacral Therapy and health. Although a little hesitant before my first treatment early 2018, after a couple of treatments on a shoulder injury I was relieved of some of the pain already. She has a light touch, spends time evaluating and listens to your symptoms. I am so grateful for Penelope and will continue to recommend her.
11 September, 2018
When I met Penelope almost a year ago it was after seeing numerous health therapists to deal with a mysterious physical issue with no success in finding answers that I needed. It took the incredible healing power of craniosacral therapy and Penelope’s powerful intuition and guidance to help me shift the emotional, physical and spiritual blocks that manifested as my physical condition. The regular treatments with Penelope have allowed me the safe, non-judgemental, healing space I’ve needed to explore my own being. I have always found it difficult to relax completely and the treatments have given me the gift of complete relaxation. The feeling of being held by loving, nurturing hands helped my body to release deep emotional wounds that I’ve been carrying for a long time. My physical condition has improved dramatically and my energy has increased. My relationships have even improved because of my own growth. I feel transformed in so many ways. Thank you, Pen, for being the gentle, loving, wise being that you are!
Jan 7, 2018
I’d like to share my gratitude, to an extremely caring, warm, insightful and generous human being. Penelope has, with her Craniosacral skills assisted my mind, body and soul to begin a journey of healing and inner peace. Thank you very much Penelope for this and your friendship.
28 Dec, 2017
Penelope has changed my life with her beautiful healing. She is truly a gifted angel walking this earth. Cranio Sacral therapy is the most gentle yet intense, deep and healing treatment I have ever experienced. She has helped me heal and grow in so many ways and helped me heal scars I have been carrying through life. I am forever grateful.
21 Dec, 2017
After just the first session It felt like if I was ‘back on truck’ with my body perception, inner dialogue, space awareness and proprioception. The space Penelope provides together with her dedication, competence, gentle approach and her presence allowed me to sink into myself and to restart from a different basis. Cranio-sacral theraphy is indeed an inner journey. Thank you Penelope, I feel blessed!
14 Dec, 2017
Penelope was recommended to me by a friend for a pinched nerve in my neck, which was affecting my whole left arm. Not having had a Craniosacral treatment before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Well, I was in heaven. Not only did the pain lessen dramatically after just one session, but my entire body and mind, was drifting on cloud nine for a few hours afterwards. I would highly recommend anyone in pain or discomfort book an appointment without delay. I will be having regular treatments myself, just because I feel so amazing for the rest of the day!
14 December, 2017
I was unable to join Penelope in her studio and so she invited me to her home under the milkwoods. I had read about Cranio Sacral therapy and wondered why it took me so long to try it and so I found myself gently lying on her bed surrounded by nature. The moment she held my head in her hands, I started to feel a deep sense of release, little neurons firing off under her gentle guidance. I was suddenly aware of my entire nervous system, frazzled but alive and the gentle twitches continued until I awoke refreshed and exceptionally clear. Looking into the trees above I felt a sense of deep release and peace. What I became most aware of, were the vibrant colours, the lightness of being and the he sense that something profound had happened. What felt like a normal session to my amazement when I got home, I realised that I had been on her bed for over 2 hours. I cannot really describe what happened fully in that time suffice to say, my heart felt deeply at peace and wide open. I climbed into bed aware that little tingling sensations were firing all over my body. I slept. Penelope offered with her heart and soul the loving touch of a great carer and nurturer, her gentleness exudes through her hands and her integrity was felt in every pore. I would highly recommend this nurturing healer. Thank you Penelope.
30 August, 2017
Its a blissful , calm and lighter being the floats out of Penelope’s cranio sacral treatments . Her finely honed skills and superb intuitive powers have guided my being through release on all levels . She works with the highest integrity and a truly caring touch, re-aligning my body to release stress , tension and pain as if by “magic”
28 August, 2017
To be honest, I was nervous to start the journey with Penelope, which was why i so clearly needed to start. I didn’t know what to expect in my first session and it WAS an intense experience for me – an explosion, a release, the raging rivers of conversations and conflicts in my head steadied, my frantic internal dialogue quietened with her gentle, nourishing touch. I was so surprised how calm, clear and light I felt afterwards and days afterwards – It definitely was a revelation to me. Penelope has a natural intuition, coupled with a deep dedication to healing, unwavering commitment to her craft and a huge generosity of spirit – the healing continues and nourishes, thank to you!
15 Nov, 2016
I cannot say enough about Penelope & her craniosacral treatments. When treatment starts, I automatically go into a state of deep healing, with the profound effects being both short- and long-term. Everything feels in balance, and my body goes to states of healing I’ve never experienced before. Truly a remarkable service that is being offered here. Thank you Penelope!
12 June 1016
Penny is deeply committed to the art and science of healing. She puts Spirit first, and brings depth and fierce devotion to her work. I felt amazing after my sessions, and was given clarity on what it is i need to work with. Thanks Penny – keep it up.
– 24 May 2016
I have been receiving treatment from Penny for 18 months. I have experienced a profound journey of healing, self- awareness and expansion through her nourishing support, intuitive approach and knowledgeable feedback. She has assisted me in releasing blockages allowing flow and a state of balance to occur. Her work has been highly beneficial, giving me a better quality of life.
March 21, 2016
Both my head and body have been in dire need of treatment for some time. (My head for anxiety and stress and my body from injury and stiffness.) With her SC therapy Penelope has done amazing work in both areas. Not only has it really helped but the treatment itself is wonderfully calming and relaxing.
Mar 21, 2016
I have had the pleasure of being treated by Penny. Her gentle way and intuitive knowledge is a testament to maturity of her treatments. She managed to unlock some deep seated emotions, I am very grateful to have her treat me.
I live over 12,000km from Penelope, and yet her work as a healing angel has reached me. I was feeling low, no energy, struggling with self confidence and every attempt I made to try and get stronger again just didn’t work. I messaged Penelope, she asked about my symptoms. She took time to fully understand what was wrong, how the last 6 months had been for me. And then wow! The suggestions and advice she gave me were incredible. I could tell the depth of knowledge she has on holistic health, it was wonderful to learn so much from her. I took her advice, and 2 weeks later and I am just about back to my old self. My mojo is back thanks to Penelope! So even if you can’t physically go to Penelope, she can still be your healing angel via zoom and WhatsApp. It’s “Well worth being”.
The death of my mother was the beginning of many deaths and rebirths . Penelope’s timely intervention at that difficult time of transition was life changing.I initially thought CST would help with the grieving process, then I realized that so much more was shifting .Penelope has a deeply intuitive, gentle approach, and her strength in holding one’s vulnerabilities in this process of going deep into the body and psyche is quite phenomenal.Her insight and practical wisdom from lived experience offers guidance to deal with what comes up . The treatment journey opened me up to hearing, seeing , feeling and finding my way again . I am deeply grateful.
Had no idea what to expect. Left Penelopes treatment room nourished and deeply deeply relaxed. Months of work related stress had left me feeling tired and imbalanced. Penelopes healing hands and calming energy aligned me and left me feeling absolutely blissed. Been for all sorts of treatments. This is special and so enjoyable. I feel everybody with crazy jobs need to know that this is available. Next session is booked. Thank you! It was magic.
What makes treatments with Penn is it’s not just her healing hands – it’s her healing heart and spirit. Her Wisdom and insights add another dimension to her sessions that make them profound and powerful beyond words. I am so grateful for my sessions, I always look forward to the next one and the shifts that have happened through consistent treatments as been incredible. I so recommend Penn – she is an amazing healer because it comes from her heart in addition to her healing hands.
Ellie’s healing covers the whole system: head, heart and body. I explored cranio in late 2020 while undergoing multiple life changes and came across Ellie and her sanctuary in Houtbay. My healing has been phenomenal and attributed to her being fully present in the sessions with her intuition, her life experience and her healing hands. I leave the sessions relaxed yet fully aware to all of me, head, heart and body. The initial sessions were intense and we both had to work quite hard, I am now in maintenance mode and keeping a great balance. Keep doing what you doing, most appreciated I am grateful for the healing you do.
24 May 2021
Whilst I enjoy active yoga at gym I find I leave a yoga session with Penelope feeling destressed, calm and happy. I love her warm and patient, guiding instruction and the special attention to breathwork and gentle stretching relaxes me. I highly recommend Penelope’s brand of yoga.