Overview of the Craniosacral Therapy Training
"In order to cure the human body, it is necessary to have a knowledge of the whole of things."
- Hippocrates
This two-year part time training consists of eleven 4-5 day seminars, providing 48 days of classroom attendance. It offers a comprehensive and in-depth perspective of craniosacral therapy taught with a flexible approach that gives support for individual learning styles. Ten of the seminars are held at the Trust's light and convenient venue in London, and one 5-day seminar is held at a beautiful residential location in Herefordshire.
The training provides a balanced mix of theory and practical work. An emphasis is placed on the development of palpatory, perceptual and treatment skills which the student can integrate in a step by step process. The course has been designed so that the information and skills gained in each seminar are layered and built upon during subsequent seminars. The development of practical skills is based on the student's own explorations and experience of the work supported by supervision from tutors.
Trainings offered by the Trust follow a biodynamic perspective of craniosacral work. This model is based on an understanding of the natural forces that organise our form and function. The biodynamic approach was pioneered by osteopath Dr. William Sutherland, who discovered that there are a series of subtle rhythms that may be sensed through the body, bringing order and integration to both body and mind. Dr. Sutherland realised that these subtle motions are essentially produced by our inherent life force, which he referred to as the"Breath of Life". The Breath of Life acts as our most fundamental organising force which governs all other aspects of our physiological functioning. Therefore, the free and balanced expression of these rhythms is essential for our health and well-being.
The principles outlined in the pioneering work of Dr. Sutherland and his student Dr. Becker, together with the integrative approaches of Michael Kern and Franklyn Sills have played a major part in the development of course content and teaching methods. The course incorporates extensions of the work developed by other practitioners in the field and students are also introduced to related fields of practice, including Dr. Peter Levine's and Babette Rothschild's approaches for working with the effects of shock and trauma, Dr. William Emerson's work in pre-natal and birth process and Dr. Raymond Castellino's approach to working with babies, children and families.
As a principle of practice, students are encouraged to listen and respond to the treatment priorities led by the patient's own natural tendencies and capacities to find health. Treatment can then be applied with appropriateness, effectiveness and safety according to individual needs. The course includes a study of the movements that occur during our embryological development, because this provides great insight into how the body is organised and maintained throughout life.
The course is open to health care professionals from a wide variety of training backgrounds as well as those who wish to become therapists as a career change (a foundation course in anatomy and physiology is available for those with no previous experience). It is fully accredited by the Craniosacral Therapy Association UK and successful completion leads to a professional diploma. As part of the Trust's membership of the International Affiliation of Biodynamic Trainings, graduates are also awarded the designated letters B.C.S.T. (Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist). Graduates are also eligible to join Craniosacral Therapy practitioner associations in the U.S.A., Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Scandinavia, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and other countries.
Twelve Reasons to Study with the Craniosacral Therapy Educational Trust:
- We have been established since 1989 and have extensive experience of providing Craniosacral Therapy trainings
- We offer a comprehensive skills-based programme with a whole person and patient centred approach
- We teach a well-structured curriculum delivered in a friendly, creative and enjoyable environment
- Our clinical methods support the health of the patient, with an appreciation of the Breath of Life and Dynamic Stillness
- We supply extensive course notes at each seminar
- Our light and spacious training venue in London provides superb facilities with excellent transport links
- Our training is fully accredited by the Craniosacral Therapy Association UK (who award the letters R.C.S.T.) and many other international craniosacral practitioner associations
- Through our membership of the International Affiliation of Biodynamic Trainings all our graduates are awarded the designated letters B.C.S.T.
- We have a highly experienced team of tutors including some of the leading international teachers in the field
- We maintain a ratio of about one tutor to four students to ensure maximum supervision and support for the development of skills
- We provide an outstanding opportunity for the development of perceptual skills and instinctual abilities
- Our unique Teaching Clinic enables students to gain relevant clinical experience prior to graduation.
Please click on pages in the left margin for further details.
"As human engineers, as physicians, we are dealing with the most powerful force within the human body when we learn to use the tidal movements of body physiology, tidal movements designed by the Master Mechanic."
- Dr Rollin Becker
