already a therapist
Take Your Practice to the Next Level with CranioSacral Therapy
If you’re already a therapist, qualified, insured and working hands-on with clients*—you might be searching for a powerful way to deepen your practice and support your clients in achieving lasting change. That’s where CranioSacral Therapy (CST) comes in.
So, what’s it really like to train in Upledger CST?
Our students often say:
“It’s a journey.”
But what does that mean, exactly?
When you’re already a therapist, you likely know that lasting change doesn’t always come from doing more—it often comes from doing less, but more effectively. With Upledger CST, you’ll learn a gentle yet profoundly impactful way to support your clients’ nervous systems and release deep-seated restrictions.
Let’s explore how this journey begins.
(*Not yet? Check out this page, then the Training from Scratch page too!)
Your journey begins with CST1, our 4-day foundational course. If you’re already a therapist, this class will expand your skill set in a truly unique way, opening you up to subtle rhythms and non-invasive techniques that still deliver big results. This immersive course runs at least four times a year in various UK locations. You can find the upcoming dates on our Calendars page or sign up here.
From day one, you’ll:
- Learn to feel the craniosacral rhythm
- Discover how light touch can lead to profound change
- Develop a 10-Step Protocol to take straight into practice
- Begin working with fascia—including areas you may not have treated before, such as the cranial and spinal regions
Many therapists describe CST1 as a complete shift in how they work. It’s not just about technique—it’s about connection, sensitivity and trust in the body’s innate healing ability.
But that’s just the start….!
What Comes Next? The Full Core Curriculum
To become fully qualified in Upledger CST in the UK, you’ll progress through our Core Curriculum, which includes:
We call them CranioSacral Therapy 2 (CST2), SomatoEmotional Release 1 (SER1), SomatoEmotional Release 2 (SER2) and Advanced CranioSacral Therapy 1 (ADV1).
The first four are 4-day modules and the fifth is 5 days, held on retreat.
These courses must be taken in order. Most students take 3–6 months between each class to practice and integrate the skills, though if you’re practicing regularly, you may be ready sooner.
What You’ll Get From Each Course
CranioSacral Therapy 1
Your hands find a new way to work.
You feel new rhythms and learn to ‘hear more’ with your hands – using less pressure than you may expect.
You explore different ways to treat fascia – the connective tissue that runs all through the body – including (probably) new areas like the head and spinal cord.
Your hands’ proprioceptors wake up further and their feeling sense reaches a new level.
You come out with a ’10 Step Treatment Protocol’ to take away and practice LOTS. Like a musician learning and then practicing scales and studies until they are fluent.
Even this first level of skills can be a game changer for your clients.
Leave with extraordinary techniques for a whole body treatment that embeds the essence of the CST approach.
CranioSacral Therapy 2
Connect even more deeply with clients to help their body make even deeper structural and energetic change.
Firstly you see why a hugely important bone in the skull – the sphenoid – is so important.
Then you experience the transformation that can come from treating the bones of the face and hard palate…
After that, you venture ‘off-piste’.
Wouldn’t it be helpful to know EXACTLY WHERE a body wants / needs you to start treating? And where to go after that? Learn exciting and efficient ways to hone right in, every time… And a few more awesome ways to work when you are there.
SomatoEmotional Release 1
Reach deeper into you – hold a more potent space for clients.
After LOTS more practice of all the work from the previous classes, this next level demonstrates the extraordinary value of releasing what Dr Upledger called ‘the avenue of expression’ – tissues of the throat and floor of the mouth.
You learn more about the ways we hold emotion in the body and how to work with emotions that surface with hands-on tissue work (ie somato – body tissue – emotional release or SER).
Imagine becoming confident to work with feelings, images or experiences coming up for the client. It’s a lot about learning how to hold space. Empower the client. Not fixing anything for them but sitting alongside them on their journey.
To do this well? Things we need to work on in ourselves also have a way of surfacing…
SomatoEmotional Release 2
Now you are cooking! Developing the craft, deepening the art form…
In this class you expand and deepen the possibilities you offer your clients, exploring how to integrate aspects of psychosynthesis, Gestalt and Jungian psychologies with our bodywork approach.
This brings you different tools and possibilities to help clients discover more about themselves and improve their body-mind-spirit wellbeing at an even deeper level.
All while we are still working hands-on, fully observing and being guided by the changes happening in the body’s tissue.
Advanced CranioSacral Therapy 1
Commitment. To your work. Your clients. Yourself.
You will continually hear us emphasise the importance of getting on the table ourselves, getting treatments, doing our inner work. It is a vital part of our growth as practitioners.
This class delivers this in spades: working multi-hands for 5 days on retreat.
You experience when to speak, when to employ a technique, when to be silent… to follow what their system is asking for to support its healing.
In your turn on the table you dive in to yourself, and come away more proficient at holding the space for others.
A light touch creating deep change… welcome to the magic of CranioSacral Therapy.
How to Become Qualified
In the UK, qualification is recognised by the Cranio Sacral Society, our accrediting body. To achieve your CST-Techniques qualification, you’ll need to:
- Complete the 5 core curriculum courses
- Pass the required assessments
- Maintain your Society membership
Why the Cranio Sacral Society? It’s a long story involving government initiatives and professional self-regulation, but in short, it ensures you’re recognised and supported as a qualified CST practitioner.
And then there’s the other part of the journey…
The more personal one, that you probably can’t predict or anticipate, other than knowing that to help your clients find their path to healing, you have to find yours first.
Our students’ take on each of the classes
CST1: An Enriching Experience
I have certainly gained a wider understanding of the processes involved in CST and so much more besides… I might go so far as to say this was a really enriching experience that I want to take forwards and I will work out where and how this will fit for me. Thank you for this amazing course!
Meilssa
The Gift of CST2
‘The CST2 course was a wonderful, supportive learning environment. Caroline has a unique ability to breathe life into anatomy and technique lectures in a way that makes content immediately accessible and enjoyable. Leaving the course feeling enthusiastic and motivated to treat and prepare for the next step in the therapeutic process, rather than overwhelmed by information, is the real gift and value of Upledger courses.’
Carol Watt
The Post CST2 effect….
Since starting my training in CST I have noticed a huge shift on every aspect of myself – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I feel I am more in touch with my true essence than I have been since I was about 5 years old, more centred, more grounded, more at peace. With regards to my holistic therapy work, CST has brought in new layers and new depths to all my treatments. I feel I get to the source of patients’ problems much quicker than before and have so many tools to help them heal. As a homeopath, I feel that CST works in a very similar way, in that it encourages the body’s own healing system to recentre and rebalance, without force, which is how I love to work.
Sam Mitchell
The SER1 Boost…
SER1 helped to boost my confidence and strengthen the techniques I have learned. Extraordinary content and amazing instructors. There is also always so much support from the students and assistants in the classes too.
If you feel this course is for you be prepared to go beyond!! Enjoy the path…
Daniella B
SER1: So helpful for my practice
This class furthered my experience of and confidence in communicating with my inner wisdom. In my practice I can see I am becoming more neutral and allowing more time and space for the wonder and witnessing of CST work. It’s very helpful for my practice!
Lorena McLaughlin
SER2 from Afar…
I decide to come to this course (from Spain) to have a different experience. I was a little hesitant at first because of the language, but Caroline and Maggie and the group made me feel really comfortable and I have had an amazing experience here in the UK. I’ll recommend it to anyone.
Guillemo
After SER2
What a journey! Wonderful teaching in a lovely gentle manner & pace, allowing for questions, process, examples of client reactions & also laughter when needed. Such a valuable learning experience – again – giving me confidence & awareness of how many actual CST tools I have. #inspired-excited-grateful
Clare J
Advanced 1: Transformative training
When I began my CST journey my perception was about being a therapist and helping others. While it has delivered this in bucket loads at all course levels, it has also been transformative for me. This work has allowed me to get a sense of who I am, to feel more connected to my physical body, my emotions and my spiritual self. It has opened doors I never thought I would be capable of walking through but I did.
The Institute supports their students on their journey as do the other members in your class groups so you never feel alone or isolated.
If this work sparks a light within you don’t hesitate – act upon that light. You have nothing to loose yet so much to gain.
Mark Woodgate
On the Core Pack…
The core pack has been an amazing experience for me and has meant I have been able to continue on a journey I never thought I would be taking, physically, mentally and emotionally both for myself and my clients. It has also meant that I am going to be doing the CSTT exams which would probably not have been done if I had not taken the Core Pack. It is better value for money too if you plan on starting on this journey as you know you will have the 5 main courses under your belt. I would certainly recommend anyone starting on the CST journey go with the core pack.
Naomi Pegden
On the Core Pack and Qualifying
For anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge about themselves, and explore the CST work – in order to be a more skillful therapist and have more tools and resources to help their clients – qualifying with Upledger has been one of the best investments in myself and my career. The vast knowledge, expertise and experience of the instructors and tutors was incredible and made assimilating the information easier and fun.
Anon
Common Questions
I have previous healthcare experience but I’m not sure if it is enough?
If you have a background in some form of healthcare but either:
then you may need to do the Training from Scratch programme, with or without the Foundation Certificate in Body Science (anatomy, physiology & pathology).
We work this out on a case by case basis. Have a look on this page and on the Training from Scratch page and if you’re still not sure then please give us a call so we can help!
I’ve done other CST training – can I skip the first few courses and do the advanced ones?
Sometimes we get asked by students who have done other CST trainings (or part of them) at another school, if they can join our further courses or continue their training with us.
Unfortunately this is not possible as, although there will be some crossover, there will also be differences and we need everyone to be on the same page when they are in any class beyond CST1.
If you do decide to join our training too we guarantee you will still learn lots to add to your practice!
Can I get something ‘real’ to read with all the info in it?
Yes! We can email you our training prospectus, as a pdf, in minutes… and if you love to get proper mail, we’re really happy to send you a fancy printed one in an old-fashioned envelope (I know!). Or hey, push the boat out and do both!
You can also see our FAQs page. And if you’ve still got questions? Contact us!
Curious but Not Yet a Therapist?
Want to discover how CST could transform your practice?
Our FREE 5-Part Email Course spills the beans!
So, if you’re Cranio Curious, this is the perfect way to get started – just fill in your email and check your inbox for those beans!
And if you KNOW and you want our BEST training package, for the BEST price:
The ‘missing system’ that makes the CST difference
Even if you’re already a therapist with a toolbox full of techniques, many practitioners describe CST as the missing link—the piece that finally brought everything together. CST will add a depth and trust to your work and take away the need to know what to do to ‘fix’ or the thinking that we should know what needs to happen.
There is something hugely respectful about just listening and following the body, allowing it to express and maybe even release what is really going on there. Often patients feel deeply listened to, maybe for the first time.
Learning to trust this can be a process in itself!
In the 70’s, Dr John Upledger was invited to Michigan State University to assess the validity of the Cranial Osteopaths’ claims of cranial bone movement. Over 7 years, this research, (which showed it was), fed into his practice and conclusion that the cranial bones were often ‘slaves to the fascia’.
The way that the fascia and fluid surrounding the central nervous system contributed to a subtle rhythm suggested that we could therefore consider these part of another body system – the craniosacral system: this was missing from many people’s understanding.
The profound effect this system has on the nervous system and therefore our whole wellbeing, suggests it needs to be in good working order!
CST, as distinct from Cranial Osteopathy, grew out of this.
Dr Upledger’s first book ‘CranioSacral Therapy’ was published in 1983. Since then, he went on to publish six more, each one expanding on his innovative ideas and deepening the understanding of this remarkable work.
Alongside this, he developed an approach for addressing emotional issues that surface during treatment—calling it SomatoEmotional Release. Importantly, this is not separate from CST, but an integral part of how the work unfolds.
At its core, CranioSacral Therapy aims to treat the fascia within the cranium and spinal cord, as well as the fluid that surrounds and protects them. In doing so, we engage with areas of the body that are often overlooked in traditional therapies.
As a result, many clients experience profound relief—whether from chronic symptoms, functional limitations or deeper emotional patterns. This gentle approach can lead to significant improvements in both physical health and emotional wellbeing.
Over the years, practitioners from all over the world—from the UK to New Zealand and back again—have been drawn to this work. Again and again, they report something that keeps them returning: a sense that this is the missing piece they were searching for.
It will bring a missing piece to your sessions.
What a gift you’ll be giving yourself.
What a space you’ll be able to hold for clients.
Are you in?
A reminder: what you’ll get from working with us
‘Tell me, where exactly does the mind end and the body begin?’
I could go on…
If you’re already a therapist and feel like something’s missing or you’re just curious about how CST can enrich your work, then we invite you to take the next step.
Have you had a session or three with an experienced therapist?
If you haven’t yet, go and experience it for yourself. Then decide.
Or if you know:
community
Wonder what others think?
Check out our
The experience and learning were completely AMAZING! Thank you again. Thank you for your email and support, it’s always helpful!
Not a qualified therapist yet but want to become one?
Looking for a world-changing job you’ll love, every day?
Our Training from Scratch programme will get you there!
