Further Courses

The Leading Edge…

As Dr Upledger treated many, many people presenting with a vast array of different ‘issues’ (for want of a better word), CST developed – almost by itself.
 
These developments brought us exciting new classes like The Brain Speaks, CST and the Immune Response, a range of Clinical Application classes, and CST for Paediatrics.
 
The same basic paradigm applied to different areas of speciality and focus. (Most have a pre-requisite class of at least SER1.)
 
New classes are still designed and developed so we all continue to expand our knowledge, understanding and practice, and in the end – as Dr Upledger hoped – to simply help more people.
 
Here are some of the ones we run regularly – but keep an eye on the calendar and emails for what’s on the schedule..

We are very excited to be running not one but two new courses this year – CST via the Matrix; Addressing our Primal Health by Embodying our Embryology (bit of a mouthful I know!) and CST for Concussion.

Courses for Working with Children

CST for Paediatrics 1 or CSP1

CranioSacral Therapy for Paediatrics 1 addresses the special application of CranioSacral Therapy, SomatoEmotional Release®  and Energy Cyst release on newborns, infants and children. The course will take you on a playful journey through the differences in anatomy between babies, children and adult craniosacral systems and how, as a result, we adapt techniques appropriately.

You will learn how to engage and connect with children who are not neurotypical, and begin to get an understanding of the neurology behind unusual behaviours, neurological development and reflexes. You will practice feeling the CS rhythm and working on a moving target!

After gaining a better understanding of the birth process, there will be an opportunity for you to complete your biological process around your own birth, invaluable for learning how to hold a space for someone who has yet to resolve their own birth issues.

The development of a grounded therapeutic presence runs through the whole of this course, as it is even more important when working with babies, children and their families than when working with an adult. A child grows in a family, so family dynamics are addressed, as well as how, as a therapist, you can work with this and recognise what is happening.

There will be ample opportunity for supervised practice sessions with babies, children and their families on the third and fourth day of the course. By the end of the four days, you will have gained a good understanding of paediatric work, and confidence in working with children.

Highlights:

  • Learn how early therapy on newborns and infants can possibly reduce the percentage of central nervous system problems
  • Explore the developmental landmarks that occur month by month during and after gestation
  • Practise working with infants and children in a supervised environment
  • Discover a 10-step protocol you can perform to help evaluate a newborn
  • Discuss ways to apply CST to children with learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, seizures or other health challenges
  • Explore special topics, such as understanding the birth process and treating the pregnant mother and foetus along with the new mother and newborn, and working in a conventional obstetrical setting

Pre-requisite: SER1

CST for Paediatrics 2 (CSP2)

This workshop expands upon the special issues that surround the applications of CranioSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release® as they pertain to newborns, infants and children. This course will deepen and explore the knowledge and experience of CSP1, as well as adding several brand new techniques for use with babies and children. These techniques have only recently been developed and are very effective with little ones.

Family dynamics are explored in more depth, looking specifically at the energy dynamics between family members.

Development in utero is explored prior to you having an invaluable opportunity to address any developmental issues of your own through the completion of developmental process sessions.

The anatomy of the cranial nerves, so fundamental to our work with children with learning and sensory issues, is explored in both a didactic and experiential way to make it come alive in your hands.

As with CSP1, there will be plenty of opportunity to work in supervised sessions with babies, children and families.

Highlights

  • Explore in more depth and detail the topics introduced in the first level CSP class
  • Learn how treating the entire family and its dynamics powerfully impacts the healing process and health of the child
  • Practise working with infants and children in a supervised environment
  • Understand and apply important knowledge of specific brain anatomy/physiology to fine-tune CST treatments
  • Apply an understanding of the gestational process to facilitate cellular change within the infant/child who has experienced difficulty in their embryological, foetal development
  • Gain more insight into the aetiology of some childhood ailments and disorders
  • Increase creative dialoguing and imagery skills in the application of SER to paediatrics by focusing on ‘cell talk’
  • Learn the application of five new treatment techniques for infants and children

Pre-requisite: CSP1 and plenty of paediatric practise
A Brain is Born by John E. Upledger, DO, OMM.

CST for Conception, Pregnancy & Birthing (CCPB)

By learning how to incorporate CranioSacral Therapy into the birth process in this powerful workshop, you’ll not only help very deserving mums, you’ll give babies the best possible opportunity to begin their lives free of restriction, and prepare them to grow into well-adjusted children and adults.

Highlights

  • Explore new ways to apply CST through all three trimesters and beyond
  • Find out how to palpate two craniosacral rhythms: that of the mother and of the child
  • Practise specific techniques to create the best possible gestation, labour and delivery
  • Gain a thorough understanding of anatomy and palpation on many different levels
  • Learn two protocols, one for mums and another for newborns

Pre-requiste: SER1
A Brain Is Born by John E. Upledger, DO, OMM.

Sensory Integration for CranioSacral Therapists (SICS)

Course length: 2 days

Sensory Integration is the critical brain function responsible for producing a composite picture and organising sensory information for our ongoing use. When the brain is unable to correctly process information coming in through the senses, the problem may be Sensory Integration Dysfunction, also known as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). In this exciting workshop, you’ll discover how to work with SPD from the CST perspective, to help children reach their health and performance goals more effectively.

Highlights:

  • Hone your understanding of sensory processing and how it integrates in the central nervous system and related neuroanatomy
  • Learn to identify Sensory Processing Disorders more effectively
  • Find out how to adapt a CST session to meet the specific needs of those with SPD
  • Discover tools that can help youngsters with SPD stay calm and relaxed during therapy
  • Practise specific methods of blending CST with Sensory Integration to meet functional goals.

CSP1 and plenty of paediatric practise

Courses for Working with the Brain

The Brain Speaks 1 (TBS1)

The Brain Speaks explores the potential for communicating with a person’s brain – namely its subdivisions, structural components and individual neurons. It’s a candid and in-depth exploration into the possibilities that may be achieved by tapping into the collective consciousness of an organ or tissue using imagery and dialogue. While the class includes lecture, demonstration and hands-on practise, an integral component is the sharing of experiences among participants as they practise and assimilate their encounters while communicating with another person’s brain.

Highlights

  • Receive detailed instruction in neuroanatomy, physiology, and the biochemical processes of neurological function
  • Be guided into imagery and dialogue with specific brain and spinal cord parts and their dysfunctional units
  • Attempt, upon dialogue initiation, to obtain information from those central nervous system parts and functional units that relate to the individual’s present health and vitality, stresses, past injuries or physiological conditions that may be suboptimal.

Pre-requisite: SER1
A Brain Is Born by John E. Upledger, DO, OMM.

The Brain Speaks 2 (TBS2)

TBS2 builds upon the skills of TBS1. Whereas TBS1 is a brain overview course, TBS2 builds on the skills introduced and developed in TBS1 and uses them to explore and work with specific dysfunctions and patterns encountered frequently in clinical practice.

Highlights

  • Learn to work more effectively with traumatic brain injuries and concussive injuries
  • Learn more specific techniques for treating seizure disorders
  • Use information from the latest research, understand the autistic brain, and how to work with it
  • Learn about cutting-edge research and information regarding emotional trauma, PTSD and persistent stress, and how they affect the anatomy and physiology of the brain, as well as how to address these problems with CST
  • Learn about the conditions for healthy brain development in early childhood and what happens when these conditions are not met; as well as how to address these deficits using CST and Therapeutic Imagery and Dialogue
  • Learn about the polyvagal aspect of the autonomic nervous system and how this newly discovered autonomic function can help heal the brain from stress and trauma
  • Learn to treat Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and dementia, with greater success.

Pre-requisite: SER1
A Brain Is Born by John E. Upledger, DO, OMM.

CranioSacral Therapy Applications for Concussion (CSTAC)

This advanced level seminar is designed to inform the practitioner of CranioSacral Therapy (CST) of the current science related to Persistent Concussive Symptoms (PCS) and how to apply the CST paradigm utilizing CST techniques to assist people in concussion recovery. Prerequisite skills will be explored from a post-concussive perspective while new methods will be employed to facilitate healing of a variety of post-concussive symptoms.  All approaches will rely on the Significance Detector to ensure precision in honouring the uniqueness of each individual’s adaptive pattern.

Highlights

  • Explain the need for manual therapy in concussion recovery.
  • Describe the pathophysiology of concussion
  • Demonstrate both original and new applications of CST for PCS recovery.
  • Develop and fine tune advanced listening and palpation skills related to structural and dysfunctional tissues as a result of a concussive event.
  • Apply the new knowledge base when participating in patient approved discussions with their physician and/or therapists.
  • Identify opportunities for sharing the value of CST with other healthcare professionals specializing in concussion care.
  • Identify opportunities for sharing the value of CST with other healthcare professionals specialising in concussion care.

Pre-requiste: SER1

CST Touching the Brain 1

Just inside the bony cranium we all have billions of star-shaped cells in our brain. Brain stars are part of a family of cells called “glia.” Glial cells are major regulators of nervous system development, structure and function. They are involved in all aspects of nervous system health and pathology. Glia and neurons create our inner universe of sensation, perception, memory and action. Reaching inward … we can gently touch them.

This course (and the following one – CSTTB2) will explore:

Highlights

  • How do craniosacral therapy (CST) techniques reach into the brain or spinal cord?
  • Is there a biomechanical pathway through which CST corrective techniques are transmitted from a practitioner’s hands into the depths of the central nervous system (CNS)?
  • If so, what cells form this corrective pathway, what do they do, and how do they help CNS healing and function?
  • Learn ways to communicate with different cell types to help improve their performance.

The answer to all of these questions may reside in glia.

The craniosacral system connects directly to the glial cell matrix of the brain and spinal cord.  This connection is a powerful route by which you can use CranioSacral Therapy glial technique to improve nervous system structure, function, healing and health.

Highlights

  • Investigate glial cell types and functionExplore how glial cells build a therapeutic interface from outside the Central Nervous System (CNS) to inside the CNS
  • Discover the role of glial cells in generating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and regulating CSF flow
  • Learn how glial cells help the CNS heal
  • Stimulate optimal nervous system health by using CST glial techniques
  • Work with nervous system disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing issues, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative disorders, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, chronic pain, spinal cord trauma, anxiety and neuropathy, through the application of CST glial technique
  • Enhance, enrich and refine your CST palpation and treatment skills.

Pre-requisite is CST2.

CST Touching the Brain 2

This course will go further into exploring the questions and ways of working introduced in CSTTB1 into working with the:

  • Eyes, retinal glia, optic tract.
  • Schwann cells, myelin sheath, axon pathways, neuromuscular junction. Sensory system satellite glia (trigeminal ganglia, dorsal root ganglia), peripheral to central inflammatory cascade.
  • Autonomic Nervous System satellite glia (sympathetic, parasympathetic and enteric divisions), monitoring the stress response.
  • Gut-Endothelial barrier, Gut-Vascular barrier, Hepatic Portal System.
  • The peripheral and central extracellular matrix as a medium to address global and local patterns of health and distress

Glial information is very important to understanding the central nervous system and it’s directly interconnected in how CST creates change. It’s a really exciting class!

Pre-requisite CTTB1

Courses for Expanding Your Reach

SER Techniques and Mastering the Inner Physician (SERTIP)

Developed by Stan Gerome, LMT, this workshop offers a dynamic adjunct to the work of CranioSacral Therapy (CST) and is designed to help you access the client’s Inner Physician by using the cranial rhythm, the soft touch of CST and interweaving the concepts of Jung, Perls and Assagioli. With this method you are guided by imagery as it is presented by the client rather than serve as the guide to imagery.

Highlights:

  • Explore techniques to bring your nonconscious into a more material existence
  • Practise drawing your nonconscious images and dialoguing with them face-to-face
  • Learn how to use sounding vowels and other internal vibrations, along with a 10-step protocol designed to enhance imagery and dialogue
  • Discuss in greater detail Dr. Upledger’s ideas on imagery and dialogue and the psychosynthesis map
  • Practise using the significance detector

Pre-requisite: SER1

CST and the Immune Response 1

The goal for this class is to teach you how to help the immune system perform its magic better. To accomplish that, you’ll learn how to communicate with different cell types to find out how you can help them improve their performance — especially when invading microorganisms gain a foothold.

You’ll study and ‘communicate’ with the many glands and organs involved in the immune system: the liver, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes and others. And you’ll explore the production of the various molecules of communication, including cytokines, cytoxins and other protein molecules.

Highlights

  • Learn to use the craniosacral rhythm to evaluate activites of the different areas of the immune system (this is amazing!)
  • Study the various glands, organs and cells involved in the innate and adaptive immune system
  • Explore the production of various molecules of communication
  • Learn ways to communicate with different cell types to help improve their performance.

Pre-requiste: SER1
Cell Talk by J E Upledger.

CST for the Enteric Nervous System – The Second Brain (CCSB)


This new course, developed by our very own Nikki Kenward, will take your hands and minds on a fascinating journey into the cells and tissues of the enteric nervous system. Applying the CST skills we know and love, and the essence of the way we practice to this complex area, will give us a range of new options for working with anyone with gut challenges.

You will learn about some of the new research that is shedding light on the intricacies of the nervous system, how it communicates within the tissues of the digestive system, how the feedback loops include the brain and when they don’t.

Pre-requiste: SER1

CST via the Matrix; Addressing our Primal Health by Embodying our Embryology (CSTMAP)


Aspects of this class were previously taught in CCPB2. Class content has been revised to focus on work with adults.
 
In this powerful workshop, using original notes from Dr. John E. Upledger, this class explores current research that supports many of his theories. You will spend time looking at boundaries, blending, neutral and the power of intention. You will explore ancestral blueprints and how they affect us, including holding cells of family members for years.

Using Cell Talk you will see how to change the story in your cells by changing the cellular memory that didn’t work for you, and strengthen the positive memories that you may not be aware of, or may not be paying attention to. You will track the development and movement of hormones, and how stress and inherited conditions can affect them.
 
The Ecology of the Womb and how Primal Health sets up our health and immune patterns for life will be discussed. You will look at the development of the nervous system and how glitches in the system can create problems in the development of your sensory systems, and the domino effect of how it affects your physical body. You will learn to trace your nerves back to their development and how we might see this show up in ourselves and our clients.

You will explore the development of the embryo, the CST system, the cranial bones and the brain, and new techniques to create change utilizing information from A Brain is Born and moving it forward by adding techniques.
 
Highlights:

  • Describe development of the craniosacral system, the cranial bones, the senses, the chakras, and the brain in utero and in the first nine months
  • Learn about the microbiome and how birth interventions can interrupt the development of the immune system, which can create life long health issues that can be passed on to future generations; learn how CST has been shown to help prevent this.
  • Explain resetting the system via the umbilicus.
  • A more in depth look at the powerful placenta..

Pre-requiste: SER1

Clinical Applications Classes

Clinical Applications for CST (CACS)

Clinical Applications programs were developed for therapists to refine their CST abilities through observation, interaction and participation in supervised treatment sessions in all roles, including being on the table. The class offers an open format with the time necessary to fully answer participant’s questions and provide focused and individual instruction.

The emphasis is on review, discussion and practices, and working on your own process. Doing our own inner work is a central tenet of the Upledger work, and these courses will give you the chance to continue that.  As a participant, you’re invited to:

  • Hone your expertise in blending with clients, learning to understand and read their body needs better
  • Fine-tune your palpatory capabilities
  • Delve deeper into body/mind integration
  • Practise each role involved in multiple-hands sessions – including that of the lead therapist
  • Gain insights into using your time and energy most efficiently
  • Ask specific questions, and review the material of your choice
  • Participate in in-depth group discussions with your colleagues
  • Build confidence and skills in preparation for certification in CranioSacral Therapy.

These classes can be conducted with the focus of CST techniques, which covers the material in CST1 and CST2; a different class, based around SER work will review the SER process, locating and releasing energy cysts, covers more about integrating therapeutic imagery and dialogue and delves deeper into vector integration and alignment, meridians and chakras.

The Advanced and Peadiatric classes will also explore the characteristics and qualities needed in a therapist to support clients through deep process work, and children and their families within the latter. They will help you become aware of ways in which you can develop and maintain these qualities in yourself.

Clinical Applications for SER (CASR)

See the info for CACS as well – this class’s focus is based around SER work.

We will review the SER process, locating and releasing energy cysts, cover more about integrating therapeutic imagery and dialogue and delve deeper into vector integration and alignment, meridians and chakras.

You will the opportunity to be in each role in sessions – lead therapist, support therapist and be on the table, as well as ask the questions and clarify any topics that have arisen in your CST practice.

You’ll:

  • get much more certain about Knowing when SER is happening (track SD)
  • increase the depth & effectiveness of your touch
  • initiate helpful ‘conversation’ that follows and flows with the client’s inner wisdom
  • Learn ways to communicate with different cell types to help improve their performance.

And so much more.


This is an amazing course for growing your SER confidence.

Pre-requisite: SER1

Clinical Applications of Advanced CST (CAAD)


The Advanced Clinical Applications Class will explore the characteristics and qualities needed in a therapist to support clients through deep process work. You will have the chance, as needed, to review any aspect of the core curriculum, but also expand your understanding into how CST can be used in clinical practice.
 
Time on the table, as support therapist and as lead will help you become aware of ways in which you can develop and maintain these qualities in yourself.
 
It will help you along the way as you mature into a confident, capable and (hopefully if you are doing the exam process!) qualified therapist!

Pre-requiste: ADV1

Clinical Applications for Paediatrics (CACP)


See the CACS course for an outline of the ways you might work in this class. You will have the chance to work with kids, with and supervised by the instructor and you will explore ways we can support children and families.
 
We will review and work with material in the CST for paediatrics 1. 

Pre-requiste: CSP1

Oh, The Places CST can take you…

For a full list of all the Upledger CST courses available…

Please take a look at the international Upledger Institute website course page or  the CST curriculum flowchart.

And find out what’s scheduled in the UK…

What’s coming up