Craniosacral Certification Program
Learning a New Approach
The Certification Program is designed for students who want to develop Craniosacral Therapy as a primary modality in their practice. To learn a new method with competence and confidence, requires on-going and consistent exposure to the skills and perspectives. Without that depth, we may pick up a technique or two, here and there, but our fundamental way of understanding the body, its challenges and our work goes unchanged. To change our foundational approach, we need time, repetition and support.
This program offers such a structure:
• in-depth exploration of anatomy and physiology within an osteopathic framework;
• highly focused and well organized instruction in a variety of treatment methods;
• on-going, specific supervision and feedback from the teaching team; and
• the chance to study with a consistent circle of colleagues, who become friends.
The Certification Program moves students beyond protocols to a wider range of therapeutic possibilities. It fosters the skills of moment-to-moment decision making as well as the depth of presence that prepares students to accompany clients through their discomfort, pain, and pathologies toward healing.
Being certified also allows the practitioner to market themselves with a tangible credential. Upon certification, with their permission, Crafted Touch lists therapists on its website as part of its referral network.
An Understanding Rooted in Tradition
The program is rooted on the philosophy and methods of Doctors A. T. Still and William Sutherland. Guiding principles that underpin our discussion of inherent health, physiology and the role of the practitioner stem from the realm of early osteopathy. Treatment principles and methods are also deeply influenced by the work of Ida Rolf, John Upledger, Hugh Milne, Jean-Pierre Barral and select biodynamic approaches. First developed by Ursula Popp, LAc, VCST, the Certification Program has been further developed and taught by Lauren Christman, LMT, CCST, CBSI/ATSI since 2018.
• Learn more about Craniosacral Therapy as a method.
• Learn more about Lauren's background as a practitioner and teacher.
Components of the Program
The Certification Program is a process that three phases: Introductory Workshop (a pre-requisite), the Core Series (a 8-9 month sequence of classes) and a 'post-Core' phase with Elective classes and independent work.
The Core Series provides the foundation of craniosacral knowledge and application. A variety of Elective Classes enable students to expand their technical and interpersonal skills in line with their own interests. Independent practice and study, along with added time, allow for deepening into the work, developing their own style of craniosacral therapy. All of this is completed within a supervised and collegial circle; students hone their intuition, personal depth, and trust in their abilities.
Students may elect to enter the certification process from the very beginning, during the Core Series, or after the Core Series is complete. This allows students to coordinate their intentions with the practicalities of their lives, and to make the commitment to certification from a place of confidence.
Coursework
To qualify for certification, students must complete the following courses. Click the titles for more detailed information.
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Craniosacral Introductory Workshop - 21 hours
This course provides the foundation for coursework in the Certification Program and is a pre-requisite for entrance into the Core Series and some Elective classes. Students are taught fundamental anatomy and physiology of the Craniosacral system, basic hands-on techniques, and sensitivity necessary to do this work.
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Core Series - 140 hours
Once you have taken an Introductory Workshop, you are eligible to apply for this series. The courses are sequential, so they must be taken in order, as a cycle. There are 4 four-day courses, roughly 3 months apart, with 4 one-day courses interspersed throughout. (Dates are provided in advance; generally, courses span from November to August. See video below.) Material is introduced in each four-day class, and then reviewed and clarified during the one-day classes. The approach is multi-dimensional, integrating functional anatomy and physiology with osteopathic principles, assessment and manual treatment methods. Perceptual skills and personal presence are fostered as the basis for our practice.
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Elective Classes* - 84 hours
Students in the Certification Program complete their choice of 4 three-day Elective classes. Students are eligible to take any Elective classes upon completion of the Introductory Workshop. These courses are not cumulative and may be taken in any order. This allows students to take Elective classes before, during and after the Core Series—depending on their interests, schedule and resources. (See video below.)
* Students do not need to be enrolled in the Certification Program
to take either the Core Series or the Elective classes. *
Extracurricular Requirements
Extracurricular work is an essential part of the design of this program. The time and attention students put to outside practice deepens and expands their understanding, proficiency and confidence.
These tasks are required as part of the program, outside of the classroom:
- Give and record 45 craniosacral sessions over the length of the Core Series
- Complete 16 full-exchanges with fellow students (6 completed during the Core Series)
- Complete 2 case studies (includes 5 sessions each with a 2-page summary)
- Complete 3 exams (two practical, one on principles/anatomy/techniques)
- Receive 10 professional Craniosacral sessions (from an approved provider)
- Independent study time
Download the Student Handbook for details about educational philosophy, classroom protocols, schedule, requirements, fees and payment plans.
Flow of the Program
I feel like the program has not only taken my practice to a whole different level. I'm also in a whole different, a better place, better able to give and receive. I'm more mindful of my clients and their needs. Lauren is an amazingly gifted, talented teacher. She is not only nurturing and warm, but provides a safe, fun environment that is conducive to learning. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. — Nancy H
Lauren goes very deep with her explanations to questions. She really takes her time with her answers, and she approaches the answer from different angles (making sure everyone understands). I love that about her. — Brigitta B
Lauren blended art and science of craniosacral and structural bodywork in presentations with visual examples, discussions, and demos. She's a very good listener; she validated my inquisitive mind and centered me when I was 'thinking too much.' Thank you! I look forward to learning more from you! — Lucy J
Lauren is engaging and a pleasure to learn from. The language she used to describe the body really brings home to me that the body is poetry. — Connie L
Contact us with your questions:
• Lauren for course content and practice related concerns
• Robbin Blake, at the Therapeutic Training Center, for everything else.
I want to let you know that almost every day I remark to myself how my two years training with you has benefited me as a practitioner. I see my work differently, I see myself differently, my motivation to continue in the healing arts is strong, and my own health, emotionally and physically, has never been better. I am deeply grateful to you as a teacher, practitioner and supporter. — Alison D
