Craniosacral Therapy is a soft, hands-on treatment that helps you relax through still, supportive holds. As the body settles, it can begin to release old patterns of tension, leading to benefits like deeper relaxation, less pain, and better overall health. Originally developed by a group of Osteopaths, the therapy offers support rather than force, working with the body's natural healing process. I practise and am qualified in the Biodynamic method of Craniosacral Therapy, which works without force, stresses, or resistances upon the body, instead drawing on its own natural healing abilities. Its gentleness is its strength.

As this is a little different from other forms of physical therapy, it is best to try a session to get a feel for it. First sessions are only £20, giving people the chance to experience this remarkably gentle therapy and feel the benefits for themselves.

Craniosacral Therapy works with the body's inherent healing capacities by supporting what Dr. Sutherland termed 'primary respiration' - the subtle rhythmic movements within the body. Through gentle touch, practitioners help clients access their body's natural ability to find balance and resolution of held patterns.

The therapy works on multiple levels, including:

1. Physical: By facilitating the release of restrictions in the central nervous system and craniosacral system, it can help improve cerebrospinal fluid flow and reduce physical tension patterns. Research has shown benefits for pain and a wide variety of conditions.

2. Autonomic Nervous System: The gentle nature of the work helps shift the nervous system from sympathetic (fight-or-flight) to parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) dominance, promoting deep relaxation and improved stress resilience. Studies have shown positive effects on anxiety and stress-related symptoms. Regular sessions can help build and maintain this improved resilience to daily stressors and illness.

3. Whole-System Integration: Following the biodynamic approach, I work with what is termed the 'inherent treatment plan' - allowing the body's own intelligence to guide the healing process rather than imposing external corrections. This means that areas of your system requiring attention receive the care they need, helping to integrate with the rest of the body's functions in a more balanced and holistic way. This process supports the body in returning to its natural state of homeostasis - the optimal balance of all physiological processes. Achieving and maintaining homeostasis is a prerequisite for the body's natural healing mechanisms to function effectively, as it creates an internal environment where repair, regeneration, and self-regulation can occur optimally. When the body is in this balanced state, it can more efficiently direct its resources toward healing and maintaining overall wellness.

While many clients report improvements in various physical symptoms, emotional wellbeing, and sleep, it's important to note that responses vary individually. This therapy works best as part of an integrated approach to health, complementing rather than replacing conventional medical care.

If you would like to read more about Craniosacral Therapy, please refer to the last question in this series 'How can I find out more information?' below.

Your session will take place in a peaceful and private room. After a quick introduction, we'll chat about how you're feeling today. Then, you'll lie on a comfortable therapy couch, removing only your shoes, and I'll make sure you're cosy with blankets and soft music. You can keep your eyes open or closed, whichever feels best.

The session usually starts with gentle holds on the head, shoulders, or feet. As we begin, you might be invited to take a few deep breaths. The holds are tailored to your body's needs in the moment, focusing on bringing the most balance and relaxation. You can share any sensations or concerns but I encourage you to stay focused on your body and relaxation during the session.

Depending on how your body responds, you might experience just one hold or up to five. The number of holds doesn't affect the benefits, it's the quality of the experience that matters. I'll check in when moving to a new position to make sure you're comfortable. If anything feels uncomfortable, just let me know and I'll adjust to ensure your comfort.

At the end of the session we'll briefly chat about how the session went, and I'll share any thoughts or suggestions. Payment is taken by card at this point. The session lasts 55 minutes, so there's time to reset the room before the next client. If you have any questions afterward, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp or Email, and I’ll be happy to help.

Most people find Craniosacral Therapy deeply relaxing, and simply enjoy the chance to rest and let go. Each session is unique and tailored to you, but the common thread is a growing sense of ease, with many people feeling more settled and relaxed with each visit. While the relaxation feels wonderful in itself, the real aim of the work goes deeper, helping your body rebalance and restore itself so the benefits build over time, rather than offering just a temporary lift.

As the body relaxes and releases tension, all sorts of gentle sensations can arise. It's common to feel warmth, tingling, or subtle movement, and these are a normal part of the body's response. The treatment is always gentle, with no physical manipulation, so the holds should never feel uncomfortable. Please let me know if anything doesn't feel right, as your comfort is my priority.

For people carrying past trauma, there can sometimes be a gentle settling period, and the work may bring up emotions. Very occasionally someone may feel moved to tears, but this tends to come as a release, and a relief. It always happens slowly, safely, and at your own pace, with nothing forced or abrasive.

Most people enjoy this kind of gentle touch, though for a few it can feel a little unfamiliar at first, especially if there's been a history of disconnection from physical touch. That's why the first session is just £20, a low-pressure way to see if it's a good fit for you. And if you find it isn't quite right, that's completely okay. But for many people this work is deeply relaxing, and unlike anything they've experienced before.

Single Session

• £40 for a single 55 minute session (or just £20 for your first session)

• A £10 non-refundable deposit is required when booking to cover the room fee. The remaining balance is paid by card during your session. If you're unable to pay by card, please reach out via email or WhatsApp before your session to arrange an alternative payment method, as cash is not currently accepted.

Discount Packages (available through the booking page)

• 5 Sessions for £175 (£35 per session)

• 10 Sessions for £300 (£30 per session)

I'm committed to providing the best care at affordable rates. This is a low-cost practice, designed to help as many people as possible access Craniosacral Therapy. While other practitioners may charge between £50 and £120 per session (not an indication of quality of treatment), my pricing is intentionally lower to make treatment more accessible for those with limited income. I believe everyone should have the chance to benefit from this therapy.

No need to stress about preparing! Just come as you are, but aim for comfort. Loose, relaxed clothing is best, as you'll be lying on your back on a therapy couch. It's a good idea to avoid tight belts or jeans, but if you're coming straight from work in your uniform, don't worry. I can work around it.

To feel your best, try to avoid a heavy meal right before your session. A light snack is fine if you're feeling hungry.

It can also help to take a little time to unwind before your session. Reading a book (not social media!), going for a short walk, or listening to calming music are all great options. This isn't required, but it may help you feel even more relaxed during your session.

If you have any questions before your appointment, feel free to send a WhatsApp message or email and I’ll be happy to help you prepare!

Craniosacral Therapy supports the body’s natural healing process by helping restore balance and release old patterns of tension. By bringing the body into a state of balance (or ‘homeostasis’), this therapy can help improve overall health and well-being. It’s important to know that Craniosacral Therapy isn’t a substitute for seeing a doctor. If you have medical concerns, it’s always a good idea to get advice from your GP first. Craniosacral Therapy works gently alongside any ongoing care or other forms of treatment.

This type of therapy works with the whole body, not just specific areas of pain or discomfort. While I can focus on areas that are causing you discomfort (as long as the touch doesn't cause pain), the benefits of the therapy might show up in unexpected ways. For example, if you're dealing with digestive issues, you might first notice your shoulders feel less tense, or you might wake up feeling more refreshed and energised. These shifts are signs that the body is finding balance, and this often leads to deeper healing.

Craniosacral Therapy can be particularly effective for reducing tension, pain, stress, anxiety, trauma, chronic fatigue and many other health conditions by supporting the body's natural ability to heal and find balance. I will never guarantee that the therapy will cure any condition, and you should be particularly sceptical of anyone who makes this claim. This is a very effective therapy which can support a wide variety of physical and mental conditions, and it is common for people to experience real benefits even when they've tried many other approaches in the past without results.

The best way to find out if it’s right for you is to try it. That’s why your first session is just £20, it’s a great way to get a feel for the therapy and see if it’s something you’d like to continue. There’s no pressure to continue after your first session. If you decide it’s not for you, that’s perfectly okay. If you have any questions or would like to chat more about how Craniosacral Therapy might help you, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp or Email, where you can also request a complimentary video or phone call to discuss how I might help with your specific situation.

The number of Craniosacral Therapy sessions you'll need really depends on your individual situation. Everyone's body starts from a different place, and people's goals differ too, from gentle relief to deeper, longer-term change. That said, many people find significant benefit after around 10 sessions. There's no guarantee, but it's rare for someone not to feel some improvement in that time (I've personally never seen it happen!).

How many sessions you book is entirely up to you. There's no pressure to commit to a set number, you can schedule as you go and decide what feels right. Here are a few examples of how different people have approached their treatment:

Client 1 – Back Pain & Sleep Issues
A client with chronic back pain and sleep troubles started therapy after trying various treatments with limited success. Over several months they gradually reduced their pain and were eventually able to sleep through the night. They now come in occasionally when they need to, such as after overexertion, rather than regularly.

Client 2 – Anxiety & Mental Wellbeing
A client came to therapy feeling anxious and overwhelmed after a difficult divorce. After about 8 sessions they felt much lighter, more optimistic, and back in control of their life. They were happy to continue their progress on their own from there.

Client 3 – Stress & IBS
A client juggling a busy, stressful career alongside IBS found relief over 10 sessions. Her energy rose and her symptoms eased, and she now sees Craniosacral Therapy as a regular part of her self-care, coming in weekly to maintain balance and wellbeing.

As you can see, every story is different. Some people need only a few sessions, while others find it helpful to continue for longer. Because the work is so individual, you'll always be supported in choosing what feels best for you.

If you'd like to talk through your own situation, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp or email. I’m always happy to help you find the right approach.

After your session, give yourself a little space to rest and let things settle. It's common for the body to keep gently rebalancing over the following days, so it helps to stay relaxed, drink plenty of water, get good sleep, and be present with whatever comes up. Over time, and across a course of sessions, these shifts tend to settle into something more lasting, as the nervous system learns to find its way back to balance more easily.

Discovering Your Resources

A big part of Craniosacral Therapy is learning to notice your 'resources', the things that help you feel supported, steady, and like yourself again. It's something the therapy actively encourages, and a skill that's well worth developing. Resources are different for everyone: it might be a cup of tea in the garden, time with people who put you at ease, a long soak in the bath, or cooking something you enjoy. The ideas below are just a starting point to spark a few thoughts. Feel free to draw on any of them, or to discover your own, as finding what works for you is a personal thing.

Mindfulness Practices

Meditation: A regular meditation practice builds awareness, which gradually changes your relationship with your thoughts, creating more space and less reactivity. It's one of the reasons mindfulness-based practices are now widely recommended by GPs for mental health. Finding a teacher from an established tradition is the richest way in, but it's also something you can begin on your own. The Insight Timer app has many free guided meditations for beginners, the Sadhguru app includes the 'Isha Kriya', and this 'Just Be' meditation is well worth trying. Body-awareness meditations are particularly helpful alongside Craniosacral Therapy. Learning to rest your attention in the body helps you feel more settled and present, and over time this builds a calmer, more balanced system, much like the work itself. Many people also enjoy the Calm app, though it leans more towards helping you fall asleep than building awareness, so it works a little differently to a traditional practice.

Breathwork: Working with the breath calms the mind. When the breath is slow, relaxed, and deep, the mind tends to follow. The One Deep Breath app offers gentle breathing practices, the free relax, focus, and sleep styles are the best place to start. More vigorous breathing techniques exist, but slow, relaxed breathing is a safe and effective beginning.

Yoga: Yoga works with the body to settle the mind. As physical tension releases, the body moves with more ease and the mind reflects that calm. Trying different styles and teachers helps you find a practice that suits you. The Sadhguru app includes helpful exercises for the spine, neck, and breath.

Reading or Audiobooks: If the practices above aren't for you, any slower, absorbing activity can work in a similar way. Reading or listening to an audiobook helps you unwind and step away from the fast pace of a screen. Try something uplifting or calming, like Solve for Happy or The Power of Now.

Looking After Your Body

Exercise: Regular movement is so good for both body and mind. Gentle walking, swimming, or stretching can make a real difference to how you feel. Practices like Tai Chi and gentle joint work (such as Intuflow) are all worthwhile, alongside Yoga and Pilates. The main thing is to find something you enjoy and can return to regularly.

Nutrition: Eating well gives your body what it needs to feel its best. Focus on fresh, whole foods, plenty of vegetables, and go easy on the heavily processed foods. It's really about balance rather than strict rules.

Herbs and Supplements: Traditional systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine use gentle herbs to support health, and these can sit alongside other approaches nicely. If you take any medication, it's worth checking with your GP or pharmacist first, as some herbs and supplements can interact with it.

Fasting: Many people find some form of fasting helpful for their health, and there's growing interest in the science behind it. A clear introduction is Eat Stop Eat, which looks at a 24-hour fast once or twice a week. Intermittent fasting, where you keep your eating to a daily window of around 8 to 10 hours, is another gentle place to start. Fasting suits most people well, but it isn't right for everyone, so do check with your doctor first if you have any health conditions, take medication, or are unsure whether it's a good fit for you.

Connecting with the World Around You

Nature: Spending time outdoors can leave you feeling grounded and at peace. Whether it's a walk in the countryside, a visit to the beach, or time among the trees, being in nature often brings better sleep and a steadier sense of balance.

Group Activities: Connecting with others through a shared activity, like a class, a hobby, or a bit of sport, can be a real lift. It's worth finding a group that feels like your kind of thing and making a little time for it. Meetup.com is a good place to find one.

Helping Others: Caring for others can be quietly healing for you too. It shifts the focus outwards and often brings a lighter outlook. If you have a little time, volunteering with a local charity or caring for an animal can be genuinely fulfilling.

A Final Thought

More than anything, be kind to yourself. Take what's useful from these ideas, leave what isn't, and trust yourself to find the things that help you feel well. There's no rush, and no right way to do it.

Yes, I am fully trained to work with infants and children and this can be particularly effective!

Craniosacral Therapy can be wonderfully beneficial for babies, as they respond beautifully to gentle, nurturing touch, which helps them relax and feel safe and comforted. Sessions with babies are specially adapted and may include gentle movement, with parents or caregivers actively involved in the process to provide that extra layer of comfort, security, and familiarity.

Children and young adults can also greatly benefit from this therapy. While it's helpful if they can lie still for short periods, it's completely understandable if they need to move around a bit. I adapt the session to their needs and comfort level.

For anyone under 18, a legal guardian must be present throughout the session to ensure the child feels safe and the treatment is appropriate for their specific needs.

If you'd like to explore how Craniosacral Therapy could support your infant or child, you can request a free video consultation via WhatsApp or Email. It's a great chance for you and your child to ask questions and decide if this therapy feels right for you!

Loved Your Sessions? Pass It On

Sharing the benefits of Craniosacral Therapy with friends and family is a lovely way to pass on something that's genuinely helped you. If you've found value in your sessions, why not invite others to experience it too?

Here's how it works:

1. Tell your friend: Let them know about the difference Craniosacral Therapy has made for you. If they're interested, suggest they book their first session.

2. Your friend mentions you: When they arrive for their first session, they'll fill in the onboarding form, where they can select "Friend" under "How did you hear about us?". I'll ask them for your name at this point.

3. They get a discount: Your friend receives a £10 discount on their first session, making it just £10 instead of the usual £20 for new clients.

4. And so do you: As a thank you, you'll also receive a £10 discount on your next session.

I'm grateful for your referrals and always glad to welcome new clients. There's something special about experiencing this work alongside people you care about. Thank you for helping me grow, and for being part of it all.

As a busy sole practitioner, I do get booked up from time to time. If you can't find a suitable slot, please get in touch and I'll do my best to accommodate you. You're also welcome to join a priority list to be the first to know when new sessions become available. Feel free to reach out via WhatsApp or email and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Social Media

You can follow Earth Life Therapy on social media (links below) for educational content, tips, and updates.

Educational Resources

For the more intrepid, the following resources are a great place to learn more about the fascinating world of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy:

Body Intelligence - I trained with Body Intelligence tutors and they have a great approach to Craniosacral Therapy which you can learn about on their website and video gallery.

The Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America (BCTA) - visit their website for a great introduction to Craniosacral Therapy, perfect for beginners.

Franklyn Sills - A renowned teacher in the field, Franklyn’s books offer a wealth of information on Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy.

The following books/audiobooks are recommended if you're interested in the scientific research behind touch-based therapies like Craniosacral Therapy on both physical and mental health issues and trauma:

- Bessel Van der Kolk - The Body Keeps the Score

- Peter Levine - In an Unspoken Voice

- Babette Rothschild - The Body Remembers

For a more accessible format covering recent research around touch, pain, trauma, and anxiety, the 'Really Strange' series by Steve Haines is a wonderful ‘comic book’ style series of books. Understanding how the biology works can be genuinely helpful in bringing your own system to a greater state of balance.

Reaching Out

I'm here to support you, whether through a session, a conversation, or simply pointing you towards useful resources. Feel free to reach out via WhatsApp or email if you have any questions.