Training - 2 Year professional training
Course syllabus
Course structure
The course is designed to provide students with the optimum amount of practical and theoretical information to match their individual learning needs. Various learning aids such as detailed handouts, powerpoint presentations, video material and anatomical models are used where relevant to aid the learning process. The method of teaching includes lectures, small group work, demonstrations and extensive practical work.
Each module also includes exercises and meditations to aid practitioner development and to allow students to develop a direct sensory awareness of their own systems.
YEAR ONE
Module one
The Rhythms of Life
This first module introduces the foundational skills for the entire course. Students learn the basic therapeutic principles of grounding, centring and negotiating practitioner-client boundaries. Emphasis is placed on establishing and maintaining a quiet observational presence in therapeutic contact.
Students are introduced to the theoretical concept and clinical applications of the three tides - the Cranial Rhythmic Impulse, the Mid Tide and the Long Tide. These therapeutic and practitioner-development skills provide an underlying framework on which the rest of the training is built.
- An overview of the history and theory of Craniosacral Therapy
- Practitioner development skills - grounding, centring, practitioner neutral
- Working with resources
- The tidal expressions of the human system
Module two
The Fluid Body
Students are introduced to the concept of the fluid body and ways of relating to it in a clinical setting. We will look at the concept of transmutation, states of balanced tension, patterns of resistance and the neutral. The concept of stillpoints will also be introduced.
- The fluid body and patterns of resistance
- tates of balanced tension
- The neutral
- Stillpoints
Module three
Motion Dynamics of the Cranium
The motion dynamics of the cranial bones and their clinical relevance in relation to Primary Respiration are explored in detail. Each of the bones will be studied and conversation skills will be learnt in order to relate to compressive forces that are causing areas of stasis and restriction.
- The bones of the cranium
- Conversation skills – disengagement and fluid drives
- The triad of compression
Module four
The Inherent Treatment Plan
Students will be introduced to the concept of the inherent treatment plan and will also explore the way in which Biodynamic Potency can be freed up from patterns of restriction.
- The inherent treatment plan
- Cranial base patterns
- The core link and vertebral column
Module five
The Fluid Core
The applied anatomy of the Reciprocal Tension Membrane System and its relationship to the bones of the cranium and sacrum are considered in relation to the expression of Primary Respiration. Ways of working directly with the longitudinal fluctuation of cerebrospinal fluid and the venous sinuses are integrated into our engagement of the fluid core of the system.
- The Reciprocal Tension Membrane System
- Longitudinal fluctuation of cerebrospinal fluid
- The venous sinuses
Module Six
The Midline
Students will be introduced to the importance of the midline in biodynamic practice. We will look at the different midlines that make up the human system – the central channel, notochord and the fluid midline. The concept of ignition within the fluids and ways of initiating ignition is also taught.
- The midline – central channel, notochord, fluid midline
- The motility of the central nervous system
- Ignition – the fire within the fluids
Module seven
The Web of Experience
The relationship of the transverse diaphragms and the fascial system to the expression of inherent health is examined. Practical exercises for working with the relationship between fascia, the fluid body and embodied experience will also be introduced
- The transverse diaphragms
- Fascial re-integration
- Tissue memory
Module eight
The Body as Story
In this final module of the first year, students will take some time to integrate the skills they have learnt throughout the year. We will also look at the importance of creating an empathetic field in our work with clients and how to use therapeutic imagery as a way of deepening the healing process.
- Integration of first year skills
- Evoking the imaginal
- The empathetic field
- The therapeutic process as a mythic/alchemical journey
YEAR TWO
Module nine
The Facial Complex (I)
The second year of the training begins with our exploration of the face through looking in detail at the structures involved, the sensory systems of vision, hearing, balance and smell along with the major sensory and motor nerves affecting these structures. Consideration is given to the relationship between the facial complex and the Primary Respiratory System.
- The bones of the face
- The senses – vision, hearing, balance, smell
- The facial and trigeminal nerves
Module ten
The Facial Complex (II)
In this continuation of the last module, we will explore the structures of the mouth, the sense of taste and issues affecting the mouth, jaw and throat such as dentistry. We will also look at ways of relating to the vagus nerve and the carotid sheath. The relationship between vagal dysfunction and disturbances in Primary Respiration is examined.
- The mouth – structures and sense of taste
- The TMJ and muscles of mastication
- The vagus nerve and carotid sheath
Module eleven
The Dance of the Viscera
The motion dynamics of the viscera are integrated into our understanding of the inherent treatment plan. We will explore ways of working with the autonomic nervous system and neurological facilitation.
- The viscera
- The autonomic nervous system
- Facilitation and the facilitated segment
Module twelve
The Motility of Emotion
In this module, we will deepen our exploration of how experience becomes embodied through looking at the nature of emotion and how emotional holding is organised within the body. The biodynamics of emotional expression are considered as a basic function of our inherent health. We will also look in more detail at dialoguing skills and ways of tracking autonomic changes in clients
- The motility of emotion
- Emotional organisation in the upper and lower body
- A deeper exploration of dialoguing skills
Module thirteen
Shock and Trauma Skills
Understanding and working with shock and trauma states are an important adjunct to clinical practice. We will deepen our awareness of the importance of resourcing and look at the nature of sympathetic hyperarousal as well as parasympathetic hypoarousal
- Deepening into resources
- Shock and trauma states
- Sympathetic and parasympathetic shock
Module fourteen
Primal Health (1) – Pregnancy and Birth
Students will look at the nature of pregnancy and explore ways in which they can support pregnant women in clinical practice. They will also be introduced to the dynamics of the birth process and will be supported to explore and resolve aspects of their own birth trauma.
- Pregnancy and working with pregnant women
- The birth process – physical and psycho-emotional effects
- Birth process sessions
Module fifteen
Primal Health (II) – Working With Babies, Children & Families
The application of craniosacral skills to working with babies, children and families is developed in this module. Students will be introduced to the physical and psycho-emotional effects that obstetrical interventions can have. We will also explore the baby’s relationship to its umbilical cord and the bonding/attachment process
- The effects of obstetrical interventions
- Umbilical dynamics
- Bonding and attachment
- Working with babies, children and families in clinical practice
Module sixteen
Negotiating Transition
The final module of the course is a time for consolidation of practical skills and theoretical knowledge. It is also a time for negotiating completion, and considering students needs for the future. Special attention is paid to concerns about setting up a practice and professional ethics.