How Do I Become a CranioSacral Therapist?
It’s a frequent question I’m asked: How do I become a CranioSacral Therapist? Many people who receive CST are so inspired by the results they get from the work, they wonder how to become a CranioSacral Therapist, too.
When I was a teenager I found out my Girl Guide leader was a Physiotherapist (Physical Therapist). My curiosity inspired me to ask if I could come and see what she did. I was fascinated by how many different health problems could be directly helped in a hands-on way.
Whilst working as a Physical Therapist, I started hearing about CranioSacral Therapy. I felt the same curiosity I previously experienced when I discovered Physical Therapy, but this time it was about CranioSacral Therapy. I decided to give CST a try. The session had a profound impact on me! Often times it is our own positive experiences from receiving CST that inspire our professional career paths.
And, there is good news! CST is available to anyone who wants to learn more about how to use these hands-on techniques, which can be used with friends and family. Using our hands to help someone in pain is very instinctual. And, it is reassuring when we can be given a few signposts to help them.
Dr. John Upledger, the founder of CranioSacral Therapy, was a big advocate of teaching the layperson about CST. He created a one-day workshop called, ShareCare. It is a class I love to present! There are many of my clients who attend this class to learn how to help their loved ones as well as people who are interested in pursuing CST as a career. Dr. Upledger knew when someone had a more chronic condition, such as a stroke or autism, they could greatly benefit from regular CST support. ShareCare was specially designed to provide instruction to friends and family members in caretaking roles. Completing a ShareCare class, or similar introductory course, can be a first step in pursuing a CST career.
The next step in becoming a practitioner of CranioSacral Therapy includes some research. Because CranioSacral Therapy is not a stand alone, licensed profession, one is required to have a license that allows you to put your hands on a person. Some examples of hands-on professions include: a Physical, Occupational, Speech and Language Therapist or Assistant, or a Nurse, Doctor, Dentist, Dental Assistant or Massage Therapist. Selecting a hands-on profession is required in pursuing a CST career.
If you attend a ShareCare Class, or a 2-day introductory class with the Upledger Institute, a course discount is offered to students who would like to continue and enroll in CranioSacral Therapy I. This is the first official class to begin the journey toward CranioSacral Therapist Certification. CranioSacral Therapy I is taught over four-days and available worldwide. Students complete this class knowing how to carry out a specific 10-step protocol. Next, it is only a matter of recruiting as many friends and family who are willing to receive a free session! Practice on as many people as you can (over 70) before taking the next class. The whole curriculum is displayed on their website along with payment plan options.
Many other CranioSacral Therapy Schools also offer introductory classes as well. These initial introductory classes allow you to do a little exploring before making a commitment to the whole training program. Each School has their own particular way of setting up the program.
I hope this inspires many of you to take up a CST career and have many years of fulfillment. If you have any further questions, comment here or contact me. Let me know if you sign up for a class and where it leads you!
Kate xx
