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Training in Cranio-Sacral Therapy.
The College:CCST is the most established college of Cranio-Sacral Therapy in Europe. This is reflected in the experience of the tutor team, the well established support structure for the students – including a Teaching Clinic, regular Study Groups, Tutorials – and a wide network of previous graduates throughout the UK and in many other countries. The approach to Cranio-Sacral Therapy at CCST is Integrated Cranio-Sacral Therapy, providing a comprehensive professional training covering the full spectrum of approaches, with a fundamental appreciation of the biodynamic nature of the therapeutic process, combined with a firm grounding in knowledge and understanding. The College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy was founded in 1986 and is now based in Primrose Hill, London NW1 where there is also a College Clinic. The college offers a wide variety of trainings to suit different needs - for professional therapists from other disciplines, for student therapists, and for those wishing to become therapists as a career change. Career Development Loans are available. Previous participants include Osteopaths, Acupuncturists, Homoeopaths, Chiropractors, Shiatsu practitioners, Alexander Technique teachers, Masseurs, Doctors, Nurses, Midwives, Obstetricians, Paediatricians, Psychotherapists, Physiotherapists, Aromatherapists and Reflexologists, as well as many excellent Cranio-Sacral Therapists from different non-therapeutic backgrounds. The college has been pleased to welcome students from over 60 different countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America and Australasia. The Founder:The Founder and Principal of the College is Thomas Attlee. The Approach:The approach to Cranio-Sacral Therapy at the College is founded in this rich variety of experience. The training is grounded in the work of William Sutherland, exploring the fundamental concepts of an underlying vitality - expressed as the Breath of Life - which creates and maintains our health and well-being, and which is expressed through the fluids, membranes, bones and other tissues of the body. It incorporates the subsequent concepts of Rollin Becker, James Jealous, and John Upledger, and other modern developments in the field, and continues to evolve and progress through Thomas Attlee's broad-based and comprehensive approach. Thomas has been a pioneer in the field of Cranio-Sacral Therapy, establishing the first college in Europe, and developing his own individual approach of Integrated Cranio-Sacral Therapy. The result is a very comprehensive training, covering a wide spectrum of approaches, appreciating the importance of structural, bio-energetic, biodynamic, and emotional concepts, in developing a more complete understanding of human nature and health. The CCST approach is not limited to any particular model - preferring to provide a more flexible approach which enables access to the deepest levels of being, whilst maintaining a clear grounding in day-to-day clinical practice. This comprehensive integrated approach provides CCST graduates with the resources to respond more appropriately to each and every patient according to his or her needs. Course Structure:The complete professional training is available in two principal forms: One Year Diploma Course.Six 6-day stages spread over a year in London (also available at other times in various countries). Two Year Diploma CourseEighteen weekends (6 groups of 3 weekends) spread over two years. The practice of Cranio-Sacral Therapy requires the development of a high degree of sensitivity. These courses are structured in such a way as to provide time between each stage for development of such sensitivity, and ample opportunity for practice, development and proper absorption of each level before proceeding to the next, so that at each stage the student can build on previous experience. The courses have a very practical orientation, and are carefully structured to enable fluent progress from one stage to the next. They provide a systematic approach to treatment, which can be readily applied to patients in a clear, coherent, effective and well integrated manner. The courses also provide a clear approach to the management of a Cranio-Sacral session, personal development as a therapist, professional handling of treatment responses and an overall holistic perspective of the patient. Each stage of the course provides an effective and safe means of treatment which can be integrated into professional practice. Tutors are all graduates of the College and are personally trained by Thomas Attlee. The College aims to provide a balanced variety of course tutors, with an approximately equal balance of female to male tutors and a wide variety of different backgrounds - all of which contributes to the rich tapestry of experience which stimulates the continuing evolution of the college and the course. Study Groups and Tutorials are available throughout the course, providing valuable opportunities for practice, revision, and dealing with any queries that may arise. A Teaching Clinic is also an integral part of the training. Ongoing assessment is through regular practical work with the tutors and through written assessments. Home-study and background reading are required. Students with insufficient Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology will be required to attend the CCST course in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology (or a suitable equivalent) either before or concurrent with the CST training. Course Objectives:The aim of the course is to produce thoroughly trained, competent and confident Cranio-Sacral therapists, with a comprehensive treatment approach and a profound awareness of the Cranio-Sacral process, and of the deeper processes involved - both within themselves and within their patients - in the therapeutic interaction. The integration of a wide spectrum of approaches from Bio-Mechanical to Bio-Energetic (Biodynamic) provides graduates with the resources to respond appropriately to each patient's needs, and so build and maintain a successful, professional practice. The courses also provide a clear approach to the management of a Cranio-Sacral session, professional handling of treatment responses and an overall holistic perception of the patient. Throughout the course attention is given to the important process of personal development as a therapist. Successful graduation leads to a Diploma in Cranio-Sacral Therapy. Following graduation, a variety of Post-Graduate courses and events is available. Accreditation:The College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy is accredited by the Cranio-Sacral Therapy Association, which is constantly involved in the process of further accreditation within both the UK and Europe. Successful completion of the training entitles graduates to a Diploma in Cranio-Sacral Therapy. Graduates are eligible to join the CSTA and will then be included on the CSTA's register of qualified practitioners. Following graduation, a variety of post graduate activities and events is available. Support Structures:The College aims to support students in their studies in as many ways as possible and in order to do so, has set up a variety of support structures. During the course the tutors work with every student, circulating so that each student has the opportunity to work with each of the tutors at various times, gaining a range of different experiences and individual feedback. Tutors are also generally available during the courses for advice and assistance. Tutorial SystemThere is also a tutorial system whereby each student is allocated to (or may choose) a specific tutor who will contact the student from time to time between the stages of the course to check that everything is progressing smoothly and to maintain personal contact. Students are also welcome to contact their tutor (or any of the tutors) at any time to discuss any queries or difficulties relating to the course. Study GroupsThere are regular Study Groups in London with the tutors between stages of the course. Study Groups may also be arranged at other locations when local demand is sufficient, and students are encouraged to form local units for study and practice. Tutorials, individually or in small groups, can also be arranged with the tutors as required. Teaching ClinicThere is also a Teaching Clinic at the Centre for Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Primrose Hill, London NW1. This is open to students during the second half of their training and also open to graduates. These clinics provide an opportunity to observe and participate in Cranio-Sacral treatment in a clinical setting with an experienced Cranio-Sacral Therapist. The Teaching Clinic is an integral part of the training and students will be required to attend a minimum number of sessions before graduating. Graduate SupportFollowing graduation, graduates are welcome to maintain contact with the college through post-graduate activities, course revision, an annual Graduates Day, continuing professional development programmes, and through personal contact with the tutors. Graduates can also find support through membership of the CSTA which coordinates supervision groups. The Association also welcomes involvement in its activities. Cranio-Sacral Therapy AssociationThe Cranio-Sacral Therapy Association is the professional association for Cranio-Sacral Therapists in the UK. The Association monitors and maintains standards, provides practitioner support and works consistently towards greater accreditation & recognition of Cranio-Sacral Therapy, both in Britain and in Europe. Equal OpportunitiesIn all the college's activities, a full Equal Opportunities policy is in operation. Course Curriculum:Stage A/Part 1
Stage B/Part 2
Stage C/Part 3
Stage D/Part 4
Stage E/Part 5
Stage F/Part 6
Syllabus:Stage A/Part 1
Stage B/Part 2
Stage C/Part 3
Stage D/Part 4
Stage E/Part 5
Stage F/Part 6
Application Procedure:To apply for any of the CCST courses please send for the appropriate application form from: The Registrar, Telephone 020 7483 0120 Prospectus, Further Information, Dates and Costs:For a prospectus, full Information Pack, and current dates and costs, please email or phone the college, giving your full contact details, including your postal address, phone numbers and email. |
| The College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy. 9 St George's Mews, Primrose Hill, LONDON, NW1 8XE Tel 020 7483 0120 Fax 020 7586 9550 email: info@ccst.co.uk |
Thomas graduated from the European School of Osteopathy, where cranial work was an integral part of the four year training. He taught Anatomy, Physiology and Western Medicine at the International College of Oriental Medicine for seven years, taught Yoga for several years and has been integrating various therapies, psycho-therapeutic processes, meditation techniques and developmental processes for the past 30 years.