craniosacral therapy PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATION

Master Craniosacral Therapy & Build a Respected Practice

cst PRACTITIONER

Self-Paced Online Training with Competency-Based Certification

Launches February 1, 2026

What Is Craniosacral Therapy and Why Do People Choose It?

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that works with the body’s natural rhythms to restore balance, release restrictions, and support the central nervous system. Unlike massage or other manual therapies, CST relies on an exceptionally light touch — often no more than the weight of a coin — to influence the cranial bones, spinal membranes, and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This subtle yet powerful method helps calm the nervous system, reduce strain, and promote whole-body well-being.

People turn to craniosacral therapy for many reasons, including:

  • Relief from headaches, migraines, and TMJ tension

  • Support for neck and back discomfort

  • Calming stress, anxiety, and sleep difficulties

  • Gentle care in trauma recovery

  • Specialized support for infants and children with developmental needs

Research and decades of clinical practice suggest CST may help reduce pain, improve nervous system function, and activate the body’s innate healing capacity — making it a trusted modality in both holistic and integrative healthcare settings.

At the New England Bodywork & Wellness Academy, our Craniosacral Therapy training is rooted in the pioneering principles of CST and refined through years of practitioner experience. We teach you not only the precise hand placements and subtle palpation techniques, but also the presence and listening skills required to “follow the body’s story.” This evidence-informed, practitioner-centered approach provides a strong foundation in CST — one that enhances your professional practice while creating meaningful outcomes for the clients you serve.

The Practitioner Advantage: Craniosacral Therapy Certification

Learning Craniosacral Therapy isn’t just about mastering a new technique — it’s about expanding the way you serve clients and deepening your impact as a practitioner. With its light, precise touch and focus on the body’s natural rhythms, CST gives you a versatile toolset that blends seamlessly into massage, physical therapy, chiropractic, and other hands-on modalities.

Practitioners trained in CST are often sought out because this work can:

  • Complement existing care plans from physicians and holistic providers

  • Offer safe, non-invasive support for clients across all ages and health backgrounds

  • Address both physical discomfort and nervous system imbalance

  • Provide a deeply restorative experience that clients actively request and refer to others

Adding CST to your practice elevates your professional credibility and positions you as a specialist who offers more than traditional massage or bodywork. It shows clients and colleagues alike that you are committed to advanced training and integrative, evidence-informed care.

Who This Program Is For

This certification is designed for licensed healthcare providers and bodywork professionals who are legally permitted to provide hands-on care, including:

  • Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs)

  • Physical Therapists (PTs)

  • Occupational Therapists (OTs)

  • Chiropractors

  • Physicians, Nurses, and other licensed practitioners

📌 Please note: This program does not grant new licensure. Always confirm MLD is within your state’s scope of practice before enrolling.

What You’ll Learn: Core Curriculum

MODULE 1: Foundations of the Craniosacral System

Craniosacral Therapy begins with understanding the living system beneath your hands. In this module, you’ll explore the cranial bones, sacrum, membranes, and cerebrospinal fluid, not just as structures, but as a subtle rhythm that influences the entire body. You’ll also learn how to approach each session with neutrality and safety, setting the stage for deep, restorative work.

MODULE 2: Palpation Skills & Core Holds

The essence of CST is learning to listen. Here, you’ll develop the sensitivity to perceive motion and stillness with the lightest touch. You’ll practice the core holds — still point induction, dural tube, sacral base, and diaphragm releases — learning how to support the body without forcing it. These foundational skills are the heartbeat of every CST session.

MODULE 3: Fundamentals of Session Flow

CST is less about protocols and more about presence. In this module, you’ll learn how to weave your core skills into a 45–60 minute session that feels natural, safe, and client-centered. You’ll discover how to open and close sessions, follow the body’s rhythm, communicate with clarity, and document your work in a way that honors both client progress and professional standards.

MODULE 4: Cranial Vault Techniques

Working with the cranial vault opens new possibilities for change. This module introduces you to the frontal, parietal, temporal, sphenoid, and occiput bones, and shows how gentle contact here can ease headaches, migraines, and jaw tension. You’ll experience how even the smallest shift in these structures can create profound release throughout the entire system.

MODULE 5: Adaptive Applications & Special Populations

Every client brings a unique story, and CST can meet them where they are. In this module, you’ll learn how to adapt sessions for pregnancy, infants, children, trauma survivors, elders, and clients with mobility challenges. Side-lying and chair-based techniques, trauma-sensitive approaches, and pediatric adaptations help you deliver CST safely and compassionately across diverse populations.

MODULE 6: Clinical Integration & Professional Practice

Your final module focuses on taking CST into real-world practice. You’ll learn to design treatment plans, study case examples, and refine documentation to reflect client progress. Ethical communication, boundaries, and scope of practice are emphasized alongside practical tools for integrating CST into your business. By the end, you’ll feel prepared to share CST confidently as both a professional skill and a healing art.

BONUS MODULES INCLUDED

Craniosacral Therapy requires as much presence from the practitioner as it does technique. In this bonus module, you’ll learn how to care for your own body and energy so you can show up grounded and clear for every session. We’ll explore simple practices for nervous system regulation, boundary-setting, and energetic hygiene to help you prevent burnout and maintain balance in your work.

You’ll also receive ready-to-use resources for educating your clients — from handouts that explain CST in everyday language to gentle self-care tools they can use between sessions. These materials not only support your clients’ healing but also strengthen your role as a trusted professional who empowers those you serve.

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER WITH CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

  • COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

    Learn through a structured, self-paced program that balances theory with guided hands-on practice

    Access a practitioner handbook covering craniosacral anatomy, touch skills, and client care

    Develop your ability to listen with your hands through subtle palpation and perception exercises

    Join a supportive online learning community for discussion, practice exchanges, and case reflection

    Enjoy lifetime access to all course materials, resources, and updates as the field evolves

  • EXPAND YOUR HEALING TOOLS

    Offer craniosacral sessions that support nervous system regulation and whole-body balance

    Add gentle, restorative work for stress, trauma, and chronic tension to your current offerings

    Position yourself as a practitioner with specialized skills clients actively seek out

    Collaborate with wellness centers, integrative practices, and holistic providers

    Create custom care packages for migraines, TMJ, pediatrics, trauma recovery, or sleep challenges

  • SUPPORT A WIDER RANGE OF CLIENTS

    Headaches & Migraines – ease restrictions and promote cranial balance

    Stress & Anxiety – calm the nervous system and restore resilience

    Chronic Pain & Fibromyalgia – release tension patterns gently and effectively

    Infants & Children – support developmental ease, sleep, and comfort

    Trauma Survivors – trauma-informed approaches for safe, compassionate care

    Seniors – promote comfort, mobility, and deep rest

  • GROW YOUR PROFESSIONAL REACH

    Build referral connections with chiropractors, dentists, therapists, and holistic practitioners

    Establish yourself as a craniosacral therapy specialist in your community

    Explore opportunities in integrative health centers, wellness retreats, and trauma-informed care

    Deepen your education with advanced CST pathways and related modalities

    Distinguish yourself with a gentle but powerful specialty not widely available in every community

Who You’ll Be Able to Serve

Expand your impact, grow your referrals

Graduates of this Craniosacral Therapy program are prepared to confidently serve:

  • Headache & Migraine Clients — gentle techniques to ease pain and restore cranial balance

  • Stress & Anxiety Clients — nervous system regulation and deep relaxation support

  • Chronic Pain Populations — non-invasive release for fibromyalgia, TMJ, and musculoskeletal tension

  • Infants & Children — safe, light-touch applications for colic, sleep difficulties, and developmental support

  • Trauma Survivors — trauma-informed care to create safety and support healing

  • Senior Clients — adaptations that enhance comfort, mobility, and restful sleep

These applications are supported by clinical experience and a growing body of research on craniosacral therapy’s effectiveness in reducing pain, easing tension, and supporting nervous system balance.

WHAT GRADUATES SAY

"NEBWA courses provide exceptional value. Miss Gigi supplies comprehensive materials including intake forms, client handouts, and research articles. Most importantly, her mentorship extends beyond the classroom—she remains a supportive resource for her students and colleagues long after certification."

- Nicole, Licensed Massage Therapist, PT

"I can't wait to offer and advertise CST to my clients! I learned so much in this course and am excited to integrate craniosacral therapy into my sessions. Miss Gigi is a great teacher who made the material both accessible and practical."
- Suzanne, Licensed Massage Therapist

"Miss Gigi's extensive experience and genuine passion for craniosacral therapy bring the course material to life. Her teaching style makes learning both engaging and meaningful."

- Hayley, Licensed Massage Therapist

"Miss Gigi has a gift for teaching. Her down-to-earth approach makes complex concepts easy to understand and apply. Finding quality programs close to home is challenging, but her classes have been invaluable to my practice. I enthusiastically refer anyone in the wellness field to her for continuing education."

- Desiree, LMT, CSTP, MLDP, Esthetician

"Simply the best course with the best instructor! Miss Gigi's classes are a joy to attend. I learn so much and leave feeling confident in my new skills. I'll continue taking courses with her for years to come."
- Joyce, Licensed Massage Therapist

"This craniosacral therapy certification exceeded my expectations. The hands-on teaching approach and real-world experience gave me the confidence to immediately incorporate CST into my practice. The small class size allowed for personalized attention, and I appreciated how Gloria made sure every student truly understood the techniques before moving forward. I was able to recoup my investment within the first month of offering CST sessions! This training has opened up new opportunities for my business, and my clients are already seeing amazing results."- Jeff, Licensed Massage Therapist

Certification Requirements

Graduate with confidence, credibility, and verified skill

We don’t believe in “paper-only” certifications. This program is designed to ensure you not only learn the material but can apply it with confidence.

Benefits of this program:

  • Rewatch techniques anytime with lifetime video access

  • Printable diagrams, intake forms, and practice logs included

  • Business tools to price and promote your new service

  • Feedback from your instructor to ensure competency

  • Private peer and alumni community

Certification Requirements:

  1. Complete All Modules & Quizzes – gain deep understanding and practical skills step by step

  2. Must have internet access and computer access

  3. Document 10 Practice Sessions – build confidence through hands-on application

  4. Submit 4 Video Demonstrations – receive personalized instructor feedback on your technique

  5. Pass a Final Exam (80% to Pass) – validate your knowledge and skills, with unlimited retakes available

When you complete these requirements, you’ll graduate as a Certified Craniosacral Therapy Practitioner — with verified skills, confidence in your hands, and a certification you can proudly present to clients, colleagues, and referral partners.

EARLY BIRD PRICE!

Pay in Full: $500 USD

(Normally $1000)

3 monthly payments of: $365 USD

6 monthly payments of: $190 USD

9 monthly payments of: $135 USD

Previous Graduate? Get Your Alumni Discount

If you're a graduate of our in-person 5-day CST certification program, you're eligible for special alumni pricing on this online course. This is a perfect opportunity to refresh your skills, access updated content, and have a permanent reference library at your fingertips. To receive your exclusive discount, email us at hello@nebwacademy.com with your name and course completion date. We'll verify your enrollment and send your personalized discount code.

Online vs. In-Person Training

Same trusted program, now more flexible

We know the value of hands-on, in-person learning — and we’ll always continue to offer our live MLD intensives.

But we also know some practitioners need flexibility. This online program allows you to:

Learn at your own pace, from anywhere

Rewatch demonstrations as often as you need

Save travel costs and time away from work

Still receive instructor feedback on your practice

Prefer in-person training? Visit our In-Person Training Page for upcoming workshops.

Meet Your Instructor

Guidance from an experienced educator

Founder & Lead Educator, New England Bodywork & Wellness Academy

Gloria “Miss Gigi” Young

Gloria Young brings years of experience training healthcare professionals in evidence-based holistic modalities. What sets her apart isn't just her expertise—it's her gift for making sophisticated techniques clear, accessible, and immediately practical.

Students consistently say:

  • "She teaches confidence, not just technique"

  • "Gloria makes complex concepts simple and doable"

  • "Best teacher I've had in 15 years of continuing education"

Why Gloria created this program:

After teaching craniosacral therapy in person, Gloria kept hearing the same needs from practitioners:
"I want to learn CST, but I can’t travel for a full week."
"I need to move at my own pace and revisit techniques until they feel natural."
"I want to integrate CST into my practice without feeling overwhelmed."

This certification was designed to answer those requests — bringing the depth of hands-on CST training into an online format that’s approachable, flexible, and practical. Inside, you’ll find clear demonstrations, structured lessons, and supportive resources that help you build subtle palpation skills with confidence. More than just techniques, this program gives you the professional framework to offer craniosacral therapy in a way that feels authentic, client-centered, and sustainable.

Professional Background:

  • 20+ years as holistic therapist and educator

  • Trained countless LMTs, PTs, OTs, and healthcare professionals

  • Founder, New England Bodywork & Wellness Academy

  • Creator of multiple evidence-based practitioner certifications

We train practitioners to become skilled, confident, and grounded in craniosacral therapy. That means: cultivating the ability to listen with your hands, understanding the craniosacral system as a living rhythm, and developing precise palpation skills through guided practice. Just as important, we prepare you to share CST in the real world — from communicating its value clearly to building referral networks and attracting the clients who need this work most.

Presence + Technique + Professional Practice = A thriving CST career.

FAQ’s

  • Yes. This certification is designed for licensed healthcare and bodywork professionals who are legally permitted to provide hands-on services in their state or country. Examples include Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs), Physical Therapists (PTs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), Chiropractors, Nurses, and Physicians..

  • No. This training does not grant new licensure. It provides certification in Craniosacral Therapy and equips you with advanced skills you can integrate into your existing scope of practice. Always confirm with your licensing board whether CST is permitted within your credential.

  • Many CST trainings are only offered in person and can feel overwhelming or inaccessible. This program was designed to be flexible, approachable, and deeply supportive. You’ll learn step-by-step techniques, how to listen with your hands, and how to bring CST into your practice confidently — all from the comfort of your own home and on your schedule.

  • Yes. To get the most out of your training, we recommend practicing on a massage table (or firm surface) and having access to practice partners. This will help you apply what you learn and refine your palpation skills.

  • We continue to offer live intensives. This online program is simply a flexible alternative.

  • Most students complete the program in 6–10 weeks, depending on their pace. Since it’s self-paced, you can revisit the lessons as often as you’d like.

  • Yes. Upon successful completion of all modules, quizzes, and practice logs, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion in Craniosacral Therapy from New England Bodywork & Wellness Academy.

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