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Craniosacral Therapy Training According to J. Upledger Method

“”Every treatment protocol should be dictated by the wisdom of the patient’s own body.”
Dr. John E. Upledger

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy – a gentle, hands-on therapy created by osteopath Dr. John E. Upledger, based on research conducted from 1975-1983 at Michigan State University. It aims to evaluate and improve the function of the craniosacral system – the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that protect the brain and spinal cord.

 

The therapy helps release deep tension, reduces pain, improves nervous system function, and enhances natural healing. It’s applied for chronic pain, migraines, stress, autism spectrum disorders, post-traumatic stress, etc. Suitable for both adults and children, especially those who have experienced birth trauma or developmental difficulties.

 

Very light touch is used (about 5 grams of pressure) to detect and correct tissue tensions and restore fluid movement rhythm. Experienced therapists can feel the craniosacral rhythm anywhere on the body and apply gentle corrective movements.

 

The Upledger Institute, founded in 1985, has trained over 125,000 practitioners in more than 110 countries. Offers basic, advanced and specialized courses, including SomatoEmotional Release (SER) for emotional trauma integration.

 

The therapy is based on the premise that the body can heal itself if obstacles are removed. It’s increasingly used among holistic approach practitioners.

 

IKTA – Integrative Therapy Center Training Division – are the official and only representatives of Upledger Institute in Lithuania. More information – video interview with Gert Groot Landeweer.

Gert Groot Landeweer Talks About Craniosacral Therapy

Key Information at a Glance

 

ℹ️ What: Craniosacral therapy training according to Dr. John E. Upledger’s method – internationally recognized training program. Graduates receive Upledger Institute International certification and are listed in the international therapist registry IAHP.com

 

ℹ️ Where: Training takes place at Integrative Therapy Center, Vytenio st. 4, Vilnius. More practical information about location, transportation, accommodation options etc. can be found here.

 

ℹ️ When: Training takes place continuously according to scheduled timetable. To maintain training continuity, it’s important to follow the sequence (CS1 → CS2 → SER1 → SER2 etc.). If you can’t attend a course in your country, missing stages can be completed in any country where Upledger training is conducted. We also welcome foreign students and assistants who come to Lithuania to continue their studies, assist instructors, or complete missing courses.

 

ℹ️ How: Training is conducted in English, but non-English speaking participants can attend – all courses provide consistent translation into Lithuanian. This allows full engagement in the learning process regardless of language skills.

 

ℹ️ Price: Price depends on chosen course type (e.g., CS1, CS2, SER etc.). We offer various discounts for early registration, returning participants, students, health professionals, and those currently unemployed or serving. For exact prices and payment plans, please check the schedule for specific courses or contact us – we’ll provide detailed information.

Students, Lecturers and Patients Speak

Ebba Boyesen

Daughter of biodynamic body psychotherapy creator Gerda Boyesen, method developer and co-creator, institute lecturer, therapist

Rita Guginė

Graduate of biodynamic body psychotherapy, practicing biodynamic biorelease massage specialist

Rasa Skrabutėnas

Graduate of biodynamic body psychotherapy, practicing body therapist, ITC co-founder

Studies

Craniosacral therapy training follows a modular principle, allowing participants to gradually deepen theoretical and practical knowledge. The training sequence is based on Upledger Institute international standards, with each module being independent yet forming a cohesive professional development path.

 

🔹 CS1 – CranioSacral Therapy 1: Foundation course covering anatomy, craniosacral rhythm assessment and gentle touch techniques.

 

🔹 CS2 – CranioSacral Therapy 2: Deepening knowledge about fascial systems, emotional block influences and further intervention methods.

 

🔹 SER1 and SER2 – SomatoEmotional Release: Working with emotions stuck in the body, accompanying clients’ internal processes, integration.

 

🔹 Advanced modules (ADV, diplomas): Specialized topics, accumulating practice hours, preparation for certification.

 

Participants can choose to attend just one or several modules (provided they’ve completed prerequisite modules in Lithuania or elsewhere), or follow the full certification path. Acquired knowledge is internationally recognized, allowing training to be continued/completed in other countries, following the same sequence.

How to Start?

ℹ️ Where to begin: To participate in the full craniosacral therapy (CST) training program, you must start with the CS1 course. The nearest CS1 course in Vilnius will take place on January 20, 2026, and registration is already open:

 

👉 Register for the course in Vilnius here

Next CS1 in Vilnius:

ℹ️ If you want to start studies earlier, you can attend CS1 and/or CS2 courses in another country, then join our SER1 course in Lithuania in autumn. For your convenience, we’ve prepared information about English-language courses in Europe – a great opportunity to combine professional development with short vacations.

 

👉 Register for courses abroad here

Program

CS1: 10-Step Program

Course objective – this course introduces you to the effective “10-Step Program” developed by Dr. John Upledger. Primary focus is on the craniosacral system. You’ll learn about craniosacral therapy and gain excellent foundations of general osteopathy. Understand what the craniosacral system is and how to treat its dysfunctions.

 

Course content

  • Fundamentals of craniosacral system structures and their treatment techniques.
  • Anatomy and physiology of the craniosacral system, their possible relation to disease, pain and functional disorders.
  • Develop skills to palpate and identify movement restrictions in the body using light touches, especially focusing on the skull, sacrum area and craniosacral rhythm importance.
  • Learn what terms “connection” and “relationship” mean in J.E. Upledger’s context.
  • Learn manual, fascial release techniques to assess and treat physical pain and functional disorders.
  • Practice applying J.E. Upledger’s “10-Step Program” for systematic craniosacral system treatment.

Duration and format:

  • 5 days/48 hours
  • In-person

CS2: Cranial Base and Facial Bones

Course objective – to enhance skills with further John Upledger craniosacral therapy techniques. These techniques will help quickly identify causes restricting body movement in connective tissues. Using craniosacral methods, your therapy will become more precise and reach a higher level! This course is the perfect time to delve into parietal osteopathy, analyze it thoroughly and learn to treat based on it.

 

Course content
  • Explore cranial base functional disorders using methodology developed by Dr. W.G. Sutherland – “Father of Cranial Osteopathy”, diagnose problems and learn treatment methods.
  • Integrate assessment and treatment of craniosacral system dysfunctions into the “10-Step Program”.
  • Examine functional anatomy and physiology of bones, hard palate, face and temporomandibular joints. Also – the entire chewing system.
  • Learn to perform full body examination.

Duration and format:

  • 4 days/38 hours
  • In-person

SER1: Energy Cyst Release (Mechanical Aspects)

Course objective – learn how to precisely detect and treat chaotic connective tissue energies. This energy is thought to be “trapped” in capsules, which may cause somatic disorders. John Upledger called energy trapped in connective tissue capsules “energy cysts”. Our experience shows these energy cysts tend to recur in various forms.

 

Course content

  • Discover importance of “expression modes” in treatment
  • Practice body examination and learn to detect energy cysts
  • Learn energy redirection method
  • Learn how to help release physical, accumulated energy from energy cyst and how to gently assist energy to express
  • Learn about significance indicator helping identify authentic processes
  • Learn to direct energy using meridians and chakras
  • Learn to work with vectors
Duration and format:
  • 4 days/38 hours
  • In-person

SER2: Opening Energy Cysts (Emotional Aspects) and SomatoEmotional Release.

COURSE CONTENT

The fourth craniosacral therapy course teaches how to handle emotions during manual therapy. Understand why supporting therapeutic dialogue is important. Main focus is on neutral yet warm emotional management. Additionally, we’ll explain emotional aspects related to energy cysts. After acquiring these special skills, you’ll be able to work with patients having chronic complaints.

 

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION

• Learn how dissociation processes can affect the whole body

• Expand use of significance indicator in therapy

• Learn to practice deep listening and master verbal support during therapy without engaging in dialogue

• Learn to understand importance of patient-therapist relationship for therapy

• Learn to examine what impact verbal feedback has on patient’s body

• Discuss importance of therapeutic approach in somatoemotional practice

Duration and format:
  • 4 days/38 hours
  • In-person

TID1a: Therapeutic Imagery and Dialogue.

This method used in craniosacral therapy (CranioSacral Therapy), especially at its advanced stage – somatoemotional release (SomatoEmotional Release, SER). The method aims to help clients access and release emotional or psychological traumas stored in the body.

How it works:

  • Therapist helps client use imagery to visualize certain internal images, symbols or characters (e.g., inner child, protector, emotional pain).
  • Then dialogue with those imagery elements occurs, helping reveal deep feelings, memories or beliefs.
  • During this process, client may gain insights, emotional relief or internal healing.

This is a gentle yet profound method allowing body and subconscious to speak in the safest way – through imagery.

Duration and format:
  • 4 days/38 hours
  • In-person

TID1b: Therapeutic Imagery and Dialogue.

Content:

  • Deeper work with imagery: TID1b training provides more tools for working subtly with subconscious images.
  • More practice: emphasizes deep practical work, including examination of more complex cases.
  • Topics: may cover aspects like various psychological defense forms, integration of inner wounded child, interpretation of symbolic language, etc.
  • Personal development: like TID1a, this training is not only professional but very personally transformative.

TID1b is often recommended for those wanting to deeply integrate SomatoEmotional Release into their practice.

Duration and format:
  • 4 days/38 hours
  • In-person

ADV1: Advanced Level Craniosacral Therapy

Advanced level craniosacral therapy programs – five-day small group sessions (10 or 12 participants) combining intensive therapy benefits with training course. Participants describe this experience as essential both for their work and personal life meaning. Learning paradigm is based on experiential craniosacral therapy (CST), somatoemotional release (SER) and Upledger training application and exploration. Participants will delve into Upledger craniosacral therapy principles and practice forming foundation for healing and this therapy’s development both professionally and personally – and much more. You’ll learn to work closely, synergistically and collaboratively with other therapists, discover your unique abilities and address personal questions on path to becoming advanced CST specialist.

Course highlights:

  • Participate in sessions led by multiple therapists
  • Receive individual skill assessment from instructor
  • Refine technique application and palpation skills
  • Participate in comprehensive body-mind integration exploration using craniosacral system as primary tool
Duration and format:
  • 5 days/48 hours
  • In-person

ADV2: Advanced Level Craniosacral Therapy

Requirements before participating:


Advanced Level Craniosacral Therapy 1 (ADV1); also required is time gap and practice amount allowing comfortable further learning… Time period and required completed/received therapy sessions number for participant to be ready for ADV2 level depends on individual experience. Typically this is several months or longer period after ADV1 course.

Duration and format:
  • 5 days/48 hours
  • In-person

Together!

In the photo – one of ADV1 groups at our center. We’re proud of our students who already successfully apply craniosacral therapy working with patients!

Certification

🏅 CST Techniques Level Certification

 

This certification confirms your ability to apply basic CST techniques. To obtain it, you need:

 

🔹 Have valid license or certificate allowing to work with people (e.g., physiotherapist, massage therapist, nurse etc.).

 

🔹 Successfully complete CS1 and CS2 courses.

 

🔹 Complete 75 practical sessions applying 10-step protocol.

 

🔹 Pass written essay, objective test and practical/oral exam.

🎓 CST Diploma Level Certification (CST-D)

 

This is advanced certification level for experienced specialists wanting to deepen their knowledge and skills. Requirements:

 

🔹 Have valid license or certificate allowing to work with people.

 

🔹 Successfully complete Advanced 1 (ADV1) course.

 

🔹 Fulfill all Techniques Level certification requirements.

 

🔹 Pass Diploma Level written essay, objective test and practical/oral exam.

 

🔹 Submit three case analyses.

 

🔹 Complete Preceptorship Program (minimum 30 contact hours), e.g., participate as assistant therapist in intensive program or assist in advanced classes.

 

🔹 Present 2-4 hour CST presentation to organized group or publish article about CST in third-party publication.

Certificate Maintenance

 

To maintain certified therapist status, every four years you must complete 24 hours of UII approved continuing education programs. This can include attending CST courses, mentorship programs, symposiums or research conferences.

IAHP – International Therapist Registry

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) specialists who complete our training can be included in International Association of Healthcare Practitioners (IAHP) registry. This public catalog allows clients worldwide to find qualified therapists by their geographic location and specialization.

 

Being listed in IAHP registry provides these benefits:

 

🔹 Increases visibility and accessibility to potential clients.

 

🔹 Confirms your qualification and certification level.

 

🔹 Allows using UII logo in promotional materials and business cards.

For example, therapist Vilius Montvidas from Vilnius, holding CST-D (Diploma Level) certificate, is included in IAHP registry indicating his qualifications and contact information.

To browse IAHP registry and find therapists by location or specialization, visit: IAHP therapist search.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are studies conducted only in-person, or is there possibility to participate in some seminars remotely?

Studies take place in-person, only few theoretical modules are planned online.

What to do if I missed one of the courses?

If you missed one of courses but want to continue, you have 2 options: wait for next group in Lithuania, or fill gap in another institute and continue according to schedule. Our courses are fully compatible with standard Upledger program. For your convenience we’ve prepared list of where which courses take place in English. If you speak other languages too – there are EVEN MORE opportunities, all presented on Upledger International website.

Can I try craniosacral therapy as patient?

Yes, both our centers have craniosacral therapy specialists combining this therapy with other treatment forms:

Is discount available?

Each seminar price differs therefore please check by dates. When registering early (>1 month) we have discount code ANKSTI, providing discount. We also offer up to 50% discount for those repeating same course.

What's included in price, what's not?

Seminars take place in Vilnius, in our premises and participants don’t need to pay anything additional – there is instructor, assistants, translators, free coffee, tea, fruits and small snacks/sweets, all equipment needed for training. In premises we walk without shoes – if someone forgets slippers, we gift socks. Those arriving by car may need to pay for parking(if not electric vehicle) – yellow zone around. For those wanting lunch in cafes, there is large lunch selection around, from simple and fast for 5 eur to tasty and luxurious for 35. Our small kitchen has microwave, so those bringing own food can heat it.

At later stages, during individual consultations or supervisions, if translator from English/German is needed (lecturers usually speak both English and German) – this costs additional 25-30 eur for 5 hours, depending on language and translators.

Can I study if I don't know English?

Absolutely you can! All seminars are translated literally into Lithuanian, live. Only printed seminar material is in English – there are many illustrations, Latin terms used, but basic English knowledge would help.