Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, I believe CST can help every person, but the treatment journey may be different from their expectations and may therefore not be right for them.

Some people want a quick fix and may feel it is too gentle and subtle. Others may not be ready for the journey that CST may take them on. Still others may benefit from combining CST with another therapy, for example psychotherapy, counselling, physiotherapy, acupuncture, clinical treatments, etc.

As a holistic modality, it is important to understand that CST seeks to support and facilitate health and wholeness, not provide a short-term fix. We trust and support the body’s innate intelligence to heal itself and work with the whole body-mind-spirit ‘system’ to facilitate that process. For example, a physical symptom may be caused by something a person is not even aware of, like held trauma from an accident, injury or even their birth; chronic stress; an emotional trauma from childhood, and so on. Nevertheless, the individual’s body knows what the source of that symptom is and what it needs to release and heal, but as the treatment journey may be different from their expectations, some may abandon treatments before an issue is fully resolved.

Central to CST is the craniosacral system. Taking its name form the cranium (the collective name of the 22 bones of the skull) and sacrum (the tailbone) these structures encompass and enclose the Cerebrospinal Fluid (SCF), the central nervous system, the structures of the brain that house the CSF, including the meningeal membranes that extend through the spinal cord; also the blood and interstitial fluids that support brain function and the glymphatic system and the meningeal lymphatic system that both protect, nourish and cleanse the CSF. 

As a craniosacral therapist, my aim is to promote the free and effective flow of fluids in the intracranial membrane system and throughout the brain and spinal cord. The flow can be restricted or impaired by trauma, toxins, disease and dysfunction that may interfere with cranial motion, the flow and pressure of blood, CSF and interstitial fluid, with motor and sensory nerve function, with hormones produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary and pineal glands, with cognitive development, sensory processing and higher brain functions and social engagement and development. 

A central concept in CST, which is grounded in osteopathy, is that of a unique rhythm that manifests as a cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI) in the living head and body. The existence of the CRI was confirmed in a clinical research study and found to exist as a distinct from rhythmic movements caused by respiratory breathing and arterial pulsing. 

Practitioners learn to palpate the CRI through gentle, light touch directly on the body. The CRI is felt as a wave of energy, like a fluid tide, from the head to the feet and back again or as a wave that externally and internally rotates the body laterally. The CRI can express fluctuation in motion ranging from suppressed and restricted, turbulent or stuttering, to calm and regular. 

In our training and experience, we approach the CRI as an expression of homeostasis. A suppressed or turbulent CRI indicates homeostatic dysfunction, palpated as centres of tension and restriction in the body. By applying extremely gentle techniques to facilitate the release of tension, restriction and congestion we restore balance to this flow. A smooth, deep and regular CRI is indicative of health, palpated as a well organised and integrated energy flowing throughout the body. 

CST has evolved from its roots in Osteopathy to a holisitc treatment modality that integrates the physical, psychological, emotional and energetic facets of each individual. 

Originating inFranklin Taylor Stills system of Osteopathic medicine, craniosacral practice was pioneered by the work of Dr William Sutherland, which explored the fundamental concept 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 was further developed into a complete whole-body evaluation and treatment method by Dr John Upledger. It was then refined in a biodynamic direction by Franklyn Sills and others and integrated in a broader direction by Thomas Atlee.

I practiceIntegrated Cranial-Sacral Therapy as taught by Thomas Atlee, founder and principal of the London-based College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy. Established in 1986, the College integrates biodynamic principles, biomechanic knowledge, bioenergetic fields, fascial unwinding, mindful practice and quantum perception as applied to distance work.

Now established throughout the world, CST is gaining recognition for its effectiveness in supporting health and well-being.

For more information about Cranio-Sacral Therapy, try these links

CranioSacral Therapy Association

A short History of CranioSacral Therapy

CST is safe, effective and gentle and can support recovery and healing from many illnesses and conditions. However, there are some acute conditions that should not be treated until medically stable.

Because CST supports and encourages the free, balanced flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the craniosacral system (cranium and spinal canal), any medical conditions that affect the CSF must be approached with caution.

These include any active cerebrovascular condition with an active bleed, including acute blood clots, aneurysms, stroke, and brain swelling. Cerebrospinal Fluid leak must also be fully resolved before treatment and severe head trauma and skull fractures should also be stable. Similarly, we recommend that a person with a recent epidural should wait four to six weeks before treatment to ensure that the dural tube is fully healed.

If you are in early recovery from these conditions and are interested in CST to help manage secondary effects (e.g. headaches, fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, etc.), please seek approval from your doctor or health care professional before booking. If you want to share information to help them understand the treatement approach, I will be happy to help.

Yes absolutely. I have had many clients referred to CST by their psychologist or psychotherapist. With its gentle, body-based approach CST can support the release and body-mind integration of held trauma, fears, and experiences that have surfaced in talking therapies.

My goal is to support your body's journey toward greater balance and well-being through Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST). I want to be clear about what I do, and what I don’t do.

CST is a complementary therapy. It is designed to work alongside, not in place of, your existing medical care. I encourage you to maintain open communication with your doctors and healthcare professionals about any health concerns.

I do not diagnose or claim to cure medical diseases. The insights, relaxation and other benefits you gain from a session are intended to support your body's inherent health, not replace professional medical advice and care.

Yes indeed, CST can help neurodiverse children in different ways.

Becasue CST works with the central nervous system, it can help mitigate and even resolve anxiety and stress that may impact your child’s ability to participate in social situations and education.

CST supports sensory processing and executive function skills, which help develop self-regulation, learning and social engagement.

There are quite a few studies and articles about how CST helps people and children with neurodiverse conditions, specifically autism and ADHD, that I can point you to. Please click on the links below to read the articles.

The use of CranioSacral therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders: Benefits from the viewpoints of parents, clients, and therapists. PubMed.National Centre for Biotech Information, National Library of Medicine, USA. 

Effect of craniosacral therapy on students' symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ResearchGate.net

How Craniosacral Therapy Can Make a Big Difference with ASD, Autism Parenting Magazine

Can Craniosacral Therapy Improve Life for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder? Massage magazine 

Touching Lives: How CST Can Help Autism, Craniosacral Therapy Association UK

Mission Impossible? A Journey Out of Autism, Craniosacral Therapy Association UK

The Challenges and Rewards of Working with Neurodiversity, Craniosacral Therapy Association UK

Autism Spectrum Disorder: How CranioSacral Therapy Can Help, Upledger Institute

Working with neurodiverse children presents some challenges; interaction with a stranger can be unsettling and physical contact and/or being still can seem impossible. To help manage this, I only treat children in the presence of a parent or carer, keep treatments to 30 minutes, and do my best to tailor my approach to each individual child’s needs and circumstances.

In the initial session, and for as long as is necessary, I make myself the still point in the room and adopt a more energetic treatment approach until the child feels safe enough to settle down. I invite but never require a child to be still, sit or lie down unless they want to. I ask if physical contact is ok. If it is not, I continue with a more energetic approach.

Although it may take several chaotic treatments, it is often the case that a child suddenly accepts and even takes initiative to sit or lie down and be treated. Sometimes a child will even direct the placement of my hands to areas of the head.

Everyone experiences and process CST differently, but there are some commonly reported after effects in neurodiverse children. 

As their nervous system integrates the shifts and releases that have occurred during treatment, some children may get more energetic or hyperactive than normal, usually followed by exhaustion and deep sleep. Some may experience twitching to a greater or lesser degree. Others may display regressive behaviour for a short time as their body process the treatment. This will all abate as the body integrates the treatment and may not reoccur with the same intensity or even at all in subsequent treatments. 

As treatments continue, some behaviours may improve to then slowly return, possibly because their muscles or dural membranes tighten over time or because your child has been triggered by a stressful event. In such cases, another treatment often helps stabilise your child’s system. 

These articles, two by my teachers, share experiences and insights that can help you better appreciate how CST can help and what to expect. 

Mission Impossible? A Journey Out of Autism, Craniosacral Therapy Association UK

How Craniosacral Therapy Can Make a Big Difference with ASD, Autism Parenting Magazine

Touching Lives: How CST Can Help Autism, Craniosacral Therapy Association UK

Before your first treatment I will ask you to fill in an online health history form. I may also ask you to fill in a well-being form that has been designed to measure progress over the course of the sessions.

If you don’t have time to answer the health history questions online, I will go through it at the first consultation. This gives you an opportunity to outline your symptoms and share details about events that may be contributing factors, such as stressors, illness, accidents and injuries, emotional trauma, etc. Often, clients remember significant events during or after a treatment. This is absolutely fine and I simply add new information to my notes.

The wellbeing form is a clinically validated questionnaire that tracks and measures complimentary healthcare treatment outcomes across different areas, including physical, mental and emotional. This is useful to help me assess your progress, and contributes to the broader evidence base for CST.

Note that all personal information is held according to strict GDPR regulations. You can ask to see the information I hold about you at any time.

I recommend you wear loose, comfortable clothing but it’s not necessary.

Comfort is key so I will ask that you remove shoes, belts, chunky jewellery and hair accessories that may get uncomfortable or snag. I will also offer blankets to keep you warm and snug.

Generally, the treatment is conducted with you lying on your back on a massage table. If you find it difficult or uncomfortable to lie on your back, side lying or seated positions are good alternatives.

Once you are settled on the table, I will gently place my hands on or under your body, explaining what I’m doing as I go and make sure you’re absolutely comfortable with the touch.

I usually beginning at the feet and move up to your head over the course of a treatment. Common areas that I give attention to are your cranial bones, including ears and face, spine and sacrum (tailbone); chest to access the cardiac plexus, diaphragm to contact your solar plexus and abdomen to connect with the enteric nervous system and pelvic plexus.

During and after the treatment, you may feel sensations of tingling or prickling, heat or cold, heaviness or lightness, and similar, in various parts of your body. Sometimes these sensations are felt where my hands are, at others times they are felt somewhere completely different.

Everyone responds to CST differently and the number of treatments needed vary with each individual.

CST is a holistic, complementary therapy, and my goal is support and facilitate the body’s natural and inherent drive to self correct and self heal. This can happen when a client feels safe, and their body is able to down regulate the stress response and engage the parasympathetic ‘rest, digest and restore’ resources.

Depending on the nature of symptoms, this may take some time, which is why I encourage clients to invest in a minimum of six treatments to give their body time to feel safe, engage and respond.

Due to the stacking of stressors that happen over a lifetime, adults often require more treatments than children to effect lasting change.

Treatments are an investment in your or a loved one’s health and wellbeing and fees vary with age and location.

ADULTS & TEENS 16+

Initial consultation + treatment is £80. Please allow for 1.5 hours.

Follow up treatment - 60 minutes: £65

Pre-booked series of 5 treatments: £300 (saving £5 per treatment)

CHILDREN between 5-15

Initial consultation + treatment - 1 hr: 65

Follow on treatments -ca 45 minutes: £60

Prebooked series of 5 treatments: 275 (saving £5 per treatment)

INFANTS & CHILDREN under 5

Initial consultation + treatment - 1 hr: 65

Follow on treatments - 30 minutes: £45

Prebooked series of 5 treatments: £200 (saving £5 per treatment)

NEURODIVERSE CHILDREN

Initial consultation + treatment - 1 hr: 65

Follow on treatments - 30 minutes: £45

Prebooked series of 5 treatments: £200 (saving £5 per treatment)

Note that initial consultations for children and infants can be conducted ahead of the treatment by phone or Zoom.

Home visits: I am available for home visits for clients with mobility issues, infants and neurodiverse children, for an additional charge of £5. Please request this when booking.

As a professional cranio-sacral therapist my terms and conditions reflect the Standards & Ethics that I have committed to uphold as a registered CSTA and CHNC practitioner and ensure that all clients are treated fairly. 

Booking, Payment & Cancellation Policy

To secure an appointment with me at Naturality Wellness Centre in Berkhamsted, a non-refundable booking deposit of 50% is required. The remaining balance of your session fee is due either at the time of booking or in person at the start of your appointment.

Payment: I accept payment in cash, by card reader and direct bank transfer. 

Block Bookings & Packages

Block bookings are offered at a discounted rate and are subject to availability. Please note that:

• Block bookings are non-refundable after the 14-day cooling-off period, as per the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

• They are non-transferable to another person.

• A 48-hour cancellation policy applies to individual sessions within a block booking.

• I accept payment for block bookings by direct bank transfer only. My details will be provided at time of booking.  

Cancellation & Rescheduling

At Naturality Wellness Centre in Berkhamsted, I operate a strict 48-hour cancellation policy which allows me to offer the appointment to another client in need. Should you need to cancel or reschedule, I will always endeavour to find an appointment time better suited to your needs. 

• Cancellations with more than 48 hours notice: Your deposit will be transferred to a rescheduled appointment.

• Cancellations or 'no-shows' with less than 48 hours notice: The full session fee will be charged, and the deposit will be forfeited.

At my Home Clinic, Chiltern CST in Bellingdon, I charge a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. Should you need to cancel or reschedule, I will always endeavour to find an appointment time better suited to your needs. 

• Cancellations with more than 24 hours notice: Your appointment will be rescheduled to a time better suited to your needs. 

• Cancellations or 'no-shows' with less than 24 hours notice: At my discretion the full session fee will be charged.

If you need to reschedule or cancel, please provide as much notice as possible by contacting me via:

• Email: helena.swahn@chiltern-cst.uk

• Phone/Text: 07815060610

Therapist Cancellation

In the rare event that I need to cancel an appointment due to an emergency, I will notify you as soon as possible and offer you an immediate replacement session.

Force Majeure

• Helena Swahn Cranio-Sacral Therapy, operating as Chiltern-CST, shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under these terms and conditions where such failure or delay is caused by an event beyond our reasonable control.

• Such events may include, but are not limited to, acts of God (e.g., severe weather), fire, flood, strikes, labour disputes, illness, pandemics, government actions, or any other cause outside of our reasonable control.

• In such an event, I will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and will use all reasonable efforts to reschedule your appointment or make alternative arrangements. I will not be in breach of these terms and conditions to the extent that any such event causes a delay or failure in treatment or service.

• In the event that a resolution cannot be reached and the appointment cannot be provided, any fees paid will be refunded.

Policy on Treating Minors and Vulnerable Adults

• To ensure the safety and comfort of children under the age of 16 and vulnerable adults, a parent is required to be present in the treatment room for the duration of the session, unless express consent for me to treat the child alone or in the care of a caregiver or guardian is given in writing. 

• When considering treatment for minors and vulnerable teens or adults, I require a more detailed discussion with parents or caregivers regarding treatment expectations and potential outcomes, and the importance of holistic care and collaboration with the wider support network. 

Right to Refuse or Discontinue Treatment Policy

• I reserve the right to refuse or discontinue treatment at any time, for any reason. This may be due to factors such as safety concerns, my professional judgment that the treatment is not suitable, or if a positive therapeutic relationship cannot be established. In such an event, if a service has not been provided, any booking deposit or full payment made will be refunded.

• You, the client, has the right to refuse or discontinue treatment at any time. Not that block bookings are non-refundable after the 14-day cooling off period.

My Commitment to Your Privacy: A GDPR Statement

As a professional cranio-sacral therapy practitioner, your privacy and the security of your personal information are of the utmost importance to me. I am fully committed to upholding the principles of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which governs how I collect, process, and store your data.

What this means for you:

• Lawful and Fair Processing: I only collect and use your data for legitimate, specific purposes directly related to providing you with the best possible care. This includes managing your bookings, providing therapy and maintaining accurate health records.

• Data Minimisation: I will only ever ask for the information we genuinely need. We do not collect or retain any data that is not essential for your treatment and our professional records.

• Security and Confidentiality: Your sensitive personal data, including your health information, is handled with the highest level of confidentiality and is stored securely. I use encrypted systems and professional-grade security measures to protect your information from unauthorised access. 

The only exceptions to this confidentiality are in the following circumstances:

• I discuss my clinical work with a supervisor as part of my professional development and to ensure a high standard of practice. The client's identity is always protected and anonymised during these discussions.

• If I receive a court order or subpoena requiring me to disclose your records.

• If I believe there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to yourself, another person, or a child. In such cases, I have a professional and legal duty to breach confidentiality and contact the relevant authorities.

• Your information will only be shared with other parties (e.g., your GP, another therapist) with your explicit, written permission.

Your Rights: Under GDPR, you have several important rights regarding your personal data. You have the right to:

• Access the information I hold about you.

• Rectify any inaccurate data.

• Erase your data under certain circumstances.

• Restrict the processing of your data.

• Transparency: I am committed to being completely transparent about how I use your data. A full copy of my Privacy Policy, which details my data practices, is available upon request and on my website.

Feedback and Complaints Procedure

Your satisfaction and well-being are of the highest importance to me. As I am committed to providing the best possible standard of care, I welcome your feedback to help me improve my service.

Resolution

Should you have any concerns or wish to provide feedback on your treatment or my approach, I encourage you to contact me directly in the first instance. I am always open to a discussion with the aim of resolving any issues informally and to your satisfaction.

Formal Complaints

If you wish to escalate your concern to a formal complaint, or if you are not satisfied with the outcome of our discussion, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the professional accrediting bodies that I am registered with. These organisations hold practitioners to a high standard of professional conduct and ethics.

• The Craniosacral Therapy Association (CSTA): You can view their full complaints procedure and contact their Complaints Officer on their website: https://www.craniosacral.co.uk/about-us/our-history/standards-and-ethics/complaints/

• Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC): Information on how the CNHC deals with complaints and the formal complaints form can be found on their website: https://www.cnhc.org.uk/how-cnhc-deals-with-complaints

Limitation of Liability

• Helena Swahn, CranioSacral Therapy operating as Chiltern CST, accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct, indirect, or consequential, which may arise as a result of the services provided, other than for losses arising from our professional negligence, fraud, or wilful misconduct.

• My total liability to you in respect of all losses, arising under or in connection with the services provided, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, shall in no circumstances exceed the total fee paid by you for the specific service from which the loss or damage arose.

• Nothing in these terms and conditions shall limit or exclude our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for any other liability which cannot be lawfully limited or excluded.

This document is available as a PDF.

As a cranio-sacral therapist, I keep records regarding client treatments. This privacy policy sets out how I, Helena Swahn, as a professional Cranio-Sacral Therapist and sole trader of Chiltern CST (Cranio-Sacral Therapy), collect, use and protect your personal data. I am fully committed to ensuring your privacy is protected and that your data is handled in a secure and confidential manner, in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Protection Act May 2018.

The Data Controller

For the purposes of the GDPR, I am the data controller. My full name is Helena Swahn, and I can be contacted at helen.swahn@chiltern-cst.uk.

Information I Collect

During the case consultation, I will record your, or your child’s, name, contact details and other personal information such as your medical and life history, and your payments.  

The data you share with me is confidential unless:

• You give written consent for personal information to be shared with a named person or professional.

• I discuss my clinical work with a supervisor as part of my professional development and to ensure a high standard of practice. The client's identity is always protected and anonymised during these discussions. 

• I am required by law to share information.

• You disclose information that leads me to believe there is significant risk to your wellbeing or to that of another person. In such a case, I will inform you of my decision and reason to share such information.

I will make records during the case consultation and before and after each treatment that includes a client’s and my own observations and feedback. This information enables me to track treatment progress and avoids duplication of information. Personal information will not be used for any other purposes.  

My professional association, The CranioSacral Therapy Association’s Code of Ethics, which forms a foundation for this work, requires therapists to keep these notes for a specific length of time. 

This information will be stored in a locked filing cabinet in the privacy of my home. Any electronic devices I use are password protected, so email exchanges are only accessible by me. You can find out more information about this act at the Information Commissioners Office at www.ico.org.uk

YOUR RIGHTS

Access to data You have the right to request access to your or your child’s data. Should you need this information, please apply in writing to Helena Swahn at Chiltern CST, Pondfield House, Bellingdon, HP5 2XL, allowing one month to receive it. 

Opt out of communication You can opt out of receiving marketing communication, including news and updates to my services at any time by emailing a request to opt out to helena.swahn@chiltern-cst.uk

How I Use Your Information

• To manage, provide, administer and track your cranio-sacral therapy sessions.

• To communicate with you about your appointments.

• To maintain accurate and confidential clinical records.

• To comply with my professional bodies, The CranioSacral Therapy Association’s and Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council’s ethical guidelines.

• To comply with legal obligations, including for accounting and insurance purposes.

Data Storage and Security

• Your personal data is stored securely in both paper and electronic formats. Paper records are stored in a locked filing cabinet. Electronic records, including session notes and contact details, are stored on a password-protected and encrypted computer and mobile device. Any data stored in third-party services (e.g., booking software, email) is also protected by their own security measures.

Data Retention

• I retain your clinical records for a minimum of 8 years following the last session. For children and young people, I retain records until their 25th birthday (or 26th if they were 17 when treatment ended), in line with professional and legal recommendations. After this period, all records are securely destroyed.

Third-Party Disclosure

• Your personal data is treated with the utmost confidentiality. I will not share your data with any third party without your explicit written consent, except where there is a legal obligation to do so or if I believe there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others.

Your Rights as a Client

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

• Request a copy of the personal data I hold about you.

• Request that any inaccurate information be corrected.

• Request that your data be erased in certain circumstances.

• Request that I restrict the processing of your data.

• Object to the processing of your data.

• If you have concerns, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

How to Contact Me

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or my use of your data, please contact me at helena.swahn@chiltern-cst.uk. 

This document is available as a PDF.

Yes, absolutely. The gentle nature of CST makes it ideal to support women throughout pregnancy and after birth.

There are circumstances in which CST may need to wait, for example if you’re experiencing bleeds which need medical attention.

In treatments, sitting and side lying (on left) positions are preferred but I will adapt my approach to your level of comfort and need to change positions.

For mums who have restricted mobility, I am available for home visits.

Absolutely, parents and carers are welcome to mum & baby treatments.

I do ask that any observers remain calm and respectful throughout the treatment, saving questions for the treatment is finsihed.

Yes, indeed, I often encourage mums to share the first treatment with the baby, which is a wonderful way to experience CST and deepen the bond.

In fact, it is not unusual for a baby to respond positively after mum has had her own treatment. Baby can clearly sense a calmer, more resourced mum, whose nervous system has shifted from a state of stress and overwhelm into rest and digest.