Sometimes the root of the problem takes time to surface in therapy.
A mother had been treated for one year for headache, neck pain, and other issues. As we were going through therapy, she felt gradual improvement but never was completely healed.
When a patient presents to you, you never really know the number of visits needed for correction. This holds true even for a newborn who may have a large traumatic onion over the 40 weeks.
You also never know how easily their fascial web will release. Some people release readily, and others may let go very slowly.
You do not know whether emotional factors are involved and whether the patient is ready to release them. So when she or he presents with the typical head and neck issues, there are a lot of unknown factors.
That is why we, as clinicians, call our work “practices.” We practice on our patients with what works for most people, knowing that everyone has had a unique life experience and can respond differently.
On the 15th visit, this woman’s body took me into an unusual lordotic position. Her lumbar tissue pulled forward, which sent her head and neck into a distinct strong whiplash.
The patient immediately felt the neck pain that she had been dealing with for years. I worked that strain until it mitigated and will check it again on the next visit.
There is no healing on demand in the Gillespie Approach. The beauty of the work is the we allow the body to heal itself in its own time and space by just facilitating the correction.
I applaud her patience over the year to find the root cause of her problem. Gillespie Approach Training is a must for healthcare providers.
Sign up for Gillespie Approach Training Opportunities
Foundation Trainings
Gillespie Approach Foundation Training is designed for students to work with children and adults.
2026 Dates:
- January 22–24 | Melbourne, FL
- March 19–21 | Greenville, SC
- May 14–16 | Westfield, IN
- June 25–27 | Bozeman, MT
- August 6–8 | Boise, ID
- October 1–3 | Olathe, KS
- November 9–11 | Newtown Square, PA
- November 12–14 | Newtown Square, PA
Infant Trainings
Gillespie Approach Infant Training is designed for students to work with infants.
2026 Dates:
- January 25–27 | Melbourne, FL
- March 22–24 | Greenville, SC
- May 17–19 | Westfield, IN
- June 28–30 | Bozeman, MT
- August 9–11 | Boise, ID
- October 4–6 | Olathe, KS
- November 15–17 | Newtown Square, PA
New to Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy?
Read a collection of articles handpicked by Dr. Barry Gillespie to help you grasp core information and understand training and treatment options.
Make a Gillespie Approach Appointment to Get the Help You Need
Talk About the Gillespie Approach With Our Community on the Gillespie Approach Forum
Catch Every Story! Get a Free E-book and Infographic With Your Email Newsletter Subscription
Explore Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Articles Based on Hundreds of Health Conditions and Anatomical Regions
Enjoy Many Powerful Testimonials for Babies, Children and Adults
From fussy babies experiencing breakthroughs and children excelling in school to adults emerging triumphant over mystery health conditions, get inspired by these heartwarming and soul-stirring testimonials.

