I am seeing a young adult for anxiety and depression. He had a history of physical trauma: birth trauma resulting in colic as an infant, a serious childhood accident playing ball, a palatal expander, orthodontic braces which left him with a malocclusion, and three soccer concussions.
A myofunctional therapist referred him because his mouth was “uncomfortable.” His neck and back have been tight for years, and he has had dry mouth for one year. In my world his oral condition was just the tip of the iceberg.
Clinically, his upper body fascia was tight, creating a zero-second brain cycle. The first treatment visit, resulting in a 90-second brain cycle, was magical.
The lights went on for his brain. When he got home, he felt calmer and more relaxed. He could breathe more deeply, down into his diaphragm. The next day he had clarity of mind. His anxiety and depression were melting away.
His mother watched the whole session in awe. She saw his countenance change as his craniosacral fascial system opened. She said it was the coolest thing that she had ever seen.
After three visits, his brain cycle was over 200 seconds. He felt like he was undergoing a transformation.
My Question
Why do millions of people have anxiety and/or depression?
My Suggestion
Maybe some people are just tight from the cumulative effects of life’s traumas.
One Possible Scenario
Soft tissue birth trauma ➞ zero-second brain cycle ➞ fussy baby ➞ childhood ADHD or cognitive issues ➞ anxiety and depression as an adult.
The Medical Solution
For most people, medication is the answer, possibly for a lifetime.
My Calling
Maybe that thinking can change. I hope the world is listening.
We see a world where every newborn is free from a lifetime of suffering due to birth trauma. Our aim is for every neonate to experience the wonder of therapy. Our goal is to create a global shift in consciousness around newborn health.
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.

