Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Training

The three-day Gillespie Approach Foundation Training teaches students how to palpate and maximize brain motion with craniosacral fascial bodywork techniques. Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy integrates three therapies: craniosacral, fascial and oral work. Every student gives and receives many hours of therapy during this 22.5-hour training, which may help with her or his own healing.

Anyone can take the training. We encourage parents to learn Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy to treat their children. At the end of the training, students are expected to be able to treat children and adults effectively. This class is a prerequisite for Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy newborn, infant and toddler training.

The three-day Gillespie Approach Infant Training teaches students the techniques developed by Dr. Barry Gillespie to treat newborns and pre-crawling babies. The Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy for older babies and toddlers is a blend of the techniques taught in the three-day Gillespie Approach Foundation Training and this Gillespie Approach Infant Training. The provider will determine how to treat older babies and toddlers based on how the client presents and directs at each session.

The three-day Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Foundation Training is a prerequisite for this Infant Training. Students will have ample opportunity for hands-on work with babies under the guidance of the instructors.

Kim Sherlock is a Pennsylvania licensed massage therapist and has been practicing Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy since 2008. For many years, she was an assistant trainer with Dr. Barry Gillespie. Kim has trained and collaborated with Barry to teach the Gillespie Approach since he retired from teaching. She has taught classes in South Africa, the United Kingdom and throughout the United States, including Amish communities. Explore more about these training opportunities.

Kim also utilizes other fascia-focused therapies in her practice. She believes that fascia is often overlooked by conventional medicine and passionately believes it is a missing piece for optimizing overall health.

After 10 years of clinical observation, Kim decided it was important to train in Myofunctional Therapy to further support clients suffering from health conditions related to oral myofunctional dysfunction and airway issues. She offers in person and telehealth appointments. Her private practice is located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. She treats newborns through adults with a wide range of health issues. Discover more.

To learn more about Kim Sherlocks’s work, visit KimSherlock.com.
Kim Sherlock, LMT, NCBTMB

Holly Steflik has been a licensed massage therapist with a full-time holistic health practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, since 1997. She was introduced to Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy through The Family Hope Center many years ago and found the Gillespie Approach to be the missing piece in her practice. She immediately began to incorporate Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy into all her healing sessions, and her clients experienced the profound benefits of unwinding chronic fascial strain. Holly Steflik loves teaching and became part of the Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Core Group in 2014. She enjoys working with all ages and especially loves working with children and babies.

Holly Steflik studied sociology at UCLA, completed her master’s degree in deaf education at California State University at Northridge, and taught deaf and hard-of-hearing children in South Central Los Angeles, California, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Holly Steflik is an advanced BodyTalk practitioner and BodyTalk instructor. She also loves to explore faraway places and is passionate about teaching and sharing Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy with people all over the world. She has been part of two medical service trips to remote villages in Nepal and Peru spreading Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy globally.

Holly Steflik and Kim Sherlock make up the Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Global Team and love teaching and sharing this modality around the world. They have trained hundreds of body workers, health practitioners, parents, teachers, etc. to incorporate Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy into their lives and their practices. Please contact us if you wish to coordinate a training in your area.

To learn more about Holly Steflik’s practice, visit HollySteflik.com. Contact her by email at holly.steflik@gmail.com or call 919–619–0165.

Learning this approach can also make you feel like you have some power and agency regarding our loved one’s health and well-being. When I work on my adult daughter who had a concussion it is the one REAL thing that I can directly do to help her heal. I do have to be patient and let go of the outcome. Which is actually a good practice for me as a mother and as a person. I took the foundations class twice, and it helped me ground the practice into my mind and body. I also feel really good when I’m doing it. My ANS relaxes, and I’m healing myself in the process :))

—Ami Isett

Barry introduced me to craniosacral fascial work in my Pfrimmer deep muscle class back in the 1980s. I’ve had a very successful career in massage for nearly 20 years using mostly MFR, craniosacral, and Pfrimmer deep muscle therapy. But your training was over and above my expectations. It was user friendly. Much of it covered what I already knew, but I discovered some missing links that have made a world of difference in my work.

For the first time I can actually feel the craniosacral movement even though I was doing MFR work for 11 years. I’ve gained a far better grasp of the cranial anatomy and the relevance of the cranial bones to each other when one is tweaked ever so lightly. The biggest eye opener is the sequence of how we do the work. I am able to release fascial restrictions much faster now since taking your training, with less effort.

My Clients Cannot Believe The Difference

One client with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, who I’ve been treating for years, had far more energy with no pain and better eyesight following her first CFT session. All of her improvements have remained with her, and she continues to get better with each session. The chiropractor in my office has seen a remarkable difference in her patients’ spinal columns and mental attitude since I have been using CFT. In fact, she is so impressed with the work that she’s been referring many patients to my home office since there’s not enough time in her office to fit them all in.

I’ve Been Swamped With Work

I have a deluge of clients! For a time I felt like running away from the flood of clients. I’ve been busy over the years but never like this! I can only attribute this to the work you’ve passed on to me, Barry. Thank you.

—Leona Schlageter, P.D.M.T.
Fleetwood, Pennsylvania

My passion is bodywork. I have been in the health and bodywork field for twelve years and still can’t picture another profession I would rather be in. My education in exercise science provided me with a bridge into the health and wellness field. Being a health director at a local center led me into the education and training of massage therapy as it applied to the rehabilitation field. I enjoyed working with athletes as part of their training program. I loved working with muscles in respect to their function and recovery.

But I wanted to learn more about how the body functioned as a unit. I wanted to understand more about the body systems and how each one directly impacted the other. This interest led me directly to the CFT training. Little did I know that this would open up a whole new practice. CFT gave me the education about what fascia is, how fascia works, and how interconnected fascia is with the amplitude and function of the craniosacral system. Blending the therapies together—fascia and craniosacral unwinding at the same time—showed me the
unity of the system.

My practice is now 50 percent children with a growing percentage of special needs children as well. Nutritional consultants, chiropractors, speech-language specialists, physical therapists, massage therapists, birth
doulas and lactation consultants and, of course, mothers refer patients to me. To see all the children improve in varying degrees is humbling. It is my deepest intention to continue expanding my knowledge in the bodywork field to be an instrument of healing for those who enter my office.
—Suzette Howland, B.S., NCMT, LDT, CFT
Auburn, Massachusetts

We know firsthand the value of Dr. Barry Gillespie’s life’s work, the quality of the training he offers, and the results we continue to obtain.

Taking CFT to Mexico

Many health-care professionals either donate their time or work for a small fee inside Mexico. Massage therapists, Reiki practitioners, physical therapists, body workers, physicians, nurses, dentists, ophthalmologists and other secular organizations have offered their time and talents for decades.

When we got back home here in New Mexico after training with Dr. Barry Gillespie in Pennsylvania, we were introduced to a woman, (Dr. San Juana Mendoza-Bruce, a well-trained and experienced medical doctor) seeking help, donations, etc. for several of her clinics in Juarez and Anapra, Mexico. These people are the poorest of the poor along the border. Many live without shelter, no running water, little food, money, or hope. Before we went there, we were already incorporating Dr. Gillespie’s techniques into our work with homeless and abused women, children and families here in New Mexico.

Word of the Healing Power of Natural Care Spreads

The word was spreading in Mexico that many were being helped with our work by using natural care approaches alone. The list is far too long to document here. I will sum it up by saying we got to work with physical, intellectual, emotional and social disorders/problems in hundreds of infants, children, and adults while there. The work was challenging and rewarding because:
1. It was performed at an award-winning publicly funded social services
organization.
2. Traditionally trained professionals in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and early
childhood development critically reviewed CFT.

Breaking Through the Language Barrier with Treatment

On our first visit to Dr. San Juana’s clinic, we saw common musculoskeletal problems. At the end of the day, Dr. San Juana said to us in English, “How nice. How marvelous. Everyone you saw said they were treated with kindness and dignity. Everyone said your work was gentle, and you found and relieved many of their pains.

Treating Children with Difficult Cases

We parted knowing we would see some difficult children’s cases at our next visit. What we saw were birth related traumas, developmental conditions and delays, craniosynostosis conditions, and a variety of difficult muscle and
fascial problems.

The Bottom Line

We are thankful to Barry for his wonderful training, support, and friendship. His work is now being done in Mexico and is spreading as visiting physicians learn more.

Teaching the Therapies

We have now been asked to teach the women in the colonias how to touch the children and massage them and also to lecture to traditional and nontraditional practitioners about the benefits, safety, and use of natural care methods. They even gave us two translators! They have never seen anything like this work, its gentleness, safety and effectiveness. Having a powerful tool to help that requires no drugs/surgery seems miraculous to them.

Discovering the Power of Touch and the Science Behind the Work

There is sound science behind it that they can understand. When we discussed the cranial bones/sutures (an introduction to craniosacral fascial therapy), we were all speaking the same language! I am glad we were awake for that part of the CFT workshop. Dr. Gillespie is making a beautiful and healing contribution to this world by sharing his knowledge. You know it works when there is no communication other than touch. The continued results speak for themselves.
—Urbanie Clear, R.N., L.M.T.
Jim Clear, N.C.T.M.B., L.M.T., R.M.T.I.
Natural Therapies LLC
Las Cruces, New Mexico

“CFT makes up 40% of my practice. The increase is still growing through word of mouth. Also, it will lengthen my career, as it is physically easier to do. The children are responding to CFT so well that their parents are amazed. The fact that there is an end to treatment has parents very willing to try therapy. The feedback from parents on their child’s improvement is very rewarding. The workshop is unique because of Dr. Gillespie’s passion and caring; he’s a teacher who truly loves what he’s doing and teaching.”
—Daniel G. Jobson, P.D.M.T.,
Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania

“If you want to make a difference for your clients and excel personally and professionally, this is the training you must take. This was the finest training I have attended for several reasons. The training alone offers training and knowledge that makes a difference. The science behind it is irrefutable. The rationale, techniques, therapies, and sequence are superior. Its true value far exceeds its cost.”
—Jim Clear, NCTMB, LMT, RMTI
Las Cruces, New Mexico

“I have unsuccessfully taken other craniosacral courses in Florida that introduce craniosacral therapy. After three days of the Gillespie Approach Training, I could use this system confidently.”
—Jonah Salomon, Massage Therapy Instructor, Florida College of Natural Health,
Orlando, Florida

“This piece of natural health allows my clients to reach a state of wellness much sooner than with past techniques. The small group made it personal and easier to learn the information and techniques. It was an honor to have Dr. Gillespie as a teacher.”
—Diane Krulock, Nutritionist
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

“I got it all in one weekend.”
—Donna Alcorn, R.N., B.S., M. Ed., C.M.T.
York, Pennsylvania

“Dr. Gillespie’s workshop has made me a more complete therapist. By integrating craniosacral fascial therapy with my own muscle therapy, I can give my clients a complete and thorough treatment. I can successfully treat children and adults with asthma, earaches, migraines, headaches, and other conditions. This therapy has opened many new doors for me both professionally and personally. I was able to take it one step farther and open my own practice. After being open only four weeks, I became so busy that I added another therapist. I’ve never been happier than I am being on my own. I highly recommend this workshop to any professional who wishes to expand his/her realm of practice.”
—Suzette Grenier, Howland, C.M.T.
Worcester, Massachusetts

“The training from Dr. Gillespie took my work to a new level. Everybody noticed the difference with the treatment. It’s very exciting. A 10-year-old girl came to me with migraines. With only one treatment her headaches stopped, and she is happier than her mother has seen her for a long time. I was amazed. The work is very profound.”
—Tatiana Slattery, N.C.M.T.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“Clients are getting results they haven’t experienced before with little effort on my part. The workshop is unique in its small class, more individual help, Dr. Gillespie’s thoroughness in answering questions, and the great use of bones to demonstrate techniques.”
—Jan Hartline, M.T., P.D.M.T.
Eagle, Pennsylvania

“The training takes you to the next level for your clients. Then true healing can begin since you are getting to the real cause of the discomfort.”
—Hope Hicks, M.T.
Winchester, Virginia

“I gained new perspective on the body as a whole in working from a more subtle level. I am more aware of what the body needs. Clients have told me I am able to get to the core of the problem that seemed to elude me before.”
—Donna Fae Dodson, R.N., L.M.T.
Rochester, New York

“It has opened up a whole new mindset in my approach to effectively release tension. I found the small class size and one-on-one instruction to be very helpful. Also, the results of these techniques are very profound. Clients are telling me that they are sleeping and feeling better overall.”
—Nancy L. Carll, N.C.M.T.
Malvern, Pennsylvania

“Craniosacral fascial work has been the key that has enabled my massage work to be more effective and go deeper into the body. My clients report feeling better overall, inside and out. This work is amazing, and Dr. Gillespie is on the cutting edge. Many of my clients are very excited and eager to receive treatments when CFT is included with Pfrimmer deep muscle therapy.”
—Lisa Rumer, P.T.A., N.C.M.T., P.D.M.T.
Dublin, Pennsylvania

“The size of the class was small and I really liked the interaction with Barry. He always made himself available for questions.”
—Jill N. Raimato, C.M.T.
Baltimore, Maryland

“Since this workshop had a lot of bodywork, it was a class within itself. I’m looking forward to using CFT on the foster children who go through my home.”
—Patty Kuzmak, B.S.W., C.M.T. ,
Certified Infant Massage Instructor
Baltimore, Maryland

“I received tons of useful information immediately.”
—Kate Horrigan, P.T.
New York City, New York

“Clients are getting dramatic results, as their craniosacral-fascial system opens up and specific strains are released. The workshop differs from others because of the small number of students and the greater amount of time spent working on each other. Since Barry worked on us frequently during the weekend, we had the opportunity to feel what he was teaching through his years of experience.”
—Brigid E. Meagher, C.M.T., C.S.T. and S.E.R.
Paoli, Pennsylvania

“The training is enlightening, simple, supportive, and educational. It is truly amazing work.”
—Cheryl Thommer, C.M.T.
Millersville, Maryland

“What I learned at the training brings another level of healing to my work.”
—Anne Marie Brady, C.M.T.
Mountainhome, Pennsylvania

“I enjoyed seeing and comparing the differences between plastic bones and real skull bones, especially the small facial bones. Learning this work affords me the opportunity to offer my clients more options in bodywork.”
—Cynthia L. Gaydos, C.P.D.M.T.
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

“Although I presently work with children, this provides me with a great deal of more helpful clinical information.”
—Barbara Feeney, LMT
Greenwich, Connecticut

“The workshop gave me additional techniques to work on the craniosacral fascial system. Actually, it brought it all together and helped me to fine tune my work.”
—Kristine King, L.M.T., C.M.T., N.M.T.
Shillington, Pennsylvania

“Following workshops, I always have a few questions come to mind. Unlike other workshops, this was so thorough that I have found I’m confident to do the work without any questions.”
—Kay Gustin, L.M.T.
Troy, Pennsylvania

“The workbook was incredibly comprehensive.”
—Patricia A Carrigan, L.M.T.
Shepherdstown, West Virginia

“I can look at a patient’s symptoms and go right to the source of the problem. The treatment is non-invasive to the patient. My clients are responding very well to CFT. They are finding true relief from pain. They no longer have to rely so heavily on pain relievers that only mask the true cause of the problem.”
—Linda G. Larkin
Shiatsu practitioner, reiki therapist and craniosacral fascial therapist
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

“Since I do Reiki, the physical side of this work will give added benefits. It gets to areas other therapies do not. It was a great idea to send out the workbook prior to the class.”
—Janet Hoffman, M.T.
St. Peter’s, Pennsylvania

“Everyone has tension and traumas from dealing with life’s ups and downs. This work can be helpful for anyone because we basically have the same structure, perhaps just different blocks or problems to address. Many children may respond more quickly, but adults can certainly use releases and rebalancing. It’s nice to have something that works for babies too.”
—Beth James Foos, M.T.
Exton, Pennsylvania

“It was excellent to have materials ahead of time. The anatomy/bone demos were fabulous.”
—Denise M. Welsh, L.M.T.
W. Boylston, Massachusetts

“The workbook was like Barry was talking directly to us. This was the best training I have ever attended.”
—Martha Davis, L.M.T.
East Brookfield, Massachusetts

“I would like to completely change my practice around and only do craniosacral fascial work. CFT is also easier on my body.”
—June Bishop, L.M.T.
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

“I found more care and concern for learning in this training. Most instructors just strut their stuff.”
—Cheryl Davis Eller, L.M.T.
Orlando, Florida

“Through this work I can affect the entire body’s functioning via a non-invasive method. Finally, I have an alternative to traditional drug therapy. I feel I found something that ultimately will change my life and the lives of those I touch.”
—Christa Anne Barry, P.D.M.T.
Baltimore, Maryland

“You can feel dramatic changes in yourself, which solidify the techniques for you and give you confidence to practice on others. It can also prolong your career because it’s so easy on your hands, wrists, and body. As a holistic approach, it is a great integration of the best massage has to offer.”
—Michael S. Trammell, C.M.T., N.C.T.M.B.
Charlottesville, Virginia

“This training enabled me to look differently at every patient. I can now help patients I previously thought I couldn’t help. This class also helped me realize why some of my best efforts in the past have failed.”
—Jacqueline J. Shakar, MSPT, AT, CMT
Auburn, Massachusetts

“Having studied some cranial, TMJ, and myofascial work, I found CFT to be a synthesis of the best in each.”
—Matthew Schrier, MS, DC
Newington, Connecticut