Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Training

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 Gillespie Approach 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 the Gillespie Approach. 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

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 Foundation Training 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

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 Gillespie Approach Training. Little did I know that this would open up a whole new practice. The Gillespie Approach 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

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 Gillespie Approach Training, I could use this system confidently.

—Jonah Salomon, Massage Therapy Instructor, Florida College of Natural Health,
Orlando, Florida

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

The Gillespie Approach 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 the Gillespie Approach is included with Pfrimmer deep muscle therapy.

—Lisa Rumer, P.T.A., N.C.M.T., P.D.M.T.
Dublin, Pennsylvania

I can look at a patient’s symptoms and go right to the source of the problem. The treatment is noninvasive to the patient. My clients are responding very well to the Gillespie Approach. 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

Through this work, I can affect the entire body’s functioning via a noninvasive 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

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

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

I would like to completely change my practice around and only do Gillespie Approach work. The Gillespie Approach is also easier on my body.

—June Bishop, L.M.T.
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

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

Since this workshop had a lot of bodywork, it was a class within itself. I’m looking forward to using the Gillespie Approach on the foster children who go through my home.

—Patty Kuzmak, B.S.W., C.M.T. , Certified Infant Massage Instructor
Baltimore, Maryland

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

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

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

Having studied some cranial, TMJ, and myofascial work, I found the Gillespie Approach to be a synthesis of the best in each.

—Matthew Schrier, MS, DC
Newington, Connecticut

Although I presently work with children, this provides me with a great deal of more helpful clinical information.

—Barbara Feeney, LMT
Greenwich, Connecticut

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

I received tons of useful information immediately.

—Kate Horrigan, P.T.
New York City, New York