Craniosacral Therapy Training
for Midwives

The development of this course arose from a need to expand the availability of Craniosacral Therapy to mothers and babies in Dorset. Following the course in 2004 - 2005, there are now 7 practising craniosacral practitioners in Dorset and Hampshire who jointly run a mother and baby clinic in Wareham.

Typically the presenting symptoms in babies range from feeding and sleeping problems to colic and behavioural difficulties. Potential students are chosen on their commitment to the aims and objectives of the course and their willingness to explore their own levels of sensitivity required to practice this subtle therapy.

All potential students are asked to fill out an application form, have an interview with one of the course directors and are assessed during an introductory day as to their suitability. Given the high degree of sensitivity needed to undertake this work, potential students who do not meet the criteria may be required to undertake further study before being re-assessed.

The Course

Each seminar has clear topics to be covered and expected learning outcomes. Because of the degree of sensitivity required during the practical sessions, rigidity in terms of strict time-scales is inappropriate. Therefore a degree of flexibility is built in to the course, both within the seminar and the whole course in general as far as the time spent on particular topics and the order in which material is presented.

The day normally starts with feedback, questions and discussion of material related the homework, the last seminar and practice sessions. This is followed by perceptual and centering exercises before going into a formal lecture on the topic concerned. The lecture concludes with a short practical demonstration and is followed by a practical session in which students take it in turn to work on each other on the treatment couches.

The nature of the practical hands-on learning means that learning opportunities arise within the practical sessions that are often useful material to relate to clinical situations. These situations then provide very fruitful material for discussion and elaboration during the feedback and debriefing sessions which are always held after each practical session.

The teaching handbook is Craniosacral Biodynamics 1 & 2 by Franklyn Sills published by North Atlantic Books. Tutors have public liability and professional indemnity insurance that covers themselves and the students whilst they are on the premises at the hospital.

Students are encouraged to take out professional indemnity insurance to cover themselves during practical sessions that are carried out between seminars. All students are expected to complete written and practical homework between seminars. This is collected at the beginning of each seminar and returned, marked with comments, at the following seminar. Any issues that arise from the homework are discussed with the group or with the individual student as appropriate.

During most practical sessions, a tutor either works on or is worked on by a student. This is invaluable as a learning tool in that the tutor is able to give precise feedback and the student is able to appreciate the level of touch applied by the tutor. Formal practical assessments of practical skills are undertaken at 3 points during the training. The first 2 are conducted by the staff. The third and final assessment takes place during the last seminar and is conducted by an external verifier. The external verifier will also inspect the students' homework, how it has been marked and ask viva questions of the students.

All assessments are carried out strictly in relation to the core curriculum and the competencies described in the standards of practice document. A 3 hour written examination covering the principals of craniosacral therapy will take place before the final seminar.

In addition, students will be required to demonstrate that they: 1. Possess adequate Professional Indemnity and Malpractice Insurance cover and an up-to-date First Aid Certificate 2. Can provide and maintain a safe and professional clinical environment 3. Can establish a professional relationship with clients and an awareness of the importance of healthy boundaries 4. Can maintain client/patient case histories, treatment records and other essential record keeping including financial records 5. Have developed effective listening skills 6. Can communicate effectively with clients and colleagues 7. Have the ability to market their practice and therapies ethically within the remit of their governing bodies and their contracts of employment 8. Can manage their own time and professional life effectively 9. Will observe the legal aspects of practice including Health and Safety, and Local Authority regulations. 10. Will make appropriate referrals to other CAM or orthodox practitioners as neccessary

In the event of any student requiring further study, suitable arrangements will be made via tutoring or attending other seminars as appropriate. On graduation and subject to them fulfilling all their requirements, students will be eligible to join the Complementary Medicine Association as practitioner members. The CMA has a voice on all the regulatory bodies associated with complementary therapies and will come under the umbrella of the Cranial Forum the regulatory body for Craniosacral Therapy in the UK.

Part of the course involves supervised clinical practice both in the later stages of the course and in the year following graduation. Graduates are encouraged to have supervision for at least one year after graduating.

All students and members of staff maintain strict confidentiality about personal information or processes that arise during the training. Because of the sensitive nature of the work it is felt important that a safe learning environment is created.

A high emphasis is placed on students continuing to develop their interest and practice of craniosacral therapy within midwifery by setting personal objectives and attending continued professional development courses.

Details of suitable courses, for example those offered by the Craniosacral Therapy Association of the UK, will be given to students on completion of the course. Graduates of the course will be encouraged to join the Complementary Medicine Association or Embody where they will have access to a large number of ongoing development courses and conferences.

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