The Gillespie Approach
A deeper look at the science, the systems, and the gentle technique behind CFT — and why it works for patients of every age.
The Foundation
Craniosacral Fascial Therapy was founded by Dr. Barry Gillespie, who recognized that the craniosacral and fascial systems are not separate — they are one unified network.
CFT brings together craniosacral therapy (CST) and myofascial release (MFR) in one unified approach — working gently with the body's natural rhythm to release the layers of tension that accumulate over a lifetime.
The craniosacral system encompasses the brain, spinal cord, and the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect them. This fluid rhythmically pulses throughout the body at a rate distinct from the heartbeat or breathing — and practitioners trained in the Gillespie Approach can feel and work with this rhythm.
When the craniosacral system is functioning optimally, cerebrospinal fluid flows freely from the brain into the spinal cord and body tissues, nourishing cells and clearing metabolic waste. Restrictions in this system can contribute to a wide range of neurological and physical symptoms.
Fascia is a thin, continuous layer of connective tissue that surrounds every organ, muscle, bone, nerve, and blood vessel in the body — including the brain and spinal cord. It forms a web that connects every structure from head to toe.
A healthy fascial system is fluid, elastic, and responsive. When it becomes restricted — through birth trauma, injury, surgery, stress, or emotional strain — those restrictions can pull on structures throughout the body, creating tension, pain, and dysfunction far from the original site of the strain.
The Gillespie Insight
Traditional therapies treated the craniosacral and fascial systems as separate. Dr. Gillespie's key discovery was that they are deeply interconnected — and that treating them together produces far greater results.
A light-touch approach developed to work with the rhythm and movement of cerebrospinal fluid. CST addresses the bones of the skull, spine, and sacrum to improve the flow and balance of this vital fluid system.
A hands-on technique that applies gentle, sustained pressure to the fascial connective tissue to eliminate restrictions and restore length, motion, and function throughout the entire myofascial system.
CFT recognizes that fascial restrictions directly affect craniosacral rhythm, and vice versa. By addressing both simultaneously, the body is able to unwind strain patterns more completely, often reaching deeper layers of restriction than either therapy could achieve alone.
A hallmark of the Gillespie Approach is working with the body's natural "brain cycle" — the rhythmic expansion and contraction of the craniosacral fascial system. Rather than applying force, the practitioner listens, supports, and follows wherever the body leads.
Your Experience
CFT sessions are gentle, clothed, and deeply relaxing. Here is what a typical session looks like from start to finish.
For first-time clients, the session begins with a conversation about your health history, current concerns, and goals. This helps Jacquelynn understand the full picture before beginning hands-on work. Feel free to reach out by email in advance if you would like to share any health history before your visit.
You remain fully clothed throughout the session. Jacquelynn uses a very light touch — often no more than 5 grams of pressure — to assess the craniosacral rhythm and feel for areas of fascial restriction throughout the body.
Guided by the body's natural brain cycle, Jacquelynn gently holds and supports the tissues as they unwind on their own. There is no forcing — only listening and following the body's lead. Sessions are deeply relaxing and often profoundly restorative.