Elective Course

Craniosacral Therapy

Explore gentle, non-invasive craniosacral approaches with an emphasis on client comfort, listening skills, and safe application. Practice basic hand placements, session pacing, and integration into massage sessions.

16 Total Hours 6 lecture hours and 10 lab hours
Prerequisite Level I Foundational Courses plus a high school diploma or GED
Textbook No textbook required

What Students Build

Technique Development
Client Safety
Applied Learning
Professional Readiness

Overview

Course Description

A bodywork & techniques elective designed to support safe, informed, client-centered practice.

What You Learn

Course Overview

Explore gentle, non-invasive craniosacral approaches with an emphasis on client comfort, listening skills, and safe application. Practice basic hand placements, session pacing, and integration into massage sessions.

  • Outcome 1 Explain foundational concepts, indications, and precautions for craniosacral-style work.
  • Outcome 2 Demonstrate basic hand placements and a simple session flow with appropriate draping and pacing.
  • Outcome 3 Integrate gentle techniques into a broader session plan with clear client communication and consent.
This elective supports safe practice, applied learning, and professional communication within massage therapy scope.

Learning Outcomes

Course Outcomes

Students strengthen practical skills and professional decision-making through guided theory and hands-on learning.

By the End of This Course

  • Explain foundational concepts, indications, and precautions for craniosacral-style work.
  • Demonstrate basic hand placements and a simple session flow with appropriate draping and pacing.
  • Integrate gentle techniques into a broader session plan with clear client communication and consent.

Hours Overview

Lab time leads slightly, supporting both concept review and hands-on application.

Schedule

Course Structure and Resources

Course pacing blends lecture and lab practice to support both theory and applied skill development.

Instructional Time

Total instructional time is 16 hours, including 6 lecture hours and 10 lab hours. This structure supports theory, supervised practice, and skill integration.

A detailed schedule with dates, activities, policies, and assignment expectations is typically issued to enrolled students.

Evaluation

Grading Summary

Student progress is measured through coursework, labs, and final assessment activities.

Graded Items
Value
Skills Check
60%
Short Quiz (Safety & Concepts)
20%
Participation
20%
Total
100%

Course Planning Note

Craniosacral Therapy supports gentle technique development, listening skills, and client-centered care within the AFSM elective curriculum.

Note: Prerequisite includes Level I Foundational Courses and a high school diploma or GED.