What is CFT

Welcome

I'm so glad you're here.

Whether you're preparing for your baby's arrival, hoping for support in those first hours after birth, or navigating feeding, tension, or developmental concerns in the weeks and months that follow, I'm honored you're here.

My practice is centered around caring for mothers, babies, and young children. I offer Craniosacral Fascial Therapy during pregnancy, postpartum, throughout infancy and early childhood, and I also offer an on-call newborn session for families who would like their baby seen as soon as possible after birth.

Below you'll find more about what Craniosacral Fascial Therapy is, what a session looks like, how to prepare, and answers to some of the questions I hear most often.

 

What Is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy?

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT), also known as the Gillespie Approach, is a gentle, hands-on therapy that works with the body's connective tissue, called fascia.

Fascia surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, and organ in the body. When it becomes tight or restricted—whether from pregnancy, birth, injuries, or everyday life—it can affect how comfortably the body moves and functions.

During a session, I use gentle touch to listen to the body's tension patterns and encourage them to release naturally. There is no forceful manipulation, cracking, or painful stretching. Sessions are quiet, unhurried, and always guided by what your body—or your baby's body—is ready for.

I believe God designed our bodies with incredible wisdom. My role isn't to force the body to change, but to gently support it while trusting the way He created it to function.

 

Who I Serve

Moms

Pregnancy places incredible demands on a mother's body. CFT can provide gentle support as your body adapts to the many physical changes that come with growing your baby.

On-Call Newborn Care

The hours after birth are an incredible time of transition for both mom and baby. Whether your birth was long, fast, assisted, or somewhere in between, babies experience tremendous physical forces during delivery.

For families who desire it, I offer an on-call newborn session shortly after birth. These visits are arranged before your due date so I can be available to assess your baby, provide gentle CFT, and support your family's transition in those first precious hours or days.

Babies

Many families seek CFT because their baby is experiencing:

• Feeding or latch difficulties

• Body tension

• Head-turning preference or torticollis

• Tongue or lip tie support (before or after release)

• Digestive discomfort or reflux

• Difficulty settling or sleeping

• Tension after birth

• General concerns about comfort or movement

Young Children

As children grow, CFT may provide gentle support for:

• Movement and coordination

• Balance and posture

• Tension after falls or injuries

• Jaw or facial tension

• General mobility and comfort

Mothers

Mothers often come in for care during pregnancy or after birth for:

• Neck and shoulder tension

• Back or hip discomfort

• Jaw tension

• Headaches

• The physical demands of nursing, carrying, and caring for little ones

 

What to Expect During a Session

Every session is different because every person is different.

For babies, sessions are often spent in a parent's arms. Your baby may nurse, take a bottle, sleep, look around the room, or want to be held the entire time. Some babies fuss, some sleep through everything, and many do a little of both. Whatever your baby needs is completely okay. We simply follow their cues.

For mothers and young children, sessions are relaxed and unhurried. I'll spend time listening to your concerns, observing movement and tension patterns, and using gentle hands-on techniques throughout the session.

There is no forcing, cracking, or painful pressure. My goal is simply to create an environment where the body can relax and respond naturally.

I offer both full one-hour sessions and focused forty-minute sessions depending on your needs.

 

How to Prepare

There's nothing special you need to do before your appointment.

For babies, dress them in comfortable clothing and bring anything they normally need, such as milk, a bottle, snacks, a pacifier, or a favorite blanket. You're always welcome to feed, comfort, or change your baby during the session.

For mothers and young children, comfortable clothing that allows easy movement is best. Soft, stretchy clothing is ideal, but there's no need to buy anything special.

Most importantly, just come as you are.

 

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Every body is different.

Some families notice changes after one visit, while others benefit from a series of sessions as the body continues to unwind and adapt. After your first appointment, we'll talk about what I'm noticing and whether I think additional sessions would be helpful.

There is never any pressure to schedule more appointments than you feel comfortable with.

 

Policies and Booking Information

I kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule so your appointment can be offered to another family.

Appointments take place in my quiet, private in-home office in Topeka. The address will be provided after booking.

I also offer home visits and on-call newborn sessions by prior arrangement. If you're interested in either of these services, please reach out before booking online so we can discuss availability.

Insurance & Payment Information

Just The Hem is a cash-pay practice and does not bill or work with insurance. Craniosacral Fascial Therapy is considered a wellness-based, non-medical therapy, and insurance companies do not offer coverage for this type of care. Because of this, all sessions are paid directly at the time of service.

Being a cash-pay practice allows me to keep sessions gentle, unhurried, and personalized without the limitations or restrictions insurance companies often place on care. It also allows me to offer flexible options, including shorter session lengths and the From the Hem Giving Fund for those who may need financial support.

I’m committed to making care as accessible as possible while still providing a high standard of service, time, and attention to every person I work with.

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Resources

Learn more about the philosophy, origins, and full explanation of Craniosacral Fascial Therapy from the founder of the Gillespie Approach.
gillespieapproach.com

A simple overview of how Craniosacral Fascial Therapy works with the fascial and craniosacral systems of the body.
craniosacralfascialtherapy.com

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