What is CFT

Welcome —

I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re seeking CFT for your newborn, your child, or for yourself, this page will guide you through what to expect, how to prepare, what to wear, and how your first session will unfold. My goal is for you to feel calm, informed, and supported every step of the way.

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What Is CFT?

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT), also known as the Gillespie Approach, is a gentle, hands-on therapy that works with the fascial and craniosacral systems of the body. The fascia is a connective-tissue web that surrounds and supports every muscle, organ, bone, nerve, and structure. When this web becomes tight or restricted — from birth trauma, falls, tension, stress, or everyday life — it can affect how we feed, breathe, move, sleep, and feel.

CFT also supports the craniosacral system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and the membranes and fluid surrounding them. When fascial tension pulls on this system, it can influence brain motion, fluid flow, and nervous system balance. CFT helps restore ease and freedom in these areas so the whole body can function more harmoniously.

During a session, gentle touch is used to follow the body’s natural patterns and help it release restrictions at its own pace. There is no forcing or pushing — just calm, intuitive guidance that allows the body to unwind deeply held tension. This work can be incredibly supportive for newborns with feeding or latch challenges, children dealing with tension or mobility issues, and adults carrying chronic stress patterns or discomfort.

The heart of CFT is simple: when the fascial web is free and the craniosacral system moves well, the body can function the way it was beautifully designed to. CFT offers a peaceful, respectful path toward that balance for people of all ages.

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What CFT Can Help With

CFT supports the body by releasing tension in the fascial and craniosacral systems, which can influence many areas of comfort, movement, and function. While it is not a medical treatment and does not diagnose conditions, many people seek CFT because they notice improvements in how their body — or their child’s body — feels and functions.

Families often find CFT helpful for things such as feeding and latch challenges, tongue and lip ties, head-turning preferences, tension from birth or developmental patterns, digestive discomfort, and sleep struggles. CFT can also support mobility, posture, and overall ease of movement as children grow.

Older children, teens, and adults often come for CFT when they experience tightness, tension, headaches, jaw or facial discomfort, stress patterns in the body, emotional overwhelm, or difficulty relaxing their nervous system. Many find that releasing fascial restrictions helps them feel more balanced, grounded, and able to move through daily life with greater comfort.

Because the fascial web touches every part of the body, restrictions can show up in many different ways. CFT gently helps unwind those patterns so the body can function more freely and feel more at ease — exactly as it was designed to.

See more about conditions treated HERE

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What to Expect in a Session

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy is a gentle, hands-on therapy that works with the fascia, craniosacral system, and nervous system to bring more comfort, mobility, and ease. Sessions with me are slow, peaceful, and always led by the comfort of the person receiving care. There is no forcing, no pressure, and nothing invasive. You can expect a quiet, family-friendly environment, gentle intuitive touch, time and space for questions, and a nurturing, faith-rooted approach that honors the way God designed the body to unwind and heal.

I offer two session lengths: a Full CFT Session that lasts one hour and allows for deep, layered unwinding, and a Focused CFT Session that lasts forty minutes and offers intentional, concentrated support.

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How to Prepare

For babies, simple, comfortable clothing works best. Bring milk or snacks if needed, and feel free to hold, feed, or soothe your baby anytime during the session. Crying, wiggling, or fussing is completely normal and never a problem.

For children and teens, soft clothing that allows movement is ideal. They are welcome to bring a comfort item if that helps them feel more relaxed. You can explain the session to them in simple terms — that we are doing gentle bodywork to help their body feel better.

For adults, wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Avoid heavy meals right before your session, and take a moment to breathe and settle as you enter the space. You are stepping into a calm environment where you can fully relax.

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What to Wear

Clothing that allows easy movement is best for CFT sessions. Soft, stretchy outfits like leggings, joggers, yoga pants, or comfortable shorts paired with a t-shirt or long sleeve top help your body stay relaxed and responsive. Stiff clothing, denim, skirts without shorts underneath, and bulky layers can make the work less comfortable, so it’s best to avoid those if possible.

For babies, simple onesies, footies, or light outfits are perfect. Avoid thick layers that make it difficult to feel the body’s natural movements. The goal is comfort — nothing special or fancy is required. Just come as you are.

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How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Every body is unique, and each person unwinds at their own pace. Some families notice changes within a session or two, while others benefit from a series of appointments to release deeper tension patterns. After your first visit, we’ll talk through what I’m seeing in the body and outline a plan that fits your or your child’s needs.

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Policies and Booking Information

I kindly ask for 24 hours’ notice for cancellations so that your appointment time can be offered to another client. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to a fee.

Please arrive a few minutes early to settle in. If your baby needs to nurse or snack before we begin, you’re welcome to do that here.

I practice out of a quiet, private in-home office in Topeka. The exact address will be shared with you once your appointment is booked. I also offer home-visit appointments where I travel to you for an added fee. If that is something that interests you, please reach out and we will book something separately. 

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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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