History of Integrated Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapy

The IBCSTA has its roots almost 40 years ago, following the formation of CCST as the first college of cranio-sacral therapy. Another separate association was also formed around that time.  Approximately 30 years ago, in the interests of unity of the profession, the two associations which were in existence at that time joined together on equal terms as the Craniosacral Therapy Association (CSTA). We now feel that it is time to separate from the CSTA, in order to reflect the distinctive, modern, forward-looking, progressive nature of IBCST.

Integrated Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapy (IBCST) is a specific broad-spectrum approach to cranial work developed by Thomas Attlee DO, RIBCST.

Thomas started the first Cranio-Sacral Therapy training in Europe in 1986 (the only other Cranio-Sacral Therapy training at that time was with John Upledger in the United States). Thomas trained at the European School of Osteopathy, the only college where cranial work was an integral part of the four-year osteopathic training, establishing a firm foundation in the cranial osteopathic traditions of William Sutherland, Rollin Becker, James Jealous, and John Upledger.

Following graduation, Thomas founded the College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CCST) in order to broaden the scope of cranial work, developing his integrated approach to cranio-sacral therapy in order to incorporate psycho-emotional aspects of health (which were not generally acknowledged in cranial work at the time) and greater acknowledgement of quantum concepts and subtle energy (which was not generally mentioned in the more biomechanical osteopathic approach at that time).

Thomas also incorporated an essential foundation in mindfulness based on many years of meditation,  particularly Vipassana meditation, engaging with the wider cosmic field, connecting with a deep level of stillness, and enabling more profound engagement.

There are currently three main approaches to cranio-sacral therapy:

Biomechanical - based on Sutherland's early explorations

Biodynamic - based on Sutherland's later developments

Integrated - integrating biodynamic and biomechanical

The integrated approach incorporates the whole range of cranial concepts, both biodynamic and biomechanical, in order to provide a comprehensive broad-spectrum approach which provides a wider range of resources for practitioners and the potential to respond more specifically to each individual according to their needs.