Vicky Smith

About

CST-T, MCSS | Upledger CranioSacral Therapist | Introductory Course Leader | North East Study Group Leader | Upledger CST Mentor CranioSacral Therapy has been part of my professional life for more than 25 years, but over time it has become much more than another treatment approach within my physiotherapy toolkit. It has become the area of my work that continually fascinates me, challenges me and makes me want to learn more. My original background as a physiotherapist gave me a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, pathology and clinical reasoning. Upledger CranioSacral Therapy added another dimension: learning to listen differently, to use a much lighter touch and to become curious about what the body may be communicating rather than always trying to impose change upon it. I have trained extensively through the Upledger Institute and am a qualified Upledger CranioSacral Therapist (CST-T) and member of the Cranio Sacral Society (MCSS). My clinical work is varied and very individual. I work with adults, babies and children and particularly enjoy supporting people whose presentations are complex or don't necessarily fit neatly into one box.

I started my own business in 2014, initially from a room at home - then bought an old chapel, converted it into a health and wellbeing practice and we now have a team of therapists, clinicians and instructors offering treatments, classes and opportunities to meet people right where they're at.

One of the things I value most about Upledger's approach is its respect for the individual. Treatment isn't about following the same formula for everyone or forcing the body to change. We listen, follow and work with what presents itself — recognising that the person and their body bring their own history, resources and capacity for change to the treatment room. Sharing and supporting the work As my own CST journey has developed, an increasingly important part of it has become supporting others who are curious about or already practising this work. I lead Upledger CranioSacral Therapy Introductory Courses, providing an accessible opportunity to experience some of the principles and techniques behind the work and explore whether further CST training might be right for you. I also run the Upledger North East Study Group in Durham, providing an ongoing space for practitioners and students to practise, revisit techniques, ask questions and learn alongside others. Most recently, I have completed additional training to offer Upledger CranioSacral Therapy Mentoring. Mentoring provides a different kind of space — an opportunity for practitioners to explore their clinical work, professional development, uncertainties, challenges or those occasions when something within our work makes us stop and think. For me, mentoring beautifully reflects the philosophy of CranioSacral Therapy itself. It isn't about giving someone all the answers. It's about listening, asking the right questions, creating space for curiosity and supporting another practitioner to discover what they need for the next stage of their own development. After more than three decades as a healthcare professional, I'm still learning — and I think that's one of the things I love most about this work. Whether I'm treating a client, introducing someone to CST for the first time, sitting within a study group or mentoring another practitioner, that same sense of curiosity remains at the heart of what I do.

My Skills

CranioSacral Therapy

Somatoemotional Release

Physiotherapy

Acupuncture

Pilates

Mentor

Study Group Leader

Instructor of Introduction to Upledger CranioSacral Therapy

Professional Associations / Memberships

Qualified member of the Cranio Sacral Society

Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy