Gentle, powerful, deeply restorative — a therapy that works with your body’s own wisdom

“Kate is an incredible practitioner. Her healing is insightful, very powerful, yet gentle and the effects are long lasting.” Ulli, Muswell Hill, N10

What is Biodynamic  Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that works with your body’s own rhythms to release tension, reduce pain, and promote deep healing. Using a light, listening touch, the therapist helps your nervous system settle, allowing the body to restore itself from the inside out.

Developed from osteopathy, BCST focuses on the craniosacral system - the bones, membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. When tension or restriction builds in this system, it can affect everything from your posture and pain levels to your mood and energy.

BCST is a deeply relaxing experience. Most clients drift into a state of profound rest during their session, leaving feeling lighter, calmer and more at ease in their body.

Who is Craniosacral Therapy For?

BCST is suitable for people of all ages, from newborns to older adults. It is particularly beneficial for:

•       Chronic pain, headaches and migraines

•       Stress, burnout and nervous system dysregulation

•       Anxiety, depression and emotional overwhelm

•       Trauma - physical, emotional or developmental

•       Recovery from injury, surgery or illness

•       Sleep difficulties and fatigue

•       Jaw pain (TMJ) and neck tension

•       Processing and integrating difficult life experiences

•       Teenagers struggling with anxiety, depression or overwhelm

•       Support with ADHD and ASD

BCST is also a beautiful complement to talking therapies, helping the body physically process and release what the mind is working through in conversation.

 Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What Does a Session Involve?

Sessions take place with you lying down fully clothed, in a quiet and peaceful environment. There is no pressure, manipulation or discomfort. The touch used in BCST is very light - often described as similar to the weight of a hand resting gently on the skin.

You may notice sensations of warmth, gentle pulsing, tingling, or a spreading feeling of deep relaxation. Some clients feel emotional releases, or simply a quiet settling of the mind.

Each session is entirely led by you and your body. Your system sets the pace, and you remain comfortable, in control, and supported throughout. Kate will check in with you and can explain what she is noticing as the session unfolds - or work in companionable silence if you prefer.

Sessions are typically 60 minutes. The number of sessions you may need depends on what you are bringing to the work - some people notice significant shifts in one or two sessions, while others benefit from a series of treatments over several weeks.

Why Work with Kate?

Kate brings over 30 years of experience as a health professional - first as an A&E nurse, then as a Health Visitor - to her practice as a craniosacral therapist. Her deep understanding of the body and mind means that her approach is both clinically informed and deeply intuitive.

Kate trained in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and also holds qualifications in Holistic Massage, Thai Yoga Massage and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. She works with clients of all ages and backgrounds, creating a safe and nurturing space in which real change becomes possible.

What Clients Say

“It was wonderful to have time for me. I came away feeling relaxed, refreshed and thoughtful.” Jane W

“Kate is so perceptive that within seconds of the treatment starting the areas which need healing begin to shift and realign. Her healing is so gentle, yet so powerful and deep acting — and the effect is lasting.” Kay

“I had a continuous pain in my shoulder from constantly leaning over my computer. Kate gave me craniosacral therapy with fantastic results — the pain was gone. I don’t find it easy to switch off, but Kate manages to get me to a place of lovely near sleep.” Ruth P

“I felt very safe and supported. Especially when she held my sacrum and I felt all kinds of things shift and twitch. Kate gently explained that this was what my body was ready to do. I came away feeling lighter and happy, without really knowing how — but I’ll take it!” Anna Haig

 “Kate’s CST was incredible! She was so thorough in looking at the whole picture of my life. She has a magical healing touch and I was able to release a lot of tension — from the emotional energy of grief to the physical damage from my injuries. I left feeling like I had released so much from my system.” Emily Tucker

I had an amazing treatment with Kate in Highgate at State Yoga. She is warm, approachable and uses her experience as a nurse with osteopathy to give a deeply restorative and powerful treatment. Jessica Stewert Yoga

Kate was warm and welcoming showing me huge professional care, my therapy was amazing and I look forward to returning into Kate’s healing hands. 🤗 Vaso Louca

After having a couple of sessions with Kate, my body felt in line and totally balanced. Kate is so talented in what she does and I cant recommend her enough! Natasha Walter

I had a wonderful cranial osteopathy session with Kate Leftley. She is a wonderful therapist. She put me at my ease immediately and the session went on to be hugely restorative. I'm hoping to send my stressed out daughter to her now! Can't recommend Kate highly enough! Karen Holden

I went to Kate for my first craniosacral therapy. Kate was amazing and I left feeling so much lighter and stress free. She was great at taking me through the whole experience. It’s a very relaxing therapy that your body will thank you for. The Good Rooms are lovely too. A hidden gem in Muswell Hill. I will definitely be back. Polly Hill

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to undress?

No. Craniosacral therapy is always carried out fully clothed. You may want to wear comfortable, loose clothing.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

Yes, BCST is very gentle and many clients find it deeply supportive during pregnancy. Kate has specific experience working with expectant mothers. Please let Kate know you are pregnant when booking.

How will I feel afterwards?

Most clients feel deeply relaxed and lighter after a session. You may feel sleepy, or notice emotions arising in the hours that follow — this is a normal part of the body’s processing. It is advisable to give yourself some quiet time after a session if possible.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies from person to person and depends on what you’re working with. Some clients feel significant changes after just one or two sessions. For deeper or longer-standing issues, a course of 4–6 sessions is often recommended, with a review at that point.

Is CST suitable for my child?

Yes — BCST is wonderfully effective for babies and children. Please see Kate’s dedicated Mother and Baby page for more information. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the session.

An Important Note

Craniosacral Therapy is intended to complement, not replace, the relationship you have with your medical practitioner. If you have — or suspect you may have — a health problem, please consult your doctor.

→  Ready to book? Get in touch with Kate via the Contact page