Matthew Kirsch
Nourishing Tides
Craniosacral
Nourishing Tides Institute of
Craniosacral therapy
Training & Certification
Craniosacral Therapy is an ever-evolving study of the human body, nervous system and our belonging to the natural world.
Combining both physiological and intuitive perspectives, through the Nourishing Tides Institute of Craniosacral Therapy I aim to offer my students a unique approach to studying Craniosacral Therapy (CST); one that bridges the worlds of the physical Osteopathic model of CST to the spacious Biodynamic practice and encompasses the holistic spectrum in-between.
“You must learn the form to become the formless“
This is a corner-stone for how I choose to offer my classes. I believe that if you understand the anatomy and the mechanics of the body, then you can eventually let go and become the formless - witnessing the intelligence of the system heal itself.
Nourishing Tides is open to all levels of experience. Foundation training is a 5 day intensive that does not require participants to already be a practitioner in order to attend.
The training is a transformative journey in and of itself. Many of the students come to class not realising they have come to heal themselves, through embodying this work and learning to fully embody their nervous system.
Level One: Foundations in Craniosacral
This class is the foundations of the work and it is designed to either stand alone as an exploration or to continue on a certification training that is recognised through the IICT allowing students to be recognised and insured as certified Craniosacral Therapists.
The course is 5 days consecutive.
It is an intensive to deeply dive into the magic of craniosacral therapy, combining both physiological and intuitive approaches .
This is a high-value course for body workers and massage therapists who want to incorporate more sensitive techniques into their practice. This intensive will also suit anyone who is interested in craniosacral, and is curious about it as a bigger journey.
I will use different forms of embodiment practices including Qi-gung practise which help open the bodies energy systems and help us experience how we harness movement and stillness in craniosacral work.
You will gain an overview of :
* the bones and muscles of the craniosacral system, their articulations, sutures and role
* the reciprocal tension membrane ( also known as the core link )
* the formation and circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid and the role of the central nervous system.
Class content:
* Anatomy of the Craniosacral System
* Working with the vault bones
* Freeing the Atlas
* Vagus nerve and trauma
* Sacrum and lower back
* Core Link
If you are interested in signing up to the full therapist certification program you will need to submit an application and make a commitment to attend all course dates.
Our classes are supportive and empowering. Each student is given individual attention, guidance and mentorship.
Alani offers one on one mentorship to all of her students as well as facilitating group practice days.
One on one mentorship offers guidance and support to help you accelerate and deepen your journey into the mysteries of Craniosacral therapy.
Pricing and payments
Starts Nov 1
1,850 Australian dollarsLoading availability...
Loading availability...
Therapist Certification Program
Pre-requisite: Level 1 - Foundations in Craniosacral
This 1-year program is designed for dedicated students seeking to become registered Craniosacral therapists.
LEVEL 2 : Cranial Base and TMJ
LEVEL 3 : Facial complex
LEVEL 4 : Form to Formless
With a total of 500 hours of study, the curriculum combines group learning with class time, practice sessions and practice days, independent study including reading and written homework, and personalised 1:1 tutorials with experienced teachers and assistants. We meet in person every three months for a total of 3 immersive modules and 4 practice weekends and graduation presentations.
All classes will be held in the Northern Rivers NSW
This program requires a strong commitment and designed to support personal growth, transformation and mastery.
This course is fully recognised through the International Institute of Complimentary Therapy which gives all graduating students recognition and the ability to insure themselves as a certified Craniosacral therapist.
LEVEL 2 : Cranial Base and TMJ
In Module 1 We will learn to feel the primary respiration of the cranial base.
The cranial base is a small, yet highly complex area at the bottom portion of the skull where each of the cranial nerves that connect the brain to the rest of the body must move through.
We will learn the 12 cranial nerves and how to help create space for optimal health of the whole nervous system by working with specific bones
The core teaching of module 1 are the 3 main bones that effect the cranial nerves : Sphenoid, Occiput and Temporal Bones.
We will spend a whole day on each of these bones, this can have a great impact on our physiology as well as our consciousness. These tools will have a profound effect on what you will be able to offer your clients.
TMJ is the Temporomandibular Joint and is our first introduction to working inside the mouth. This will be taught after a short break to allow for integration.
Class Content:
*Sphenobasilar Joint
*Temporal Bones
*Psoas (muscle of fight/flight)
*Deepening into the Lower Back
*TMJ (freeing the Jaw)
*Hyoid (bone of expression/ holding back your voice/freeing your voice)
This Class includes:
6 days face to face class
Online portal to instructional videos, pdf handouts and instructional videos
LEVEL 3 : Facial Complex
In this level we will be learning to work with the bones of the face.
These very small, delicate bones have a huge impact on the whole mechanism of our Craniosacral system.
As we learn to refine our palpation skills in each level we are now ready to learn the facial bones, how they developed embryologically and how these bones affect our ability to connect to consciousness through embodying each (little) bone .
The facial complex is made up of the Maxilla,Vomer, Zygoma,Ethmoid and Palatines
These bones have a very different quality to them as they were formed from nuerocrest cells (our nervous system intrinsically and literally forms our face)
We build on the work we learn in Module 1 with the Sphenoid to begin coupled holds, working with the Sphenoid and the facial bones together.
Class content:
*Maxilla & Sphenoid
*Vomer & Sphenoid
*Zygoma
*Ethmoid/Coccyx connection
*Ethmoid/Sphenoid/Vomer
This Class includes:
5 days face to face class
Online portal to instructional videos, pdf handouts and instructional videos
LEVEL 4 : Form to Formless
In the first three modules, we focus on developing our palpation skills, refining our touch and learning the manual techniques of Craniosacral Therapy. This takes time, patience and practice, so we begin by working through sessions in a structured sequence.
As our sensitivity and confidence grow, we begin to move beyond these sequences, learning to trust our hands, deepen our listening and recognise the subtle signs and invitations the body offers. This is where we begin to follow the body’s inherent treatment plan, allowing each session to unfold in response to what the body is communicating rather than following a prescribed set of techniques.
In this module, we explore unwinding, develop our ability to assess through psychometry, and learn to recognise when it may be appropriate to introduce verbal dialogue, including elements of talk therapy and Voice Dialogue, to support the body’s process.
We also introduce additional hands-on techniques for working with migraines and headaches, expanding our understanding of how to support the body through these patterns of tension and discomfort.
Class content:
* Unwinding
* Treating Migrains
* Voice Dialogue
* Heart Field and Psychometry
* Listening to the Inherent Treatment Plan
This Class includes:
5 days face to face class
Online portal to instructional videos, pdf handouts and instructional videos
Post Graduate Studies
Working with babies and pregnancy
I have had the pleasure of studying with so many incredible teachers over the years. I met George Stylian a few years ago and I asked him to have a cup of coffee with me so I could pick his brain, and what a brain he has!
We hit it off and he invited me to his post grad Cranio Osteopathy paediatric class. I have had the pleasure of studying with George for the last 2.5 years.
He is pure gold. He is a Cranio osteopath and specialises in pediatrics. George has been teaching embryology and Cranio-Osteopathy for 25 years ( practicing for 45 years )
In Module 3 we have the joy of studying embryology and infant/child craniosacral with George. It is a rare and golden opportunity to find a teacher like this
I have had a passion for supporting pregnancy and post natal for nearly 12 years and I have trained as a doula and post natal doula care. I combine my love for Craniosacral with my passion to support women during this time in the Module 3 training.
This Class includes:
5 days face to face class
Online portal to instructional videos, workbooks
Program Tuition
& Payment Options
We offer several flexible ways to enroll in the program. Please review the options below and choose the one that best fits your needs and level of commitment.
Program includes:
* All module classes
* 4 practice weekends
* Online video tutorials
* Workbooks
* 3 hour trauma informed video
(prerequisite for level 1)
* Pdf reading materials
Extra costs - You are required to attend 2 tutorials per module and have 2 professional session per module, this is generally with the teacher but if you are interstate we can find someone we recommend - ideally a graduate of this course. You will also need to buy your own books.
Option 1: Pay in Full (Discounted)
TOTAL COST: $8,800 (save $300)
Includes:
Level 1 and Practitioner Certification Program
* All 4 Modules
* 3 practice weekends
Best For: Students ready to fully commit and benefit from a discounted rate.
Note: This is the only option that includes a tuition discount.
Option 2: Level 1 Only (Intro Module)
TOTAL COST: $1950
Includes:
Introductory Module (Level 1 only)
Note: If you choose to continue into the full program, the remaining balance will be $6,150.
Discounts do not apply retroactively — they are only available with upfront, full-program commitment.
Option 3: Monthly Payment Plan (Full Program after Level 1)
TOTAL COST: $7000
Payment Plan: $584/month for 12 months
Includes: Entire 1-year program (after completing Level 1)
Requires: Signed commitment agreement for the full program.
Option 4: Quarterly Payment Plan
TOTAL COST: $7000
Payment Plan: $1,166 every 3 months X6
Includes: Entire 1-year program (after completing Level 1)
Payment Schedule:
-
September
-
December
-
March
-
June
-
September (Year 2)
-
December (Year 2)
Total Payments: 6 payments over 15 months
Requires: Signed commitment agreement for the full program.
Course Dates Therapist Certification Program 2026 - 2027
- Northern Rivers -
2026
2027
LEVEL 1
Before Cert Program
.
.
PRACTICE DAYS
9 - 11 October
LEVEL 2
Cert Program
COURSE
15 - 21 March
PRACTICE DAYS
7 - 9 May
LEVEL 3
Cert Program
COURSE
28 - 31 July
PRACTICE DAYS
10 - 12 September
LEVEL 4
Cert Program
COURSE
13 - 17 October
PRACTICE DAYS
December TBC
Alani Klein
“The way you alchemise a soulless world into a sacred world is by treating everyone as if they are sacred; until the sacred in them remembers“ Sarah Durham Wilson
I have been working as a Craniosacral Therapist since 2007; having studied biomechanical CST through Craniosacral Australia and the Langara College, biodynamic through Body Intelligence and Visionary Craniosacral Work through the Milne Institute.
I feel so grateful to have been taught by a variety of incredible teachers; crossing a broad spectrum of ideology and technique, to now be able to embody and teach this work in my own way. My integrative approach is rooted in deep listening and an understanding that the human body is infinitely wise and capable of healing. Each session looks and feels different, depending on the unique needs of my client in that moment.
I specialise in TMJ work and tension headaches, as well as releasing trauma held within the nervous system and fascia. I aim to create a deeply compassionate and nurturing space, in which my clients are supported to shift old holding patterns within their body. My work has been described as deep and intuitive; allowing clients to truly reconnect with themselves.
Having studied many different styles of CST and through my years of experience with countless clients and assisting at Craniosacral Australia courses for the last 10 years, I aim to include the mystical aspects of this work while also providing a robust foundation and working knowledge of the structure and physiology; to not separate the “holy from the form". I believe that to separate any one aspect from the whole (eg to take the spirit work out of the physical or the physical work out of the spiritual etc) that we lose touch with the inherent miracle and perfection of nature's design.
I hope to continue to forever grow and evolve in my own learning and experience, and have the opportunity to share my wisdom and inspiration with my students through a course curriculum that continually reflects new developments in the craniosacral field, while deeply honouring the lineage of all those that have come before me.
Testimonials:
Alani is an accomplished Craniosacral therapist with extensive knowledge. We are very fortunate that she has decided to gather her skills and share them with us through a compassionate heart. It is a gift to the cranio sacral world to have a strong woman with an open heart passing on sacred knowledge. If you are considering craniosacral therapy or bodywork I cannot recommend Alani and her course highly enough.
***
Alani is a great teacher, she has an intuitive approach and gives a broad perspective of Craniosacral therapy. It’s an unfolding journey and I look forward to Level 2 to sink deeper into this fascinating therapy (modality).
***
Alani provides such an all encompassing foundation to Craniosacral theory and practice in a way that is accessible and fascinating. She has such amazing insights into this work and is a fabulous teacher!
