with Ben Ash
Led by independent practitioners and hosted by SDS
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle yet profound way of working with the whole person through light, respectful touch. Although its name may suggest that it focuses only on the head, it works with the whole body, and changes may be experienced physically, emotionally and spiritually.
During a session, the therapist makes light contact with the client and listens with attentive, non-judgemental presence. Through their hands, they sense the subtle, tide-like rhythms known as primary respiration, as well as patterns of tension, health and vitality within the craniosacral system.
This sensitive therapeutic touch may be compared to the way a counsellor listens to words. As the therapist listens to the body, the body may begin to listen to itself. Many people describe this as a feeling of being deeply heard.
Rather than imposing change, the therapist supports the body’s innate capacity to balance, regulate and heal. This allows tension to release and change to emerge naturally, at the body’s own pace. Through this process, clients may connect more deeply with their own resources for rest, healing and wellbeing.
Who is it for? Because it is gentle and non-invasive, craniosacral therapy is suitable for people of all ages and at many different stages of life, from newborn babies to older adults. It can also offer valuable support during pregnancy and for mothers and babies following difficult or traumatic births.
I have supported clients experiencing a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, sometimes through a small number of sessions and sometimes through a longer therapeutic relationship. Craniosacral therapy may be particularly supportive for people experiencing:
· physical tension or pain
· stress or anxiety
· fatigue or low energy
· the effects of trauma
· difficulty resting or settling
· a sense of disconnection from their body
It can also support those who simply wish to slow down and deepen their relationship with their embodied experience.
During or after a session, clients may experience greater calm, renewed energy, increased clarity and a sense of being more balanced and grounded. These benefits can continue to unfold beyond the treatment session, supporting a greater sense of openness and wellbeing in everyday life.
I am a registered member of the CSTA – the craniosacral therapy association of the Uk – and am bound by their code of ethics and professional practice guidelines.
TIMETABLE
60 minute therapy sessions
Term Time Weekly Tuesdays:
12.45 – 1.45pm
2 – 3pm
3.15 – 4.15pm
4.45 – 5.45pm
6 – 7pm
Outside of Term Time Weekly Tuesdays:
11.30am -12.30pm
12.45 – 1.45pm
2 – 3pm
3.30 – 4.30pm
4.45 – 5.45pm
PRICES
Standard £85/session
Low cost £75/session
I offer a limited number of low-cost sessions per month and run a waiting list. Please contact me to discuss availability
Contact Me – to arrange a 15-minute resonance call
Practitioner
Ben Ash rcst
I am a qualified and registered Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist with over 10 years in professional clinical practice. My approach is deeply informed by more than 3 decades working as a professional dance artist, facilitator and choreographer within contemporary dance, embodied movement and somatic practice.
I regularly teach on the Independent Dance Morning Class cycle at Siobhan Davies Studios, offering classes that explore the intersection of anatomy and physiology, embryonic development and Buddhist contemplative practice. This meeting of therapeutic practice, movement experience and embodied enquiry brings a distinctive depth and sensitivity to my work.
For me, craniosacral therapy is a process that develops with the client. I bring care, integrity and close attention to each therapeutic relationship, taking time to understand the individual rather than applying a predetermined approach. Through careful listening and light, respectful touch, I create the conditions for each person to slow down, notice what is happening within their body and connect with their own resources for rest, regulation and healing. Sessions take place fully clothed and unfold in response to the client’s needs, at a pace that feels right for them.
I have successfully supported clients experiencing a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, sometimes through a small number of sessions and sometimes through a longer therapeutic relationship. I work with people of all ages and at different stages of life, including during pregnancy and with mothers and babies, children and teenagers. My practice may be particularly supportive for those experiencing physical tension or pain, stress, anxiety, fatigue or the effects of trauma, as well as for people wishing to deepen their relationship with their own embodied experience. I teach craniosacral therapy on practitioner trainings with Circle Cranio.
ACCESS AND AMENITIES AT SDS
Siobhan Davies Studios is mostly accessible, with lifts to all floors. There are two accessible parking spaces available on site which can be booked in advance. Blue Badge parking is also available nearby on West Square and Garden Row (for a full map visit the Southwark Council website). Our main door is power assisted.
Amenities include:
- Changing facilities*
- Communal showers*
- Toilets / wheelchair accessible toilets
- Kitchen: tea and coffee making, fridge, and microwave
- Snack Bar: We have a small selection of bars, drinks and food available to buy from the front desk.
- Shops: The closest shop is Superway Supermarket on Garden Row (4 min walk), the closest supermarket is Sainsbury’s on New Kent Road (7 min walk). We also recommend the Art Cafe which serves sandwiches, jacket potatoes and meals (3 min walk).
* Our changing facilities and showers are not fully accessible. Our closest publicly available and fully accessible changing facility is at The Castle Centre, a leisure centre 0.3 miles away from the studios. You can find full details of their features here.