Áine Juliette Ashby
~ Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, BSCT ~
About Áine…
I first came to Craniosacral Therapy after suffering various injuries from a cycling accident while working as a dance artist in London. Not only was the work transformative to my recovery and transition back into movement practise, but it also felt surprisingly different than other bodywork modalities I had experienced before. It felt as if it was working at a much deeper and more fundamental level.
I continued receiving craniosacral therapy well after my initial recovery period, acknowledging that the benefits were spanning far further than the physical symptoms I originally came in for. After sessions and in the days/weeks following I recognised differences in the way I could move and train, feeling more embodied and at ease, with increased energy and clarity on every level; physically, emotionally and relationally. I became intrigued!
After continuing with my own sessions and a deep dive into many books, podcasts, websites and countless questions and conversations with my own therapist I later decided to embark on the training myself. I first completed a training in Anatomy & Physiology fully accredited through APNT (Association of Physical and Natural Therapists) and then went on to gain my diploma in professional practice through CTET (Craniosacral Therapy Educational Trust).
Throughout my training I have crossed paths with many inspiring teachers and pioneers in the world of craniosacral therapy including Michael Kern, Tracy Evans, Edwina Gray, Jo Coole, Katherine Ukleja and Dr. Jaap Van Der Wal to name a few. I enjoy continuing to widen my field of knowledge in related therapeutic work, keeping up to date with current and innovative research in subjects such as stress, trauma, nervous system regulation, embryology, nutrition and holistic health.
In addition to my work with humans I am also a qualified Equine Craniosacral Therapist and enjoy bringing this work to the wider community of beings, treating equine and canine clients too.
Alongside my craniosacral practice I continue my work as a creative artist, working on projects both independently and in collaboration with others. My extensive movement explorations and inquiry into the body have left me deeply receptive and in awe of the vast intelligence and possibility of the human form; whether physiological, emotional, athletic, artistic or relational. This experience plays an integral role in my therapeutic work, continuing to enrich my understanding greatly.
In Practice…
I am a fully qualified and insured practitioner currently working in Bristol and the surrounding Mendip area. I am a registered member of CNHC (Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council) and ICrA (International Cranial Association) and adhere to all of their codes of conduct. As a practitioner I receive regular supervision and continued professional development, enabling me to best support my clients.
Inclusivity, acceptance and safety are of the upmost importance in my personal practice and clinic space. Everyone is welcome and everyone is treated equally, with the highest respect and gratitude, always.
Courses & Qualifications
Birth Ignition, ICrA
(Continued Professional Development) Meeting birth histories.
With Katherine Ukleja & International Cranial Association. British College of Osteopathic Medicine, London. April ‘23.
Circle Cranio, BCST
Graduate Place (Continued Professional Development)
With Tracy Evans & Jo Coole, Exeter | Karuna Dartmoor. Oct ‘22- Ongoing.
Fascial Unwinding
(Continued Professional Development)
Thomas Attlee (CCST), British College of Osteopathic Medicine, London. Mar/May ‘22
Practitioner Training: Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy.
CTET (Craniosacral Therapy Educational Trust), London. 2019-2021.
CTET Teaching Clinic, Healthy Living Centre, London. 2020-2021.
Equine Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
(Continued Professional Development)
With Edwina Gray and Penel Meredith, Kent, UK. May 2021.
‘The Embryo in Us’
Explorations in human prenatal development.
Comprehending embryological forces in support of a holistic approach to healthcare.
Seminar by Dr. Jaap Van Der Wal, April 1-4th 2021, London.
MichiganX: Neuroanatomy short course
Received and certified through EDX in partnership with University of Michigan. Online 8 week course, Feb-Mar 2021.
First Aid Training
Emergency first aid at work- Certified through St Johns Ambulance. Bristol, July 2023.
AED (Defibrillator) course also completed through St Johns Ambulance, Jan 2020.
‘Unfolding, Unforming, Unbecoming’
Body-mind centring weekend workshop with Olive Bieringa, Independence Dance, London. Jan 2020.
‘Living Anatomy’
Anatomy and Physiology Diploma. Completed through CTET, fully accredited through APNT (Association of Physical and Natural Therapists), London. 2019.
Natural Skincare and Nutrition short course
Completed through CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine), London. Oct 2019.
BA(Hons) Contemporary Dance
Received from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London.
~ Areas studied include contemporary techniques & classical ballet, contact improvisation, somatics, embodiment practises, yoga, Pilates, Feldenkrais, Alexander technique, Choreological studies and Laban technique (movement literacy, observation and analytics) ~
“Home is the place from which I have come and to which I return.
Home is where I always am. All circumstances call me to new steps
in the dance. All sickness points me there. All sickness
is homesickness. All healing is homecoming.”
~ Dianne M. Connelly ~