Heal It Forward Program
Voucher-based therapy for patients who cannot afford CranioSacral care
The Dr. John E. Upledger Foundation is pleased to introduce its latest program to expand the benefit of CranioSacral Therapy.
We are seeking therapists willing to participate in treatments of kindness — treating qualified patients in need who lack the resources to pay for services. The Foundation issues treatment vouchers to qualified persons in need of CranioSacral Therapy to pay for treatment sessions. Those vouchers may be redeemed by the treating therapist for eligible classes with the Upledger Institute International. As of early 2025, we have over 50 participating Heal It Forward therapists.
If you are a certified CranioSacral therapist and would like to participate, please complete the therapist application and return it to info@upledger.org or mail to 11211 Prosperity Farms Road, Suite D-325, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410-3487.
If you are a patient in need of CranioSacral Therapy, please complete the assistance application and return it to info@upledger.org or mail to 11211 Prosperity Farms Road, Suite D-325, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410-3487. We are currently limited to accepting applicants with a referring Heal It Forward therapist.
Pilot Program — 2020
The Dr. John E. Upledger Foundation extends our gratitude to our Heal It Forward Pilot Program therapist, Vivien Henderson. Vivien, a Licensed Massage Therapist, earned her Upledger CranioSacral Therapy Techniques Certification in 2018 and her Upledger CranioSacral Therapy Diplomate Certificate in 2020.
Patient Testimonials
CranioSacral Therapy wasn't a therapy I was used to having, however I decided to give it a try due to throbbing dental pain and all-over body aches from stress. During my session I found lying on the table very relaxing. Once my session ended, I could feel the tranquility throughout my body and mind. Although my dental pain did not disappear, the throbbing had subsided tremendously — needless to say I slept like a baby.
I received 2 sessions of CranioSacral Therapy with Vivien through the Heal It Forward program. I enjoyed the sessions. They were very calming and relaxing. I left each session feeling peaceful.
I decided to have my brother, who was diagnosed with dementia, try CranioSacral Therapy through the Upledger Institute Heal It Forward Program. Outside of the friendliness and care shown by staff, I was in total shock when my brother woke up the next morning and said, "You know, I dreamt last night — I haven't dreamt in years." He burst out laughing. I could have cried. I also noticed that since his sessions he clearly sleeps better throughout the night. A big thank you to his therapist Vivien Henderson and the entire team at the Upledger Institute.
Heal It Forward in Sri Lanka
The Foundation proudly recognizes Sri Lanka's Samanelli Free Clinic as its first international Heal It Forward project. The clinic was developed in 2014 by Barbara Dietrich, a German-born Physical Therapist and CranioSacral Therapist. As Senior Physiotherapist at Onmega Dolphin Therapy Center in Marmaris, Turkey, Barbara often vacationed in Sri Lanka — and realized that disabled children were largely invisible, kept at home with few treatment options in reach.
Barbara's love of Sri Lanka, CranioSacral Therapy, and children motivated her to found a free clinic. Each year she has expanded its services with the help of friends and medical associates. A Sri Lankan PT who completed the first Upledger CST course in Sri Lanka, Rangi Wasundara, now volunteers at the clinic weekly. Traditional dance, art classes, and an academic hour — all provided by qualified volunteers — have been added over time.
To support Barbara's work through a designated donation, make a gift and indicate Samanelli Free Clinic in the memo field. To volunteer at the clinic — for a short visit or an extended period — contact Barbara directly: b.delphi14@web.de or 077 5079470.
Interview with Barbara Dietrich
The Samanelli Free Clinic