Veterans Therapy Program

Releasing the Grip of Physical and Emotional Trauma

"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is not an incurable, hopeless mental disorder. PTSD has been shown to have physical roots. I hope you will join us in the years to come as we seek to eliminate PTSD from the trauma equation."

— Dr. John E. Upledger

The Foundation's Veterans Therapy Program is a five-day multi-disciplinary treatment program held at the Upledger Institute in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Participants receive 20 hours of hands-on multiple-therapist sessions — four hours per day — plus daily supportive group sessions to facilitate each client's healing process.

The program costs $3,600 per individual, not including travel, meals, lodging, or incidentals. Scholarships may be available through the Foundation.

Participants must be U.S. military veterans with a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Pre and post testing may be completed to continue our ongoing study of CranioSacral Therapy's effectiveness in treating military post-traumatic stress — including anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain intensity, and quality of life.

To participate or to help fund a veteran through our program, complete an application, email info@upledger.org, or call 1-561-622-4706.


CST has been shown effective for:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Concussions
  • Combat traumatic stress
  • Panic attacks
  • Insomnia
  • Flashbacks
  • Intrusive thoughts
  • Hypervigilance
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts
  • Behavioral isolation
  • Chronic anxiety
  • Chronic pain

Results reported by participants:

  • Reduced physical pain and discomfort
  • Reduced panic attacks
  • Improved sleep and return to normal patterns
  • Alleviation of hypervigilance
  • End of intrusive thoughts and flashbacks
  • Memories recalled without emotional charge
  • Willingness to resume healthy activities
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts reduced or eliminated
  • Reduced need for psychotropic medications
  • Return to clear mental functioning
  • Meaningful family and social relationships restored
  • End of social isolation

In 1993 the Foundation launched a pilot project to test CranioSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release® in restoring quality of life to those suffering from PTSD. Six Vietnam veterans classified with severe PTSD participated — each showed significant improvement by program's end.

In a subsequent 1999 program, Dr. Upledger and a team of therapists led 22 Vietnam veterans in a groundbreaking study co-designed with the West Palm Beach Veterans Administration Medical Center. A post-program report by an independent licensed psychologist confirmed fewer symptoms across the board — most notably in obsessive/compulsive behaviors, depression, feelings of alienation, and total symptom severity. More than 95% correlation was found between the improvements and the CranioSacral Therapy sessions received.

Brian Sales
Brian Sales Watch
Cliff Kirkhart
Cliff Kirkhart Watch
Eric Lougheed
Eric Lougheed Watch
Frank Selden
Frank Selden Watch
Lonnie Williams
Lonnie Williams Watch
Patricia McKeral
Patricia McKeral Watch

Bernard Loeffke
Bernard Loeffke Watch
Brian Sessums
Brian Sessums Watch
Ray Nelson
Ray Nelson Watch
Karen Henderson
Karen Henderson Watch
Shelley Cline
Shelley Cline Watch
April Griffin
April Griffin Watch

Pre & Post Transformations — 2022

Shelley Cline

Randy Hamlin

Mick Gretz

Joshua Scott


Clients and therapists at the 2025 Veterans Therapy Program
Clients and therapists gathered for the 2025 Veterans Therapy Program at the Upledger Institute

The Healing Path

CranioSacral Therapy, Veterans, and the Power of Upledger Intensive Programs for Complex Trauma and Injuries — 60-minute presentation

Watch the 6-minute highlight reel →


Attention Practitioners

Are you a Diplomate or Technique certified therapist passionate about treating veterans with PTSD? We're building the team for future Upledger Intensive Programs and want to hear from you.

Complete an application or contact info@upledger.org for details. More information is also available at upledger.com/clinical/intensive-therapy.