About
The pop-up clinic for craniosacral therapy is open to everyone. It was established in May 2024 and has evolved since then to become a monthly clinic. It relies on the generosity of people to keep it open in service to the community, therefore donations from individuals and organisations are warmly welcomed.
Treatments
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy evolved from Cranial Osteopathy and the work of Dr. William Sutherland in the early 20th century. It was also deeply inspired by the work of the founder of Osteopathy Dr. Andrew Taylor Still who was Dr. Sutherland's teacher and believed that the human body has a remarkable ability to heal. One of his most powerful quotes is: "To find health should be the object of the doctor. Anyone can find disease."
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy involves holding parts of the body such as the cranium, the sacrum, the shoulders, the knees, the feet, and so on while the client lies fully clothed on a treatment table usually on their back or side as guided by the therapist (clients with limited mobility can sit on a chair).
The therapist is trained to be fully present with the body in such a way that the client's nervous system can relax into a parasympathetic mode and the physiology of the body can then orient towards self-healing. The therapist hands are trained to tune into the subtle rhythms and tidal motions of the body's fluid systems including the cerebrospinal fluid, which Dr. Sutherland called "liquid light". This helps co-regulation, which can restore optimum function and balance.
Where is the clinic?
The community pop-up clinic is currently based at the Community Room opposite the main building of the Friends Meeting House, The Ginnel, off Newmarket Street, Skipton, BD23 2JA.
You will be given detailed instructions in your booking confirmation email how to find it along with other practical information about your treatment and how to prepare for it.
Health Conditions
There are a number of conditions that craniosacral therapy can help with, including chronic pain, lack of sleep, mental stress and physical or emotinal trauma, recovery from injuries, falls, surgery, etc.
It can also support people who are struggling with autoimmune diseases, digestive problems, migraines, tinnitus, anxiety and depression.
Craniosacral therapy works with the whole body as an interconnected system, which is why it can have health benefits for a wide range of conditions.
Some people in good general health like the therapy because it helps them feel more peaceful.
Is it for me?
If you have never tried it before, you are welcome to book a treatment. There are minimal risks associated with this form of treatment because it is non-invasive and includes only light touch; therefore you have nothing to lose and it is "pay what you can" if money is a problem for you. If you want to come, you need to book in advance.
If you have already been to the clinic and want to come again, please wait for a couple of months before you book again to give a chance to others who haven't experienced it to try it, too.
If you wish to pay the full fee and receive help outside the pop-up community clinic, please contact your therapist using the contact form at the bottom.
Your Therapist
Meet Dochka (pronounced "ch" as in church)
Dochka Hristova is a fully qualified and insured craniosacral therapist who trained and qualified with Body College in London in 2023. Dochka first worked as a craniosacral therapist in London and Leeds before moving to Skipton. She is originally Bulgarian but has been living in the UK since 2016 and speaks English fluently.
Dochka believes that everyone deserves a chance to be healthy and well, which is why she started this community pop-up clinic in Skipton. She is also passionate about helping people realise that there are ways to overcome chronic pain and that chronic pain doesn't have to be a "life sentence".
Dochka is also trained in working with trauma and grief, and encourages anyone who is struggling with the loss of a loved one or has been through a challenging time, to give this therapy a chance to help them.
Dochka Hristova
Craniosacral Therapist
Client Stories
Dochka has given hundreds of treatments to clients from the UK and many have reported wonderful improvements in their health and lives. The confidentiality of clients is respected at all times, therefore the testimonials below are given with initials only. If you have benefitted from the clinic, and would like to share your experience, please use the contact form.
LM
"I saw Dochka primarily for anxiety that was disrupting my sleep and over the years I had tried many different avenues for; talk therapy; medication etc. I found the sessions with her reset my nervous system in a way I hadn’t known was possible.
It was single-handedly the best treatment I have had access to and made an immeasurable difference in not just the physical aspects of anxiety but also helped me by freeing up my energy to pursue more creative things I had previously dropped off such as meditation, painting and singing.
I believe the patient has to be open to the process but it was easy to see that Dochka was particularly gifted."
AF
"For nearly three years I was troubled by a persistent pain in a small, very specific area of my back, which hadn’t responded to the deep soft tissue massage that has sometimes helped me with other areas of my back in the past. As some of you no doubt know, a constant nagging pain is very draining.
A friend recommended that I see Dochka, and though I was sceptical that a treatment that didn’t involve physical manipulation could work, my first session with her resulted in the pain being reduced by about 80%. Subsequent sessions have nearly eliminated the pain altogether.
I have no idea how this has worked, I only know that the relief has been very real."
DSH
"I have tried many healing modalities in the last 40 years but I have never previously encountered the depth of stillness, peace and sensitivity with which Dochka does her therapy. She does it with grace, humility and respect for the body’s wisdom.
I’m sure there are techniques and a great fund of knowledge and experience involved but in addition I’m sure that it is her presence accompanying the body’s remarkable understanding of its own process, that produce amazing results.
I may have just been ready for it, but for me this meant something of a miracle on more than one occasion."
Benefits
If you are wondering what to expect from the community pop-up clinic, here's a promise:
Safe Space
There are few opportunities in life to feel fully met and fully seen. Many clients report that they feel this way during craniosacral therapy treatments with Dochka. This is often the first step to returning to Health. Your therapist provides a non-judgmental neutral space in which the main ingredient for healing is the therapist's unconditional loving presence. This is a powerful space to be in, and very moving for many.
Body Wisdom
Craniosacral Therapy is a holistic approach that invites the wisdom of the body to emerge and guide the treatment, often beyond the comprehension of the linear mind. Therefore, it has the potential to improve your health on all levels: physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual. Your own body sets the priorities for the treatment, the role of the therapist is simply to be there and to accompany you in returning to health and wholeness. The therapist doesn't have an intention to fix anything but merely to listen to the body and give it all the space it needs to heal.
Professional Care
Dochka is very experienced and has worked with a wide range of clients from all walks of life. She is here to offer you a professional therapeutic approach with integrity, authenticity and true dedication to your health and wellbeing.
Contact
Opening Hours
Pop-up Clinic
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
17 and 24 July 2025
TBC August 2025
TBC September 2025
TBC October 2025
TBC November 2025
December 2025:
Closed