2026 CADD Instructors: Don Ash, CSTA-CP-I (Ret. PT) and Sarah Ash, LNA (specializing in hospice care), CSTA-CP-I

This four-day class providing 24 CEUs is craniosacral training in the use of somato-emotional expression and dialogue to facilitate the process of transition known as death, and the transitions of loss as in divorce, job loss, loss of limb, loss of a pet, etc. This training is an in-depth look at what death and loss means to you and how as a therapist, we can facilitate healthy change for the patient going through this biological process of loss. Topics include:

• Definitions of death and transition
• Ego and physical identity
• Techniques and strategies to assist the active loss process
• Viewing loss from the standpoints of therapist, patient and survivor
• Facilitating the therapeutic expression of loss by the patient
• Strategies to support the families and survivors
• Students will develop the ability to be grounded, present and confident in order to support the biological process of loss and death as it unfolds for the patient.
• There will be one voluntary in-water exercise (weather permitting) that Don will teach in a shallow area so please bring your swimsuit if you wish.

Previous SER level training and practice required. Students from all CST schools including those that are Biodynamics-trained are most welcome to attend.

"Thank you Don. Your CADD class allowed me to realize this exact concept a few months ago when my mom passed. My two brothers and I sat with her for 3 hours before she passed talking and laughing and sharing stories as she began her journey. When she took her final breath, we hugged and kissed her goodbye... Then we sat and talked for another 20 minutes before getting the nurse. That circle of time surrounding her departure both before and after she died was filled with her 3 children sharing and laughing and loving. I feel like it was the last gift we could give her, a send off with calmness and love. It was a beautiful honor to be with her in that space."

Karen Basque

Photos: CADD 2022 in Maine - CADD 2017 at Star Island, NH photo courtesy of Karen Basque - CADD 2015 in Ireland

4 Day Class with Instructor Don Ash, CSTA-CP-I (Ret. PT) Bio

August 30 (Sunday) - September 4 (Friday), 2026

STUDENT ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE INFORMATION:

ARRIVAL: Please plan to arrive at the dock in Portsmouth, NH, at 12:30pm on Sunday, August 30th to allow for loading, checking in, etc. Departure of the island ferry "Thomas Laighton" is scheduled for 2:20pm. Check in with CSTA when you arrive. 

DEPARTURE: We will leave Star Island on the ferry on Friday, September 4th at 2:45pm.

LODGING: Accommodations for five nights INCLUDES room (shared or private), all meals and ferry service over and back from the Island. Star Island meals are great and they can cater to those who are vegetarian, gluten free, or have special needs. Please inform them of any special requirements you may have. See descriptions of Star Island Lodging options here Please use the link below to book your room at Star Island for our "Craniosacral 2026" conference and to get our rates.

LODGING 2026 Adult Rates PER PERSON for FIVE nights room and meals (and ferry service):

Standard SHARED Hotel Room - $980.

Standard SINGLE Hotel Room - $1,375.

Motel Unit SHARED - $1,220.

Motel Unit SINGLE - $1,810. 

PAY $200 DEPOSIT TO STAR ISLAND ASAP TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM! Room and board balance is due at the front desk before you depart Star Island. Visit Star Island website to pay $200 deposit here

PARKING FOR THE FERRY IN PORTSMOUTH: Ask Jill About Other Parking Options

Parking for students is available at the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company lot near the dock in Portsmouth, NH for $18 per vehicle per night. Learn more about parking at https://starisland.org/faq/parking/

DIRECTIONS AND OTHER INFO. ABOUT PARKING FOR THE FERRY:

https://starisland.org/2015/04/your-guide-to-getting-to-the-dock/

DESTINATION ADDRESS: 315 Market Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 – the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company See it on GoogleMaps here

Prerequisite: SE1 or equivalent somato emotional response (SER) training and practice

Study guides will be provided at the class. See a list of suggested reading above.

Continuing Education Information:

NCBTMB CEUs: 24

Canada CEUs: Approved CMTNB, MTANS, CMTNL

I have been blessed to have been able to teach this class in Ireland, Canada, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and many times in the United States.

-- Don Ash

The "CADD" class is a class about LIFE and how, as a CST practitioner, we can hold healing space for people to recover from physical and emotional loss such as: the death of a spouse, a child, a friend, a pet, the loss of a job, a home, a marriage, loss of an eye, leg or even loss of functionality through stress, a traumatic event, aging, disease or illness. A central theme will be how to deal with fear and how we help those experiencing the loss of the body as they deal with the biological process of dying, as therapist, survivor and patient. As we all navigate these troubled times, we need these CST skills, now, more than ever. The CADD class can be that vehicle of awareness for you and your patients.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to register for the class online or phone Jill at 603-948-2820. Class size is limited.

"I came with an open mind and left with an open heart."

"I gained way more on a level of personal growth than I expected."

"This class should be required for all SER and CST practitioners."

"This will change the rest of my journey."

"I feel immense gratitude for being able to discover how I am facing death and the illusion of it. It has changed me at a deep level inside having this knowledge. I have a peace at that deep soul level that is profoundly comforting."

In this book Don Ash presents a collection of essays on clinical lessons learned from his patients as a definition of CST for the patient and as a clinical example for the therapist. Written in 2005 and still highly recommended by patients and therapists who have said "It's a great read!" It's not mandatory to take the class, just suggested.

$25 for book shipped to you within U.S. or $20 for book picked up at class