Christian Platts

Christian Platts is Co-Founder of Active Health Group and an integrative health practitioner with more than 25 years of experience in bodywork, coaching, trauma-informed practice, and practitioner education. His work bridges structural bodywork, breath-based therapies, and integrative coaching approaches, supporting both physical recovery and emotional wellbeing.

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Since the early days of Active Health Group, Christian has played a central role in shaping the practical and experiential side of training. Alongside maintaining an active clinical practice, he has supported thousands of students in developing confidence, skill, and professional awareness — not only through teaching, but through ongoing mentoring and personal guidance.

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A Practice Built on Experience and Integration

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Christian began his career in natural health at the age of 20, developing a strong interest in how physical structure, movement, and emotional experience influence overall health. Over the years, his work has evolved into a deeply integrative model of practice that combines structural bodywork, breathwork, coaching, and trauma-informed principles.

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Since 2001, he has maintained an active clinical practice, supporting an estimated 19,000 to 20,000 clients across a wide range of physical and functional conditions. His work includes particular experience in myofascial and structural approaches to posture, movement, and chronic pain, including specialist work with spinal curvatures such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis.

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Alongside physical modalities, Christian integrates breathwork, sound-based methods, and reflective therapeutic processes into his work. This integrative approach allows him to support clients not only in managing physical discomfort, but also in developing awareness of the emotional and behavioural patterns that influence long-term health.

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Internal Family Systems and Trauma-Informed Work

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A defining influence in Christian’s professional development has been his formal training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), a recognised therapeutic model that focuses on understanding the different emotional and behavioural “parts” that shape human experience.

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He completed Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 training through IFS UK, representing three years of structured professional development to the highest level of IFS practitioner training currently available within the UK. His final year of training included direct teaching from Dr. Richard Schwartz, the originator of the Internal Family Systems model.

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This work has had a profound impact on both his personal and professional life. The insights gained through IFS training have transformed his understanding of trauma, emotional regulation, and behavioural patterns, shaping the way he works with clients, students, and groups.

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Christian brings IFS-informed principles into many areas of his teaching and facilitation, helping students understand how emotional responses and protective behaviours may be reflected within physical patterns in the body. His approach emphasises safety, pacing, and respect for individual experience, ensuring that trauma-informed work is applied responsibly and ethically.

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Teaching, Mentoring, and Supporting Students

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Teaching has been a central part of Christian’s professional life for more than two decades. Since 2006, he has delivered practitioner training in Myofascial Release and Vocal Massage, supporting students in developing practical skill, confidence, and clinical awareness.

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In addition to formal teaching, Christian provides extensive mentoring and support to both students and graduates across Active Health Group programmes. He is widely known among learners for his willingness to offer guidance, reassurance, and practical insight — often supporting students as they navigate both professional development and personal challenges that arise during training.

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His involvement extends far beyond classroom teaching. Christian plays an active role in helping students understand how to apply learning in real-life practice, supporting the transition from learner to practitioner. Many students and graduates continue to seek his guidance long after completing their training, reflecting the depth of relationships he builds within the learning environment.

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Alongside Richard, Christian has co-led the development of Active Health Group’s online health coaching programmes and trauma-informed training, contributing to curriculum development and practical teaching content that supports students across multiple disciplines.

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Community, Facilitation, and Group Work

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Christian has long been involved in creating and facilitating supportive community environments. His work includes leading workshops, group processes, and reflective spaces designed to encourage open conversation and personal growth.

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He facilitates men’s sharing circles in collaboration with organisations such as Mentell, providing structured environments where participants can explore emotional wellbeing, communication, and connection.

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Alongside this work, he has supported the development of community wellbeing initiatives and helped curate conferences and workshops focused on integrative health and recovery. These experiences reflect his belief that healing and learning often occur within supportive group environments.

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Clinical and Specialist Work

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Christian’s clinical background includes work across general health, rehabilitation, and performance environments. He has supported individuals working within physically demanding professions, including performers and movement-based professionals, developing an understanding of the unique physical and emotional demands placed on individuals in high-performance settings.

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His professional interests include structural bodywork, breath mechanics, trauma-informed practice, and sound-based therapeutic methods. He continues to work directly with clients while supporting the ongoing development of training programmes and student support systems.

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Supporting the Growth of Practitioners

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Throughout his career, Christian has remained committed to supporting the development of confident and compassionate practitioners. His mentoring work reflects a belief that learning is not only about acquiring techniques, but about developing awareness, presence, and the ability to work safely with others.

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He is particularly valued by students for his calm and grounded teaching style, and for his ability to help learners feel supported during challenging stages of professional development.

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Within Active Health Group, Christian plays an ongoing role in supporting student wellbeing, mentoring graduates, and contributing to the creation of safe and responsive learning environments.

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Teaching Focus and Professional Interests

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Breath Mechanics and Structural Awareness
Christian has a strong interest in teaching rib cage mechanics and breathing patterns, helping students understand how breath influences posture, movement, emotional regulation, and long-term health.

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Trauma-Informed and Parts-Based Practice
Drawing on his three years of structured Internal Family Systems training, Christian supports students in recognising how emotional patterns may be reflected within the body and how trauma-informed principles can be applied safely and responsibly.

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Advice for Those Beginning Their Journey

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Focus on developing strong observation skills, deep listening, and genuine curiosity about the body and mind. Techniques are important, but what makes a great practitioner is the ability to remain present, observe carefully, and continue learning from every client encounter.