Course List

COMPLETE COURSE LIST

The classes listed below are not currently scheduled, but our instructors are available to teach these at your location (or ours) for your staff. All courses are approved by NCBTMB for Continuing Education credit (CEUs) for massage re-licensure. Are you interested in courses not listed below? We can design a custom training for you and your staff based on your business’ needs. Group rates available for private training.

Email us at education@cerebralvortexedu.com to set up time for a free consultation.

TEACHER TRAINING

Enrichment Activities for a Dynamic Bodywork Classroom

If you’re looking for ways to engage your quick learners while assisting those who may need more guidance this class is for you. Participants in this class will enjoy interactive and practical instruction regarding the development of classroom activities for enrichment using Bloom’s taxonomy as a model for student growth and the fostering of both critical thinking and problem solving in the classroom and in practice.

Presenting Bodywork: Elements of a Lesson Plan

Do you want to teach massage but don’t know where to start? Take this class! Elements of a Lesson Plan is a practical approach to delivering information in a dynamic way for an engaging classroom experience for the students and teachers. You know the info, now let us teach you how to teach it!

I will be able to (implement) these techniques right away.

I am looking forward to implementing the structure as soon as possible to enhance the classroom experience not only for the students, but to better manage the diversity in the classroom as well. Thank you!

Don’t confuse this with your traditional, boring continuing ed.

I enjoyed the class!

Engaging and well structured.

This is really great to help those who have not previously been educators and give them some solid ideas for lesson planning and presenting!

This definitely gave me a new way to prepare for each class, to definitely cater it to each separate group of students. I look forward to other workshops.

I enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside our instructors and engage in thought-provoking conversation.

As a new incoming instructor, this presentation was invaluable to me. I knew I had the information and skills on the massage side, but this silver lining/crash course in presenting that information in a creative and fun way for greater retention and all learning types. Every instructor should get this as part of the new hire process. I felt confident and ready to go.

I feel inspired to integrate what I’ve learned today.

The interaction exercises were very effective and excited to implement them into my lesson plans.

Presenting Bodywork: Classroom Management

Enjoy learning about what it takes in order to run the most efficient and engaged classroom through an analysis of the responsibilities of both the instructor and students. The format of the class is taught using content-specific methods so participants may experience the pedagogy as learners and can translate their experiences into their own classrooms and presentations. The authentic and practical information presented can be utilized immediately in any classroom or at any presentation.

This gave me some new ways to approach difficult situations in the classroom. It was also a good reminder to look for the root cause and that it could in fact be me.

I’ve been training a long time and it’s great to affirm some of the practices that I have used, hear others’ experiences, and get some new insights. [Erikka’s] energy and presentation of the material is really great. Thanks!

Thank you for such a great course! So much self-awareness and tools to use in the classroom.

This gave me some new ways to handle situations in the class and to have things reinforced about how I do handle situations.

I enjoyed the scenarios that were given to us which allowed us to get input from others and gather additional ideas.

Love the enthusiasm and practical applications.

The dynamic presentation style, activities, and new ways to look at things makes me excited to go back to the classroom.

Very insightful. Absolutely love classroom management techniques and will be able to put them into practice immediately.

Great class!

Presenting Bodywork: Active Participation

Learn about how both formative and summative assessments are critical elements of every lesson plan. Participants will learn about different assessment techniques, when their use is most appropriate, and make decisions about which may work in their classrooms. The format of the class is taught using content-specific methods so participants may experience the pedagogy as learners and can translate their experiences into their own classrooms and presentations.

This was fun! I like that we have to do the activities and get to also be students. Thank you for today! I’m excited about the next training!

I greatly enjoyed the new group activities and how easy they are to adjust to most/if not all classes.

I am completely excited about returning to the classroom with new tools that I can implement immediately.

Loved it! Thanks!

Great ideas for class activities!

I’ve got a tool belt of ideas for my classroom.

Absolutely great class!

A great way to involve students in their learning within the classroom and a great way for them to interact

Presenting Bodywork: Assessment

Learn about how both formative and summative assessments are a critical element of every lesson plan. Participants will learn about different assessment techniques, when their use is most appropriate, and make decisions about which may work in their classrooms. The format of the class is taught using content-specific methods so participants may experience the pedagogy as learners and can translate their experiences into their own classrooms and presentations.

Keep doing what you are doing!

I like the check-ins and the different ways to implement them. These are some great ways to help! Thank you!

Fun and learning, can’t get any better.

I am in love with this course! So valuable.

This content is very important to understand. Wonderful content and material. Awesome instructors and I look forward to future trainings.

Exceptional Students – Diverse Learners in the Classroom

IEPs? Special accommodations? Look no further! Participants in this class will enjoy instruction regarding supporting every member of the classroom including English language learners and students with special needs. The class is taught using content-specific methods so participants experience the pedagogy as learners and can translate their experiences into their own classrooms and presentations. The authentic and practical information presented can be utilized immediately.

MASSAGE TECHNIQUES

Engage Deeply – Accuracy, not Force

If you love efficiency in your work, this course is for you! Use your knowledge of muscle attachments and neurological laws (don’t worry, we review that stuff here!) for ease of effort and a gentler form of “deep” work.
Supplies needed: massage table, linens, and lotion/oil

I liked that I got to experience different therapists’ work.

Adrienne’s joyful and positive presentation brings an optimistic energy to pain management.

I liked the fact that we have the option of doing these techniques over clothing for clients who are in pain but apprehensive.

I’m excited to incorporate these techniques and strategies into my practice!

The Deep Tissue Conundrum

“Deep Tissue” – a marketing phrase turned commonplace language – may interfere with the treatment choices we make and how we can accurately communicate. The purpose and intent of this course is to become re-acquainted with the structures that are involved with the most common client complaint areas, review treatment choices for those areas, and develop confident communication skills when speaking to clients about their pain.
Supplies needed: linens, lotion, note-taking supplies

Stability, Mobility, and You – a Body Mechanics Course

By the end of this course, participants will have an inventory of personal posture and movement patterns and demonstrate efficient body mechanics.

This class was really fun! If you think the topic of Body Mechanics is boring, you should take this class.

I liked all the activities to gather information about my posture, stance, and effort during my work.

Functional Flow

Take your treatments up a notch by learning to make every movement count. Gain a deepened understanding of the impact of connecting strokes on the nervous system and soft tissue, while improving time management within a session. This hands-on course will teach a variety of tools to help you seamlessly transition between treatment techniques and increase the therapeutic value of each massage.
Supplies needed: massage table, linens, and lotion/oil

Draping Mastery

Draping is a fundamental aspect of our professionalism that communicates confidence and competence to our clients. Learn to effectively, efficiently and ethically drape each area in a variety of positions and circumstances.

Smooth Moves: Stretching During Swedish Massage

“Stretch” your practice by learning to effectively include movement into the flow of your Swedish massage. Enhance the impact of your massage by learning to confidently stretch each of the major joints of the body with proper draping and body mechanics.

What a Pain in the Shoulder

What a Pain in the Shoulder examines the musculature and other soft tissues that may be contributing to client complaints of shoulder pain. This course will also explore techniques to address shoulder pain reduction which will employ a variety of positioning variations for optimal client comfort during treatment. Finally, hone your communication skills while practicing how to efficiently discuss self-care strategies with clients for an effective long-term pain reduction strategy.

What a Pain in the Neck

What a Pain in the Neck examines the musculature and other soft tissues that may be contributing to client complaints of cervical pain. This course will also explore techniques to address cervical pain reduction which will employ a variety of positioning variations for optimal client comfort during treatment. Finally, hone your communication skills while practicing how to efficiently discuss self-care strategies with clients for an effective long-term pain reduction strategy.

While I would love this course to be longer, I like that I learned something new this morning and know I am seeing clients tonight who can benefit from this work.

This is something I can implement immediately.

Pregnancy is not Pathology

The purpose and intent of this course is to review the physiological changes during pregnancy, dispel myths associated with working with a pregnant client, and practice confident draping and technique in the side-lying and semi-reclined positions.

I don’t know why I was so nervous to work with pregnant clients. Adrienne took the fear out of working with this population.

I feel more comfortable with working with my clients – any client – in the side-lying position.

I can even use these techniques as variations for any client.

We had prenatal training in school but this course gave me more confidence to help moms to be!

Ethics – the Basics of Boundaries

Whether a seasoned professional or a beginning therapist, boundaries are the foundation of the therapeutic relationship. We’ll get back to basics in this interactive course, exploring the “ins and outs” of the ethical framework needed to support a professional and client-centered massage practice.

MODALITIES

Spa Modalities Overview

Gain an understanding of the intentions, effects and applications of commonly featured spa treatments. Learn important concepts applicable to body treatments and complementary modalities such as: aromatherapy, body scrubs, wraps and hydrotherapy among others.

Hot Stone Massage

Students learn how to safely administer hot stone massage including set up, care of supplies and hands on technique while acquiring an understanding of indications, contraindications, benefits and the physiological impact of this modality.

Understanding Ayurveda

Come join us in the exploration of Ayurveda, an ancient holistic approach to wellness. During this introductory course, you will learn how the 5 elements manifest within each of us and how the principles and practices can be applied in a massage therapy setting – a great way to expand your practice!

Reiki Level I

Reiki is a form of energy work in which the practitioner channels universal life force energy for the purpose of assisting one’s self and/or others in reducing stress. Reiki holds to a shared philosophy that stress reduction and relaxation promotes the body’s natural systems of self- restoration. Reiki Level I is a beginner’s course that requires no prerequisites, nor prior experience.

Nuad Bo-Ram Thai Massage, Level I

In this Traditional Thai Massage course, students will learn a full body two-hour protocol involving in-depth stretching, opening the joints and moving energy along the sen lines of the body. Traditional Thai Massage is practiced on the floor and is beneficial for both practitioner and client. Each day of class begins with yoga specifically designed to enhance the practitioner’s strength and efficacy as a Thai practitioner.