Esalen® Massage & Bodywork Teacher Training: FAQ
What does ‘Provisional Teacher’ mean?
Upon successful completion of module III, Teachers-in-Training become Provisional Teachers of Esalen Massage & Bodywork. A Provisional teacher continues under the mentorship of one or more members of the faculty. Provisional teachers are approved to offer Introduction to Esalen Massage & Bodywork, from two day to 5 days. This period of time will be decided upon by mentor/s and mentee. What next? After one year, mentor/s and mentee then determine ‘what is next’ level in teaching for the mentee. What are the various levels of approval for leading
Esalen Massage programs? Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced, Specialized, Certification trainings as a co-leader in the same program, Certification trainings in the modular format/with one leader per module. Currently, certification trainings are offered in 100 hour trainings for certified professionals. 175, 200 and 250 hour trainings for all levels of experience. How do I progress through these levels?
Through continuing education, through assisting in workshops and trainings with your mentor/s or other senior faculty. Through becoming an EMBA, 500 hour certified bodyworker, or through a similar program at Esalen Institute, Big Sur. Through assisting mentor/s, you gain invaluable experience, are invited to teach a class or for a full day, given feedback from your mentor. It is through this process that you develop both the experience, competence, and confidence one needs for efficient, effective, and masterful knowledge transfer and group leading. How long with this take me?
There is no one answer for ‘all trainees’. Each person progresses through this post graduate mentorship module at their own rate. If one is fully committed to the practice of massage & bodywork, fulfills the required assistantships with approved mentors, it’s possible to move onward in two to three years. If one takes longer to become 500 hour certified, or assist mentors, the completion to certifying modular teacher will take longer. There is no ‘deadline’ for this module of the Teacher Training. What are the fees for the post graduate module?
Fees are waived for mentees assisting in a program; in most programs, assistants pay for their own travel and food/accommodation expenses. Some programs, with sufficient registration may include coverage of food/room for full time assistants. This is true, whether at Esalen Institute or at other locations globally. Private mentorship sessions with your mentor will be paid for at the rate set by the program. Sliding scale, depending on local economic realities, will be applied. Will I receive a certificate at each level of teacherhood?
Yes. Each level achieved comes with a Certificate stating level of approved leadership. What are the steps to becoming a trainer of teachers?
The next step is becoming an approved mentor for new teachers in training. You may apply for one of these positions at future teacher trainings. Approval will be on a case by case basis, and based on feedback from mentor/s, faculty. There is no set number of assistantships for guarantee of becoming an approved mentor. Your mentor can support you in this desire by continuing to give you What are the steps to becoming a trainer of teachers?
The next step is becoming an approved mentor for new teachers in training. You may apply for one of these positions at future teacher trainings. Approval will be on a case by case basis, and based on feedback from mentor/s, faculty. There is no set number of assistantships for guarantee of becoming an approved mentor. Your mentor can support you in this desire by continuing to give you feedback, and welcoming you to join programs as an assistant or as an ‘auditor’. What is an auditor?
An auditor is one who has successfully completed the TT, and participates fully in the modules of segments of a particular program. Auditors/assistants/mentees pay for their own travel, housing/food and make a full time commitment to the program. Each of the faculty welcome auditors and assistants to our programs. The number of auditors and assistants allowed in a program will be determined by the faculty of a given program.
In addition to teaching Esalen Massage & Bodywork, what else is expected of me?
*The ability to lead a Somatic Arts Movement class is required. This practice can include Yoga, Qi Gung, Conscious Dance, Moving Meditation Practices (Tai Chi, Feldenkrasis, Body Mind Centering, etc), sitting and walking meditation. *Group field building and facilitation skills, *Process clearing both intra and interpersonal, *Gestalt Communication Practice skills. *Modeling of impeccable professional boundaries at all times. *Understanding of Western Psychology’s concept of Transference & Countertransference *Trauma support on the table; how to verbally and non-verbally support trauma when it arises. The ability to return the client to the present moment, grounded and able to integrate the process effectively. *Inspired and inspiring leadership; the use of humor as appropriate; candor and kindness with all students/colleagues,. How do I accrue credit toward the 500 hour EMBA or Esalen Certification? • Enrolling in EMBA approved workshops, retreats and trainings offered by faculty in the various cities and countries globally. Each program has a specific number of hours of credit. • Enrolling in approved programs at Esalen Institute, Big Sur. • If you want to enroll in a program not yet approved by EMBA, a specific request to you mentor for consideration is the current route to take. |