LEVEL 1 - FOUNDATION
4-DAY Certification CourseCourse Information
In our fast-paced world, we often overlook the profound impact of human connection. Touch is a language of its own – a silent conversation that speaks to the soul.
By enrolling in the introductory course of Intuitive Massage, you will discover how touch can be both intuitive and deeply informed – nourishing not just to receive, but to give as well!
You will walk away with a very hands-on experience of the foundational practices of the Intuitive Massage method.
As a stand-alone course, you will be offered the opportunity to help people to reduce their day-to-day stresses and reconnect with themselves.
We offer this course independently because we believe that the fundamentals are best learnt in isolation as it permits the student to gain some experience in the Art of Touch and develop a level of confidence before proceeding to study more complex applications that focus on the deeper layers applied through a holistic and intuitive approach, developed by Mylène.
Please note that the Level 1 Course is a prerequisite for entry into the Practitioner level of Intuitive Massage Course.
Instructor Information
Mylène has a very intuitive approach to teaching. She values flexibility and likes to remain attuned to the needs of her students, whilst still maintaining a level of structure. With a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, combined with life experience around spirituality, she is adept to offer a blend of grounded clinical practice, with deep spirituality.
Course Duration
The Level 1 course is run over four consecutive days and has a total of 30 hours in-person training. This time is spent learning the bodywork applications; how to apply pressure, offer a safe massage, and develop your intuition and connection to others, through meditative and breathwork practices, and body-strengthening exercises.
Study location
Currently, the course is offered in the town of Sutton Forest in the Southern Highlands, 90 minutes car ride south of Sydney’s CBD. Accommodations and meals is provided for students who reside out the area, making for an immersive experience that helps the individuals to develop their practice with greater ease.
Payment
There are two options for the Level 1 Training. The fees for locals without accommodations are $850, and $1050 for students who require accommodation and meals. Available to applicants is payment through Afterpay, or upfront payments. Credits apply for students who enrol in to the full practitioner course.
Practical Training
During the practical training students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in massage, and a consistent application of the method taught, so they can confidently offer a safe massage to the public. Attitude and care is nurtured and must be embraced by the student.
Prerequisites
There are no prior learning prerequisites for anyone who wants to enrol in the level 1 course, although applicants must adhere to the terms and conditions outlined as a registration requirement.
Course Assessments
There are three main assessments
1 – Evaluation of Draping Techniques
2 – Two Supervised Trainings of 1-hour
3 – Online multiple-choice
Career Opportunities
An entry-level Intuitive Massage can be offered alongside other modalities already being practiced in a professional setting. Although as a stand-alone practice, opportunities are available primarily through private practice initiatives.
Course Recognition
The course is recognised by IICT – The International Institute of Complementary Therapists, and the association’s affiliate
insurance broker BMS.
All materials are provided as part of the course fee, including the course manual.
LEVEL 1 – COURSE SYLLABUS
Day 1
Section 1
Module: The Modality
Topic: The Aim and The Benefits
Learning Goal(s):
The goal is to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the objectives behind the techniques utilised in the Level 1 practice of the Intuitive Massage modality. This section is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the myriad benefits associated with applying foundational practices, specifically focusing on the pertinent physical and physiological advantages as well as the core objectives addressed throughout the course. By fostering this knowledge, students can cultivate a focused intention that enhances their overall learning experience and enriches their grasp of the modality.
This section also covers a general overview of the aim, benefits, and methods applied in Intuitive Massage – Practitioner Level, to offer a deeper grasp of what is possible by furthering their education and training of this modality.
Section 2
Module: Massage Techniques
Topic: Body Movement; Where East Meets West
Learning Goal(s):
This section’s goal is to provide students with an immersive and practical experience of the diverse body positioning techniques utilised during the application of Intuitive Massage, enhancing their understanding and execution of these essential elements. Through a series of carefully designed movement exercises, students will cultivate a deeper connection with their own bodies, learning to rotate, shift positions, and embody the fluidity of movement necessary for effective practice.
Additionally, emphasis is placed on the development of core strength, which is fundamental in the ability to offer an ideal level of pressure during massage. The sequences are thoughtfully grounded in Eastern principles, drawing inspiration from traditions such as Yoga Asanas and Tai Chi, yet are tailored in a way that aligns with Western approaches to massage therapy, ensuring that students can seamlessly integrate these practices into their bodywork.
Section 3
Module: Massage Protocols
Topic: Draping Methods & Pillow Positioning
Learning Goal(s):
This section highlights the importance of draping and pillow positioning both prior to, and throughout massage treatments, serving as a fundamental and essential skill for a client’s physical and psychological wellbeing.
Students are required to demonstrate a high level of professionalism through proficiency in addressing these client needs, showcasing the correct implementation of proper draping techniques and strategic pillow placement to enhance comfort and safety during sessions.
Section 4
Module: Massage Protocols
Topic: Developing a Safe Practice and Anatomical Landmarks
Learning Goal(s):
This section will focus on educating students about the anatomical regions of the body that should be avoided during a massage, as well as identifying specific areas that necessitate an adjustment of pressure to ensure a safe massage experience while preventing any potential injury to the client.
Emphasising the importance of understanding these considerations, this section will be continually updated throughout the practical training, serving as a vital element in protecting both students and clients from harm and ensuring a well-informed approach to massage therapy.
Section 5
Module: Massage Techniques
Topic: Foundational Techniques of Swedish Effleurage – Part 1
Learning Goal(s):
This section provides a practical hands-on training experience in mastering classical Swedish Effleurage Techniques, intricately blended with the distinctive sequences crafted in Intuitive Massage.
Participants will actively engage their bodies to apply the foundational practices established during Body Movements, ensuring they execute the method with confidence and skill.
The first day of the course will be dedicated entirely to practicing the intricacies of the massage sequences specifically for the back of the body, laying a strong groundwork for further learning and application in subsequent sessions.
Section 6
Module: Contraindications
Topic: Total Contraindications and Duty of Care
Learning Goal(s):
This section is to provide students with the necessary understanding of the implications of treating clients who present with a condition classified as a Total Contraindication.
Students will need to show a clear understanding of the list of total contraindications. In addition they will be provided the appropriate actions to take under those circumstances so they can apply safeguard measures for their clients’ well-being.
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Day 2
Section 1
Module: Massage Techniques
Topic: Body Movement and Breathwork
Learning Goal(s):
This section adds another layer of development in bodywork techniques as students are guided through the body movements that integrate proper breathing techniques laying a solid foundation for the development of an effective and balanced massage practice.
Students will explore the delicate art of harmonising strength with a state of surrender, which is essential to the practice of Intuitive Massage.
Section 2
Module: Massage Techniques
Topic: Foundational Techniques of Swedish Effleurage – Part 2
Learning Goal(s):
This section will focus on the practical applications of massage techniques for the front of the body, as well as a revision of the back of the body.
Within this section the student will also learn to deliver a massage within a time frame of an hour through practicing a whole-body massage and understanding how to work proficiently.
Section 3
Module: Client Communication
Topic: Introducing Clients to Your Practice
Learning Goal(s):
This section will consist of some theory and demonstrations that focus on the essential skills for welcoming clients during their initial visits, delivering the entire process of introduction. This includes guiding clients through the completion of their intake forms, addressing any questions or concerns they may have, and ensuring that they feel at ease in the new environment.
A strong emphasis will be placed on fostering a client-therapist relationship that is rooted in trust and safety, which is crucial for effective therapeutic outcomes. Participants will learn to communicate clearly and thoughtfully, thereby minimising any ambiguity or confusion that could arise during these pivotal first interactions.
Section 4
Module: Intuitive Practices
Topic: Identifying the Breath in the Body
Learning Goal(s):
This section is dedicated to guiding students in embracing intuitive practices centered around the connection to the breath. Through this journey, students will engage in the art of deep listening, a vital aspect of cultivating their intuitive abilities, enabling them to discern the various frequencies of breath as they integrate this awareness into their massage practice. Additionally, this section will introduce a variety of group exercises designed to equip students with practical tools to enhance these skills, utilising meditation as a powerful medium for personal growth and deeper understanding.
Section 5
Module: Contraindications
Topic: Local Contraindications and Approaches
Learning Goal(s):
The goal of this section is to provide students with the necessary understanding of how to identify various injuries and illnesses that are classified as a local contraindication, equipping them with the skills necessary to modify their treatment approaches effectively.
Students will learn how to apply the appropriate massage protocols for conditions that fall under this category, ensuring that they not only avoid exacerbating any existing conditions but also maximise the therapeutic benefits of their treatments. In addition this section will include any additional duty of care measures that practitioners may need to adopt to safeguard their clients’ well-being.
Section 6
Module: Massage Techniques
Topic: Palpation Skills to Find Tissue Restriction
Learning Goal(s):
The primary objective is to guide students to develop a heightened sensitivity to touch, while enhancing their capacity to identify and feel for restrictions within soft tissue. This segment will teach students to rely on tactile perception and feel to foster the essential palpation skills required to adeptly distinguish between various types of tissues and assess their respective conditions. Through a practice of keen observation, students will learn to engage more intuitively with the body, promoting a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships within soft tissue structures.
Day 3
Section 1
Module: Massage Techniques
Topic: Body Movement, Weight Distribution and Generating Pressure
Learning Goal(s):
This section’s aim, is to is to help the student fine-tune the techniques. Students will be guided in developing a distinctive approach to weight distribution that will enable them to achieve the perfect level of pressure tailored to each client’s needs, ensuring that it is neither overly forceful nor too light. This critical component of the practical training is designed to highlight the fundamental difference that this method brings to the practice of massage, emphasising the importance of applying the correct amount of strength to create a truly restorative experience for clients.
Section 2
Module: Massage Techniques
Topic: Foundational Techniques of Swedish Effleurage – Part 3
Learning Goal(s):
This section of practical training will focus intently on two specialised areas, both of which necessitate the use of a massage stool to enable the student to apply effective techniques of these sections. The neck, shoulders, and head sequences, along with the foot sequences, will be addressed with particular attention to their more intricate applications, designed to avoid injury and delivery a thorough massage.
Section 3
Module: Intuitive Practices
Topic: Mindfulness Practice During Massage
Learning Goal(s):
This section covers the importance of practicing the art of mindfulness as part of the Intuitive Massage approach. Students will be applying exercises that assist with their development in this practice through simple yet powerful exercises, both on the massage table and through classical mindfulness techniques. The aim is for students to develop a discipline that helps them to maintain focus on the client’s best interest, while preventing energy transference.
Section 4
Module: Communication Skills
Topic: Application of Communication Skills During Treatments
Learning Goal(s):
This section will offer students clear instructions and demonstrations of the effective use of both verbal and non-verbal forms of communication during treatments. Highlighting what is appropriate communication, and how mindfulness can help us direct the right intention into our work. This section will include offering students an understanding of the application of healthy boundaries, how to offer support to others, as well as helping clients feel safe by applying a clear communication style.
Section 5
Module: Contraindications
Topic: Medical Contraindications
Learning Goal(s):
This section will covers the category of massage contraindications that deals specifically with the client’s use of prescription and non-prescribed medications that can alter the client’s response to treatment and the duty of care of the practitioner to apply caution and mitigate risks through proper measures.
Section 6
Module: Massage Protocols
Topic: Intake Forms and Managing Files
Learning Goal(s):
This section will cover the practitioner’s responsibility to maintain comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date massage-related health information from clients and to ensure the highest level of security and confidentiality through diligent cyber protection measures that safeguard sensitive data against potential breaches or unauthorised access.
Day 4
Section 1
Module: Massage Industry Standards
Topic: Business Essentials, OH&S, and Codes of Conduct
Learning Goal(s):
This section will be covering a number of essential considerations for professionals working in the field of massage therapy.
Students will be given information regarding the workforce landscape, the specific duties and obligations students will hold once they become practitioners, and how to effectively comply with the established industry standards, ensuring individuals know what is expected of them, and how to uphold the highest ethical practice in a therapeutic setting.
Section 2
Module: Massage Techniques
Topic: Practical Training and Building Confidence
Learning Goal(s):
The final day of the practical training will be dedicated to a comprehensive refinement of massage techniques, allowing students to meticulously hone their skills while receiving personalised guidance on any remaining adjustments and concerns they may have. This day is designed to foster an environment of growth and building of confidence, ironing out any ambiguity to enable students to practice their techniques with certainty.
Section 3
Module: Client Communication
Topic: Communication with the Client Post-Treatment
Learning Goal(s):
The purpose of this section is to equip students with the essential skills needed to effectively communicate with clients at the conclusion of their treatments, ensuring a positive and professional experience. This will include a comprehensive overview of the key information that should be conveyed to clients, such as treatment outcomes, aftercare instructions, and any specific recommendations tailored to their individual needs. Additionally, we will discuss how to appropriately present your business-related details, including appointment scheduling, payment options, and any follow-up procedures, to enhance client understanding and satisfaction.
Assessments
In-person attendance and full engagement during training
Completion of an online examination
Two 1 hour supervised massages offered to the public
Grading Policy
To successfully complete the online multiple choice examination, students are required to achieve a score of 100%, but will have the opportunity to retake the exam until they reach this goal. Feedback will be provided either in-person or via email, along with the graded online assignment.
If a student cannot demonstrate the required level of proficiency that shows they are able to deliver a safe massage to the public, they will receive an email notification, at which time the student can choose to retake the Level 1 Course at a fee of 50% of the regular course fee.
