Continuing Education

Cortiva Institute is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider. The school strives to provide training and support that enhances the skills and experience of massage therapists.

Please note that most of our courses require that you are a licensed health care provider. If you have questions about your eligibility to attend a course, please contact the school at (610) 666-9060 or email ce.pa@cortiva.com .

Specialty Training Coourses

Professional Development Series

SPECIALTY TRAINING COURSES

Personal Fitness Training Program
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January 10 - February 28, 2009 / 12:00pm - 5:00pm for eight consecutive Saturdays / 40 CE hours / $995

Learn how to build a rewarding personal training business as a certified fitness professional. Our certification is formatted in conjunction with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Instructed by Jim Smith of Human Performance Coaching and Cortiva Institute, students will receive the official NASM course materials including book, study guide and set of interactive CDs. Students will also be taken through practical applications of scientific program training in both traditional classroom and fitness center environments. This key element of the course will assist in transitioning to working with clients in the fitness environment and job placement. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to take the NASM certified personal trainer national certification exam.

Required Materials: NASM course materials including book, study guide and set of interactive CDs (included in price of course).

Instructor: Jim Smith - Having more then 13 years experience in the fitness industry his client base includes professional athletes, senior citizens and post-rehab patients. His approach is a unique blend of lifestyle coaching with functional and movement training for optimal health. With the combination of body alignment, strength and flexibility, clients will achieve an overall increase in vitality, energy and power. Jim encompasses these principles and works with clients toward an improved quality of life while achieving their goals. One mind. One Body. And only you can make a difference. Jim's personal background in strength training and running has added valuable experience to his certifications in personal training, nutrition and stretch coaching.

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Lomilomi: Hawaiian Temple Style Bodyword
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March 5 - 8, 2009 / 9:00am - 6:00pm / 32 CE hours / $600, $500 for Cortiva alumni and students

Lomilomi is the traditional massage of Hawaii. The master healers of old Hawaii knew special ways to release the powers of the body so that physical, emotional and mental healing would take place more quickly and completely. Based upon the philosophy that all things seek harmony and love, Lomilomi restores balance to the mind, body and soul. Profoundly relaxing, it regenerates vitality, releases tensions, clarifies mind and emotions, restores body awareness and self acceptance. It is hands on healing that is deep and powerful, yet gentle, giving immediate and long-term results. This 4-Day training covers a specific style of Lomilomi called Lomi Ke ala Hoku, "The Great Massage Journey to the Stars." Honoring the body as a temple of the soul, Lomi Ke Ala Hoku frees the body of long held stress patterns, using deep, gentle rhythmic strokes of the facilitator's forearms. The flowing movements, at various depths, stimulate the lymphatic, circulatory and nervous systems as well as every cell, molecule and atom in your body. Muscle tension eases and loosens. Physical and energetic blocks relax and release. A wonderful cleasing and aligning of the physical, energetic, emotional, and mental bodies occurs. You will learn the basic protocol for a full Lomilomi session, the body mechanic called Ka'alele, client communication skills, how to create a sacred healing space, how to use music to enhance healing, techniques and exercises to encourage the energy of your own body to flow freely, marketing and business suggestions and more.

Please bring: 2 white sheets, 2 hand towels for draping, and Aloha.

Instructor: Karen Reifinger - Karen is a recognized authority on Hawaiian Healing & Spiritual Development. She has provided consult for people from every walk of life- business owners, CEOs, holistic & medical practitioners, entertainers, psychologists, internationally known life coaches, teachers, parents and children. Her unique teaching style inspires many students to embrace their full potential for transformation and profound growth. She is founder and director of Huna Mua Wellness Center in Philadelphia; a certified instructor of Lomilomi: Hawaiian Temple Bodywork; an accredited & certified practitioner of Lomilomi, Huna,Kahuna Lapa'au, Integrated Bodywork and Swedish massage. As an eternal student and teacher of The Great Mystery Teachings of all ages, Karen's workshops and private sessions are based on alchemical arts and knowledge, metaphysics, self-empowerment and Divine guidance. She travels nationally to facilitate an eclectic range of seminars & workshops for aligning mind/body/spirit. She offers Traditional Hawaiian Healing, Huna, Life Style Training, Spa Trainings, Esoteric Workshops, Retreat Support, and Private Sessions.

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Bob King: Clinical Approaches for Low Back Pain
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June 28, 2009 9:00am - 5:00pm & June 29, 2009 9:00am - 4:00pm / 13 hours / $250

Develop your hands on skills in the treatment of lumbo-pelvic pain and dysfunction. This 2 day, 13 credit hour training program will provide you with the anatomical foundation, functional testing methods, and myofascial release techniques to restore lumbo-pelvic stability and equilibrium. Participants receive an illustrated manual, peer reviewed articles authored by the presenter, and extensive tableside instruction for myofascial, deep tissue and therapeutic muscle stretching techniques. Participants will gauge their own level of myofascial strain and develop strategies and protocols for pain-free performance. This unique training includes cadaver dissection review, functional assessment of postural and phasic muscle imbalance, elegant biomechanics and self care stabilization methods for optimal clinical outcomes. If you want to take your clinical skills to the next level in the treatment of postural low back pain, anterior and lateral pelvic tilt, lower crossed syndromes and fascial strain patters emanating from a hypertonic iliopsoas complex this is an ideal NCBTMB course of study for you! Bob’s commitment to learning, assessment and skill development is presented in a positive, supportive, and sometimes humorous, learning environment.

Please Bring: Comfortable clothing, supportive footwear, set of sheets, unscented oil/cream, writing utensil.

Instructor: Bob King - Bob is the co-founder and past president of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy. He has authored manuals, books, videos, curricula and dozens of clinical articles in a massage therapy career spanning more than three decades. Bob conducts advanced myofascial trainings throughout the country. He is on the Editorial Advisory Board of the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies and in 2004 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Massage Therapy Foundation for visionary leadership.

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Brain Therapy for Children and Adults
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September 11 - 13, 2009 / Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:30am - 5:00pm, Sun 8:30am - 4:30pm / 22 1/2 contact hours / $800.00 ($300 down payment is due to register for the seminar and receive the 159 page workbook to review prior to the seminar. The down payment is non-refundable if the book is damaged or if the perspective student cancels within 21 days of the scheduled event)

This seminar represents Dr. Barry Gillespie's pioneering work from 27 years of practice. His unique integration of craniosacral, dental and fascial therapies can improve and correct conditions in children and adults such as asthma, earaches, and head, neck, and lower back pain. More information and student's experiences are at www.brain-therapy.com.

Instructor: Dr. Barry Gillespie

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Nature's Stones Inc. Full Body Hot Stone Massage Seminar
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October 3 - 4, 2009 / 9:00am - 6:00pm / 16 CE hours / $395

This seminar teaches the art of safely handling hot massage stones in a full body protocol. It incorporates many massage techniques and essential oils to create a very relaxing and therapeutic treatment. This seminar begins with the history of stones and stone therapy, contraindications, the care and cleaning of the stones, and equipment needed for stone therapy. The workshop continues with demonstrations and guided hands-on work for the students. On the second day of the seminar, students will lean how the stones can enhance every massage technique and include additional hands-on work. At least two trainers are available to answer questions.Upon completion of the seminar, students have the confidence to perform a full body hot stone massage.

Instructor: Patricia Mayrhofer

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES
A series of one-day workshops designed to meet the continuing education requirements and the scheduling demands of professional massage therapists.
New topics and alternate scheduling options will be explored regularly.

A Taste of Thai Massage - For Floor or Table
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March 15, 2009 / 10:30am - 6:00pm / 7 CE hours / $150

Learn a short routine of thai massage techniques that can be used immediately in your table practice or on a more traditional floor mat. Save your hands and body, enliven your sessions, have fun, connect with other great therapists, and discover the benefits YOU receive from doing thai massage. Students remain fully clothed. Class includes lecture, easy-to-follow demonstrations, and plenty of supervised hands-on time. The work itself consists primarily of pressure on energy lines and points, and a large variety of stretching movements. Pressure is exerted with the palms of the hand, the thumbs and the feet. The pressure and stretching movements are combined in a comprehensive strategy. Handouts are provided, with additional books and videos available for sale.

Please bring: floor mat (especially, if you choose floor work), sheets, pillow. Wear loose comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement.

Instructor: Rose J. Griscom - Rose is the director and lead instructor of Institute of Thai Massage-USA, based in southern New Jersey. She is one of the most experienced teachers in the country, having been practicing and teaching Thai Massage since 1994. Rose completed an intensive study program with the Thai Master Chongkol Setthakorn at ITM in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as well as with Arthur Lambert in the USA. She is passionate about the work, personally and professionally. Rose brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and knowledge to her classes. She is a compassionate teacher who creates a supportive environment for students of all different skills and learning styles to get the most they can from the class. Her teaching is well organized, detailed, light and fun. Rose continues to travel around the country to train thai therapists at top spas and massage schools. She is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), and is a Registered Thai Therapist with the Thai Healing Alliance (T.H.A.I.).

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Pregnancy Massage Specialty Training Package
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March 26 - May 31, 2009 / 9:00am - 6:00pm / 96 CE hours / $1725, $1575 if registered before 3/5/09

Module 1: Pregnancy Massage
Students delve into the transformative time of pregnancy to understand how pregnancy massage therapy can be an integral part of wellness of childbearing women. Students learn effective pregnancy massage therapy techniques and safe client positions for healthy pregnancies. Students develop a thorough understanding of precautions and contraindications including basic adaptations for client medication use and bed rest. Students also explore the unique professional and ethical practice management issues in the specialty of pregnancy massage therapy and integrate their knowledge and skills during a practice session with pregnant women and hands-on case study presentations.

Module 3: Postpartum Massage
Students explore the postpartum time period to understand how postpartum massage therapy can be an integral part of wellness for childbearing women. Students learn effective postpartum massage therapy techniques and safe client positions after both vaginal and cesarean births. Students develop a thorough understanding of precautions and contraindications including adaptations for client medication use. Students also explore the unique professional and ethical practice management issues in the specialty of postpartum massage therapy and integrate their knowledge and skills during a practice session with postpartum women and hands on case study presentations.

Module 4: Advanced Pregnancy & Postpartum Massage
With the foundation of the previous three modules, students are prepared to explore how pregnancy and postpartum massage can be an integral part of the compassionate and effective care of women who experience high risk conditions and complications in pregnancy, labor and postpartum. Students learn advanced pregnancy and postpartum massage therapy techniques, specific adaptations for high risk conditions and complications, as well as the medical treatments used to massage these sometimes life threatening situations. Students also explore their own self care practices in the face of unexpected or difficult outcomes. Students integrate their knowledge and skills during numerous hands-on case study presentations

Prerequisites: 500 hours of massage therapy school training.

Instructors: Christine Holefelder and Susanrachel Condon

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Maternity and Infant Massage, Module 1: Pregnancy Massage
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March 26 - 29, 2009 / 9:00am - 6:00pm / 32 CE hours / $640, $575 if registered before 3/5/09

Students delve into the transformative time of pregnancy to understand how pregnancy massage therapy can be an integral part of wellness of childbearing women. Students learn effective pregnancy massage therapy techniques and safe client positions for healthy pregnancies. Students develop a thorough understanding of precautions and contraindications including basic adaptations for client medication use and bed rest. Students also explore the unique professional and ethical practice management issues in the specialty of pregnancy massage therapy and integrate their knowledge and skills during a practice session with pregnant women and hands-on case study presentations.

Prerequisites: 500 hours of massage therapy school training.

Instructor: Christine Holefelder

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Maternity and Infant Massage, Module 3: Postpartum Massage
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April 23 - 26, 2009 / 9:00am - 6:00pm / 32 CE hours / $640, $575 if registered before 4/2/09

Students explore the postpartum time period to understand how postpartum massage therapy can be an integral part of wellness for childbearing women. Students learn effective postpartum massage therapy techniques and safe client positions after both vaginal and cesarean births. Students develop a thorough understanding of precautions and contraindications including adaptations for client medication use. Students also explore the unique professional and ethical practice management issues in the specialty of postpartum massage therapy and integrate their knowledge and skills during a practice session with postpartum women and hands on case study presentations.

Prerequisites: 500 hours of massage therapy school training.

Instructor: Susanrachel Condon

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Maternity and Infant Massage, Module 4: Advanced Pregnancy & Postpartum Massage
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May 28 - 31, 2009 / 9:00am - 6:00pm / 32 CE hours / $640, $575 if registered before 5/7/09

With the foundation of the previous three modules, students are prepared to explore how pregnancy and postpartum massage can be an integral part of the compassionate and effective care of women who experience high risk conditions and complications in pregnancy, labor and postpartum. Students learn advanced pregnancy and postpartum massage therapy techniques, specific adaptations for high risk conditions and complications, as well as the medical treatments used to massage these sometimes life threatening situations. Students also explore their own self care practices in the face of unexpected or difficult outcomes. Students integrate their knowledge and skills during numerous hands-on case study presentations.

Prerequisites: Maternity and Infant Massage, Module 1: Pregnancy Massage, Maternity and Infant Massage, Module 3: Postpartum Massage, and 500 hours of massage therapy school training.

Instructor: Susanrachel Condon

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Massage and Cancer
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Juny 6, 2009 / 9:00am - 5:00pm / 7 CE hours / $140

This course will begin with an overview of cancer and qualities of cancer cells in general. Subsequent topics will include 3 common types of medical cancer treatment. The primary focus of the course will be considerations and precautions regarding medical devices, positioning and pressure, as well as indications and contraindications for massage with respect to chemotherapy, radiation and surgery side effects on many levels. Case studies will be presented and discussed to facilitate appropriate interview questions and massage considerations for the most common types of cancers treated with chemotherapy.

Preprequisites: 500 hours of massage therapy training.

Please bring: 1 set of sheets, face cradle cover, and massage lubricant (unscented).

Instructor: Julie Davis, RN, BSN, OCN

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Maternity and Infant Massage, Module 5: Teaching Infant Massage
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June 11 - 14, 2009 / 9:00am - 6:00pm / 32 CE hours / $640, $585 if registered before 5/21/09

This training prepares the participants to teach parents and caregivers how to massage their infants and children and become Certified Educatiors of Infant Massage (CEIM). Infant Massage USA's fiftenn point cirriculum offers students to knowledge base, experience and confidence to fulfill their role as educators. In the four day training, participants experience three parent-baby classes. To earn certification after the four day training, participants complete an exam and practicum after the training and submit a certification packet for review. Certified Educators of Infant MAssage (CEIM) work with parents, families and caregivers in private, group, hospital and agency settings and may also participate in research studies, conduct in-service programs and present at professional conferences.

Instructor: Deanna Elliot - DeAnna Elliott has been working with infants and infant massage since 1980. Since 1982 she has been conducting teacher certification trainings that draw upon her varied experience implementing programs with disabled, orphaned, premature, abused and normal children. She produced the award winning film "Heart to Heart" about the long-term benefits of infant massage for troubled as well as normal children. This film is being used as an educational tool for parents and professionals in all settings that promote healthy infant development and is selling around the world. Currently DeAnna has recently completed a 72-minute pilot version of another documentary called Cellular Echoes, Environmental Influences in the Journey From the Womb to the World. Contemporary scientific information and ancient birth wisdom are compared in a compelling look at the importance of recognizing from the moment of conception there is awareness. As each human forms, there are early experiences that are recorded and stored in the cells. As the body matures that information is then stored in the brain, nervous system and tissue. The data from the formation period (preconception, conception, gestation, birth, and bonding) is stored in the cells which then becomes a reference point for later experience. The goal of this film is to assist the common person in understanding how these stages of growth actually create a foundation upon which all later responses to life are based. Deanna's training couples a unique understanding of infant psychology with bodywork. This dual focus has given her a keen sensitivity to nonverbal communication in both adults and infants. Through extensive work in her private practice, DeAnna has developed a nurturing and effective therapy that teaches families how to incorporate touch as a channel of communication imparting an imprint of love to the infant through the tactile-kinesthetic channels. Her instructor trainings have three major objectives: first, to refine the participants awareness of the newborn; second, to provide the necessary tools for imparting this awareness to those they teach, and third, to prepare instructors for marketing their new skills in the professional world. DeAnna's abilities as an educator and practioner in the field are outstanding. She is dedicated to training other inspired individuals who share her enthusiasm for helping families and their infants have a healthy beginning in life. In light of the recent events with Katrina, the tsunami and 9-11, infant massage is now more important than ever as a tool for new parents who need help assisting their infants with reducing their stress levels. Babies are extremely sensitive to the environment they live in and to the state of mind carried by their parents. As we all respond to those events,we need a variety of skills to assist infants and children to stay calm. Infant Massage is such a tool and can last a lifetime. The program offered through Infant Massage USA is parent centered and teaches the parent to be the one giving the massage. This organization is the only one in the USA that represents the philosophy of Vimala McClure., author of Infnat Massage, A Handbook for Loving Parents. You are invited to discover your gift to offer families with this work in an infant massage certification training offered with Infant Massage USA.

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Maternity and Infant Massage, Module 2: Intro to Childbirth and DONA* Approved Birth Doula Workshop
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July 9 - 12, 2009 / 9:00am - 6:00pm / 32 CE hours / $640, $575 if registered before 6/18/09

Cortiva is pleased to offer this Introduction to Child birth and DONA International Birth Doula Workshop - two of the requirements to become a DONA International Certified Birth Doula. In this module, students learn the art of supporting women in labor, as well as the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system, the three stage of labor and some common medical interventions and tests that may occur during labor. Students learn the benefits of labor support by a trained birth doula, as well as specific emotional and physical support techniques for the woman and her partner during labor and immediately postpartum. The course also provides information on running a successful birth doula business.

*Students who do not intend to become Certified Birth Doulas benefit from this module by improving their understanding of the birth process to provide pregnancy massage clients and their partners with helpful techniques for labor and delivery, as well as to apply this understanding to more effective postpartum massage. Completion of his DONA International approved course provides two requirements towards becoming a DONA International Certified Birth Doula - completion of a DONA International approved Birth Doula Workshop and a childbirth education course. After this module, students complete DONA International's Birth Doula Certification by attending three births and completing required and written work.

Instructor: Penny Bussell Stansfield - Penny is a Certified Childbirth Educator with the National Childbirth Trust and has over twenty five years of teaching experience in Scotland, England, France and the United States. She has been a DONA International Certified Birth Doula since 1997. She is a graduate of Cortiva Institute-Desert Institute of the Healing Arts in Tucson, Arizona where she specialized in pregnancy massage, childbirth education and birth doula services. She currently teaches pregnancy massage at the Cortiva Institute - Somerset School of Massage Therapy in New Jersey and is a partner in Hillsborough Massage Therapy LLC. Having witnessed the power of compassionate, therapeutic touch during pregnancy and labor, Penny is committed to empowering women to have positive birth experiences. Working in many different cultures has profoundly affected the way that she works with clients. With great respect for individual beliefs, ideas and customs, Penny knows that childbearing women across the globe have similar concerns and respond to individualized, compassionate care. "Our relationship with these women may only last for a few weeks or months, but the effects travel through the centuries in the image that these women have of themselves, their abilities and their worth."

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Thai Massage - Level 1
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July 18 - 19 & August 1 - 2, 2009 / 9:00am - 6:00pm / 35 CE hours / $550, $500 if registered before 6/17/09; Additional $50 discount if previously completed INTRO with Cortiva Institute - Pennsylvania or Cortiva Institute - Somerset School of Massage Therapy (Wall campus) in 2008 or 2009.
Must attend both weekends

The traditional Front Position is the foundational first step of thai massage. This class teaches a 90-minute session done on a floor mat with the client supine. Over 50 movements are taught in a progressive rhythmic sequence addressing most major muscle groups and joints. This class can be taken alone to offer thai sessions immediately, or can be followed by Level II for the complete routine.

Please bring: floor mat, sheets, bloster, notebook, pen. Wear loose comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement.

Instructor: Rose J. Griscom - Rose is the director and lead instructor of Institute of Thai Massage-USA, based in southern New Jersey. She is one of the most experienced teachers in the country, having been practicing and teaching Thai Massage since 1994. Rose completed an intensive study program with the Thai Master Chongkol Setthakorn at ITM in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as well as with Arthur Lambert in the USA. She is passionate about the work, personally and professionally. Rose brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and knowledge to her classes. She is a compassionate teacher who creates a supportive environment for students of all different skills and learning styles to get the most they can from the class. Her teaching is well organized, detailed, light and fun. Rose continues to travel around the country to train thai therapists at top spas and massage schools. She is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), and is a Registered Thai Therapist with the Thai Healing Alliance (T.H.A.I.).

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  World Massage Therapist Conference
Bob King's Clinical Massage Series National Continuing Education Tour
Chicago Massage School New Jersey Massage School Philadelphia Massage School Phoenix Massage School Arizona Massage School Seattle Massage School Tampa Massage School Boston Massage School Massage Therapist School
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