• Utilizing concepts and tools taken from Narrative Medicine, we will participate in a small group workshop to explore writings (poetry and short stories), visual art forms including short films, (images of) sculpture as well as various other two-dimensional art forms (paintings, drawings etc) in order to deeply explore our relationship with a particular subject, ourselves and the world.
• One of the core principles of narrative medicine is that receiving patients'/ clients’ stories helps to build empathy in practitioners which in turn improves the quality of care our clients receive and enriches our practices as well. In narrative medicine, Practitioners strive to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and emotions likely to have influenced each patient’s health and its offered insight into the treatment approaches and self-care strategies likely to produce the greatest benefit for each individual.
• When we take time to appreciate and explore a poem, a short story, a film or any other human expression, we gain insight into our own way of relating to the world around us and we gain skills of deep listening. When we participate in this process in the presence of others, we broaden our understanding of personal story (narrative) and how that might shape our sense of self and our relationships with others.
• In these workshops, our focus will be Cultural Competency and developing empathy as a means for improving Communication with our clients.. We will focus on works created by BIPOC, LGBTQIA, Disabled People and other historically marginalized communities in order to explore their stories and examine our relationships with those stories and the people to whom they belong.

All Workshops are via Zoom and are one hour long.
One Contact Hour CE available per session (6 CEs  total for series)
Supplies Needed - Paper and something to write with.

How does Structural Bodywork differ from Deep Tissue and other forms of treatment-oriented bodywork? How does this way of viewing systems and working with soft tissues help to create lasting balance and ease for our clients?

In this 6-hour class, concepts of holism and tensegrity will be fully explained and explored. We will discuss (and possibly debate) the definition of “fascia” and it’s role in our work. We will spend a few hours refining our skills of palpation and work to refine our tactile vocabulary. Big picture concepts of where structural bodywork falls within the Biopsychosocial framework of providing care, the tensegrity model and the role that peripersonal space plays in how we relate to our clients and how they relate to the world at large.

In this 4-hour Ethics class, we will (re)introduce the concept of holism as a theoretical framework for a bodywork practice. We will discuss the ways in which language plays a role in promoting “wholeness” to our clients and explore strategies for utilizing language in a more intentional manner within the context of our work. Borrowing from the field of Interpersonal Neurobiology we will discuss ways to create a safe, neutral environment for our clients within the framework of our practices.

In these short (2-hour) “mini-classes” we spend an afternoon together, out in the world, observing real people in motion. Our goal will be to gain insight and learn to recognize common movement patterns and their implications for human function and structure and for our role as bodyworkers. We will be looking at the movement patterns in the foot, ankles and knees and relating those to the pelvis and low back. We then move our attention to the pelvic girdle, hips and low back as well as movement patterns of the shoulder girdle, upper thoracic region and the head and neck. Consideration of how these patterns relate across the entire system will be discussed.

We will be observing people outdoors doing a variety of activities but our focus will predominately be on walkers and runners. The primary goal is to be able to observe large numbers of people and wide variety of functional movement patterns in a neutral environment. These mini classes translate well to any of the Functional Anatomy Series classes in terms of deepening our visual assessment skills.

If you would like to devote some time "learning to see" movement patterns in the human form, these classes are for you. In addition to observation we may discuss the more specific biomechanics and related anatomy relevant to the movement patterns we observe. Please note that this is not a hands-on/ bodywork technique class. Classes are held in public areas where large groups of humans gather or pass through such as Portland Waterfront Park.

This class provides an opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of the musculoskeletal anatomy of the lower leg and foot including bones, major ligaments, musculature and major nerve and artery pathways. In this two-day class we will review and strengthen skills related to the observation of posture and movement of the lower extremity. We thoroughly explore the basics of foot biomechanics and the (often overlooked) role of the intrinsic musculature of the foot. We will delve into new bodywork strategies and tools to address observed functional limitations and common pathologies of the lower extremity. Come prepared to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the feet!

In this class, opportunities for students to advance their knowledge of the musculoskeletal and functional anatomy of the knee abound. Anatomy of major ligaments, musculature as well as major nerve and artery pathways are covered. We will review and strengthen skills related to the observation of posture and movement of the knee joint. We will thoroughly explore the basics of knee biomechanics and role of the ankle and the hip in knee health and function. We explore new bodywork strategies and tools to address observed functional limitations of this important joint! Come prepared to deepen your appreciation of the knees!

In the Functional Anatomy Series - Hip and Pelvis class, students will explore the interconnected anatomy and functional relationships of the pelvis in relation to the femurs. Expect a solid anatomy review, movement exploration and gait observation as well as multiple hands-on strategies to address functional imbalances in this region of the body. We will dip into the realm of working with nerve and artery pathways and the role that our nervous and vascular systems can play in movement and postural patterns. This class includes 4 hours of ethics in the form of lecture, discussion and interaction within the context of a bodywork session. We will explore and practice the use of “ethical language”, clear communication based on the concepts of Trauma Informed Care and the idea that Informed Consent is an ongoing and evolving framework.

In this class students will build upon their understanding of functional movement patterns of the pelvis. By developing a more nuanced awareness of intra-pelvic movement and how this relates to the lumbar spine and to the rest of the body, we can learn to identify more useful strategies for helping our clients find balance and ease in their bodies. Anatomy relating to the sacrum, pelvis and lumbar region will be thoroughly reviewed and special attention will be paid to the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor musculature. Movement exploration and gait observation as well as multiple hands on strategies to address functional imbalances in this region of the body will be presented. Nerve and artery pathways will be considered and basic strategies for addressing this anatomy will be covered. This class includes 4 hours of ethics in the form of lecture, discussion and interaction within the context of a bodywork session. We will explore and practice the use of “ethical language” and clear communication based on the concepts of Trauma Informed Care and the idea that Informed Consent is an ongoing and evolving framework.
• Prerequisite: FAS: Hip and Pelvis or instructor approval.

In the Functional Anatomy Series spine class, attention is focused on understanding joint mechanics of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spinal segments. We will practice “seeing” structure as well as spend time honing our palpation assessments skills. Exploration of spine and ribcage relationships when addressing dysfunction in the thoracic region will be covered.

Rotational patterns, side bends and other fixations at the joint level will be discussed. Hands-on techniques to address sacral torsions will be covered. Nerve and artery pathways and the role that our nervous and vascular systems can play in movement and postural patterns will be explored as well. While there are no prerequisites for this class FAS: Torso – Abdomen and Thorax is strongly suggested as a foundation.

In this class we explore the interconnected anatomy and functional relationships of the entirety of the torso (Pelvis to Shoulder Girdle). We will look at breathing mechanics, explore the multiple horizontal diaphragms and how they relate to one another and create balance and contribute to function or dysfunction in this region of the body. Rotational patterns, ribcage to pelvis relationship and what we actually mean by “core” will all be addressed.

This class will include a solid anatomy review, movement exploration and gait observation as well as hands-on strategies to address functional imbalances and movement limitations in this area of the body. Nerve and artery pathways and the role that our nervous and vascular systems can play in movement and postural patterns will be explored as well. We will explore and practice the use of “ethical language” and clear communication based on the concepts of Trauma Informed Care and the idea that Informed Consent is an ongoing and evolving framework.

This class provides an opportunity for deeper exploration of the musculoskeletal as well as some of the basic nerve and vascular system anatomy of the cervical region and the head. The anatomy and functional relationships of the head, neck and jaw as they relate to the rest of the system are discussed and strategies for addressing common pathologies will be presented and practiced. Relevant spinal mechanics will be covered.

The focus of this class is to provide ample time for development of palpation precision and practice of techniques related to this region. Strategies for working safely and communicating fully with clients will be practiced and discussed. We will explore and practice the use of “ethical language” and clear communication based on the concepts of Trauma Informed Care and the idea that Informed Consent is an ongoing and evolving framework.

In the Shoulder and Shoulder Girdle class, we review regional anatomy and the function of the shoulder "girdle" and the glenohumeral joint. Relevant neuro- and vascular anatomy as well as explore the functional/ structural relationships of the shoulders to the neck, low back and pelvis will be introduced and discussed,

In this class we will practice and strengthen skills related to the observation of posture and movement of the entire upper extremity.  We will thoroughly explore the interconnected anatomy and biomechanics of the clavicle, scapula and shoulder joint. We will explore how functional limitations proximally can create or contribute to compensation patterns and pathologies “further down the chain” into the elbow, forearm and hand.

We will have plenty of time to practice hands-on techniques that address observed functional limitations as well as postural and movement dilemmas with the goal of creating balance and ease in this complex and fascinating area of the body!

The Functional Anatomy Series – (Elbow) Forearm and Hand class provides an opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of the functional, musculoskeletal and neuro-anatomy of the distal upper extremity.

In this class we will review and strengthen skills related to the observation of posture and movement of the elbow, forearm and hand. We will thoroughly explore the interconnected anatomy and biomechanics of the forearm and hand, the relationship with the shoulder and shoulder girdle and how functional limitations distally can create compensation patterns “further up the chain”. We will delve into new bodywork strategies and tools to address observed functional limitations and common pathologies of the elbow, forearm and hand.