by Cathy Black
Cathy is co-owner of Scherer Institute. She teaches the Subtle Body course in the massage certification program and Healing Presence and Intuition trainings through the school’s specialization programs.
When I lived in Ashland, OR my friend Maggie and I used to take a short walk from my home to the University library, climb the stairs to the third floor, and look out over the Oregon winter landscape. We like to write from this vantage point, she on her novel, me on whatever needed tending to for the school. From up there, I was able to see the upper branches of a Sequoia redwood swaying gently back and forth. This giant, taller than the entire building itself, was a beauty. When events in my day seem so significant and urgent, I see this tree and remember the expanse of time it has lived, and WILL live, that dwarfs my entire lifetime. I am reminded to see things from a bigger picture. Perspective.
From my vantage point today, Santa Fe in 2010, it is 20 years since Dr. Scherer’s passing, and I am struck by the ongoing fortitude and dedication of this institute. Not every organization survives the passing of its founder. In its history, this school has weathered challenges and witnessed many changes in the profession and business of massage. With over 1400 graduates, it has steadily forged ahead, emerging through time with continued love and grace. I know that the ongoing dedication of students, graduates, teachers and staff has something to do with its continuing success. I must also assume that the underlying principles and vision of the school create a powerful force that supports it through all manner of change.
So here we are today, with shifts on every level occurring at a rapid rate in America and throughout the world. A positive effect of change is the potential for supporting growth and cultivating new perspectives. How does the field of massage fit into these changes? How do we grow and respond to the needs of people as a part of the health care services around the globe? We know that massage and other forms of alternative and complementary medicine offer valuable support to people, especially in times when stress may be heightened. The gifts of touch and holistic understanding are needed more than ever during these times. As health care becomes a pressing national issue, practitioners of massage and related healing arts also have an opportunity to participate and make their voices heard regarding the direction health care will take in the years ahead. We think these are important voices with valuable input, and we think that the business of massage will be supported even more as the service of massage is increasingly valued and recognized.
This school and many of its staff have seen the field of massage change exponentially over the past 31 years. How do we preserve and continue to expand upon our teachings, our values, in this modern and transformative age? For Keith, Lonnie, and myself, that question inspired the next steps for the school since it was bought by Keith and Cathy. From that perspective, we made some changes to the basic curriculum – making all programs 700 hours and adding a new part-time day program. We added options for electives, trainings, and workshops to help practitioners and students specialize in areas of the bodywork field that interest them, from Holistic Medical Massage to Pregnancy Massage and energetic studies.
We are happy to share these changes with everyone, from new students to seasoned massage practitioners. And we are even happier to report that so far, the changes we have made are enhancing the life of the school and all of its students.
Filed under: Programs and Course Offerings
by Cathy Black
When I was practicing massage in the 1980’s, I was privileged to assist a midwife with her clients. I would give massage to the mom-to-be, her partner, even the other children if they wanted it. Sometimes I was fortunate enough to be at the birth and offer support during the labor. It was a natural progression to take the Infant Massage Training and facilitate courses for parents to help them share the benefits of massage with their children. Much later, Keith and I took the Peaceful Touch training, a program that teaches children how to touch one another with care and respect. These experiences showed me the deep value that massage and touch hold for us as developing human beings.
Over the years, I have worked with people through many stages of life. The need for massage and touch never ends – it just changes in how it is applied. When we look at massage from a Stages of Life perspective, several phases stand out; pre-natal through early childhood in family systems; adulthood and the effects of stress and health/injury related issues; elder care and hospice. And of course, the need for caring touch never changes.
One of the visions of this school is to establish programs that allow massage therapists to specialize in certain arenas of study within this Stages of Life framework. As a result, in addition to the core 700-hour massage certification program, Scherer Institute will be offering new additional 300-hour trainings. The first two are being offered in 2010 – Holistic Medical Massage: An Integrative Approach to Working With Pain, and the Circle of Life: Healthy Touch for Families.
Many of us who are involved in the world of touch and massage know it is important to continue to expand the horizons of healthy and healing touch throughout our lives. Wherever you are, keep sharing with everyone who wants to know the comforting, relieving, healing quality of touch. We are all part of this human family, and now, more than ever, our family needs to feel cared for. Thanks to all of you who are taking your hands to the world.
Filed under: Programs and Course Offerings
From the Scherer Admin Desk
What’s new? Well let’s see…
There’s always something happening over here in Santa Fe!
One of our newest projects is the 300-hour Holistic Medical Massage Certification. The first 300-hour training began March 13 and ends August 23, 2010. This specialization trains individuals to work in a wider range of health care environments, especially in the assessment and treatment of specific injuries. Massage Therapy Certification students may now receive a 1000-hour dual-certification diploma with a specialization in Holistic Medical Massage. Practicing massage professionals may also take the training as a 300-hour certification, or even in smaller course increments if they choose.
We call this program Holistic Medical Massage: An Integrative Approach to Working with Pain. While the term “medical massage” is still being defined by the massage and medical professions, we hope to contribute to the formation of this growing area of study and practice. Our goal is to establish a paradigm of holism within the medical massage arena.
We have called upon the wisdom and training of many of our graduates and current instructors who have been out in the field working with specific injury and pain relief to help us formulate and teach these courses. So far, the response has been fabulous! From Orthopedic bodywork techniques to Integrated Neuromuscular Therapy, from SOAP Notes to Medical Billing, students are learning a full range of approaches to enhance their work.
In addition to gaining skills and understanding in specific techniques for working with pain and injury, we believe it is essential to honor and address the whole person, including their innate healing potential. If we only try to fix a symptom, we are no longer able to effectively bring the complementary, holistic component bodywork has to offer allopathic medicine. We believe this program can be part of a creative and effective dialogue between massage therapists and medical arts professionals.
Santa Fe School of Massage - formerly known as Scherer Institute of Natural Healing 