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Nurturing Touch, Development & Family-Centered Care
8-Hour Continuing Education Course
The transition from pregnancy to parenthood presents unique physical, emotional, and developmental changes for both infants and their caregivers. Massage therapists who work with prenatal and postpartum populations have an opportunity to extend their understanding of therapeutic touch to include safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate infant massage practices.
Infant Massage Foundations is an eight-hour, hands-on continuing education course designed to introduce licensed massage therapists to the principles and practical applications of infant massage within a family-centered model of care.
Participants will explore the foundations of infant anatomy and physiology, early sensory and motor development, behavioral cues, and the role of nurturing touch in caregiver-infant bonding. Special attention is given to recognizing infant readiness for touch, interpreting signs of overstimulation or discomfort, and adapting techniques to the individual needs of the infant.
Through instructor demonstrations, guided practice, and case-based discussions, students will learn gentle infant massage sequences appropriate for healthy infants, with an emphasis on pressure, pacing, positioning, safety, and caregiver participation.
The course also examines the professional and ethical responsibilities of massage therapists working with infants and families, including parental consent, scope of practice, contraindications, appropriate referrals, and trauma-informed communication.
Participants will explore how to educate and empower parents and caregivers to incorporate nurturing touch into everyday routines while respecting the infant's developing autonomy, individual responses, and family preferences.
Designed to complement Dreamspace Natural Therapeutics' prenatal and postpartum massage education, this course encourages a continuum-of-care perspective that recognizes the interconnected well-being of infants, parents, and caregivers.
We will also explore further education opportunities, and certification pathways for your career.
Course Format: Lecture, anatomical review, instructor demonstration, supervised hands-on practice using infant models, small-group activities, and case-based discussion.
***Please note we will be using models, NOT babies in class
Suggested Text for use with this class:
McClure, V. (2017). Infant massage: A handbook for loving parents (4th ed.). Bantam.
ISBN-13 (Paperback): 978-1-101-96594-8
ISBN-10: 1-101-96594-0
eBook ISBN-13: 978-0-425-28667-8
Location: Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics, Tacoma, WA
Date: Feb. 20th 2007
Times: 9am-6pm (1 hour for lunch 12-1:00)
I’m very excited to TA CS 1 with Steve Heinrich. If you have taken any of my Intro to CST classes, you will be prepared for this course.
CS 1 will take you through anatomy of the skull, brain and learn the basic protocols and holds for CST. You will build upon the basic holds you learned in Fundamentals of CST.
This class is filling fast, so grab your spot!
**Please not registration is through Port Townsend School of Massage.
Port Townsend, Washington December 12 and 13, 2026,
9am-5pm
Instructor: Steve Heinrich, PT,
TA: Essie Hicks
Port Townsend School of Massage,
Contact info@massageeducation.com to register
Or call Phone: (360) 379-4066
Address: 2219 W Sims Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368
Description:
This course builds upon the Fundamentals of Pregnancy Massage and Advanced Pregnancy Massage II courses and focuses on clinical considerations for infant and postpartum care.
Students will explore lymphatic drainage massage applications and foundational Chinese medicine theory, including hands-on acupressure techniques, with an emphasis on relaxation and support of post-surgical edema following cesarean birth.
Appropriate professional communication and collaboration with medical providers, including physicians and OBGYNs, will be reviewed in the context of post-surgical care. Instructional materials, including manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) protocols, will be provided. Ethical considerations related to pediatric massage will be reviewed, along with best practices for supporting families in the postpartum period. The course emphasizes scope of practice, referral awareness, and health equity, with particular attention to barriers to care affecting marginalized communities and strategies massage therapists can use to support healthy outcomes.
Location: Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics, Tacoma
Dates: January
NCBTMB Approved course
Description:
Massage is in high demand for pregnant patients, yet myths about the safe applications of massage still need to be dispelled, and safer massage practices for circulation and positioning need broader understanding. This course, which has been reviewed by healthcare professionals in prenatal care, provides a continuing understanding of how to address the discomforts of pregnancy and provides instruction in advanced techniques addressing the pelvic and round ligament pain associated with pregnancy.
This course delves into the problems of stress which negatively affect the growing fetus and the constitution of the person carrying the child and how massage therapy, and wei qi energy massage can help counteract those stresses. Advanced techniques including acupressure, neuromuscular therapy, lymph drainage and myofascial release are included in massage protocols, and invites the creativity of the therapist.
Labor and delivery massage will be reviewed in depth in this course, as well as restorative techniques for medically complex pregnancies.
In addition to hands-on practice and instruction this course addresses awareness of social issues surrounding traditionally underserved populations.
NCBTMB approved course
January 16th-17th, 2027: Fundamentals of Pregnancy Massage: 16 hours
Description:
Fundamentals of Pregnancy Massage taught by Essie Hicks LMT, owner of Dreamspace Natural Therapeutics LLC provides instruction in a side-lying position massage for a traditional Swedish massage and deep tissue massage techniques safe for the pregnant body. Two massage sequences will be taught during the seminar and resources for further study of pregnancy massage will be provided as well as review of labor massage and appropriate standards of care within the scope of practice for a massage therapist. There will also be a discussion on promoting pregnancy massage for the massage practice, and locating clients.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will demonstrate proficiency in pregnancy massage. Students will demonstrate knowlege of the fascia and ligaments attaching from the pelvis to the uterus, and be able to explain the origin, and insertion points of the suspensory ligaments on a body. Students will demonstrate proper positioning with a body and safe bolstering of a body for sidelying positioning and support of a pregnant abdomen. Students will verbally demonstrate proficiency in communication skills with pregnant clients for expectations for the massage therapist's role in their wellness team. Students will demonstrate safe support and massage of a pregnant body while in labor.
Location: Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics
Dates: January 16th and 17th 2027
Times: 9am-6pm (1 hour for lunch 12-1:00)
One restorative week of training with wellness-industry leaders on serene Orcas Island at Camp Orkila. Each day includes 6 hours of hands-on instruction in modalities you can use for a lifetime, complemented by forest walks, beach time, and cozy evening fires.
Meals and lodging at the Wally Fisher Lodge included
You’ll receive healing bodywork, enjoy a peaceful, sales-free learning environment, and return to your treatment room rested, restored, and equipped with new skills to invigorate your practice and boost cash-based services.
Island residents: Use discount code Resident at checkout for discount on registration. Residency will be verified.
Total cost: $1800.00-payment plans available
$450.00 non refundable, but transferrable
Registration Closes October 16th
Read more about this event under our Events Tab.
This course is designed to bring you from novice to master pregnancy massage practitioner. Truth in advertizing: **Please note this training is a certificate of completion. There is no legal requirement as of today 10/3/2026 in the State of Washington that requires you to have special trainings or certification in the practice of Pregnancy Massage. The goal of this course is to help manual therapists gain a solid understanding of the practice of massage for the pregnant and postpartum person and gain confidence in their treatment.
*This course does not include pelvic floor massage, or breast massage, but resources for further study in these topics will be provided.
*You do not need to attend all of the days and if you would like to attend part of the course, please reach out to me so I can help you decide which weekend would be best for your education needs.
This course was peer reviewed by Dr. Aliesha Halverson Ph.D and midwife., and Dr. Heather Kippa-Joseph OBGYN. Advisor for this course was Leslie Stager R.N, and author of Nurturing Massage for Pregnancy.
Essie Hicks began teaching pregnancy massage as a staff member at the Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics in Tacoma WA, in 2000, and began research for this course and advising from Dr. Halverson in 2015. Her study in Chinese Medicine and Accupressure was studied under Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming in Northern California, and with Tiffany Carole, L.Ac, LMT
This course will bring you through all modules of the NCBTMB approved courses listed under Dreamspace Natural Therapeutics®.
Fundamentals of Pregnancy Massage-16 hrs
Advanced Pregnancy Massage II-24 hrs
Postpartum and Infant Massage~Pregnancy Massage Mastery-16hrs
Location: Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics, 4026 Pacific Ave Tacoma, WA 98418
Times: All days of study are on weekends, and last from 9am to 6pm with a lunch hour from 12:00-1:00.
Dates:
January 16th-17th, 2027: Fundamentals of Pregnancy Massage: 16 hours
January 23rd-24th, and 30th, 2027: Advanced Pregnancy Massage: 24 hours
January 31st: Postpartum and February 20th Infant Massage, 2027 Saturday: 16 hours
What to bring: oils, sheets, 3 pillows for pregnancy massage
Provided: Materials, pdfs, slides, resources, case studies, pregnant models, potluck planning and a swag bag.
More information will be provided on our “Events Details” page.
Suggested reading prior to course: Nurturing Massage for Pregnancy by Leslie Stager, R.N
*You do not need to attend all of the days and if you would like to attend part of the course, please reach out to me so I can help you decide which weekend would be best for your education needs.
This exploratory course invites you to discover the subtle and fascinating world of Craniosacral Therapy (CST). Designed as an introduction—not a certification—this class offers a comprehensive overview of the philosophy, history, and diverse schools of thought that have shaped modern craniosacral practice. Participants will examine how pioneers such as Dr. William Sutherland and Dr. John Upledger expanded osteopathic principles into the field of gentle touch therapies, and how various CST programs interpret rhythm, anatomy, and kinetic awareness in their own unique ways.
Through guided discussion, demonstration, and hands-on practice, students will: Identify key anatomical structures of the craniosacral system and related membranes. Learn to palpate the craniosacral rhythm using gentle, receptive touch. Compare foundational approaches from leading CST traditions and training programs. Explore how craniosacral principles integrate with massage and myotherapy. Develop grounding, presence, and body awareness to enhance palpation sensitivity. This course provides an accessible, science-informed entry point for massage therapists curious about incorporating craniosacral principles into their work or exploring further study. Emphasis is placed on professional awareness, somatic listening, and respecting the body’s inherent capacity for balance and stillness.
This class will provide 7 hours of hands-on training for massage therapists.
Manual therapists and curious members of the community are welcome to attend.
Date: February 6th, 2027
Times: 8:30am-4:30 pm Lunch: 11:30-12:30
More details will be provided on our “Explore Events” page.
Location:
The Olympia Center 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501
What to bring: Blanket, pillow for your knees. Note-taking materials are optional
Materials provided: Hand sanitizer, treatment tables, handouts, resources for further study
Lymphatic Literacy™: Foundations of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is an introductory 8-hour continuing education course designed to provide massage therapists and bodywork professionals with a foundational understanding of the lymphatic system, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and its appropriate applications within massage and wellness practice.
Students will review the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, including lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymph formation and transport, and the relationship of the lymphatic and circulatory systems. Particular attention is given to indications, precautions, contraindications, and circumstances in which treatment should be postponed or referral to an appropriately qualified healthcare professional may be indicated.
The course introduces the history and major schools of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and explains the differences between introductory MLD education, advanced MLD training, lymphedema education, and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Students will discuss professional training pathways so they can accurately represent their education and understand when additional training or certification is necessary.
Students will also explore the differences between therapeutic and spa/wellness applications of lymphatic techniques. Spa applications, treatment planning, client expectations, and appropriate terminology will be discussed alongside professional scope of practice.
An important component of the course addresses ethics and truth in advertising. Students will examine responsible communication regarding MLD, including the appropriate use of terms such as “detox,” avoiding unsupported medical or curative claims, accurately representing training and credentials, and communicating the limitations and intended purposes of massage and wellness services.
The hands-on portion introduces foundational MLD principles, including pressure, rhythm, direction, sequencing, and practitioner body mechanics. Students will learn and practice a basic approximately 60-minute wellness-oriented MLD protocol that can serve as a foundation for continued study.
This course is introductory in nature and does not constitute certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, lymphedema therapy, or Complete Decongestive Therapy.
Location: The Olympia Center 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501
Date: Monday March 29th, 2027
Times: 10am-7pm Lunch break from 12:30-1:30
What to bring: Sheets, (oils typically are not used with MLD, but you may bring some)
Provided: Tables, handouts, pdf, slides, resources for further study
More details will be provided under our “Event Details” page
**Please note if you do not select that you accept advertizing when you sign up you will not get an automatic confirmation email. I do not sell or spam your email. I send out a semi quarterly informational email on upcoming classes.
Email with details on the course will come one week prior to class.
This wildly popular course is back again for 2027!
My favorite feedback for this course was that it was a game changer for cash sales!
I’m exited to be back at my Alma Mater for this class: The Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics!
You will get a foundation for classic spa treatments in this NCBTMB approved course that will make you a marketable employee AND boost your sales if you are a solo practitioner. What I love most about classic spa treatmets is beyond the value—these practices SAVE YOUR HANDS from fatigue and support muscle relief and recovery from injury.
The course will review the efficacy and health benefits of classic European and Asian spa treatments which are most marketable in the industry. These skills will provide the therapist with a broad base of knowledge that will allow them to build upon more complex treatments as they grow in the field. Topics will include history, scope of practice, communications and soft skills in the spa environment, SOAP charting and client communication in the spa environment, hospitality skills, kinesiology review, and physiology of the lymphatic system, contraindications, body mechanics and self-care in high paced work environments, resume skills. Treatments will include but not be limited to: Massage using Salts Body Wraps Thai massage tools Stone Massage Face Massage Lymphatic Drainage Hydrotherapy.
16 hours of hands on training and NCBTMB approved credit hours
Location: Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics 4026 Pacific Ave Tacoma, WA 98418
Dates: March 27th-28th 2027, Saturday and Sunday
Times: 9am-6pm, 12-1:00 lunch
What to bring: 2 sets of sheets for each day, blanket, pillow or bolster, oil
**More details will be provided under our “Event Details” tab
Please note, if you do not select that you accept marketing you will not get a confirmation email from squarespace. I do not spam or sell your email. I send out a semi-quarterly email to update subscribers on my courses.
Reviews
“Thank you for helping me to learn a new approach to help others in acute pain.”
Student: Medical Massage: Caring Touch for Pain 16 hour course, Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy and Massage 2025
“This class was a great introduction to build confidence in providing pregnancy massage!”
Student: Fundamentals of Pregnancy Massage 16-hour course, Port Townsend School of Massage 2023
“I have put all of the lessons from this course to use in my spa menu and am already booking more customers and repeat for lymph drainage for the face. Thank you!”
Student: Classic Spa Treatments 16 hour course, Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy and Massage 2025
I use modesty wraps for my massages. I love how secure patients feel in them. I list them on my sessions as a free add-on. It gives me a clue that the patient may be extra concerned about draping and gives me a chance to open the conversation about their needs.
I like it for women who need a little extra support, or for people who want more coverage. And it makes accessing the abdominal region a breeze, without risking exposure.
Male practitioners who have worked for me in the past say that the modesty wrap was so useful they wanted to use it in each session. The wrap is a conversation without a conversation. It says, “I’m a safe practitioner. I care about your modesty and comfort.” It invites a discussion about the patient’s comfort level. I’ll always use these in my practice.
I liked them so much that I reached out to the company and told them that CE students would probably like to try these. I'll be bringing them to classes so you can try them out for free, and if you like them, they have extended a discount code to you.
BTW: This is a woman-owned business! ;)
https://modestymassagewrap.com
Use code: dreamspace10 when checking out.