Holistic Therapeutic Massage Diploma

Our next course commences in September 2026 (10 weekends - dates below). 2 places available (maximum class size 8)

Holistic massage is a bodywork modality that goes beyond the physical symptoms, putting the awareness in the importance and power of touch and how the body holds past and present stress. It works through the application of different massage techniques that promote relaxation in both musculoskeletal and nervous system level at the same time that focused on areas of tension and tightness in the body.

In day-to-day terms, holistic massage takes into consideration each clients’ individual physical and emotional wellbeing. In taking this approach, and by taking account of more than simply the physical pain, holistic massage can address both the symptoms and causes a client presents with. As a result, the impact of the massage is likely to more effective and longer lasting.

Course Description

The course regulated by the Massage Training Institute (MTI) and is taught over ten, approximately monthly, weekends with a combination of theory and practical massage practice.

We teach you basic listening skills, introducing exercises that increase your self-awareness and sensitivity to the feelings of others. The emphasis is on experiential learning and students learn by peer practice.

Supervision is included on a monthly basis during course weekends.  The required Emergency First Aid at Work course is also delivered and three sessions of practice outside the class is arranged in a clinical, supervised environment for assessment by the course Director.

As well as the above, to complete the course for gaining the MTI Diploma, students will complete and record 40 hours of given massage practice and 10 hours of received massage.

What you will learn

We teach classic Swedish Massage in such a way that you learn to work intuitively, with a listening touch. This ensures that by the end of the course, your massage perfectly suits your client's needs. Each day begins with Tai Qi or movement to help you learn the most effective, comfortable massage stance and posture.

A solid grounding in physiology, anatomy and pathology underpins the course work so that you understand the benefits of massage and the reasons for contra-indications. This is the part of the course that can seem intimidating. We find people learn best when they are having fun so we make sure that you enjoy it with games, quizzes, drawing and role play.

As you become more confident you learn specific pain-relieving techniques including myofascial release, neuromuscular techniques and stretching. You are taught how to work with the breath to deepen clients' relaxation and acceptance of the massage.

You will be instructed in the skill of taking a detailed case history so that a thorough assessment is made of your client's requirements and any underlying problems brought to their attention. Clients can then take their own part in their healing process.

In summary, throughout the course you will learn:

• Physiology, anatomy and pathology – including contraindications
• Practical techniques through supervised practical sessions
• Developmental supervision
• Ethics, boundaries and referral
• Listening skills
• Draping the client
• Room, table preparation and hygiene
• How to start up in professional practice and get new clients
• A certificated First Aid course, valid for three years
• An introduction is made to energy healing, further developing your intuition

“The past year was such a lovely experience, getting to be more confident with my body as well as other people's, getting to understand and feel how it works, and making connections between my own mental state and how it might reflect on my body. It helped me be more attuned to what my body tells me, and it’s fascinating to be able to feels so much with my hands now. It was quite difficult to take case histories at first as I didn't really get  why certain questions had to be asked or how to make connections between what the clients were telling me and their symptoms - it felt awkward, but it's getting better and easier, and I now feel more confident to ask follow up questions.  Massage has taught me to slow down, and be more attuned to energy, my own as well as other people’s." Eva T - GP Administration Assistant

Required Course Books: Please Click here to see or order course books.

Study Guide: Click here to download the sample study guide which tells you everything you need to know about the Diploma Course.

Personalised way of learning

Douglas started his massage journey in Thailand while living in a mindfulness based recovery centre before training with the school in 2019. He has gone onto complete the Advanced Remedial Massage diploma and enjoys including Eastern and Western influences in his clinical practice.

A maximum class of eight ensures all students receive individual attention.

"Simonetta taught this detailed massage course with endless enthusiasm, professionalism and also wonder at the intricacies of the human body and more than this, I was invited to explore how touch impacts on all aspects of our well-being, beyond only the physical dimension." Cath Heneghan - Mental Health Worker

Requirements

Our criteria for students are that they have insight and are prepared to work on themselves. They should be sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of others and able to communicate emotionally and verbally.

We show you how to become aware of your own physical feelings and how they may relate to your emotions. This helps you to understand your own emotional process so that your work becomes more authentic and empathetic.

"I have great respect for the quality of work they are looking to pass on and that is why I was drawn to this course, for exactly this experience. Working more deeply with people is my aim...not just to rub the surface." Erin Scrutton - Kinesiology Therapist

Certification

The course leads to the Massage Training Institute (MTI) Diploma in Holistic Therapeutic Massage. On completion of the ten course weekends and required recorded practice sessions (given and received massage), students are able to sit both written and practical MTI exams through the Holistic School of Therapy.  There is an additional cost of £80 to sit each of the two exams.

Upon graduation you can register with the Massage Training Institute, entitling you to inclusion on their practitioner list. You will also have access to the Institute’s insurance scheme with Balens' complementary therapist's insurers.

We can also offer a combined diploma in partnership with the Advanced Massage Training School where students can complete the Holistic Massage Diploma and the AMTS Remedial & Sports Massage . When booked together there is a discount of £200. Check our External Advanced Training for more information or discuss with Simonetta prior to booking.

Booking, dates & fees

We ask all prospective students to contact us to arrange an informal interview with Simonetta and Douglas.  This will ensure that the course will properly meet your needs. Please contact Douglas on 07935337963 if you are interested in joining the course before paying your deposit.

The course is delivered from two venues in central Edinburgh.

Course Dates

The course runs over 10 weekends approximately 1 month apart. 

In addition there will be three online supervision sessions over the duration of the course.

2 places available (maximum class size 8)

Payment

The course fee is £2200, reduced to £2000 for early payment. Payment is by bank transfer, please email douglas.ross@holistic-school.com for details.

• Deposit of £450
• Early bird balance of £1,550 by August 26th 2026
• Standard balance of £1,750

Full payment must be received at least one week prior to the first weekend of the course.