Holistic Therapeutic Massage Diploma
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
“I've learnt so much and cannot wait to get out into the professional world to use the skills I've been taught." Diana Best - Research 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
Your principal tutor is Simonetta Logan who has been in full time clinical practice since 1993. She is assisted by experienced therapists who deliver sessions in anatomy, physiology & pathologies; practical techniques; and business & marketing skills.
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 £75 to sit the 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.
Booking, dates & fees
We ask all prospective students to contact us to arrange an informal interview with Simonetta. This will ensure that the course will properly meet your needs. Please contact Simonetta on 07843 426381 if you are interested in joining the course before making paying your deposit.
Next Course Dates
| 13/14 | September 2025 |
| 11/12 | October 2025 |
| 15/16 | November 2025 |
| 13/14 | December 2025 |
| 10/11 | January 2026 |
| 7/8 | February 2026 |
| 7/8 | March 2026 |
| 11/12 | April 2026 |
| 16/17 | May 2026 |
| 13/14 | June 2026 |
| EXAMS | 19-20 June 2026 |
10am-6pm each day
Fee: The standard course fee is £1,800, however an early bird discount of £200 is available if full payment is received in full one month before the course start date.
To register, pay a deposit of £450 to secure your place, after you have spoken to Simonetta. This is refundable up to one month before the course start date. (Please note, due to class sizes no payments can be refunded after this date unless another applicant takes your place.) All balances are due before the course start date.
Book Here 7 places available (maximum class size 8)