Continuing Education
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THE INTERSECTION OF NERVOUS SYSTEM EDUCATION, TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE, AND MASSAGE THERAPY APPLICATION.
NAMT explores how life experiences shape the nervous system and influence patterns within the body. More than a collection of techniques, it's a new way of thinking. Therapists learn to recognize and respond to the body's signs and signals, attune to the whole person, and provide more intentional, responsive, and individualized care.
Together, we will step into the intersection of:
The Nervous System
Developmental Trauma & Adaptive Survival Patterns
The Role and Application of Attuned Touch
HYBRID OFFERING -
6 Online Modules:
Tuesdays
July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18
9am-1:30pm
Zoom
In-Person Immersion:
August 24, 25, 26, 27
8:30am-5pm each day
30min lunch break
At Balance Massage School
Curriculum Outline:
—> TRAUMA - definition, types, adaptive survival patterns, trauma-informed approaches,, neuroplasticity + rewiring, re-traumatization and how to avoid it
—> NERVOUS SYSTEM - anatomy (pathways, mechanoreceptors, brain structures), nervous system states, neurology of touch, regulation/modulation, co-regulation, somatosensory system, window of tolerance, vagus nerve, HOW safe touch impacts nervous system patterns and trauma integration
—> THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP - scope of practice, inner experience, safe container
—> INTEROCEPTION - body awareness, interoception vs. exteroception, dissociation/disconnection from body
—> PAIN SCIENCE - sensitization, pain science basics, nociception, predictive brain model, gate control theory
—> ASSESSMENT - client nervous system tracking, cues and clues
—> INTEGRATION - bringing the education to the treatment room, intake process, assessment, applying appropriate techniques for various nervous system states
BETA LAUNCH SUMMER 2026
This is our beta launch for this groundbreaking training. The 12 students joining will enjoy these incredible one-time benefits:
Sliding scale offering: $1,500-$3,500 (VSAC approved)
Free access to future online modules as the training evolves
Invitation to attend one additional future in-person portion of the program at a discounted rate as the program evolves
Invitation to provide feedback and input to shape & refine the program
Instructors:
Steph Haddox - BMSVT Founder and Lead Instructor
Dan Barone - BMSVT Instructor + Support Guide
FAQ's:
Do I need professional experience in the field before diving into this program?
Absolutely not. This program is designed for massage therapists ranging from new learner to advanced practitioner. It is a course that deepens our knowledge and application, which is beneficial at every stage of our career. It is designed for massage therapists and students currently in massage school and the in-person 4-day immersion is tailored specifically toward massage application.
What about VSAC?
The course is VSAC-approved, and students can apply for the Advancement Grant. Applications are now open for the 2026-27 year!
I'm hesitant about learning online. What does the structure for the 6 online modules look like?
I hear that and was once skeptical of online massage therapy education myself. I have taken numerous online courses, many of which centered around trauma-informed care. I've experienced what has worked (and what hasn't) when this type of content is delivered online. The structure will involve a flow through presentation/lecture, dialogue/discussion, small group breakout rooms for discussion and/or activities, and Q+A. The lecture/presentation portion of the modules will also be recorded and available to you to rewatch if further absorption of the material is desired.
What does the in-person integration entail?
This is where we put the learning into real-life. We will bring the information from the online modules into application with the intake/interview process, nervous system mapping/assessment, and how to adapt our approaches with clients in response to their nervous system state(s) through attunement and knowing what signs to look for. We will present various case studies and discuss approaches.
Is there a protocol this NAMT training provides in how to work with clients from a Trauma- and Nervous System-Informed approach?
No. In fact, a protocol is inherently not trauma- or nervous system-informed because it does not account for the vast range of nervous system states and individual shifts we will encounter as massage practitioners. Our work with clients is a practice rather than a one-size-fits-all formula. This course provides a foundational understanding in what to look for with clients, how to meet their nervous system where it's at, and invite a shift in the input-process-output loop if it supports the client.
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We’re honored to welcome David Lobenstine, LMT offering a fantastic educational opportunity!
David is a highly respected educator, seasoned practitioner, and co-author of the leading prenatal massage textbook with Carole Osborne. He teaches with a rare blend of mastery, humility, warmth, and real-world skill.
This course goes far beyond learning a few new techniques.
It’s about what truly shapes great bodywork:
your presence
your body mechanics
your breath
your confidence
your connection with clients
creating sessions that are effective and sustainable
At BMSVT, we value bringing in top-level educators whom we trust deeply—and David is absolutely one of the best.
If you’re ready to feel inspired again, sharpen your craft, and learn from one of the best, this is for you. This course is beneficial for all levels from long-time practitioners to brand new massage therapists!
June 8+9 @ Balance Massage School in Duxbury, VT
$518 ($75 OFF earlybird until May 1)
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We are actively planning the dates for Cupping Workshops this fall. Please check back for updates soon!
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Certificate in Musculoskeletal Anatomy
for Massage Therapists, PT Students, Yoga Instructors, and Related Professionals
ANNOUNCING THE NEXT ROUND FOR SEPTEMBER 2025!
Enhance Your Expertise with the BMSVT Musculoskeletal Anatomy Certificate Course
Are you a Massage Therapist, Yoga or Pilates Instructor, or a professional in a related field?
You have a gift – a natural ability to build trust and connect with your clients. They return to you time and again because of your knowledge and the welcoming environment you create.
But perhaps you feel a growing frustration. Despite your skills, you yearn for a deeper understanding of the medium through which you work – the human body. You want to elevate your expertise and enhance your ability to support those you serve.
The BMSVT Musculoskeletal Anatomy Certificate course is designed precisely for you. Dive deeper into the intricacies of the human body, enrich your practice, and take your ability to support your clients/students to the next level.
Balance Massage School of Vermont is pleased to introduce a specialized certificate program designed for bodyworkers, massage therapists, yoga teachers, pilates instructors, personal trainers, and professionals in related fields. Any professional working with and through the body can benefit from this course! This comprehensive course provides an in-depth understanding of the musculoskeletal system, enhancing participants' professional expertise and effectiveness with clients. The program is suitable for individuals with or without a background in Human Anatomy & Physiology. Whether your goal is to brush up on A&P from school or to gain a deeper educational foundation of the human musculoskeletal system, this interactive course supports your aspirations.
Travel through the regions of the body, learning the muscles, bones, fascia, nerves, and other supporting structures along the way. Enhance your expertise of the Musculoskeletal System, improving treatment efficacy and client outcomes!
The program is taught by Steph Haddox, owner and lead instructor at Balance Massage School of Vermont (BMSVT). Steph brings an extensive background in working with the human body. Her career began as a Division 1 athlete & coach, followed by a transformative career in massage therapy, and culminating in years of teaching Anatomy & Physiology at BMSVT. Coming from a long family line of teachers, she is passionate about teaching in creative and dynamic ways, transforming 2D textbook content into an engaging 3D learning experience.
Participants will join the Professional Massage Therapy Certificate students in this learning, and benefit from a multifaceted approach to education. We integrate multiple learning styles, hands-on techniques, repeated exposure to key content, and integration of material. Additionally, the course offers exceptional support, ensuring a robust and enriching educational experience.
Learning Objectives:
Comprehensive Body Understanding: Attain in-depth knowledge of the various regions of the human body and planes of movement.
Surface Anatomy Recognition: Accurately identify and describe the surface topography of skin, bones, and fascial structures.
Palpation Technique Proficiency: Develop advanced palpation skills to accurately identify bones, bony landmarks, specific muscles from origin to insertion, and muscle fiber direction.
Skeletal System Identification: Identify and articulate the location of bones, bony landmarks, and joints within the human body.
Muscle Anatomy Knowledge: Name, locate, and describe the muscles of the body, including their origins, insertions, and actions.
Muscle Layer Anatomy: Learn the detailed anatomy of muscles, including the muscle belly, fascicles, and individual muscle fibers, along with the associated connective tissue layers.
Details:
15 classes. Must attend 11 out of 15 to receive certificate.
Wednesdays 8am-12pm at Balance Massage School in Duxbury.
Sep 3 - Dec 17 (Nov 26 OFF).
Registration process: Fill out the registration form by clicking “REGISTER” below and send in deposit of $300 to secure your spot in the course. Once these two steps are completed, you will receive an email confirming your place in the certificate program. That’s it!
$2,500 - VSAC Advancement Grant Approved! Payment plan options and in-house scholarships available. We believe in accessibility and supporting bodyworkers in their continued education pursuit. There are a limited number of scholarships available that will be offered on a first come - first served basis. Scholarship application information provided in the course registration form.
Additional costs: students will need to purchase Trail Guide to the Body textbook & workbook for the course ($118.90) from Books of Discovery. Students can also choose to purchase The Anatomy Coloring Book as well, but this is optional. Colored pencils are recommended with this purchase.
REGISTER HERE