Body Wisdom Massage School’s Blog

BWS: What inspired you to develop the Care Track Course Series?
Ali: Ever since I can remember, I’ve felt intense compassion for anyone going through a tough time. Lately, I’ve been noticing a trend among young folks – many of them having been through experiences where they’ve had to take care of a family member. It seems those experiences have really opened their eyes to empathy and responsibility.

As the demand for specialized care in vulnerable populations rises, we’ve expanded our course offerings significantly. This culminated in developing a comprehensive “Care Course Series” designed to meet the diverse needs of those seeking support in various caregiving roles.

BWS: How does it align with the mission and values of your school?
As an institution, we believe that purposeful touch can promote a sense of wholeness and well-being, even in the face of challenging circumstances or at the end of life. By offering these courses, we intend to empower our students to provide compassionate care that benefits the patient and comforts their loved ones and caregivers. It’s all about creating a ripple effect of healing and support within our community.

BWS: Can you provide an overview of the four courses in the Series and explain their unique contributions to massage therapy education?

Ali: The series includes:

Oncology & Critical Care Massage (16 Hrs.);
Oncology & Critical Care Massage is designed to empower massage therapists with the knowledge and skills to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to patients of all ages in various critical care settings. This comprehensive training program is essential for those looking to expand their practice and make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals undergoing severe medical treatments.

Geriatric (Elderly) Massage (16 Hrs.);
Our Geriatric (Elderly) Massage course offers comprehensive training tailored to the unique needs of aging clients. This course equips massage therapists with the knowledge, skills, and compassionate approach to provide effective and sensitive care for elderly individuals. Through hands-on techniques, theoretical knowledge, and real-life experience, participants will be well-prepared to practice in various settings.

Hospice (Palliative Care) Massage (16 Hrs.);
Our Hospice (Palliative Care) Course offers advantageous training for massage therapists who wish to make a meaningful impact on the lives of hospice patients and their families. This course focuses on providing comfort, pain relief, and emotional support to individuals, including pediatric and younger adult patients, at the end of their journey. Through specialized techniques, effective communication, and compassionate care, participants will be equipped to offer invaluable support in hospice settings.

Death Doula Certification (8 Hrs.).
Our Death Doula Certification course is designed for individuals who wish to provide compassionate and knowledgeable support to individuals and families during the final stages of life. This comprehensive program covers sensitive topics, including ethical and cultural guidelines, effective communication, and comfort measures. Participants will be prepared to serve as compassionate companions, offering invaluable support and guidance during this profound transition.

BWS: What would you say is the overarching theme for the series of courses?

Ali: At the heart of our courses is deeply honoring the client’s dignity. Our goal is to meet each individual exactly where they are, without any personal agenda and without our pity. It’s about truly listening to their needs and desires and empowering them to achieve their desired outcomes. 

Another crucial aspect of the series is the importance of professional ethics and healthy boundaries for caregivers. These principles are especially vital in our field, enabling therapists to be fully present, open-hearted, and compassionate while caring for their client’s needs! By maintaining healthy boundaries, therapists can ensure they provide the best possible care for their clients while nurturing their well-being.

BWS: How do the courses address the unique needs of different age groups, different settings, and the different cultural backgrounds of clients?

Ali: These key factors play a crucial role when working with clients. We often associate critical illness with older adults, but the patient could be a young child. Patients may also be at home, in a hospital, or in a care facility. They may be more or less incapacitated, medicated, rely on medical devices, etc. In all settings, the therapist has to pivot to deliver the appropriate care.

Our courses also focus on different cultural aspects. This may include racial, political, or religious elements. It’s never appropriate to ‘teach’ the client or caregiver a lesson as to one’s own convictions or traditions. Instead, it is essential to recognize the value each client’s background brings to them. It’s not necessary to share beliefs, but respecting the client in that way is vital. Most likely, the client can teach us something, at least about themselves. It’s worth looking for angles of why and how the client’s perspective can serve them.

BWS: You mentioned self-care. Do you want to elaborate a bit on that as well?

Ali: Absolutely!  We emphasize self-care as a core training component, providing strategies and resources for managing stress, setting healthy boundaries, and maintaining personal well-being. This is crucial for preventing burnout and ensuring sustainable practice. Experience has taught us that caring for oneself is the basis of helping others! Plus, we are there for assistance after the courses, as need be.

BWS: What Kind of Student is attracted to the Care Series of Courses?
Our Care Series attracts a unique and compassionate group of students dedicated to working with vulnerable populations. These empathetic individuals, including healthcare professionals, massage therapists, aspiring death doulas, family caregivers, social workers, counselors, and those seeking a meaningful career change, are drawn to our courses to expand their skills and provide holistic support. We are profoundly grateful for their commitment, as they go above and beyond to ensure they offer the best care to their clients and patients. Their compassion, skill, and dedication bring comfort, dignity, and care to those in challenging stages of life, making a lasting positive impact on patients, families, and the broader community. At Body Wisdom Massage School, we honor and celebrate their unwavering commitment to making a difference.

BWS: Are there any other courses at Body Wisdom that complement the Care Series?

Ali: There is a long list of courses to enhance a therapist’s toolbox. Techniques like lymphatic drainage, reflexology, clinical aromatherapy, acupressure, other pain management tools, orthopedic massage, and many more, including sound vibration and rebalancing, are included. Many people may not know this, but Body Wisdom offers custom-designed Certificate of Excellence or even Mastery Level programs to anyone who wants to widen their expertise or range of services.

We are passionate about any training we offer, and the Care Series is just one of several tracks we have expanded.

Ali Hatfield