Local CE Classes
Exceptional Massage Instruction, Close to Home
If you are looking for local continuing education classes outside of NCMC’s monthly presentations, you have come to the right place. You don’t have to travel great distances to take quality classes!
** Please note: These classes are not hosted or sponsored by NCMC. Please direct all questions about the offerings below to the respective instructor/host.
WA State and AMTA-WA Continuing Education (CE) Requirements: 24 CE Credits every 2 yrs. Including:
8 hrs. In Person & Hands-On
4 hrs. Ethics
2 hrs Health Ethics
Current CPR/First Aid certification
12 hrs. can include: self-study, volunteer work and/or research
See RCW 246-830-475 for complete information
Attention Instructors!
Advertise your local CE class with us, and reach 100s of local LMTs.
Fundamentals of Pregnancy Massage
About
This is a popular class that will inform you on the basics of giving a great pre-natal massage. This class is evidence based, and informed by an OBGYN and PhD informed Midwife.
This course 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.
This course will build upon the skills you already have as a practitioner, and help you gain the confidence to provide excellent service to this population in need of your care.
Location: The Lodge at St. Edward State Park, Kenmore, WA https://www.thelodgeatstedward.com/
Date: March 2nd and March 3rd, Sunday and Monday
Time: 8am-5pm | Lunch 11:30-12:30
16 CEU for Massage Therapists
Tuition: 480.00
Intro to Chi Nei Tsang / Ampuku (21 CE NCBTMB)
Instructor
Caryn Boyd Diel
About
Meets March 7-9, 9am-5pm. Chi Nei Tsang is a wholistic approach to massage therapy with roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Learn basic hands-on techniques to restore health and vitality to the internal organs,a nd integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts and techniques into your practice.
This course will cover the history and fundamental principles of Chi Nei Tsang, beginning anatomy & physiology of the internal organs, Taoist meditations and breathing exercises, qigong to increase the flow of chi through your body, and several treatment protocol. You will have a firm foundation in this ancient healing tradition. Techniques are easily incorporated into your existing massage sessions. Benefits all ages, including children.
Benefits of Chi Nei Tsang:
- Improved energy and sleep
- Improved physical and emotional digestion
- Regulation of elimination
- Relief from abdominal pain
- Improved metabolism for vibrant health
- Self Empowerment over your sense of well being
- Reduction in Pelvic Pain
You will learn:
- To identify the location and function of the internal organs
- Several treatment protocols, including a full body detoxifying routine
- Manual and Energetic techniques to improve digestion and alleviate abdominal pain
- Opening the diaphragm for better breathing
- Introduction to the five elements theory
- Qigong and meditation to boost your energy level and harmonize organs
Please bring a massage table, sheets, bolster. No oil is used in this class. Beginners Welcome!
Tuition | $550
Location | The Chrysallis, Fairhaven
Somassage®: Essentials of Structural Integration and Working with Fascia
Instructors:
Jesse Guerrero— LMT, Advanced Soma Practitioner, Soma Institute Co-Director
Kelsi Giswold— LMT, Advanced Soma Practitioner, Soma Institute Co-Director
Alex Goldstein— LMT, Advanced Soma Practitioner, Soma Institute Instructor
Kimberly Lorton— LMT, Soma Institute Instructor
Vanessa Wood— LMT, Soma Institute Instructor
About:
Are you interested in adding to your massage skills with the feet? Would you like a change of pace for your body or mind? Would you like to charm your clients with some next-level relaxation and whole-body integration? We present to you the beautiful gem of reflexology. It will fit well with your massage techniques and will give you another perspective and a new access point to your client's whole health. Your clients will appreciate it immensely and respond to it immediately!
This in-person class will enable you to learn about the theory and practice and will give you the potent learning experience of FEELING the work and its effects as it's done on you throughout the weekend. It will offer you the chance to be guided and coached by an instructor as you learn. You will get to explore reflexology in a dynamic, kinesthetic, instant-feedback learning experience. The features of this in-person class simply can't be touched with online learning.
In class you will learn a dreamy and effective one-hour sequence that you can start practicing right away. You will leave with a skill you can use for the rest of your life - on others and on yourself.
Bring a partner to class and you'll not only learn how to work on each other but will have someone to practice and trade with after the class.
DISCOUNT OFFER FOR FIRST-TIME STUDENTS: when you and another first-time student friend register together and pay in full in advance of the class, we will give each of you a discount of $25 off the class! Discounts must be requested prior to the first day of class.
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Work with fascia to improve results for your clients while feeling more ease in your own body.
Based on Soma Structural Integration principles, Somassage® is a stand-alone, specialized form of bodywork that uses the fascial system, specific depth, and directionality to advance the client toward optimal efficiency, ease and wellness. It addresses the full-body organization of the fascial structure while recognizing the unique qualities of each individual.
You will learn:
• How to do a 1.5 hour full-body Somassage® Session
• The language of connective tissue
• Compression & suspension mechanics
• Gravitational effects on the body
• Holographic Body Reading – an effective structural analysis model
• Three Brain Model—unifying body and mind
• How to use Somassage® for treatment work—extremely effective
• Whole body mechanics: how to work with presence, ease and efficiency
• A body mechanics system that saves energy and prevents repetitive motion injury
• Somassage® theory and hands-on techniques
This extensively hands-on workshop gives you skills to work with ease while helping your clients feel great. Upon successful completion of the course, you will gain permission to use the Somassage® trademark and have the pre-requisite foundational knowledge to start our full Soma Structural Integration Certificate program, if desired.
Join us in March, June or October at the Soma Institute of Structural Integration for this powerful workshop. All dates and registration details can be found on our website.
Tuition | $665—Early Bird Special: Save $85 (Payment Plan Available)
Location | Soma Institute, Langley on Whidbey Island, WA
Introduction to Reflexology
Instructor:
Lisa Hensell, LMT, NBCR
About:
Are you interested in adding to your massage skills with the feet? Would you like a change of pace for your body or mind? Would you like to charm your clients with some next-level relaxation and whole-body integration? We present to you the beautiful gem of reflexology. It will fit well with your massage techniques and will give you another perspective and a new access point to your client's whole health. Your clients will appreciate it immensely and respond to it immediately!
This in-person class will enable you to learn about the theory and practice and will give you the potent learning experience of FEELING the work and its effects as it's done on you throughout the weekend. It will offer you the chance to be guided and coached by an instructor as you learn. You will get to explore reflexology in a dynamic, kinesthetic, instant-feedback learning experience. The features of this in-person class simply can't be touched with online learning.
In class you will learn a dreamy and effective one-hour sequence that you can start practicing right away. You will leave with a skill you can use for the rest of your life - on others and on yourself.
Bring a partner to class and you'll not only learn how to work on each other but will have someone to practice and trade with after the class.
DISCOUNT OFFER FOR FIRST-TIME STUDENTS: when you and another first-time student friend register together and pay in full in advance of the class, we will give each of you a discount of $25 off the class! Discounts must be requested prior to the first day of class.
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
In Introduction to Reflexology you will learn the basic history of the art and science of reflexology, theories of how it works, its benefits, indications and contraindications for its use. You will learn a sequence for a one-hour reflexology session. About 80% of the class is devoted to hands-on practice. Class will be taught by Reflexology Association of America’s 2018 National Education Award recipient, Lisa Hensell. Credits from this class may be used toward state LMT CE requirements.
Sat & Sun 9 am—5 pm (14 credits)
PREREQUISITES: None
Class space is limited ~ contact us asap to register!
Tuition | $340 if paid in full by Feb 20 ($380 thereafter)
Location | Everett (at West by Northwest Massage School)
CPR/First-aid Plus!
Instructor
Shawn Ritchey
About
This training fulfills CE for Standard First-Aid/CPR while being dynamic, relevant and tailored to address unique concerns many LMT or other Practitioners may encounter.
Shawn Ritchey L.I.V.E. blends over 3 decades in emergency services, 15+ years as a LMT, and professional theatre to provide "Energized Education You'll Remember."
Class is $90.00. 10am-2:30pm and will emphasize Adult/Child CPR. A 30 min session from 2:30-3:00pm will cover infant care for an additional $10.00.
Register by payment to: 9222 176th St. NW, Stanwood, WA 98292 or Venmo @Shawn-Ritchey-3
Location: Private residence in Happy Valley, Bellingham; 5 minutes off I-5 exit 250. Please register for exact location.
Date: March 22, 2025, 10:00am to 2:30pm
Oncology Massage & Acupressure Therapy
Instructor
Raizelah Bayen
About
Gain the skills and confidence to work effectively with clients who are undergoing cancer treatment. This course covers myths, facts, contraindications and adaptations to massage for cancer patients. Learn about the common complaints of cancer patients and the research showing how massage can help with these. Explore common side effects of chemotherapy and discover how to adjust massage to these conditions. Adapt massage techniques, pacing, frequency and positioning to maximize oncology clients' comfort during massage. Discover and integrate into your massage Acupressure points and sequences to address the most common complaints of cancer patients. 8 CE hours NCBTMB Approved.
Location: Bellingham, WA
Date: March 30, 2025, 9:00am to 6:00pm
Advanced Reflexology (1/2 weekends)
Instructor
Lisa Hensell, LMT, NBCR
About
In Advanced Reflexology, Parts I & II Lisa Hensell, Reflexology Association of America’s 2018 National Education Award recipient, will share a unique and effective approach to reflexology.
You will learn how each system of the body corresponds to the reflex maps on the feet and the most efficient ways to access them to promote your clients’ health. You will leave with a superior understanding of reflexology and its amazing potential for encouraging optimal health.
Part I begins with concepts and approaches to accessing each different system in the body. The remainder of Part I and the entirety of Part II includes attention and focus on each individual system of the body, as well as plenty of time practicing and receiving this detailed work during class. Part II builds on the preliminary information learned in Part I.
Credits from this class apply toward state CE requirements for LMTs.
Sat & Sun 9 am—5 pm (28 total credits)
PREREQUISITES: any 8+ hour introduction to reflexology class.
Part I April 26-27, 2025 (early registration: Mar 27)
Part II May 17-18, 2025 (early registration: Apr 17)
Tuition: $340 per class weekend if paid in full by early registration dates ($380 thereafter)
Location: Everett (at West by Northwest Massage School)
Incorporating the Breasts and Chest (16 CE Hours)
Instructor
Lynna Dunn Fuller LMT
About
In this class, students will learn massage of the ribcage, chest, and breasts, intended to support healthy, full breathing and overall well-being. This massage commonly benefits clients experiencing stress, musculoskeletal neck, chest and shoulder related weakness or injuries, and also clients with non-cancerous breast related conditions such as menstrual related tenderness, fibrocystic breast tissue and other non-cancerous conditions. This massage also commonly benefits clients preparing for and/or recovering from surgeries, including those for breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast removal/mastectomy and/or open-heart surgery.
The chest and breast massage taught in this class is intended to be easily integrated into a holistic, full body session to relieve tension, stress and pain, and to increase our clients’ ease of movement in both the upper and lower body. This work consistently helps clients feel and connect with their whole body in a wonderful way that many have not previously experienced.
Emphasis is placed on making our touch safe, pleasant, neutral/non-sexual, and effective for all clients. In many of the techniques, pressure is directed to the muscles and ribs located deep to the mammary glands. Students will learn massage techniques which are done for all genders with the chest draped and other techniques which are done bare chested/breasted.
This course meets Washington State training requirements for specialized training in breast massage (WAC 246-830-555). It also meets NCBTMB CE requirements. More than half the class time is devoted to hands on massage practice. The balance of the time is spent discussing the issues specific to breast massage listed below.
Location: Instructor Studio, Bellingham, WA
Restoring Polyvagal Harmony and Core Muscular Integration Utilizing the Trager Approach
Instructor
Micheal Lear
About
We’ll utilize a trauma - informed combination of informed positional releases, oscillatory mobilizations, and compassionate, mindful attention to follow the path of the vagus nerve to address and integrate the implicated skeletal muscle groups associated with the fight, fight or freeze response—those including trapezius, diaphragm, and psoas.
Location: Prime Sport Institute, Bellingham, WA
Date: March 30, 2025, 9:00am to 6:00pm
Table Shiatsu
Instructor
Raizelah Bayen
About
Table Shiatsu is a form of Meridian Massage Therapy which you can integrate with other massage modalities to create an East-West healing bodywork blend. It combines palm, loose fist and finger pressure techniques applied along the Organ Meridian Chi (energy) pathways to regulate Chi, clear tension and nourish the internal organ systems. Shiatsu includes passive stretching and range-of-motion techniques to open the "gateways" (joints) to allow ease of movement and unrestricted Chi flow. This course includes instruction on the location of the Meridian pathways, and integrates techniques from T'ui Na Chinese Massage. 21 NCBTMB approved CE hours.
Location: Burlington, WA
Date: Feb. 8-10, 2025, 9:00am to 5:00pm each day
Intro to Chi Nei Tsang / Ampuku (8 CE NCBTMB)
Instructor
Caryn Boyd Diel
About
This introductory 8 hour class is designed to teach you the basic principles and techniques of Chi Nei Tsang, an ancient Chinese healing modality which holds a prominent place in modern day health care. Learn why medical doctors in China were required to study this information in the past.
Today, we understand that learning about Gut health is essential to overall health, and our microbiome is challenged daily by changes in our environment. This information is immediately useful in your practice and at home with friends and family
This class will guide you through basic CNT treatment techniques, which rely on an understanding of anatomy of physiology of the internal organs. Class is a combination of lecture and demonstration, including hands on work with a partner on a massage table.
Learn basic hands-on techniques to restore health and vitality to the internal organs. This course will cover the history and fundamental principles of Chi Nei Tsang, Daoist meditations and breathing exercises, qigong to increase the flow of chi through your body, and several treatment protocol.
Tuition | $150
Location | The Chuckanut Center, Bellingham
TO REGISTER:
Email: whitecloudnm@aol.com or Call: 505 670-3538
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Instructor
Raizelah Bayen
About
Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) is a gentle, rhythmic style of massage that mimics the action of the lymphatic system. Discover precise massage techniques to open the initial lymphatics and stimulate lymph vessel contraction to reduce accumulated fluid in soft tissues (edema), and to strengthen the immune system. Learn the anatomy of the lymphatic system, a full lymphatic massage sequence, and contraindications as well as appropriate uses for LDM in your massage practice. 12 CE hours approved by NCBTMB.
Location: Apothecary Spa at 320 E Fairhaven Ave #101, Burlington, WA
Date: January 18 & 19, 2025, 9:30 to 4:30 each day
Body Intelligence
Instructor
Clara Cunningham LMT & Hiraman Reynolds
About
Body Intelligence Training offers a 2 year practitioner course in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy in Bellingham, Washington for existing health professionals considering adding a new modality to their work as well as individuals wanting to start a career in an exciting and evolving therapy.
PLEASE NOTE: Participants can attend the first seminar without committing to the full course. This seminar is an introduction into basic contact skills and relating to biodynamic movements and will provide an opportunity to experience the approach and appreciate the extent of the curriculum.
Japanese Foot and Leg Massage (8 CE NCBTMB)
Instructor
Caryn Boyd Diel
About
Take your clients to a deeper level of relaxation with the added benefit of decreasing pain and fatigue in their feet and legs.
This class will teach you a dedicated 30-45 minute foot and leg (from the knee down) massage that can become an add-on to your massage offerings.
You will learn several new techniques and concepts related to foot and leg health, such as how to treat plantar fasciitis, how to work gently to rehydrate connective tissues and eliminate pain, movements and hand techniques that are soothing and also some that are stimulating.
We will also look at the 6 meridians of the feet and legs to become knowledgeable about which organs systems we are affecting, and which points to avoid during pregnancy.
This massage includes hot towels and draping techniques. Bring 4 hand towels, 2 bath towels, a bolster, a flat sheet, massage oil and cream. Wear loose pants that will push up over your knees.
All ages benefit from this massage. Athletes, dancers, runners, those on vacation, and those who suffer from the effects of aging, edema, neuropathy and injury will appreciate the attention given to their feet and legs.
Tuition | $150
Location | The Chrysalis Inn, Bellingham
TO REGISTER:
Email: whitecloudnm@aol.com or Call: 505 670-3538
Mindful Awareness in Body-oriented Therapy (MABT) Level 1 Live/In Person Modular Course (6 Days)
Instructors
Cynthia Price, PhD MA LMT, Lisa Bryce Lewis, MS, LMT
About
This training is designed for therapists/practitioners to learn how to facilitate client interoceptive awareness through the delivery of an approach called Mindful Awareness in Body-oriented Therapy (MABT). MABT is an evidenced-based approach that combines psychoeducation, touch and mindfulness. MABT teaches fundamental skills of interoceptive awareness and the more advanced capacity to sustain mindful interoceptive attention to somatic experience. This approach is particularly useful for clients who are disconnected from their bodies due to high stress or patterns of experiential avoidance, chronic pain or trauma.
WHEN | Thursday 10/24 – Saturday 10/26 and Thursday 11/21 – Saturday 11/23, 2024
WHERE | 5515 Phinney Ave, North, Seattle, WA 98103
COST | $1800
Next Step Breast Massage: Lightening the Ribcage and Freeing the Shoulders (8 CE Hours)
Instructor
Lynna Dunn Fuller LMT
About
Being able to directly touch and treat the breasts and chest can improve client heath in so many ways, from shoulder pain, to mastectomy recovery, to panic attacks. But first, you need a place to start, especially if you are one of the many who did not learn this work in your initial training and/or are practicing this work in a state which requires additional education. In “Incorporating the Breasts and Chest: 16 CEs for LMTs,” you will:
Learn a simple and effective routine for incorporating the male and female chest wall and breast tissue into a full body massage.
Get ideas for incorporating what you learn with the style of massage you already do.
Meet the 16 hour WA State CE requirement for offering breast and chest massage work (WAC 246-830-555).
Satisfy 3 of the 4-hour WA State CE requirement for ethics.
Work with LMTs of all genders (depending on student sign-up).
Be in a small, supportive class: 3-12 students only.
TRAGER® LEVEL 1
Instructor
Joseph Rodin
About
Trager work has become known as a highly effective neuromuscular approach to bodywork and somatic movement therapy with applications in rehabilitation, movement re-patterning, trauma informed care, and psychophysical integration.
The class will teach effective applications for pain and injury, as well as relief from symptoms of sustained social, emotional and psychological stress. It will also highlight ways of working with manual therapy and body sensation to address the effects of internalized trauma, both recent and long past. Trager is a valuable approach for anyone who wants to elevate awareness in themselves and their clients.
Intro to Reflexology
Instructor
Lisa Hensell
About
In Introduction to Reflexology you will learn the basic history of the art and science of reflexology, theories of how it works, its benefits, indications and contraindications for its use. You will learn a sequence for a one-hour reflexology session. About 80% of the class is devoted to hands-on practice. Class will be taught by Reflexology Association of America’s 2018 National Education Award recipient, Lisa Hensell. Credits from this class may be used toward state LMT CE requirements. Click here for more information on this class.
Practitioner and Therapist tailored CPR/Basic First Aid
Instructor
Shawn Ritchie L.I.V.E.
About
Practitioners and Therapists can have unique challenges if caring for a client/patient in need of CPR or first aid while in their care. Some of these include:
Dealing with a patient who is face down on a treatment table
Dealing with a patient who is seizing while on a treatment table
How to safely roll an unresponsive patient, while on the treatment table, in order to perform CPR or some other care.
Shawn Ritchey L.I.V.E. will address these potential issues and so much more…
Assessment and Treatment of the Lumbar and Sacral Ligaments
Instructor
Brian Utting
About
In this class, you will learn to palpate and treat some of the most commonly injured ligaments in the low back and pelvis, including the iliolumbar, intertransverse, sacroiliac, sacrotuberous, supraspinous, and interspinous ligaments, as well as a few key postural muscles. Clients notice the difference right away when they feel you touch the "right spots", and their chronic pain and tension begins to dissolve from the inside out.