Founded in 1977 as the Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing and later renamed the International Professional School of Bodywork, the school quickly became fondly known as IPSB.  IPSB is noted for its commitment to excellence, the quality of its faculty and staff, and the quality of its students and graduates.  Not surprising, IPSB is institutionally accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), is approved as a CEU provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing and as a CE provider by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).  It is also approved by the Department of Education to offer Title IV funding and Federal Student Aid to students who qualify.

The faculty at IPSB maintains a high standard of professional competence based upon developing and maintaining the practitioner’s own psychological and emotional well-being, as well as the practical application of bodywork and massage.  Combined with the curriculum’s design to integrate and harmonize the student’s body/mind and to cultivate the attitudes, techniques, and skills necessary to support clients in their growth and change, IPSB students enter the field as true professionals in massage and bodywork prepared for a wide variety of practice.

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The Somato-Emotional Integration course of study will prepare massage therapists to practice in many settings, equipped with techniques specific for both psychological and physical problems. This path provides preparation for those interested in working in Western medical model practices, Holistic Health Centers, Recovery Programs and in private practice.

150-Hour Specialization Certificate in Somato-Emotional Integration Course Requirements:
Path: Integrative Somatic Methods

Prerequisites: Students must meet all general admission requirements and any prerequisites for any course in this specialization. Students must also successfully complete the Essentials and Contemporary Methods (A & B) courses, Communication I: Client Centered Techniques, and Principles of Structural Integration.

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The coursework is based on a “three centers” concept: the physical, emotional, and intellectual centers. The physical center (legs and lower abdomen) relates to the physical instinct and the concept of being grounded and able to take care of one’s needs. The emotional center (chest) relates to the heart and the flow of emotions to the outside world. The intellectual center (head and neck) relates to being aware of the outside world, organizing the senses, and understanding what is going on.

The Essentials of Massage and Bodywork course is designed to create an opening and integration of these centers in the student and to give a format for balancing and opening these centers in others.

This course qualifies the student to apply basic massage techniques on family, friends, and others. Completion of this class does not ensure employment in most areas. Please refer to the “Massage Therapy Licensing” section for more information.

The Essentials course can be taken for continuing education and personal growth or as the beginning level of the professional academic training. Although some individuals may find work in the field (depending on state and/or local educational requirements), this course on its own does not meet the professional standards of AMTA, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, or the minimum levels of licensure in the City of San Diego.

Those students who plan to become professional massage therapists and bodyworkers are expected to continue their education at least through the Massage Therapy certificate program, and are strongly recommended to obtain the Holistic Health Practitioner certificate. The opportunity for more academic studies is available in the Associate’s degree program.

Besides covering theory and practice of circulatory massage (which includes both Swedish and Esalen styles), Essentials students are introduced to Sensory Repatterning, self-massage, and deep tissue massage. Tai Chi, Educational Kinesiology, and the IPSB Movement series are also taught as support work for grounding, body mechanics, and energy generation.

Lessons taught in the Essentials class include:
Anatomy, Physiology, Hygiene
Massage Techniques
Body Mechanics
Ethics, Business and Legal Issues
Practical application (Supervised Practice)
Somatic Psychology
Support and Maintenance systems

Specific class dates and hours for Essentials and the Supervised Practice sessions are listed in each Quarterly Schedule of Classes.

Essentials of Massage and Bodywork
Choose one from formats below:

Winter 2012

A:  January 10 – March 22; Tue/Thu 9:30am–2:30pm

B:  January 17 – March 17; Tue/Thu 6:30–10pm; Sat 9am–5pm (First class meets 5:30 – 10pm.)

C:  February 1 – March 21; Mon/Wed/Fri 9am-2pm 

Spring 2012

A:  April 3 – June 14; Tue/Thu 9:30am–2:30pm

B:  April 17 – June 16; Tue/Thu 6:30–10pm; Sat 9am–5pm (First class meets 5:30 – 10pm.)

C:  April 30 – June 20; Mon/Wed/Fri 9am-2pm

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Dear Students, Faculty & Staff,

On the 15th of each and any month the Executive Director, Nancy Herbst, and the Dean of Education, Michele Nowak-Sharkey, welcome you to join them at lunch in the school lounge.

Come join us on the 15th of any month from 11:30 to 12:30p.m.

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Whether you’re a prospective student or a “friend of IPSB,” please join us for an informative and fun evening at our Quarterly Open House. Come visit our new expanded campus, enjoy free massage demonstrations and light refreshments, ask questions of our faculty, staff and students.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Open House Flyer

The event will be held at:

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