Get Certified in Rolfing
Rolfing is a non-invasive form of body work that helps people create more balance in their movements. More than 1 million people have received rolfing work from one of the 1,360 certified Rolfers throughout the United States and 26 countries. To get certified in rolfing, follow these steps.
Instructions
1. Understand that the Rolf Institute is the only rolfing certifying body. While other organizations may offer "Structural Integration" courses, only Rolf graduates will be permitted to refer to themselves as Certified Rolfers or Rolf Movement Practitioners. There are no online programs of study or certification; this is a hands-on discipline. Rolfing students can expect the basic certification program to last 18 months to 2 years.
2. Have at least a basic knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology and an understanding of the value of therapeutic touch before starting Rolf training. You'll be required to provide transcripts of prior education and an essay detailing your desire and ability to complete the course.
3. Start with a six-week intensive course called "Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration," also known as "Unit I," if you have no prior bodywork experience or training. There is a separate Unit 1 option of 87 hours advanced training for those with some experience in body work.
4. Complete either version of Unit I. Accumulate 50 hours of "Skillful Touch Massage" practice on clients and get a passing grade on the Rolfing Institute of Structural Integration (RISI) Life Sciences Exam. You also must experience 10 sessions of Rolfing work and 5 Rolf Movement Integration sessions from a certified Rolfing practitioner. Students may not enroll in Unit II until at least 3 months after completing Unit I. Their bodies need a chance to integrate after their own rolfing sessions.
5. Continue to Unit II, which entails 8 weeks of extensive training called "Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement Integration."
6. Pursue Unit III, another 8-week period of training, called "Clinical Applications of Rolfing Theory." During this training, students work on clients while under the supervision of instructors. Training includes general skills necessary for the student to develop their own Rolfing practice. Once this unit is completed, students graduate as Certified Rolfers.
7. Tie it all up after the basic certification program with an additional 144 hours of training called "Rolf Movement Integration Certification."
Once a graduate has 3 years experience in Rolfing practice, he may enroll in the 168-hour training called, "Advanced Rolfing Training Certification." Throughout the practitioner's career, there will be continuing education requirements to maintain association with the Rolfing Institute.
Tags: Rolf Movement, training called, Movement Integration, Rolf Movement Integration, Structural Integration