Course of Study
Rolfing® Certification Program Overview
Our Rolfing Certification Program is comprised
of three phases and self-study typically completed
in 12-18 months.
Depending on their background, students must first complete
one of the two following
classes:
• Foundations of Rolfing Structural
Integration or
•
Advanced Foundations of
Rolfing Structural Integration
During
both of these courses, the instructor will assess each candidate's
readiness to begin Rolfing Training. Working individually with
each student, the instructor establishes a mutually agreed upon
plan of practice for the period between the Foundations class
and Embodiment
of Rolfing and Rolf Movement® Integration.
Students who begin with the Foundations class must wait between three months and a year before beginning the next class. Students who begin with the Advanced Foundations class do not have to wait before starting the next class.
All students must wait between three months and a year after taking Embodiment before they can start Clinical Application of Rolfing Theory. After completion of Clinical Applications, the student graduates as a Certified Rolfer™.
The student then continues training with Rolf Movement Certification, Continuing Education and Advanced Rolfing Training to become an Certified Advanced Rolfer™.
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Course Descriptions for Training Program Phases:
Phase
I: Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration
218 Hours, Six-week intensive, meets four to five days a week
The following are required before beginning Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration:
- Documentation that the student is beyond the age of compulsory
education via submission of one of the following:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Transcript documenting a minimum of 60
semester hours from an institution of higher
education.
- Submission of a written two to three page personal essay describing how your life experience demonstrates your ability to follow a course of study through to completion.
- Completion and approval of an application and required enrollment forms.
This six-week intensive course is designed to provide the entry-level
student with the essential skills and academic knowledge required
for the successful study and practice of Rolfing structural integration.
Students study Anatomy, Kinesiology and Physiology from the distinct
perspective of Rolfing. Students learn guided palpation and touch
through training in Skillful Touch, The Rolf Institute’s own form of clinical
practice bodywork. Students also train in the essential dynamics
and professional skills needed to cultivate and maintain professional
therapeutic relationships with clients. The Foundatons of Rolfing Structural Integration lectures
and demonstrations prepare students for The Rolf Institute’s Life Sciences Entrance
Exam which all students must pass for entry into Embodiment
of Rolfing and Rolf Movement.
During Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration, students gain experience and receive feedback on their touch skills and client/practitioner relationship skills. Initially, students learn touch and palpation by working on classmates. The final stage of this six-week course includes participation in a Rolf Institute Skillful Touch Clinic where students work on actual clients under the supervision of their instructors.
During Foundations of Structural Integration, each student, in collaboration with the instructor, establishes an individual plan to maximize his/her learning experience during the three month interval prior to starting The Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement Integration.
- Class size limited
to 20 students
This six-week intensive course meets five days a week. Foundations
of Rolfing Structural Integration offers an integrated and innovative approach
to learning about the human body. Taught through well-illustrated
lectures, experiential exercises and guided palpation, classes are
designed to provide the optimal learning experience. Rolf Institute instructors
emphasize the individual learning experience by providing each student
with support for his/her specific learning needs. Students both
study the foundation subjects as well as develop skills and knowledge
in perceptual acuity, efficient body use, and quality of touch.
After successful completion of Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration and all other requirements,
students are eligible to enroll in Embodiment of Rolfing
and Rolf Movement.
Following completion of Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration students must document fifty (50) additional hours of Skillful Touch practice. Continuing self-study in the life sciences is also recommended.
Phase
I: Advanced Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration
87 Hours, Two-week intensive, meets twelve days starting on a Sunday
Entrance Requirements
The following are required before beginning Advanced Foundaton of Rolfing Structural Integration:
- Documentation that the student is beyond the age of compulsory
education via submission of one of the following:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Transcript of a minimum of 60 semester hours from an institution of higher education.
- Submission of a written two to three-page personal essay describing how your life experience demonstrates your ability to follow a course of study through to completion.
- Completion of at least a 250 hour bodywork program. Students must submit an official transcript that shows at least 47 hours of Anatomy, 21 hours of Physiology, 45 hours of Massage or other approved touch training, and 15 hours of Therapeutic Relationship.
- 50 documented hours of post-graduate massage practice experience or comparable clinical experience.
- Completion and approval of an application and required enrollment forms.
Advanced Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration is an accelerated class
designed for trained massage therapists and bodyworkers who are
interested in training at The Rolf Institute to become a Rolfer. Advanced Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration provide massage and bodywork professionals with the training
and skills required to make a successful transition into
Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement. Through lectures, demonstrations,
experiential exercises and clinical practice, students are introduced
to new key concepts related to the mastery of the principles and procedures they will learn in Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement.
Students are introduced to Rolf Movement Integration and trained in Skillful Touch, The Rolf Institute’s own clinical practice form. Each student is assessed individually, receives feedback, and develops a learning plan in collaboration with the instructor that maximizes their learning experience during the interval prior to the starting Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement. An informative review of Anatomy, Physiology and Kinesiology is included in preparation for The Rolf Institute’s Life Sciences Entrance Exam, required for entry into The Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement.
-
Class size limited to 20 students
This twelve-day (six days a week for two weeks) intensive course is
an accelerated, in-depth survey designed to tap into the foundation
skills students already have, while simultaneously instructing students
in the new skills they will need to succeed in Rolfing. The dual
emphasis here is on cultivating a new conceptual base and training
students to transition their current touch and palpation skills
to Rolfing. Students are challenged to explore and learn about the
specific features and requirements of touch and palpation in Rolfing
structural integration, including how it will expand and diversify
their current skill set and professional practice. Upon successful
completion of Advanced Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration and
completing all other requirements, students are eligible to enroll
in Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement.
Rolfing is not taught in Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration or Advanced Foundation of Rolfing Structural Integration. Completion of Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration or Advanced Foundation of Rolfing Structural Integration does not entitle the student to use the terms Rolfer or Rolfing.
Phase
II: Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement® Integration
244 Hours, Eight-week intensive, meets four to five days a week.
(Note: first week of class is Monday - Friday)
- Successful completion of Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration or Advanced Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration.
- Foundations of Structural Integration students only must allow a minimum three month interval between completing their class and starting Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement IntegrationI, both to complete the required fifty hours of Skillful Touch massage practice and for knowledge integration.
- Passing grade on The Rolf Institute’s Life Sciences Exam.
- Verification of having received the Ten-Series from a Certified Rolfer at least six months before the start of Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement Integration. This waiting period following the Ten-Series is to ensure the student's optimum integration of the structural integration experience.
- Verification of having received five Rolf Movement Integration sessions from a Certified Rolfer or Certified Movement Practitioner prior to starting Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement Integration.
- Approval of completed application and required enrollment forms.
Please note: This application is due eight-weeks before the start of the Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement Integration class in which the candidate plans to enroll.
The first week of Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement Integration focuses on each student's personal embodiment
and understanding of the Principles of Rolfing as they are experienced
in Rolf Movement Integration. The next seven weeks of instruction
provide the student with the skills to recognize simple structural
patterns in the body's form and in its function, to see structure
in relation to gravity, and to achieve a working knowledge of the
basic principles and theories of Rolfing and Rolf Movement.
-
Class size limited to 16 students
This eight-week intensive class meets four days a week. First week of class meets Monday - Friday. During this
phase of their training, students will give and receive a Ten-Series
of Rolfing and three Rolf Movement sessions. Lectures, demonstrations
and clinical applications will provide students with a broadened
perspective on the Rolfing experience. Students will integrate the
structural and functional approaches to Rolfing, learning how to
determine when each kind of session is appropriate. The subjects
of fascial anatomy, efficient body use, client/practitioner communication,
and structural analysis are critical to this phase of Rolfing training.
Phase
III: Clinical Application of Rolfing Theory
269 Hours, Eight-week intensive, meets four to five days a week.
(Note: first week of class is Monday - Friday)
- Successful completion of Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement Integration.
- Submission and acceptance of the written paper four weeks prior to the beginning of class.
- Approval of the Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement Integration instructors.
- A minimum three-month interval is required between completing Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement Integration and beginning Clinical Application of Rolfing Theory.
In this class students work on clients under instructor supervision.
Upon successful completion of this course, students graduate as
Certified Rolfers.
-
Class size limited to 16 students
This class meets four to five days per week for eight weeks. First week of class meets Monday - Friday During
Unit III students apply the knowledge and techniques learned in
Units I and II to clinical and practical situations. Clinical Application of Rolfing Theory student
will perform the Rolfing Ten Series on two clients from the community,
in the classroom, under instructor supervision. In addition, students
will give "Post-Ten" and Rolf Movement sessions to outside
clients, further preparing them for the diverse needs of a real-world
clientele.
Professional ethics and business skills are taught in this class, along with public education practices, preparing students to develop an independent Rolfing practice. Ongoing attention will also be given to students’ developing efficient body use while working and improving client-practitioner relationship skills, quality of touch and body-reading.
Students who graduate from the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration receive a certificate that documents their status as a Certified Rolfer.
Course Descriptions for Post-graduate Courses/Certifications:
Rolf Movement® Certification
144 hours
Once certified as Rolfers, students can continue to develop their Rolf Movement skills through this program. (There may be opportunities for students who have completed Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement Integration to train for their Rolf Movement Certification. Consult with Rolf Institute staff for more informaiton.)
Rolf Movement Integration is framed in the principles of Rolfing. It works with a holistic understanding of the body's function in gravity, honoring the client's ability to integrate with and adapt to his/her environment. The Rolfing practitioner works with a combination of touch and verbal instruction to guide the client's body towards greater ease, elegance and freedom of expression.
A fundamental value of Rolf Movement Certification is the significance of the client's full participation in and awareness in his/her own Rolfing process. Ultimately the goal of this integration is the grace that emerges when people sense themselves to be present with their bodies and their environment.
- Certification as a Rolfer (There may be opportunities for students who have completed Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement Integration to train for their Rolf Movement Certification. Consult with Rolf Institute staff for more informaiton.)
- Member in good standing
Building on the knowledge gained in Rolfing Basic Training (Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration or Advanced Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration and Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement Integration and Clinical Application of Rolfing Theory), Rolfers will deepen their understanding of the relationship
between functional and structural Rolfing and will acquire the skills
to give a complete, integrated movement series.
Rolf Movement Integration Certification Program is organized in
two phases. Phase I is three days and Phase II is a fifteen-day, three-week
format. These classes are offered annually following the conclusion
of Clinical Application of Rolfing Theory schedule for that year.
This training is organized around practical lectures and instructor demonstrations. Paired with a classmate in a clinical setting, every student both gives and receives a functional series of five sessions. Each then gives the series to outside clients, under instructor supervision. This training also includes a practicum that focus on specific techniques, strategies and the observation of function.
* Additional prerequisites may apply.
The Rolf Institute is committed to cultivating academic growth and therapeutic skills in all of its graduates. To maintain their Rolfing certification, Certified Rolfers must complete a minimum of eighteen days of approved continuing education over a period of three to seven years in preparation for Advanced Rolfing Training. If certified as a Rolf Movement Practitioner, Rolfers have up to nine years to complete their Continuing Education Credits and enroll in the Advanced Training.
Continuing Education studies can cover a broad range of relevant subjects. Certified Rolfers may take workshops in specific manipulative techniques or may explore other related subjects such as CranioSacral Therapy or Visceral Manipulation. Some credit requirements can be met through approved mentoring programs.
Rolfers receive quarterly announcements of workshops and training opportunities, or can find upcoming Continuing Education opportunities on the website.
These continuing education requirements are among the many ways in which The Rolf Institute maintains its high standards and demonstrates them to the community.
Advanced Training
Certification
168 Hours
- Certification as a Rolfer.
- A minimum of three years in Rolfing practice.
- The following Continuing Education:
- 12 hours Rolfing manipulation credit as provided
by RISI faculty or other approved provider
(It is recommended that 3 of these hours be in cranial work) - 3 hours Rolf movement credits as provided by RISI faculty
- 3 hours elective credits from an RISI approved provider. If the provider is not already approved, the student can apply to the Faculty Continuing education committee for approval
- 12 hours Rolfing manipulation credit as provided
by RISI faculty or other approved provider
In order to maintain affiliation with The Rolf Institute, this course must be completed within seven years of initial Rolfing certification, or within nine years if one first completes the Rolf Movement Integration training. Continuing Education credits must fulfill certain categories.
This training emphasizes how to make more precise and subtle distinctions
and how to recognize and manipulate specific kinds of motion restrictions,
including myofascial, articular, and functional. Working outside
of the Ten-Series is emphasized.
The Advanced training is a 168 hour course, divided into 24 days
that may be arranged in one of several formats.
The Advanced Rolfing Training is a forum for refinement and development of the work through a deeper examination of the diverse aspects of Rolfing, with Rolfers bringing their practice experiences into the classroom setting. The Advanced Rolfing Training provides a format for examining the energetic processes that are a fundamental part of the client-practitioner equation. Each Rolfer learns how to use these processes consciously and intentionally. The focus is on being able to meet the specific structural, functional and energetic needs of the individual client. Attention is also directed to these same aspects of the practitioner's process. This training is designed to bring a deeper level of understanding to the Rolfer and his/her clinical practice.
Definition of Instructional Hours
The Rolf Institute® of Structural Integration defines an instructional hour as 60 minutes. Depending on one's path of study, Rolf Institute graduates must complete a total of 600 or 731 instructional hours in the program in order to earn certification as a Rolfer™.
