THERAPIST PROGRAMME

- INCLUDES 8 FOUR DAY INTENSIVES -

Training Overview

If you’ve completed the Level One intro course, and find you’re interested in deepening your practice, our therapist program is a wonderful immersive learning journey that consists of 8 four day intensives.

Each module of the therapist program focuses on aspects of structural and energetic bodywork, aligned with Traditional Chinese Medicine and the 12 Threads of Zenthai Shiatsu. We begin each day embodying qualities through movement-based practice and each class combines theory and hands-on practice.

Dates

  • Advanced 1 :: Apr 17th – 20th, 2025

  • Elements 1 :: May 22nd – 25th, 2025

  • Advanced 2 :: Jun 19th – 22nd, 2025

  • Remedial 1 :: Jul 17th – 20th, 2025

  • (Optional) Bali Gathering :: July 24th – August 3rd, 2025

  • Elements 2 :: Sept 4th – 7th, 2025

  • Remedial 2 :: Oct 9th – 12th, 2025

  • Traditional Therapies :: Nov 6th – 9th, 2025

  • Student Clinic and Graduation :: Nov 27th – 30th, 2025

Location

Newcastle is nestled on Australias stunning east coast, 1.5 hrs drive north of Sydney. Laced with natural beauty, vibrant culture, pristine beaches, awesome surf breaks, scenic ocean baths and hidden treasures, making it a great place for learning Zenthai.

Our venue is close to the beach and is easily accessible using public transport.

Options for accomodation include camping nearby or staying with a local host.

A Deeper Look

1. A deep dive into the mystery of the Chinese Version of the 5 elements and how it can be utilised to vitalise our interconnected relationship with life

2. Learn the skill of floor based bodywork from various modalities- to effectively deal with issues in the musculo - skeletal system

3. Use movement as an intelligent art to ‘ unfix ‘ the body and mind from restricted and conditioned patterns that limit us in every way .

4. Develop an articulate conversation with the body that allows it to feel safe, release the tension and move towards freedom.

Course Outline

Below you can find an overivew of the full therapist program. Each module is a four day intensive Thursday - Sunday.

  • 12 THREADS OF ZENTHAI SHIATSU • FOCUSED INTENTION • FREEDOM 

    Two practical and innovative intensives, offering a wealth of gestures developed from Zen Shiatsu, Traditional Thai Massage and Osteopathic techniques. Zenthai is inspired by the integration of structural and energetic bodywork. 

    MOVEMENT • TOUCH • CONNECTION • LOVING KINDNESS• OPEN HEART 

    • Gestures and sequences to restore balance and harmony 

    • Addressing common areas of stagnation and disharmony

    • Refining the quality of therapeutic touch

    • Offering and receiving deep, effective therapy

    • Self-enquiry and healing practices

    • Connection to self, tribe and nature

  • Remedial One and Two

    PRACTICE INTO THERAPY • ALIGNED INTENTION• THEORY AND PRACTICE • 

    Visiting the structures of the human body to understand how posture and lifestyle affect our movement, joints and their energetic relationships. Addressing a variety of musculoskeletal imbalances and conditions.  Aligning treatment intentions to client needs, whilst addressing a variety of musculoskeletal dysfunctions and conditions. 

    STRUCTURE • ANATOMY • PRECISION • EFFECTIVE THERAPY 

    • Anatomy Lab: Theory class and movement exploration 

    • Our structure: bones, joints, posture, movement and dysfunction

    • Soft tissue imbalances and injury – muscles, tendons and fascia

    • Relationship of Chi → Blood → Organ

    • Alignment of TCM Meridians and myofascial structures

    • Understanding other body systems and internal organs

    • Zenthai gestures, techniques and sequence to restore balance

    • Movement-based therapy for self healing

  • Elements One –  Principles of Zen Shiatsu

    This module introduces Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)and 5-Element theory into the art and includes:

    EARTH • METAL• WATER • WOOD• FIRE 

    • Introduction to Oriental Medicine (TCM) 

    • 5 Elements and Zang Fu organs

    • Signs and symptoms of Elemental imbalance

    • Meridian / Point location and key release areas

    • Diagnostic tools and identifying imbalance

    • Specific treatment and gestures to heal disharmony

    • Recommendations – lifestyle support and foods that heal

    Elements Two  –  Psychology, mind-body counselling and 5 elements in daily life

    ‘To see it is to free it.’

    This intensive addresses the psycho-emotional factors that relate to the 5 Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We identify the key emotions of each element and address how to balance them through the 5 element cycles. This module also recognises that honest self-exploration, and development of caring and supportive relationships with clients, is an essential component of a successful therapist practice.  You will challenge yourself in the art of honest self-inquiry,  unraveling the conditioning that might be preventing you from living to your potential. This looking-within to find the answers creates a therapist who is a far more present and effective listener, thus encouraging others to dissolve the emotional and mental blocks that are part of a healing journey. Module topics include:

    EARTH • METAL• WATER • WOOD• FIRE  

    • Know thy self – recognise, acknowledge and observe 

    • See these emotions and patterns in with non-judgment

    • Practice compassion and loving kindness – metta

    • Gestures and sequences to restore balance and harmony

    • Learn how to heal emotional aspects through the 5 elements

    • Listening practices, receptivity and self-enquiry

    • Meridians, extensions, points and moxibustion

  • Traditional Therapies

    THEORY AND PRACTICE • ORIENTAL APPLICATIONS • EXTRA TOOLS • 

    Eastern approaches to health and healing are “wholistic” in nature. Traditional Therapies delves into other therapeutic tools that can be applied during or in conjunction with Zenthai Shiatsu. These potent remedies are effective tools for balancing aspects of TCM. 

    BALANCE • TONIFY • DISPERSE • HEAL 

    • Cupping and moxibustion 

    • Poultices, compresses and herbal sauna

    • Thai foot massage

    • Wat Pho Thai massage applications

    • Refining diagnostic skills – pulse, tongue, hara

    • Client interactions and aligning treatment intentions

  • Student Clinic

    OPEN CLINIC • SUPERVISED & SUPPORTED • DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT 

    You will be guided and supported in offering multiple sessions including client consultation, TCM diagnosis, planning and providing treatment and offering lifestyle support to your clients. Supervision will be offered with feedback from supervisors and other qualified Zenthai Therapists. This valuable experience will integrate your learning from throughout the year. 

    INTEGRATION • REFINEMENT • FULL POWER • HEART CENTRE 

    • Aligning client needs, diagnosis and treatment 

    • Offer full heart sessions with Focused Intention 

    • Integrating content and context

    • Coming home – full circle of healing and transformation

STUDENT REFLECTIONS

  • jhhkg

    “Therapist training in Newcastle with Sonny and the assistants was magical. "

    Sonia made sure our training stayed on track with fluidity and grace. The connections that I made with the Newcastle crew was awesome. Having community so close to home in Sydney is so so special.

    Hannah More - Retreat Facilitator, Sydney

  • “The Zenthai Shiatsu Therapist Course with Sonia exceeded my high expectations. "

    Her deep genuine care that we really understand is very moving and motivating.

    The caring and sharing within the group is so supportive and transformative and lasts beyond the end of the course. There were so many surprises, discoveries and insights. I came out a happier person than I was when I went in. I'm really enjoying having this confidence in giving Zenthai to help my friends. I am thinking of doing the course again because it was sooo much fun.”

    Mich Poppinghaus - Sleep Doctor, Newcastle

  • "The identity I carried with me when I walked into this course is far from the energy I’m embodying now."

    It has been a safe and welcoming container that has helped me re-define community. To feel what it truly means to open up, surrender and be vulnerable in front of others. It has shown me a new way of opening my heart to others, and the boundless joy that comes from it. Words cannot encapsulate what this experience has done for me.

    - Krystel Spurway, Outdoor Adventure Guide - Coffs Harbour

  • Sonia has warmly smiled, even beamed; and encouraged without fail all the way!

    Sonia is an exceptional zenthai facilitator!
    For nine months, true to the zenthai thread: Limits, exploring our edges,
    I have been incrementally challenged, from the beginning to the very end!

    I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and am delighted with my growth! : )

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    - Christopher, Painter / Flamenco Dancer

More of your questions answered….

  • All classes run from 8.30 to 4.30.

  • Regular yoga classes and practice time outside of class time is encouraged.

  • Includes acroyoga as therapeutic flying … offerings throughout the final modules.

  • An insurance cover is recommended at the completion of student clinic to begin practicing as a therapist.

  • Graduation and certification is given on completion of all modules, tasks assigned, 30hrs of logged clinic practice, and all course fees settled. Any class time missed is to be made up at an hourly fee to one of the senior teaching team. (please note, the Elements Modules and Traditional Therapies are not able to be made up because a group setting is needed for these classes).

  • Can I swap locations if other module dates are more suitable? In short, no, this is not a possibility. The class you are enrolled in is your set class. In rare circumstances in the past we have swapped students from other locations, but this is challenging and not recommended as most of the class sizes are at full capacity and are unable to fit any extra students in to the venue. It also is disruptive to the group container.

  • For those wishing to apply for the programme, this course is normally very full, so entry is not automatic. Please express your interest using the form below. 

APPLY HERE

More student reflections…

  • What an incredibly profound and beautiful journey we have been on, led by your gracious strength and wisdom.

    Thankyou Sonia, I will cherish this time of great awakening. - Marcel