Feldenkrais Training

Lesson 1 • Origins and History of the Method

Traces Moshe Feldenkrais's biography and the development of his method from judo, physics, and neuroscience. Provides historical context essential for understanding the method's rationale.

Lesson 2 • Comparing Feldenkrais to Other Modalities

Distinguishes the Feldenkrais Method from physical therapy, yoga, and somatic practices. Clarifies its unique educational rather than therapeutic framing.

Lesson 3 • Core Principles and Philosophy

Examines the guiding principles: self-organization, neuroplasticity, and learning through movement. These principles underpin every technique taught in subsequent chapters.

Lesson 1 • Developmental Movement Patterns

Traces human motor development from infant floor movements to upright locomotion. These patterns form the structural basis of many Awareness Through Movement lessons.

Lesson 2 • Muscular Coordination and Tone

Examines muscle tone, co-contraction, and synergistic patterns rather than isolated muscle action. Connects muscular function to the method's emphasis on whole-body coordination.

Lesson 3 • Skeletal Structure and Joint Function

Reviews bones, joints, and their ranges of motion as they relate to efficient movement. Establishes the structural vocabulary used throughout the training.

Lesson 4 • Breathing and the Respiratory System

Explores breathing mechanics as an indicator of tension and a vehicle for movement quality. Breathing assessment is used in both lesson formats.

Lesson 1 • Variations and Lesson Adaptation

Teaches how to modify ATM lessons for different positions, populations, and contexts. Adaptation skills are essential for professional teaching practice.

Lesson 2 • Foundational ATM Lesson Themes

Practices core lesson themes including pelvic clock, rolling, and eye-spine coordination. These themes recur across the curriculum and serve as teaching templates.

Lesson 3 • Personal Practice and Self-Study

Establishes a regular personal ATM practice as the foundation of professional development. Ongoing self-study deepens the practitioner's embodied understanding.

Lesson 4 • Structure of an ATM Lesson

Breaks down the verbal instruction format, lesson arc, and pacing of a standard ATM lesson. Understanding structure precedes the ability to teach or adapt lessons.

Lesson 1 • Translating Observation into Lesson Design

Teaches how to convert movement observations into specific ATM or FI lesson choices. Bridges the gap between analysis and practical teaching decisions.

Lesson 2 • Observing Gait and Locomotion

Applies observation skills to walking, turning, and transitional movements. Gait analysis is a primary entry point for understanding a student's movement habits.

Lesson 3 • Observing Sitting and Floor Transitions

Focuses observation on how students sit, rise from the floor, and transition between positions. These functional movements reveal core organizational patterns.

Lesson 1 • Integrating ATM Principles into FI

Shows how ATM concepts of differentiation, reduced effort, and awareness apply directly to FI. Connecting both formats deepens the practitioner's overall competence.

Lesson 2 • Basic FI Contact Sequences

Introduces foundational contact sequences for the supine, prone, and side-lying positions. Students practice initiating and completing a simple FI interaction.

Lesson 3 • Setting Up the FI Environment

Covers table height, props, student positioning, and practitioner body mechanics. A well-prepared environment supports both student comfort and practitioner efficiency.

Lesson 4 • Principles of Functional Integration Touch

Defines the quality of touch used in FI: informational, non-manipulative, and responsive. This distinguishes FI from massage or manual therapy.

Lesson 1 • Managing Group Dynamics

Addresses the challenges of teaching ATM to diverse groups with varying abilities and needs. Group management skills ensure an inclusive and effective learning environment.

Lesson 2 • Real-Time Lesson Adjustment

Builds the ability to modify a lesson in progress based on student responses and energy. Responsive teaching distinguishes skilled practitioners from scripted instructors.

Lesson 3 • Lesson Planning and Sequencing

Covers how to select, sequence, and theme a series of ATM lessons for a specific population. Systematic planning ensures progressive learning across a course.

Lesson 4 • Verbal Instruction Craft

Refines the language, tone, and pacing of verbal ATM instruction for clarity and engagement. Effective verbal delivery is the primary teaching tool in ATM.

Lesson 1 • Complex FI Lesson Sequences

Introduces multi-position FI lessons that address whole-body organization across a session. Complex sequences require integrating all foundational FI skills simultaneously.

Lesson 2 • Clinical Reasoning in FI

Develops a systematic reasoning process for planning and evaluating FI sessions. Clinical reasoning integrates observation, touch, and lesson design into a coherent practice.

Lesson 3 • Advanced Contact and Skeletal Sensing

Refines the practitioner's ability to sense subtle skeletal relationships and micro-movements through touch. Advanced sensing enables more precise and effective FI interventions.

Lesson 4 • Working with Older Adults and Injury

Addresses the specific movement needs of older adults and individuals recovering from injury. Emphasizes safety, pacing, and building confidence through small successes.

Lesson 1 • Documentation and Record Keeping

Establishes best practices for session notes, progress tracking, and confidential record management. Accurate documentation supports professional accountability.

Lesson 2 • Scope of Practice and Ethical Boundaries

Defines the educational scope of Feldenkrais practice and its boundaries with healthcare professions. Ethical clarity protects both practitioner and student.

Lesson 3 • Professional Standards and Certification

Covers the requirements for professional certification, continuing education, and guild membership. Understanding standards ensures practitioners meet recognized professional benchmarks.

Lesson 4 • Building a Sustainable Practice

Introduces business fundamentals including pricing, scheduling, marketing, and client retention. A sustainable practice supports long-term professional contribution.