NEWSSI | Curriculum
The training focuses on the five main areas of instruction: Structural Bodywork, Movement Education, Somatic Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology and Business & Marketing. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the 1100-hour course and required field experience. The following courses are given during the Structural Integration Practitioner training Program.
The 1100-hour curriculum includes:
650 hours of classroom instruction
200 hours of supervised homework
250 hours of supervised practicum
Structural Bodywork
Principles of Structural Bodywork I – III
Students develop a deep understanding of the purpose, objectives and principles of Structural Integration. The course emphasizes the role of gravity, alignment and balance in human function. The primary skill developed in this course is the skill of seeing structural relationships. Activities include lectures, observation, palpation, and home study. Student progress is continually monitored and assessed. Feedback is integrated into the learning process.
PSB I focuses on the extrinsic myofascial structures
PSB II focuses on the intrinsic myofascial structures.
PSB III focuses on the integration of the entire structure
Techniques of Structural Bodywork
This is a hands-on course where the students learn to apply the techniques of structural integration. In this course, students learn to systematically improve the structural balance of the human body using myofascial manipulation techniques. This course also includes a strong emphasis on soft tissue assessment skills and effective body mechanics in the delivery of the work.
Structural Integration Practicum
Students apply their skills and knowledge by delivering the SI Series to “models” and each other under direct supervision of instructors.
Movement Education
Gravity and Body Alignment
An overview of the development of human form and function, emphasizing psychological and cultural factors that interfere with optimal movement development.
Introduction to Structural Integration Movement
An introduction to basic movement principles and movement facilitation. Students learn to analyze movement patterns in relation to the structural objectives of the SI Sessions. Learning activities include lecture, demonstration, observation and practice sessions.
Body Awareness & Movement Lab I
In this course, students acquire new movement patterns through experiential exercises which provide a foundation of movement awareness. Demonstration, observation, and video are utilized to facilitate student learning.
Body Awareness & Movement Lab II
This course focuses on integrative movement techniques designed to establish “core” (intrinsic) movement and refine gross movement behavior.
SI Movement Practicum
Students learn to deepen their gait analysis ability through observation. Students will begin the process of teaching effective movement lessons to others. Student’s progress is continually monitored and assessed. Feedback is integrated into the teaching process.
Ergonomics
This course applies principles of daily movement of work, home and sports. The student learns to evaluate and resolve interfaces of human and mechanical design that can affect optimal movement functioning.
Communicating Movement Lessons
Students learn to assist clients in developing awareness of their functional body usage. This course includes practical applications of passive movement, video analysis and both verbal and active movement lessons.
Introduction to Psychological Inquiry
A survey of the major systems of personality and psychological functioning as it relates to the human body.
Movement and Psychology
This course develops an understanding of the psychological language of structure and movement. Students explore the creative expressions the human personality reveals through physical structure and movement. Emphasis is on understanding how our thoughts, feelings and beliefs manifest in the body and how to release these emotional holding patterns.
Intra/Interpersonal Communications
An exploration of the Psychology of Selves as a foundation for understanding the communication process. Voice Dialogue, a technique derived from the Psychology of Selves, is taught as a method of communication.
Somatic Psychology
Introduction to Body Systems
The purpose of this course is to familiarize the students with the systems of the human body and gives general descriptions of their structure and function. This course includes lectures, slides, and home study.
Structural & Functional Assessment I
The objective is for students to develop an understanding of how the musculoskeletal system provides the functions of balance and alignment for the body. The course includes an overview of the extrinsic musculoskeletal components and their relationships to one another. Lectures, observations, analysis, and palpations are primary teaching models. Oral inquiry and assessment are the methods of evaluating student understanding.
Structural & Functional Assessment II
This course continues the exploration of the musculoskeletal relationships focusing on the intrinsic musculature of the body. Lectures, observations, analysis, and palpation are the primary teaching methods.
Myofascial Anatomy
The course objective is the understanding of the fascial networks of the body. The course covers the constituents of fascia, the relationship of fascia to muscle, superficial and deep fascia, fascial planes of the body and connective tissues. In addition, origins and insertions of all the major muscle groups are studied. Lectures, slides, palpation, and home study are the primary learning modes.
Applied Human Anatomy / Physiology
Students develop the ability to manually identify the muscles of the human body and to assess joint function including range of motion, end-feel qualities, and neuromuscular and myofascial restrictions. Palpation and demonstration are the primary learning activities. Student observation and self-report are the primary methods of evaluation.
Gross Anatomy Lab – (Recommended not required)
Join NEWSSI faculty at a hands-on dissection led by Gil Hedley of Somanautics. The purpose is to deepen the student’s understanding of the myofascial, cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory and endocrine systems by dissecting cadavers.