All classes taught by NCBTMB approved Continuing Education providers and are accepted by the Arkansas Department of Health for Continuing Education.

We have several Continuing Education Classes and all are in person classes.   You will find descriptions for each class below.

Classes for our out of state instructors are held at the Omni Center for Truth and Justice in Fayetteville, AR.

All of Brenda’s classes are held at the school at 28 S. College #5, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

CE Class Schedule

DateClass TitleNumber of Continuing Education hoursInstructorCost of the ClassPayment
Saturday May 20, 2023Thai It Together: Thai Massage Compressions, Wedges, Stretches, & Jostles
8Jonathan Steinberg$290.00
Begins May 13th, 2023. The second weekend of the month for 6 months. Full 100 hour Intensive Creative Healing100Brenda Schwarzbach$1900.00
May 13, 2013
10AM - 5PM		Beyond Basics Head and Neck6Brenda Schwarzbach$150.00
Module 1
May 13/14 2023		18$360.00
Module 2
June 10/11, 2023		18$360.00
Module 3
August 12/13, 2023		18$360.00
Module 4
Sept. 4/5, 2023		18$360.00
Module 5
October 14/15, 2023		18$360.00
Module 6
Nov. 11/12, 2023		18$360.00
Module 7
Jan13/14, 2024		18$360.00
June 10/11, 2023
10AM-5PM		Creative Healing Hips/Back and Sciatica12Brenda Schwarzbach$275.00
August 12, 2023
10 - 5		Beyond Basics Shoulders and Arms6Brenda Schwarzbach
$150.00
20 days beginning July 20 and ending Sept 28th. Afternoons onlyBack To Basics 100 -all or in partBrenda Schwarzbach2000.00
Back to Basics 1 day only9Brenda Schwarzbach$225.00
Continuing Education classes hosted by the Black Brook School of Massage

 

Thai It Together!

May 20th, 2023 at the Omni Center

  • 3274 N. Lee Avenue
  • Fayetteville, AR 72703
  • Hours of the class are 9 – 5

8 hour class – approved by AR Dept of Health and the NCBTMB

$290.00

Bio:

Inspired by Thai Massage, Jonathan became a NY Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in 2010,  an Arkansas Master Massage Therapist (MMT) in 2017, as well as an LMT in Missouri, Tennessee, and Virgin Islands.   In New York City, his training and experience included Swedish Massage, Shiatsu, Tui Na (a technique derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine), Therapeutic/Rehabilitative Massage, Pre/Post Natal Massage, and Thai Massage. After working 3 semesters at NYC’s Pacific College of Oriental Medicine as a Thai Massage Teacher’s Assistant, and completing Thai Massage training at Two Souls Thai Massage with Al Turner in Brooklyn NY, he continued his education, training with his teacher’s teacher, Ajahn Pichest Boonthumme in Chiang Mai, Thailand. 

Jonathan has had the privilege of practicing in multiple states, utilizing all of these techniques in many different settings, such as Chiropractic Doctor’s offices, Physical Therapy Clinics, Neurology PT Clinics, spas, fitness centers, chair massage at many corporate events and health fairs, and most recently a proud member of the USTA Massage Team at NYC’s US Open Tennis Tournament.

In addition to being An Associate Member of Ortho-Bionomy, Jonathan has also completed his 500 hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training(2020) at Circle Yoga Shala.  Jonathan is grateful for Thai Massage, which has enabled him to maintain a strong and sustainable massage therapy career, and looks forward to sharing his experienced techniques with fellow LMT colleagues. 

Course Description:

This course includes an introduction to Thai Massage principles, such as history, lineage, and Sen Theory, all of which offer a foundation for the practice and application of Thai Massage techniques.

Thai Massage is a clothed stretching and pressing modality, traditionally practiced  on the ground(on a comfortable floor matt), utilizing the therapist’s hands, forearms, elbows, feet, shins, knees, and bottom to compress soft tissue and improve joint Range Of Motion.  Practitioners will be expected to move on the ground from various seated, kneeling, and lunging positions.  Thai massage compressions, wedges, stretches, and jostles will be demonstrated and rehearsed in order for therapists to develop their own 60 to 90-minute Supine Thai Massage Treatment or for integration of Thai Massage into table massage treatments. . 

 Thai Massage Required Course Materials

  1. Comfortable clothing for movement(T-Shirt & Sweatpants.  No Shorts)
  2. 1 Flat Sheet
  3. Massage Table(will be used at last hour of class)
  4. Thai Massage Matt(provided)
  5. Small Head Pillow for Receiver
  6. Massage Bolster for Receiver
  7. Kneeling Pillow for Practitioner
  8. Thai Massage Manual(Provided)
  9. Notebook 

10.Pen/Pencil(optional)

100 hour Certification Class for Continuing Education

For Massage Therapists and other Practitioners

You may choose a class from 6 to 100-hour continuing education classes depending on your needs and desire for knowledge.  Browse the descriptions below and learn more about what we have to offer.  Each module includes 18 hours of hands on training each weekend.  Some of the information is also available as a specific 6-hour class.  See the schedule for all the opportunities to learn Stephenson's work from the only massage school in the world that teaches it.  Wild huh?

 Certification as a Stephenson's Method Practitioner is awarded after the entire 100-hour Intensive has been taken and the student can perform a series of applications correctly.  To receive certification as an instructor the student must take the class twice,  take a practice exam, and be approved by an approved instructor.  In the United States at present, the Black Brook School of Massage is the only massage school in the country teaching this modality.  Brenda Schwarzbach has been teaching Creative Healing since 2002 and is a Master Teacher.

Anyone is able to enroll in our classes.  If you are interested in classes specifically for the 'Gentle Birth Method' we have a 24-hour program that fits this need.

The 100-hour intensive class divided into 6 blocks or modules.  The 6th module is available only to those who are taking the entire class.  The other 5 modules have portions that may be taken by any massage therapist who would like to get hours in Creative Healing or by those therapists who have already taken the class and want to review certain parts of it.

Module 1 - Head and Neck - 
History, Ethics, Principals, and equipment. Technique applications will include general lymphatic drainage, sinus, and ear congestion, face pain, support for neuralgia in the head, and cosmetic facelift.  Also learn to reduce congestion in the throat, eye support,  headache, and migraine relief.

Module 2 -  Working with releasing the tissue around the spine, pelvis, decongesting the kidneys,  sciatic and leg pain.
This unit includes some special myofascial and lymphatic massage for the back. The Creative Healing application for Sciatica is one that you will turn to again and again. This has been used with many different people with excellent results.
Module 2 which is specific for sciatica also includes: nourishing the kidneys, massage and nerve support for whiplash, myofascial movements for helping to release nerve impingement in the legs and feet.

Module 3 - arms/ shoulders, knees and feet - You will learn separate massage movements for pain in the arms including: carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, nerve pain in the hands, Dupuytren's contracture, wrist pain, swollen fingers, swollen ankles, sprained ankle, restless leg syndrome, and plantar fasciitis.  We will also address pain between the shoulders and working around the scapula.

Module 4 - The digestive organs, diaphragm, and heart- Abdominal Massage for the digestive organs, heart, and diaphragm.  Abdominal toning,  and decongesting the tissue around the Gall Bladder, Liver, Spleen, and Pancreas.  Wonderful relaxing applications for stress, anxiety, depression and shortness of breath.
Relieving stress in the chest and the diaphragm is great for both men and women.

Module 5 - The Female Treatments and Creative Healing for Women - A review of the applications for lower back pain and how they are modified for pregnancy.  Applications for PMS,  pain in the lower abdomen, and movements specifically recommended for the Gentle Birth Method. Female disorders, incontinence, and infertility and menopause.

​Module 6 - This is a 100-hour certificate student class only.  Asthma, lung congestion, constipation, dislodged tailbone, children and infant applications for colic and constipation, ear problems.  Male issues including stress, infertility, back pain and others.

 Clinical practice and exams will be scheduled for the completion of this class.  Completion of the certificate class will also allow you to qualify to become a globally recognized Gentle Birth Method Practioner.

Article from Insider linked to our website

 

Beyond Basics Head, Neck and Sinus’s 6-hour class

I teach this class to all of my massage diploma students.

Beyond Basics Head and Neck – 6 hours
Continuing Education classes need to give you information you can use with your clients immediately and be presented in a fun and engaging way.

This class includes:

  1. Introduction
  2. History
  3. Basic concepts and principals
  4. Using a bench and olive oil
  5. General treatment
  6. Headaches and migraines
  7. Sinus, stuffy ears without inflammation
  8. TMJ
  9. Pain in the face
  10. Face lift

Needs for class – hand towel, linens, table, oil​

Beyond Basics Shoulders and Arms 6 hour class

Beyond Basics Shoulders and Arms – 6-Hour  Continuing Education classes
 This Stephenson’s class combined with Swedish massage addresses the following issues that concern many massage therapists and clients

  1. Pain in the arm
  2. Frozen Shoulder
  3. Carpal tunnel syndrome
  4. Ganglions
  5. Restless arms
  6. Tennis elbow
  7. Golfer’s elbow
  8. Rotator cuff injury
  9. Dupuytren’s contracture
  10. Arthritis
  11. Jammed finger
  12. Painful thumbs
    There will be discussion for specific issues of arms and hands for massage therapists.

You will need a hand towel, bath towel, your linens

Stephenson’s Method for Hips, Back and Sciatica – 12 hour class

Therapists who work with back pain on a frequent basis will find these Continuing Education classes invaluable.

The Creative Healing application for Hips, Back and Sciatica is one for people with acute or chronic lordosis and sciatica.
The class also includes information and techniques for:

  • Pain in hips, legs, knees and feet, including both muscular and nerve pain.
  • Discomfort in the kidney region
  • Twisted hip
  • How to use the low back and sciatic treatment in prenatal clients
  • Applications of the sciatic treatment in the elderly with chronic pain issues.

There is ample demonstration and hands on training
Needs for class – linens, table, hand towel,  large bath towel

Stephenson’s Natural Healthcare Method

Honoring the Belly – 12 hour class

Creative Healing application for the digestive system (this class is included in Module 4)
Discussion of how abdominal massage may help low back pain

How this is used during pregnancy
Thoughts on diabetes, fibromyalgia, depression,  celiac disease, gluten intolerance,

  • yeast overgrowth  and other digestive issues
    Abdominal toning
    Gallbladder
    Liver
    Pancreas

Needs for class – linens, table, breast drape for women, hand towel,
Demonstration with Lots of hands on experience as always!

A person performing a chest massage

Honoring the Breath – 12 hour class

Creative Healing applications for the lungs, diaphragm and Heart

This class is included in Module 4 and works primarily with the fascial restrictions that may prevent your client from taking a deep breath.

Mr. Stephenson’s ideas on breathing and how the lungs work.
Mr. Stephenson’s thoughts about tight clothing and chilling the lungs
Brief refresher on the anatomy of breathing
Relax the shoulders, serratus anterior and subscapularis to free the breath with myofacial releases
Relaxing and/or engaging the diaphragm.

Understanding the way ribs move and releasing the intercostals.

Using a refex pattern of myofascial points to quiet the heart rhythm and the whole body.
Use of the quarter turns along the spine to release the ribcage from the back.

needs for class – linens, table, breast drape for women, hand towel, oil.

Back To Basics 100 Hour class – revitalize your work!

100 hour Back to Basics class may be take in all or part.

This Arkansas approved class allows licensed therapists to learn the massage techniques taught at the Black Brook School.  If you would like to improve your flow and techniques around the table in both a Swedish and a deep tissue massage, join us to revitalize your work.  This class is also approved for those wishing to either apply for the Interstate license or upgrade your Arkansas Massage license to Master or Instructor.   This class is taught with the 500-hour diploma students.

Class hours are 9-5PM during the first half of the Black Brook School of Massage Curriculum.

Other Classes not currently scheduled

Brenda Schwarzbach has several CE classes that are not currently schedule and information on each is supplied below

Gentle Birth Method Short Course – 24 hour class

 

In this NCBTMB approved continuing education class, we will explore the philosophy and the foundation of Dr. Gowri Motha ObGyn program. including her thoughts about why she has spent the last 25 years developing Gentle Birth Method. We will touch briefly on diet and nutrition, herbs, and the use of Ayurvedic medicine, reflexology, visualizations and Bowen technique. The bulk of the class will be the applications of Stephenson’s Creative Healing used for the second and third trimesters.

The class includes all of the Creative Healing treatments Dr. Motha uses in her Gentle Birth Method Programme in London, England with prenatal clients from all over the world. The applications you will learn will do the following:

  • Reduce nausea and vomiting
    Optimize digestion and pancreatic function
    Increase energy levels
    Reduce breathlessness
    Reduce anxiety and stress
    Eliminate back and neck pain
    Eliminate sciatica
    Stimulate the lymphatic system in all key areas of the body, especially the pelvis

If you like to work with prenatal clients who are committed to having a natural birth this is a wonderful class.  This class is only NCBTMB approved.

Creative Healing for Women – 18 hour class

Tthis two day Continuing Education class is a quick introduction to several of the Creative Healing applications

Day 1
Head and Neck and lower back.

Working with the lymphatic system for puffiness and swelling that leads to headaches or low back pain.

Part 2

The Belly and the breath.

Working with the digestive system for optimum and correct elimination.

Releasing the diapraghm for stress relief and relaxation.

 

 

 

Creative Healing for Prenatal Clients 18 hour class

Prenatal Class for CE’s

The bulk of the class will be the applications of Stephenson’s Creative Healing used for the second and third trimesters.

The Arkansas approved continuing education class includes several of the Creative Healing treatments Dr Gowri Motha ObGyn uses in her Gentle Birth Method Programme in London, England, but does not cover Dr. Motha’s philosophy and recommendations outside of the Creative Healing treatments.

  • Relax and support your prenatal client
  • Reduce morning sickness symptoms
  • Optimize digestion and pancreatic function
  • Increase energy
  • Boost the immune system
  • Boost kidney function by stimulating the lymphatic system
  • Decongest the tissue of the pelvis

If you like to work with prenatal clients who are committed to having a natural birth this is a wonderful class.

Enertropic Therapy – Lower Body Extended Hands On – 6 hour class

Enertropic Therapy is approved for Continuing Education by the state of Arkansas and the NCBTMB

You must have taken the Upper Body Basics class before attending this one.

Sciatic pain, referred pain and pain in legs and feet will be addressed.

This class will include all 4 patterns and how to link them up by using paired points.

I will also show you how to work as tandem therapists on the same client as well as how to do Enertropic Therapy for self care.

You will need your table and linens

Therapeutic Stretch Class

Therapeutic Stretch – 6 hour class – Arkansas Department of Health approved only

I love this class and it is broken up into two parts
Part 1 is for the therapist. Let’s learn those holding patterns you have as a therapist or other activities you do on a regular basis and find stretches that will target those problem areas for you.

Part 2 is for your clients. Using soft tissue release and other active and passive stretches I will show you ways to stretch the client while on the table.Needs for class: day 1 soft clothes you can stretch in, a blanket or yoga mat for the floor, Day 2 you will need your table and linens.

and no we won’t be throwing each other into the air, but its a cool idea!