Esalen® Massage Teacher Training
with Ellen Watson, Robin Fann-Costanzo &
Dean Marson
Modules I : Feb 8 - March 7, 2025
Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA
Module II : October 12 - 29, 2025
Mimpi Menjangan, Bali, Indonesia
Esalen® Massage Teacher Training
Esalen Massage is a world-renowned healing art and is the foundation for many of the massage methods now taught around the globe. What makes Esalen Massage unique is its emphasis on the development of presence and awareness in both practitioner and client, making it a means for personal growth and the transformation of human consciousness.
The Esalen Institute has historically supported practices oriented toward healing body, mind, self, and community as paths toward reaching our fullest potential, both individually and collectively. The Esalen Massage Teacher Training is designed to give participants skills both to support their individual development as healing artists and, more importantly, to bring groups of people together in the collective exercise of healing through touch.
Becoming an Esalen Massage teacher means becoming a standard bearer of the highest quality and professionalism in the healing arts. Training lay people in this eldest of all healing practices, the sacred art of touch, requires the development of self-awareness, presence, knowledge, and skill. If you have been an Esalen Massage practitioner for at least 2 years, and want to dedicate yourself to mastery of this powerful healing art, then you are qualified to apply for this training.
Esalen® Massage Teacher Training Curriculum
Overview
Embark on a transformative journey with the Esalen Massage Teacher Training program, designed to empower you with the skills and knowledge to become an effective Introductory Level Teacher of Esalen Massage. This immersive training is spread across three modules, totaling 200 classroom hours, and is held at two inspiring locations:
Module I: Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA (120 hours)
Module II: Mimpi Menjangan, Bali, Indonesia (80 hours)
Throughout this program, you will engage deeply with the principles of Esalen Massage, refine your teaching techniques, and cultivate a profound sense of "embodied presence." You will be supported by experienced mentors who will guide you through each stage of your development, ensuring you are well-prepared to inspire and educate future practitioners.
Module I: Foundations of Teaching Esalen Massage
Objectives:
Understand the core principles and history of Esalen Massage.
Develop the foundational skills required for teaching Esalen Massage.
Cultivate a deep sense of mindfulness and embodied presence through daily practices.
Learn to create a safe and nurturing environment for students.
Foster personal and professional growth through self-reflection and feedback.
Module I
Weekly Schedule
Monday 7:30-8:30/ 9:45-12:45/ 2:30-5:30
Tuesday: 7:30-8:30/ 9:45-12:45/ 8:00-9:30 pm baths
Wednesday: 9:45-12:45 (3) afternoon/ evening off
Thursday/ Friday: 7:30-8:30/ 9:45-12:45/ 2:30-5:30
Saturday: 9:45-12:45
Sunday off
Key Components:
Mindfulness Practices: Begin each day with meditation and movement exercises, such as yoga, chi-gong and conscious dance, to cultivate mindfulness and presence.
Teaching Fundamentals: Learn the art of experiential teaching and how to create a dynamic learning environment.
Peer Practice: Work closely with peers in group exercises to develop your skills and receive constructive feedback.
Presentation Skills: Create and deliver presentations, refining your public speaking abilities in a supportive environment.
Mentorship: Receive ongoing guidance from a mentor who will support your learning journey throughout the training.
Homework
Design and present two introductory Esalen Massage classes, applying the skills and knowledge acquired during the modules.
Choose a moving meditation practice and develop your teaching skills relative to Esalen Massage.
Module II: Advanced Teaching Skills
Objectives
Expand your teaching repertoire to prepare for leading seminars and workshops.
Refine your presentation and facilitation skills.
Deepen your understanding of group dynamics and emotional support.
Develop strategies for managing challenging classroom situations.
Build confidence in leading group discussions and activities.
Daily Schedule:
Monday - Friday
7:30 - 9:00 Meditation, Movement and Experiential Anatomy
9:00 - 10:30 Delicious and Nutritious Breakfast
10:30 - 1:30 Morning Class
1:30 - 3:00 Break
3:00 - 6:00 Afternoon Class
Saturday
7:30 - 9:00 Meditation, Movement and Experiential Anatomy
9:00 - 10:30 Delicious and Nutritious Breakfast
10:30 - 1:30 Morning Class
Key Components:
Advanced Presentation Techniques: Enhance your public speaking and presentation skills to effectively communicate the principles of Esalen Massage.
Group Dynamics: Explore theories related to individual and group dynamics, learning how to foster a cohesive and supportive learning environment.
Emotional Intelligence: Develop the ability to navigate emotional responses in yourself and your students, creating a safe space for learning and growth.
Leadership Development: Study Integrative Gestalt and Object Relations theories to build your leadership capabilities.
Deepening Skills and Professional Development
Objectives:
Solidify your teaching skills and prepare for professional practice.
Explore strategies for effective marketing and networking.
Engage in discussions on ethics, diversity, and cultural sensitivity.
Learn methods for sustaining student engagement and motivation.
Develop a personal teaching philosophy that reflects your values and strengths.
Plan and execute effective class closures and follow-up activities.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO LEARN & PRACTICE?
Creating a supportive learning environment
History and theories of Esalen Massage
Foundational principles and techniques of Esalen Massage
Fundamentals of experiential teaching
Presentation and public speaking skills
Awareness practices that support Esalen Massage
Structuring and presenting massage demonstrations
Customizing teaching styles for diverse students
Marketing strategies for classes
Understanding individual and group dynamics
Leading with professionalism and ethics
Teaching basic anatomy
Role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom
Giving and receiving constructive feedback
Post-Module II Requirements
Upon satisfactory completion of Module II, students will organize, promote, and teach two introductory seminars (10-30 hours) to advance to introductory teacher status.
Your mentor will assist you in this transition, ensuring you meet all requirements and are ready to progress.
MEET YOUR TEACHERS
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ELLEN WATSON
Ellen Watson has spent 40 years at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA, where she teaches Esalen® Massage & Bodywork, 5Rhythms®, Grof® Holotropic Breathwork, and more. A certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, NLP practitioner, and trained minister, Ellen was inducted into the Massage Hall of Fame in 2014 for her contributions to the field.
Her teaching has taken her across the U.S. and internationally to places like Indonesia, China, Japan, and Europe. Ellen moved to Bethania, North Carolina, in 2011 to care for family members, and married a high school friend in 2012. Gardening, especially sunflowers, became a passion during the pandemic.
Ellen mentors graduates of the Esalen Massage Teacher Training and continues to develop educational programs. She also co-created the Esalen Massage DVD in 1996. Currently, Ellen collaborates with Brack Jeffries, PhD, on workshops titled "The Psychology of the Future," supporting Stanislav Grof’s work. Together, they are developing The Center for Spiritual Emergence, continuing the legacy of The Spiritual Emergency Network.
Ellen’s work is dedicated to personal growth, healing, and holistic practices.
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ROBIN FANN-COSTANZO
Robin Fann-Costanzo has been working at the Esalen Institute and internationally since 1992 as an Esalen massage staff member, instructor, and registered yoga teacher. In addition to Esalen massage, Robin brings a lifetime of experience as a trained dancer and has extensive training in craniosacral therapy, somatoemotional release, gestalt therapy, life coaching, and dance therapy.
Her love for learning and teaching led her to collaborate in the development of Esalen teacher’s training program. Robin is featured in the Esalen massage DVD. She has developed continuing education programs taught at Esalen and offers classes in Asheville, NC where she currently resides with her husband and daughters.
In 2012 at the World Massage Festival, Robin was honored for her years of dedication in the field of massage and bodywork, by being inducted into the World Massage Hall of Fame!
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DEAN MARSON
Dean Marson is a Senior Esalen® Massage instructor whose wholistic approach to bodywork embraces elements of movement, awareness practices and conscious connection. He draws upon his experience as a yoga teacher and long-time meditator to inspire rediscovery of the pleasure and potential of healing touch.
VENUE & ACCOMMODATION
Mimpi Resort, Menjangan, Bali
On the North-West coast of Bali in the village of Banyuwedang, Mimpi looks out towards the Menjangan Island. The area is notorious as a hot-spot for diving and snorkelling and just a little further down the coast a regular dolphin hangout.
Mimpi's most special feature is its waters, as the resort is built across land with several natural hot springs. The careful architecture and landscaping makes for several shared natural hot spring pools across the 3 hectares of land. Inevitably the water and it's high mineral content is totally refreshing, rejuvenating and holds it's own healing qualities. For us the pools are perfect for aquatic bodywork, where we dance in the water to feel true fluidity.
PATIO ROOM
Mimpi's standard room is the patio. Stylishly finished and available with twin or double beds these rooms are home for most of our students through programs and regularly receive excellent feedback.
The rooms are spacious and very comfortable, making them easy to share with another guest whilst maintaing plenty of personal space.
COURTYARD VILLA
The Courtyard Villa is a pleasant and affordable upgrade to the patio room. With it's own garden and it's own private hot spring tub, the CY Villa is a taste of luxury.
The CYV also has an additional mezzanine that is perfect for families with children or private space for meditation.
A further addition is the private garden terrace and outdoor seating area making this ideal for sitting in the open air sunshine whilst keeping some peaceful solitude, alone or with your partner. If booking a shared space in this room category, you must book with a partner.
Pricing & Payment Module II
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Shared Patio Room ($4,950.00 per person)
Twin patio rooms are spacious and comfortable to stay with two people. We will aim to pair you with someone most compatible based on your registration form.
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Private Patio Room ($5,750.00)
If you prefer a room to yourself and a large double bed this comes at a reasonable additional cost.
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Shared Courtyard Villa ($5,450.00 per person)
Shared Villas must be booked with 2 people together at the same time. A CY villa features twin/double bed with a mezzanine, private garden area and tub which may be filled with hot spring water.
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Private Courtyard Villa ($5,950.00)
For a taste of luxury, enjoy a CY Villa to yourself for maximum comfort and privacy. Enjoy your own spacious area with garden and hot spring bath for total relaxation.
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Deposit $1,000.00
If you would like to reserve your place on this program you may do so prior to approval of eligiblity. In the event you are not approved we will refund 100% of the deposit payment. Spaces are limited and in demand and so we advise reserving your place as soon as possible. Upon approval we will send you a payment link for the remaining balance.
ESALEN® MASSAGE TEACHER TRAINING
REQUIRMENTS, APPLICATION & REGISTRATION
To be eligible to take this training, you must be certified in Esalen Massage and Bodywork, through EMBA or Esalen Institute.
Please attach a copy of your certificate.
APPLICATION FORM
Community living and personal well-being while you are training at Mimpi Menjangan. Mimpi is located in a rural, salt water lagoon, on the far northwest coast of Bali. Core staff and students live in close contact with one another with numerous guests joining for 3-5 days, and 120 staff coming and going throughout the day and night. The closest major town is Singaraja City, which is approximately 60-90 minutes away by personal car. Your housing preference is part of your tuition fees so please consider these factors carefully before you apply.
Once you have completed your personal statement please submit the document below as either Apple Pages, Microsoft Word or PDF.
Save the file with "Your Name" - "EsalenTT-PS". And send it to us via email at contact@ellen-watson.com
ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT
Once you have submitted your application and been accepted, you need to download the enrollment agreement down below, read it carefully, sign it, and send it back to us via email at contact@ellen-watson.com
Please check travel requirements and our helpful travel info, click here…