
CE CLASSES

Theresa Wilkes
Theresa Wilkes, NCBTMB Approved Continuing Education Provider # 450891-08
Teaching technical skills with deep presence and sensitivity for 30 years.
Theresa has been training massage therapists since 1995. She was the Owner/Director of the NC School of Natural Healing and the Education Director at the Finger Lakes School of Massage. She has had a private practice for 34 years focused in clinical massage for the treatment of chronic pain, injury recovery and pre/post-surgical clients. Presently, she is the Owner and Head Therapist of Light Hand Clinical Massage in Greenville, SC. She is passionate and adept at teaching professional therapists to master advanced techniques with presence, skill and sensitivity. She specializes in teaching therapists to refine and strengthen their subtle palpation and assessment skills. Her classes are fun and packed practical information for beginning and advanced practitioners.
"Every now and then, you take a class that not only teaches you something new, but changes your whole practice. Theresa's are those kind of classes!"
The following classes are taught at various locations throughout the Southeast. Some classes have links that are directed to the host venue to register. Please follow the links for more info on registration and cancellation policies.
For full descriptions of classes, please choose the class or review the full list below
Full List of Classes Offered
Theresa teaches these classes throughout the year. To get on our waiting list, or let her know what classed you'd like specialized training in, please fill in the form below.

Craniosacral, Level 1
CranioSacral Therapy is gaining in recognition and popularity with the general population. This class will give the therapist a clear understanding of the theory and benefits of this cutting-edge therapy and when to apply it. These techniques can also be easily integrated into a general wellness massage promoting relaxation and introducing the client to craniosacral therapy. A discussion about developing focused listening skills will encourage the therapist to take the practice beyond technique to mastery. The techniques given in this class form a complete treatment protocol which is good for headaches, migraines, sinus issues and ear congestion.

Craniosacral Level 2
With the classic 10 Step Protocol as a foundation, the therapist will develop a
greater mastery of skills and application with the introduction of cranial sacral techniques for
the treatment of headaches, sinus issues and TMJ dysfunction. Somato-Emotional Release will
be introduced with the Central Channel practiced as a grounding and sensing technique for the
practitioner. The effects of trauma on the body and the cranial system will be discussed. We will
also take a deeper look at the Fluid Dynamic Model of the cranial system. The class is intended
to offer beginning CranioSacral therapists a greater sense of comprehension, sensitivity,
confidence and mastery.

Deep Lymph Flushing Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage is in high demand in the wellness space. Lymphatic massage is a gentle yet profound manual technique that is effective in reducing water weight and inflammation while supporting your client’s detox programs. It is truly supportive for clients with chronic illness and pain seen with Fibromyalgia, arthritis and Long Covid. This course will teach the basic techniques of traditional manual lymph drainage as well as deeper flushing techniques drawn from sports massage techniques for extremities and a particular focus on flushing around the abdominal nodes and organs. It is taught as a 3 session protocol which is a wonderful service addition to your practice or spa menu. The techniques can also be integrated into any wellness, sports or pain relief massage session. A lymph drainage facial and sinus routine using a Gua Sha stone will also be taught. This course will not focus on oncology treatments.

Muscle Melting: Non-Force Deep Tissue Massage
To many people, Deep Tissue Massage means hard, aggressive, painful
techniques meant to force the muscle to release tension. This type of work can leave the client
with increased pain and the therapist burned out with stressed hands and joints. The latest
anatomy research and development of advanced techniques show us the way to work in
cooperation with the nervous system, the muscle proprioceptors, and the lymphatic system,
engaging the body’s own healing mechanisms in order to release muscle tension and pain more
thoroughly, deeply, and gently. This class will teach the therapist to identify and flush
inflammation out of the muscles in preparation for deep work. Slow, sinking strokes performed
with soft hands and optimal body alignment will calm the nervous system and lower
proprioceptive activity. Effective, specific routines of non-force, deep tissue massage for the low
back and hips, upper back and neck will be demonstrated and practiced.

Psoas, Low Back and Hip Treatment Using Non-Force Deep Tissue Massage
Does your client have chronic low back pain that your massage isn't resolving? Do you think about working on the psoas but, hold back because you are nervous and lack confidence? This class is for you. The course will give you a clear picture of the anatomy of the psoas and the associated muscles in the glutes, hips and low back as well as the palpation skills to access and treat them confidently. You will learn a full deep tissue massage routine in the prone, supine and side lying positions with secure draping. Positional Release techniques assist in sinking deep into the muscles without pain. Lymphatic flushing techniques will be demonstrated to relieve inflammation in the tissues. THIS CLASS IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR PREGNANT STUDENTS.

Neck and Shoulder Treatment Using Non-Force Deep Tissue Massage
Every professional bodyworker should have the expertise, sensitivity and skills to safely and efficiently address chronic neck pain as well as neck strain syndromes. Equally as important is technical ability to treat tension and injuries in the rotator cuff muscles. This course will train the therapist in non-force deep tissue techniques and trigger point release for the anterior, medial and posterior neck muscles as well as all four SITS muscles and the associated muscles of the upper back, arm, and chest. Positional Release techniques assist in sinking deep into the muscles without pain. Lymphatic flushing techniques will be demonstrated to relieve inflammation in the tissues.

Positional Release Techniques
PRT is a gentle therapy that places the injured or tight muscle in a position of ease to release the tension by reducing or stopping dysfunctional proprioceptor activity. It is a simple but refined technique that can be performed on recent muscle injuries, chronic joint pain, taut muscle bundles or areas that are too tender to touch with the client fully clothed. This makes it perfect to integrate with any other massage techniques. This class will cover the theory and evolution of Lawerence H. Jones, D.O.’s original Strain and Counterstrain with extensive practice of techniques for all areas of the body.

Energetic Bodywork
This class will teach you the following skills:
· Balance the chakras through all layers of the energy fields & with the internal organs
· Clear a client’s energy channels with the Chelation Protocol
· Release muscle tension deeply with Directed Energy Muscle Melting
· Dialog with & release a client’s long held tension/trauma
· Develop your Inner Knowing & Inner Sight
· Hold a strong clear Energy Channel
· Work empathically safely & confidently
· Identify & clear negative energies from self & others
· Learn how to blend all of this with your massage
Theresa is an Empathic Energy Healer/Teacher of 34 years with a passion for making energy work accessible & meaningful for clients & practitioners alike. She will assist you in experiencing an authentic & powerful energy flow through your body & hands to share with clients. This class is appropriate for accomplished energy workers and as well as novices. Theresa will create a safe space for new experiences and deep exploration. She is highly skilled at facilitating the development of sensitivity to subtle energy.

Teaching with Presence: Becoming an Excellent NCBTMB Approved Provider
Teaching professional massage therapists requires a very special skill set. You must know your subject like the literal back of your hand and how to share it verbally, physically and hopefully with heart and humor. We will learn lecture skills and how to give feedback at the table that is meaningful for each student and their learning style. In this course you will write a class with lesson plans, syllabuses and learning objectives. Then, Theresa will walk you through filling out the application to become an NCBTMB Approved Provider, an invaluable exercise. Theresa is known for teaching courses that are technically challenging as well as fun and inspirational to beginning and experienced MTs. She believes we need more trained and excellent instructors in the massage education field.
THIS CLASS PENDING APPROVAL BY THE NCBTMB