Class Descriptions
The following are descriptions of the courses in the Practitioner Training Program. Anyone may take any class as long as they fulfill the prerequisite(s) for a particular class, regardless of whether or not they are enrolled in the Practitioner Training Program. The material presented in these classes provides individuals valuable tools for working with clients as well as caring for oneself.
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Basics/Phase Four
This fundamentals class covers the history, philosophy and concepts of Ortho-Bionomy and provides an overview of the basic release techniques and anatomy for each major joint in the body. Movements and positions of comfort are demonstrated to facilitate the release of muscular tension and overall stress by stimulating the inherent, self-corrective reflexes of the body which help the body create structural alignment and balance from within. This course is typically taught for specific body area/anatomy, such as Spine, Extremities, Thoracics, etc. to break the coursework into more manageable sections.
Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls, the founder of Ortho-Bionomy, organized his work into Phases Four, Five, Six and Seven, with the foundation work beginning with Phase Four. This is covered in the Phase Four course.
Phase Five
The focus of Phase Five is to move to a more subtle level of awareness of the practice and principle of Ortho-Bionomy. Specific techniques develop and increase the student's understanding and proprioceptive sensitivity to the self-corrective movements initiated by the client. Through the practice of observing, following and supporting subtle movement patterns, muscular tension is released, range of motion may be increased and pain may be reduced. In Phase Five, students are encouraged to do less and let the client be the guide for their exploration of change.
Phase Six
This class is designed to help participants access and track sensation and energetic perception in themselves and in their clients, and to learn how to make contact without necessarily engaging physically. Techniques will be presented that monitor and acknowledge the inter-relationship between energetic, emotional, and physical levels and that demonstrate how energetic shifts can affect changes in physical patterns.
Phase Seven
This class demonstrates the principles and applications of the Phase Seven pattern to assist with self-correction. The pattern addresses all levels of human experience and teaches participants a non-forceful, elegant way to approach problems of many kinds.
Exploration of Movement Patterns
Exploration of Movement Patterns adds a dynamic dimension to the positional release techniques. Participants will learn to recognize and palpate patterns of joint and muscle movement in order to facilitate increased range of motion to promote a general sense of well-being in the body. By gently exploring and supporting preferred patterns of movement or stillness, the client is invited to actively participate and recognize their patterns. Functional anatomy will also be discussed.
Postural Re-Education and Post Techniques
In this class participants learn to evaluate and address inefficient postural habits through accurate observation and simple exercises. Techniques to work with spinal curvatures and scoliosis are presented and practiced, including related anatomy. Post techniques focus on assessing and releasing areas of tension as well as integrating the work done in a session. In addition, exercises are taught to facilitate the client's ability to maintain balance through the neuro-muscular re-education of postural habits.
Isometrics and Isotonics
Isometric and isotonic techniques for working with inefficient muscular tension patterns as well as underdeveloped muscle tone are presented and practiced, including related anatomy. Through the use of restraining movement while the muscle is engaged, self-correcting reflexes are stimulated, and habitual holding patterns can be released. Participants learn how the conscious use of obstacles can help promote change from rigid physical patterns to greater mobility and allow the client to actively participate in the session.
Chapman's Reflexes
Ethics and Emotional Issues
Participants learn skills for addressing emotional responses that may arise during a session in an appropriate and professional manner. In addition, participants discuss the guidelines for professional conduct and review the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International's Code of Ethics and Trademark Policy.
Elements of a Successful Practice
This class addresses the business side of having an Ortho-Bionomy practice. Participants learn about issues such as marketing and advertising, developing a business plan, setting up an office, setting fees, and attending to tax and legal issues. The class also covers communication with clients, record keeping and staying within the scope of practice.
Demonstration Skills
In this class students learn how to present Ortho-Bionomy to family, friends, potential clients and the general public.
Students will discuss the origins of Ortho-Bionomy, focusing on the Principles and Practices.
Included are simple words and phrases to use when talking to others about what Ortho-Bionomy is and how it can benefit various conditions.
Students will practice these topics with each other to gain fluency and confidence when presenting Ortho-Bionomy in a variety of settings.
Residential
Residential training programs provide participants with the opportunity to broaden and deepen their understanding of Ortho-Bionomy techniques and principles through an in-depth immersion for five or more days of uninterrupted study. Residentials allow time for learning and personal growth as well as relaxation to facilitate the integration of technique, philosophy and the qualities of "Be-ing" rather than "doing".
Practitioner Training Seminar
This seminar addresses issues and questions that arise for individuals completing the Practitioner Training Programs and helps participants synthesize their entire training experience. The class format includes time to discuss questions or problems that arise during a session, an opportunity to receive feedback and supervision about difficult cases, and information on how to best structure a session, set fees, and communicate with clients. Participants can also discuss their changing role in the community as they move from being a student to becoming a professional in the health care field.
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomical and physiological structures and functions relevant to the practice of Ortho-Bionomy are presented in this class. Both general classes as well as classes which focus on specific systems or body parts are available. Additionally, functional anatomy plays an integral role in many of the classes.
Study Groups
Study groups are tailored to the participants needs and give students a chance to review techniques, receive clarification about the application and principles of Ortho-Bionomy and to gain insight about specific client cases or situations that concern them or other aspects of ortho-bionomy training. Study groups are also offered online, often with a specific theme.
Electives
The principles and techniques of Ortho-Bionomy can be applied in many different circumstances and situations. Approved elective courses provide participants with more specialized techniques and applications.
Elective topics include but are not limited to: Self Work, Cranial Work, Ortho-Bionomy Approach to Whiplash, TMJ and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Visceral Work, Women's Care, Men's Care, Witnessing and Clear Presence, Shock and Trauma Resolution, Beyond Technique, and others.
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