Ortho-Bionomy Classes

This foundational class covers the history and principles of Ortho-Bionomy and specific positioning techniques to stimulate natural self-correcting neuro-muscular reflexes for the extremities.

These techniques facilitate the release of pain and tension patterns, promote expanded range of motion, and offer a greater sense of well-being.

This work is easy to learn, easy on your body, highly effective, and combines well with any system of health care. Releases for Releases for the shoulder, ribs, rhomboid, scapula, clavicle, elbow, wrist and hand, piriformis, femur, knee, lower leg, ankle and foot will be demonstrated and practiced.

CLASS LOCATION The Therapeutic Alternative 301 Camino Gardens Blvd, Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33432 Early Bird - $250. (before 10/13/25) Regular - $295. There are no prerequisites. This class is open to everyone.

This class offers 16 FL & National CE’s for Massage Therapists & 16 FL CE's for Acupuncturist's FL CE Provider 50-2028 NCBTMB Provider 289729-00 ​ This foundation class covers the history, philosophy and concepts of Ortho-Bionomy® and provides an overview of the basic release techniques.

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 class is an in depth look at the extremities. The instructor will present Phase Four techniques that specifically focus on issues of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles and feet. The student will be taught to observe and recognize subtle changes that signify release of tension patterns and muscular contractions patterns and muscular contractions. There will be a strong focus placed on the comfort of the person who is on table as well as the practitioner.

This is a 2 day workshop that introduces the history, philosophy, and concepts of Ortho-Bionomy and provides an overview of fundamental techniques and anatomy for the pelvis, the vertebral spine, and the ribcage.

Movements and positions of comfort are demonstrated to facilitate the release of muscular tension by stimulating inherent, self corrective reflexes of the body.

Learn how to facilitate the release of tension patterns, increase range of motion, and support a greater sense of well being through an easy to use and effective modality that helps to create balance from within.

This is an entry level class or review to deepen one's understanding. Dress comfortably.

This foundation class covers the history, philosophy, and concepts of Ortho-Bionomy and provides an overview of the basic release techniques for the joints of the extremities. 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 foundation class covers the history, philosophy, and concepts of Ortho-Bionomy and provides an overview of the basic release techniques and anatomy for the lower extremities of 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 create structural alignment and balance from within.

We'll have plenty of time to explore the details of the foot, ankle and the knee, up to the top of the femur. We will work with the Principles of Ortho-Bionomy to help the body create ease and balance in our structure.

A thorough review of Phase 4 concepts and applications from basic to advanced.

A thorough review of Phase 4 concepts and applications from basic to advanced.

This class will focus on the Spine, Pelvis, and Ribs of the equine. We will explore the anatomy of horses and how to apply Phase 4 Ortho-Bionomy principles through hands-on practice with your horse or a gentle loaner horse. Ortho-Bionomy is very effective for recovering from injuries, surgery, and stress.

It aids the recovery by reducing muscle tension, soothing the joints, increasing flexibility and range of movement, improving circulation, and relaxing the entire body. Educational movements may be taught to help function, structural alignment, balance, and overall well-being improve.

Most importantly know that these classes are for everyone, even if you don’t have a horse or want to ride or know anything about Ortho-Bionomy. If you want to be around horses, touch horses. Or watch people work on horses to experience Ortho-Bionomy from and equine perspective, you are invited to join this class!

Deepen the art of listening to the body's wisdom through the principles and hands-on techniques of Ortho-Bionomy®. In this dynamic exploration of Phase 4, you’ll learn how to work with the body's natural responses—not by forcing change, but by inviting ease.

Through gentle positioning, movement, and awareness, you’ll sense the subtle energetic shifts that signal deep structural releases. These techniques not only help reduce muscular tension and stress but also awaken a profound sense of wholeness and vitality from within.

We will learn releases for the psoas, ilium, pubic bone, coccyx, pelvic floor, tensor fascia latae, spiral of the femur, piriformis, diaphragm, ischial tuberosities and more. In addition, we will explore connections of the diaphragm and its relationship to the flexibility of the spine. Unlock the body's innate ability to respond, release, and restore balance!

Theis class expands form the basic release techniques to advance considerations for working with the Spine, ribs and underlying structures.

Taking a phenomenological view of Ortho-Bionomy, we will hold focus as much as possible on your own experience as a practitioner.

The body schema is your body's own subjective experience of itself. The body schema works in at least three moods: the indicative, the imperative, and the subjunctive.

That is to say, it describes how the body is arranged in relation to its immediate surround (indicative mood), it gives commands (imperative), and considers possibilities (subjunctive).

The subjunctive is the as-if body. Before the flesh-body moves through space, it is preceded by the as-if body. The body schema plays a key role in responding to trauma.

R. Valasek considers Chapman's Reflex Network to be of the body schema.

This class teaches participants to access and track sensation and energetic perception in themselves and in their clients, 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 6 is an Energetic Application of the Principles, Techniques, and Practices we have learned in Phase 4 and Phase 5 Ortho-Bionomy Classes. In Phase 6, we primarily work with the Etheric Body, Aura, Subtle Bodies or Energy Field of the client.

Any of these terms can be used interchangeable, based on your background and exposure to what is commonly termed “Energy Work”. At times, we will have our hands on our client’s physical body, but most of the interface occurs off the body.

Connection and healing can happen when we are near someone and also when we are far away.

What does it take to create that connection and healing from a distance? In this experiential 16 hour class we will explore:

• Specific techniques to sensitize our body to feel more subtle energy.

• What do we feel in our body when we “tune in” to someone from far away?

• How can we soften and quiet ourselves to feel a shift or a response while connecting with someone from a distance?

• We will explore the inter-connectedness we all have with each other

For some, this class is the next step in their understanding of the “bigger picture” of Ortho-Bionomy. For others, it brings all that they have studied into a more concrete and clearer perspective.

This Online Class will be held Aug 7, 8, 12, 13, from 9:00am- 1:00 pm Pacific time

Techniques for working with inefficient muscular tension patterns as well as underdeveloped muscle tone are presented and practiced.

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 allows the client to actively participate in the session.

This class presents isometric and isotonic techniques, including related anatomy, for working with inefficient muscular tension patterns as well as underdeveloped muscle tone.

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 while allowing the client to actively participate in the session.

In this class we use hands-on movements to assess, to release, and to integrate areas of pain or tension in the client’s body. Using Ortho-Bionomy principles and the body’s innate wisdom, you will fine tune your ability to sense patterns in the movement of the tissue and the responses of the neuromuscular proprioceptive reflexes.

These hands-on movements fold in seamlessly with any kind of bodywork you are already doing, and are fun to do! These techniques are so important that Melissa uses them in every single session.

This class is NCBTMB approved, course# 70058611 "Exploration of Movement Class" with Jim Berns.

This class is a requirement for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® Practitioner training program.

We'll be learning location, identification/palpation, and release of Chapman's Reflexes. Identified by osteopath Frank Chapman in the 1920s, the reflexes stimulate nerve and lymph flow to individual organs and glands. Working with the reflex points, we improve the body's self- regulating abilities, overall functioning, and lymph flow. Grouping specific points together, we can address different systems of the body.

This class presents the Chapman's Reflexes system of identifying and stimulating reflex points to facilitate lymphatic drainage and the balancing of the organs.

The class also focuses on the relationship between the neuro-lymphatic reflexes and the endocrine system and its effect on structural balance as well as the individual's physical and emotional well-being.

Four 4-hour class sessions Nov 4, 5, 18, 19 (T, W, T, W) from 9am-1pm pacific, 10am-2pm mountain, 11am-3pm central, 12pm-4pm eastern.

This introspective exploration of who we are directly affects our therapeutic relationship with our clients. This class combines sharing of information, body awareness exercises, and self-awareness of patterns. You will walk away from this class with a deeper understanding of being a sensitive body therapist.

Some students have wished that they had this class as part of their initial massage therapy training.

This class is NCBTMB approved, course# 70277407 "Ethics & Emotional Issues (inc 2 hr Standard V)" with Jim Berns, and counts towards most states’ Ethics requirements.

This class is a requirement for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® Associate and Practitioner training programs.

Participants learn skills for addressing emotional responses that may arise during a session in an appropriate and professional manner.

 Emotions is focused on Trauma and how to work with the nervous systems that are effected by trauma. It is based on the work of Peter Levine and Stephan Porgeses.

In this online course, anatomical and physiological structures and functions relevant to the practice of Ortho-Bionomy are presented from a bodywork perspective. We will look at the main systems of the body from holistically.

Our textbook will be Job’s Body by Deane Juhan (Third Edition), the most widely used resources in therapeutic bodywork. In this book Juhan explores the skin, connective tissue, bone, muscles, nerve and fascia, the impact of touch, evolutionary impacts, the brain, proprioception, and recent developments that challenge and expand on our understanding of the body, mind and spirit. It includes insights from biochemistry, cell biology, energy medicine, neurophysiology and quantum consciousness.

This course will be 11 three-hour sessions every three weeks on a Wednesday. There will be required reading and homework for each time we meet. The class will include reading guides for Job’s Body, additional readings and videos that enhance the topics.

Group discussion is an important part of each class.

Classes will be recorded. $675.00 (Payment plans available)

You can schedule a free consultation if you would like to know more.

2025 Schedule: 

• 2/5/25    Introduction, Job’s Dilemma and Skin
• 2/26/25  Connective Tissue
• 3/19/25  Bones
• 4/9/25    Muscles
• 4/30/25  Nerves
• 5/21/25  Muscle as an Organ of Sense, Part 1
• 6/11/25  Muscle as an Organ of Sense, Part 2
• 7/2/25    Sense of Effort / Sensory Engrams
• 7/23/25  Movements Towards Disease and Health
• 8/13/25  Further Views at the Turn of the Century
• 9/3/25    Sweet Science / Epilogue / Conclusions

Times:

7:00-10:00 PM Eastern
6:00-9:00 PM Central
5:00-8:00 PM Mountain
4:00-7:00 PM Pacific

Anatomical and physiological structures and functions relevant to the practice of Ortho-Bionomy®.

This is a more advanced look at anatomy beyond bones and muscles.

We include all the systems of the body that are needed for a thriving Ortho-Bionomy Practice.

Anatomical and physiological structures and functions relevant to the practice of Ortho-Bionomy®.

This is a more advanced look at anatomy beyond bones and muscles.

We include all the systems of the body that are needed for a thriving Ortho-Bionomy Practice.

The advanced study of the principles that govern the Ortho-Bionomy® relationship to the brain, fluids and structure.

An advanced educational experience that deepens the practitioner’s understanding of the relationships of the pelvis, organs and the upper thorax.

This class examines the relationships that often influence the structural integrity within the human system.

An advanced educational experience that deepens the practitioner’s understanding of the relationships of the pelvis, organs and the upper thorax.

This class examines the relationships that often influence the structural integrity within the human system.

In this class you will learn how Ortho-Bionomy® can facilitate the natural ability of the lymphatic system to function well.

The focus will be on understanding the nature of the lymphatic system and its relationship to the fascia and the fluids. The class will include discussion in the following areas: Basic anatomy physiology and microcirculation of the lymphatic system. Relationships between the parts; fluids fascia and the lymphatic System.

Ortho-Bionomy® techniques presented will release structural binding and blocking of the lymphatic system and encourage natural fluid flow.

Scar tissue refinement Specific techniques to address Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome This method will gently reduce general pain, refine post surgical scar tissue, and promote edema reduction. It is also an effective adjunct to Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy in the treatment of primary and secondary lymphedema.

Ortho-Bionomy® promotes working with ease and comfort for the client as well as the practitioner.

In this class you will learn how Ortho-Bionomy® can facilitate the natural ability of the lymphatic system to function well.

The focus will be on understanding the nature of the lymphatic system and its relationship to the fascia and the fluids. The class will include discussion in the following areas: Basic anatomy physiology and microcirculation of the lymphatic system. Relationships between the parts; fluids fascia and the lymphatic System.

Ortho-Bionomy® techniques presented will release structural binding and blocking of the lymphatic system and encourage natural fluid flow.

Scar tissue refinement Specific techniques to address Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome This method will gently reduce general pain, refine post surgical scar tissue, and promote edema reduction. It is also an effective adjunct to Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy in the treatment of primary and secondary lymphedema.

Ortho-Bionomy® promotes working with ease and comfort for the client as well as the practitioner.

This class takes a deep dive into the human fascia system and how we as Ortho-Bionomy Practitioners can not only listen to, but also address adhesions and trauma affected here.

This is a profound class and a lot of fun!

Breath is life. Each breath we take is a picture of who we have been, who we are, and who we yearn to be. Using osteopathic-based principles of Ortho-Bionomy, in this hands-on training we will:

· Recognize restrictions of the breath and offer it new options

· Bring awareness to the connections between the breath and other parts of the body

· Explore the possibilities of where the breath can lead us

· Use painless comfortable positions to release tension patterns in the structure associated with the breath.

It is amazing how such gentle techniques can give such deep releases. Ortho-Bionomy is easy on the practitioner and can easily be integrated into any massage or bodywork session. Ortho-Bionomy uses gentle painless positions and movements to allow the body to self-correct back to balance and ease. It is easy on the practitioner to do and comforting for the client to receive.

This class is NCBTMB approved, course# 70334152 (Jim Berns) This class can fulfill an elective requirement for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International’s Associate, Practitioner, and Advanced Practitioner training programs.

This class expands from the basic release techniques to advanced considerations around working with the neck and shoulder, and the challenge to find movements and positions of comfort to facilitate release

This class will focus on the Spine, Pelvis, and Ribs of the equine. We will explore the anatomy of horses and how to apply Phase 4 Ortho-Bionomy principles through hands-on practice with your horse or a gentle loaner horse. Ortho-Bionomy is very effective for recovering from injuries, surgery, and stress.

It aids the recovery by reducing muscle tension, soothing the joints, increasing flexibility and range of movement, improving circulation, and relaxing the entire body. Educational movements may be taught to help function, structural alignment, balance, and overall well-being improve.

Most importantly know that these classes are for everyone, even if you don’t have a horse or want to ride or know anything about Ortho-Bionomy. If you want to be around horses, touch horses. Or watch people work on horses to experience Ortho-Bionomy from and equine perspective, you are invited to join this class!

This is a SOBI sponsored study group.

Do you ever wish you could spend some time with an Advanced Instructor, with over 40 years of experience practicing and teaching Ortho-Bionomy?

Can you imagine what such a person would have to share and how that experience could inform your own practice and self-care? Luann Overmyer studied with Arthur Lincoln Pauls and was instrumental in creating the Society and its training programs as we know them today.

Here’s your opportunity to spend time with Luann and ask some of your burning Ortho-Bionomy questions.

This counts as one study group or as 2 consultations for the SOBI Practitioner or Advanced  Practitioner Training Programs.

Please email your questions for Luann to office@ortho-bionomy.org by August 14^th to be sure that she can answer as many questions as possible during the class.

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.

Time: 2:30-5:30 pm Mountain

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.

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.

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.

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.

Connection and healing can happen when we are near someone and also when we are far away.

What does it take to create that connection and healing from a distance? In this experiential 16 hour class we will explore:

• Specific techniques to sensitize our body to feel more subtle energy.

• What do we feel in our body when we “tune in” to someone from far away?

• How can we soften and quiet ourselves to feel a shift or a response while connecting with someone from a distance?

• We will explore the inter-connectedness we all have with each other

For some, this class is the next step in their understanding of the “bigger picture” of Ortho-Bionomy. For others, it brings all that they have studied into a more concrete and clearer perspective.

This Online Class will be held Aug 7, 8, 12, 13, from 9:00am- 1:00 pm Pacific time

This is a SOBI sponsored study group.

Do you ever wish you could spend some time with an Advanced Instructor, with over 40 years of experience practicing and teaching Ortho-Bionomy?

Can you imagine what such a person would have to share and how that experience could inform your own practice and self-care? Luann Overmyer studied with Arthur Lincoln Pauls and was instrumental in creating the Society and its training programs as we know them today.

Here’s your opportunity to spend time with Luann and ask some of your burning Ortho-Bionomy questions.

This counts as one study group or as 2 consultations for the SOBI Practitioner or Advanced  Practitioner Training Programs.

Please email your questions for Luann to office@ortho-bionomy.org by August 14^th to be sure that she can answer as many questions as possible during the class.

Four 4-hour class sessions Nov 4, 5, 18, 19 (T, W, T, W) from 9am-1pm pacific, 10am-2pm mountain, 11am-3pm central, 12pm-4pm eastern.

This introspective exploration of who we are directly affects our therapeutic relationship with our clients. This class combines sharing of information, body awareness exercises, and self-awareness of patterns. You will walk away from this class with a deeper understanding of being a sensitive body therapist.

Some students have wished that they had this class as part of their initial massage therapy training.

This class is NCBTMB approved, course# 70277407 "Ethics & Emotional Issues (inc 2 hr Standard V)" with Jim Berns, and counts towards most states’ Ethics requirements.

This class is a requirement for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® Associate and Practitioner training programs.

Through learning more about yourself and your strengths, this class will enhance your business and marketing skills. Your intentions can become clearer, your confidence can grow, and you can feel more comfortable receiving value for the work you do.

This class is designed for seasoned professionals and entry level practitioners alike. You will walk away from this class with a clearer sense of how to promote yourself. While this class is designed to be part of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy’s Practitioner Training Program, it can greatly benefit anyone who is looking to deepen their connection to their practice.

The dates of this class are: January 29, 30, February 3, 4 (Th, F, T, W), from 9:00am- 1:00pm Pacific.

This class is NCBTMB approved as a business/marketing class. This class is a requirement for the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International’s Practitioner Training Program.

This seminar addresses the inner process of how to hold the energy of Ortho-Bionomy. It is time for the student to learn how to work with clear boundaries and a stronger sense of self. It is profound and important step that allows the student to deepen the level of work they can hold within their own experience and awareness.

Practitioner Training Programs help 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.

For more information follow the link below to the RMOBC website

For more information follow the link below to the RMOBC website

For more information follow the link below to the RMOBC website

For more information follow the link below to the RMOBC website

For more information follow the link below to the RMOBC website

Learn to recognize and address transference and counter-transference. Receive guidelines for working with clients who experienced trauma. Learn to recognize “non-ordinary” states of consciousness. Get clear about how to resolve differences and difficulties with your clients respectfully. Receive more details on how to handle an emotional crisis. Investigate more thoroughly how to hold yourself accountable. Examine your own need for personal growth and support.

Please be sure to review the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® (SOBI) online class policy before registering, if you want to receive SOBI credit for any of our online classes. If you have any questions about an online class and your SOBI training program, please speak with your advisor.

In this class you will learn to: balance all aspects of your life and work. Clarify your vision. Set specific goals. Increase your capacity to maintain motivation and positive attitude during times of challenge. Investigate your beliefs about money. Set up an effective system for time and money management. Learn about different legal structures for your business. Take care of taxes and legal obligations. Choose a work situation that is most aligned with your personality and resources.

Please be sure to review the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® (SOBI) online class policy before registering, if you want to receive SOBI credit for any of our online classes. If you have any questions about an online class and your SOBI training program, please speak with your advisor.

Marketing with a Heart Part 2 Customized to Your needs, at your own pace via distant learning; 2 - 3 private consultations with me included. Please contact me for this course, so we can customize it for you.

This course will give you suggestions for a multitude of amazing and highly effective marketing tools. Since everyone is different, you choose what suits your particular style and personality.

The course is very extensive, therefore, we tailor your learning experience to what is most relevant to your current needs, expertise and interests.

In the “Marketing with Heart” Course Part Two, you will:

• Discover important strategies that apply to all marketing efforts.
• Analyze your current business and increase the effectiveness your existing marketing endeavors.
• Discover your “Unique Selling Proposition” and why that has everything to do with your success.
• Discover why analyzing your target market is crucial to your success.
• Learn fun new marketing strategies and implement them right away.
• Learn how “risk reversal” will increase your income more quickly than you could ever imagine.
• Learn why “Test and Track” is so important.
• Avoid client attrition and increase your customer base all at the same time.
• Create at least one piece of effective promotional written material.
• And much, much more.

This course will be an important reference and inspiration for many years to come!

Please be sure to have the “Business Mastery 4″ book by Cherie Sohnen Moe as supplemental text. ISBN: 0-9621265-7-8

Having completed Marketing with a Heart, Part One is very useful, however, if your main focus is to acquire specific marketing skills, you may also take this course by itself.

Please e-mail me with any questions or concerns.

Please be sure to review the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® (SOBI) online class policy before registering, if you want to receive SOBI credit for any of our online classes. If you have any questions about an online class and your SOBI training program, please speak with your advisor.

Practice and explore at your own pace via distant learning and then complete your course with a private one-on-one consultation with me!

Communication Skills for the Body-Worker covers both basic and advanced principles and applications of effective communication in the therapeutic relationship. A wealth of specific exercises helps you implement the theoretical knowledge offered in the course.

In the Communication Skills for the Body-Worker course, you will learn to:

• Differentiate between observation and judgment Reflect and clarify what you heard (active Listening).
• Recognize different conversational styles and how they affect communication.
• Set boundaries with compassion Resolve differences in a supportive way.
• Communicate your own needs in a respectful but firm manner.
• Ask questions that empower the client.
• Avoid giving advice.
• Make interventions that honor both client and practitioner.
• And much more.

Please be sure to review the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International® (SOBI) online class policy before registering, if you want to receive SOBI credit for any of our online classes. If you have any questions about an online class and your SOBI training program, please speak with your advisor.