Just wish Esalen would develop a better training system. Most of us cant afford to leave our work/practice to travel to train. Maybe a dvd or a online training with homework required for the hands on part. Many others seem to offer modality training in this manor. There are so many therapist who are interested or desire to practice this style but unable to afford it. It seems if this style/ approach is to survive it needs to be more available to more LMT's who want to learn it.

I totally agree with Edward! Esalen and other modalities can use a shot in the arm and thrive if they were more widely available to all therapists that want to learn them. The cost of the training aside very few therapists have the means to travel across country or even out of the country to learn the modalities that will enhance our worth.

Edward M. Scott LMT, ACMT said:

Just wish Esalen would develop a better training system. Most of us cant afford to leave our work/practice to travel to train. Maybe a dvd or a online training with homework required for the hands on part. Many others seem to offer modality training in this manor. There are so many therapist who are interested or desire to practice this style but unable to afford it. It seems if this style/ approach is to survive it needs to be more available to more LMT's who want to learn it.

I agree with you.  I would love to be certified in this.  I can probably afford the training, but I can't afford both the training and the time off from work.  Esalen is a not just a modality - it is probably a trademarked brand - or something to that effect.  Meaning they reserve the right to keep a tight wrap on who gets trained and who can claim to be Esalen certified.  I own several Esalen videos and to be honest, there isn't anything special in the technique that a caring, nurturing therapist couldn't naturally incorporate into their sessions without the training.  While it would be great to actually be certified in Esalen, I don't think the average client cares if you traveled to Big Sur or just honed your skills by watching videos and practicing on willing clients. That said, I have my eye on Asheville, NC next Spring.

Edward M. Scott LMT said:

Just wish Esalen would develop a better training system. Most of us cant afford to leave our work/practice to travel to train. Maybe a dvd or a online training with homework required for the hands on part. Many others seem to offer modality training in this manor. There are so many therapist who are interested or desire to practice this style but unable to afford it. It seems if this style/ approach is to survive it needs to be more available to more LMT's who want to learn it.