Gentle Massage for Children, LLC offers the following courses taught by Shay Beider. Information regarding certification programs for obtaining the Certified Pediatric Massage Practitioner™ (CPMP) or Certified Pediatric Massage Specialist™ (CPMS) designation is found below:
Gentle Massage for Children (2 day training)
This is one of the few courses in the country for students to learn to massage children. Massage therapists, parents, and healthcare professionals will learn to massage children of all ages. Children have different physical, emotional and developmental needs from adults. Students can anticipate learning to:
- Massage and interact with children in age appropriate ways
- Use storytelling to connect with children during massage
- Ask permission to touch and help children develop healthy boundaries
- Explain massage to children in age appropriate language
- Work effectively with parents and caregivers
- Practice working directly with children during the child clinic
Gentle Massage for Children with Special Healthcare Needs (3 day training)
This is a rare opportunity for students to learn to massage children who are experiencing chronic illness. This is a foundational course for working with this special population. Massage therapists, parents, and healthcare professionals will learn:
- Massage techniques for working with children with physical, developmental, and mental challenges
- Guidelines for working in medical settings
- Unique communication methods to expand interaction with children
- How to relate appropriately to family members of children with chronic and acute illness
- How to establish healthy boundaries
- Safety guidelines for working with children who are experiencing illness or who have different abilities
- When to seek help and how to adhere to limitations
- How to work directly with children with special needs during the child clinic
Advanced Training for Working with Children with Special Healthcare Needs (2 day training)
This course is designed for students who have taken Gentle Massage for Children with Special Healthcare Needs and wish to advance their knowledge and understanding of working with this population. In depth information will be provided on particular medical conditions and illnesses and we will discuss the intricacies of working with children in hospice care who are at end of life.
Gentle Massage for Children with Cancer (2 day training)
This course is designed for students who want to work specifically with children with cancer. Material covered includes a description of the types of cancers most likely to effect children, how children are treated for cancer, and specific techniques for massaging children with cancer. Working with the whole family and end of life issues are also discussed.
Gentle Massage for Children in Hospice Care (2 day training)
This course is designed for students who want to learn to massage children in hospice or palliative care. Students will learn the most common causes of early death in childhood and the associated symptoms. Students will receive training in special techniques for massaging children at end of life and will be given a strong foundation in the hospice and palliative care philosophies.
Gentle Massage for Parents of Children with Special Healthcare Needs (1 day training)
This powerful workshop is open to parents of children with special healthcare needs who want to learn to massage their child in safe and nurturing ways. Parents will learn gentle massage techniques that they can use with their child to maximize comfort, increase circulation, and minimize pain and anxiety. This workshop includes information about the research and benefits of massage therapy, specific massage techniques for children with special needs and information about precautions and contraindications for massage. The course includes hands on 'massage time' with your child. For inquiries about registration and sponsorship contact Shay at 323-973-0203.
Gentle Massage for Children in the Hospital Setting
This hospital based course, which is currently in development, is being designed for students who want to work in hospital settings with children who have chronic, acute, and life limiting illness. It will be taught at a pediatric hospital beginning in 2008. Gentle Massage for Children and Gentle Massage for Children with Special Healthcare Needs are excellent preparatory courses for this training.
Gentle Massage Techniques for Nurses
This hospital based course, which will be piloted in 2008, is being designed for nurses in the hospital setting who would like to integrate gentle massage techniques into their practice. A special focus on the use of massage therapy prior to and following painful procedures will be examined. Nurses will have the opportunity to explore the use of gentle massage for reducing anxiety and increasing comfort for patients and their caregivers.
Certification Program
Certified Pediatric Massage Practitioner™ (CPMP) and Certified Pediatric Massage Specialist™ (CPMS)
The Certified Pediatric Massage Practitioner™ (CPMP) designation is reserved for those students who complete pediatric massage coursework including: Gentle Massage for Children (2 day training) and Gentle Massage for Children with Special Healthcare Needs (3 day training). Upon completion of these courses, students may request a written examination. Upon successful completion of the examination and written approval of the instructor, students will receive the Certified Pediatric Massage Practitioner™ (CPMP) designation.
The Certified Pediatric Massage Specialist™ (CPMS) designation is reserved for those students who complete a series of pediatric massage coursework including: Gentle Massage for Children (2 day training), Gentle Massage for Children with Special Healthcare Needs (3 day training), and 2 additional courses to include either Gentle Massage for Children with Cancer (2 day training), Gentle Massage for Children in Hospice Care (2 day training), Gentle Massage Techniques for Nurses (3 day training), or Gentle Massage for Children in the Hospital Setting (3 day training). Upon completion of these courses, successful completion of a written examination, and approval of the instructor, students will receive the Certified Pediatric Massage Specialist™ (CPMS) designation.
