Donna F. Bajelis
Rehabilitative Services & Associates
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Institute of Structural Medicine
Donna F. Bajelis Rehabilitative Services & Associates |
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SMS Training Program Catalog Table of
Contents: General: The Structural Medicine Specialist Training Program The Institute of Structural Medicine is an institute of higher learning dedicated to bridging mainstream medicine with alternative therapies. The faculty of the Institute of Structural Medicine studies and teaches the art of restoring and reorganizing the body connective tissues and myofascial systems. By restoring the balance of these systems, human beings can experience optimal body health and function. The Institute offers educational programs created both for professionals from a broad range of medical fields, structural integration practitioners, massage therapists, and for lay-persons inspired to study structural healing. Course offerings at the Institute of Structural Medicine include the complete Structural Medicine Specialist Training Program, progressive series of myofascial release courses, and continuing education workshops featuring such highly regarded educators. You may request individual brochures for current workshops by calling our main office. The Institute main
campus lies in Twisp, Washington, east of the North Cascades and situated
in the beautiful Methow Valley. Participants in the Institute programs
will enjoy the valley amenities and a host of recreational activities
including rafting, hiking, fishing, cross country skiing, and more.
Institute staff will happily assist you with recommendations for food,
lodging, and outdoor adventures during your stay in the Methow.
DONNA
BAJELIS, PT, CHP, SMS Over the course of her career, Donna has developed and taught courses in these fields to thousands of health care providers both nationally and internationally. For the past twenty years, Donna has produced numerous structural Integration training programs. In addition, Donna maintains a thriving private practice dually based in Seattle, Washington and Twisp, Washington, Donna Bajelis and Associates Rehabilitative Services. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut and currently holds licenses in Washington, Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, Alaska, and Hawaii. She formerly served as Director of Physical Therapy at Pacific Medical Center in Burlingame, California. During her residency in California, she held a position as a faculty member at the Institute of Physical Art in San Anselmo. In 1994 Donna Bajelis published: "Hellerwork: The Ultimate in myofascial Release" in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (UK). She has also published chapters in the textbook Therapeutic Exercise (written and edited by Carrie Hall, PT), and in New Choices in Natural Healing for Women (edited by the staff of Prevention Magazine Health Books). Donna's
success in integrating her background as a Physical Therapist and her
training in structural integration motivated her to create the Institute
of Structural Medicine. In founding the institute, Donna envisioned
a place where healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds could
collaborate in uniting traditional and alternative therapies. She
continues to find deep satisfaction from educating her students in the
field of Structural Medicine.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY OF THE INSTITUTE OF STRUCTURAL MEDICINE Donna Bajelis believes that learning is inherently natural and fun, and teaches accordingly. In teaching Structural Medicine, she emphasizes a necessary balance between increasing her students intellectual knowledge of the human body and drawing out her students natural intelligence about their own bodies. In helping their patients to heal, practitioners of Structural Medicine use their intellectual understanding of the body as their map, and their inherent knowledge of the body as their guide. This inherent guide can continue to lead even after the intellectual map ends. By teaching how to listen to and rely on this inherent guide, Donna Bajelis and her staff teach their students how to work comfortably in unknown situations by using body-knowledge and intuition. In order to tap both intellectual and inherent ways of understanding the body, instructors at the Institute of Structural Medicine use techniques emphasizing all types of intelligence and learning. These include visual, auditory, spatial, musical, kinesthetic, concrete and intuitive techniques. The staff members are well educated in different learning styles, and adapt their teaching according to their students. As the techniques of Structural Medicine require a whole-body understanding and cannot be learned by the intellect in isolation, the staff emphasizes kinesthetic learning, in which students constantly practice the techniques and movements of Structural Medicine. Donna Bajelis and the staff at the Institute of Structural Medicine also believe that Structural Medicine requires from its practitioners, full consciousness of their own emotional, physical, and spiritual selves. Donna terms this "consciousness presence," and describes it as the quality of being comfortable with oneself, of being comfortable in ones "own skin." "Presence," she says, "is a clear, conscious, honesty about oneself. All learning depends on Presence." Donna and her staff both teach their students how to acquire this necessary honesty, and require that their students be ready for it. Just as it requires "presence" to practice Structural Medicine, the continued practice of Structural Medicine causes "presence" to expand and improve. Instructors at the
Institute of Structural Medicine help their students to develop their
awareness and presence. In order to do so, they cultivate a safe
environment in which mistakes are allowed and encouraged. Donna
and the staff consider questions the best learning tools, and encourage
students to experiment and explore during their time of study.
WHAT IS STRUCTURAL MEDICINE? Structural Medicine is a customized evaluation, treatment and collaborative team approach to an individual’s unique health issues. Distinctive to the field of structural integration, Structural Medicine directly addresses specific pathologies, painful complaints, and movement dysfunctions. It bridges well-established and proven evaluation tools found in mainstream medicine (strength, range-of-motion, posture) with the latest scientific developments in alternative treatment therapies (manual therapy, myofascial release, movement and neuromuscular re-education, energetics, and dialogue. Unique to Structural Medicine is a sophisticated diagnostic procedure, myofascial length testing (MFLT). MFLT is essential for treatment of complex inter-related traumas. The objective findings empower the practitioner to formulate a customized plan for treatment of individual pathologies; provide a language to communicate intelligently and objectively with other medical professionals; provide physical measurements, pre- and post-treatment, to monitor or modify the treatment program, as well as enhance progress. Structural Medicine involves extensive evaluation of postural alignment and movement, in order to balance the myofascial tone, length, and strength across all the major joints of the body. Through myofascial reorganization, the Structural Medicine process moves the body closer to a more efficient organization and function in gravity (the individual’s structural and functional “blueprint”). Through verbal dialogue and movement re-education, Structural Medicine helps uncover attitudes and unconscious beliefs that contribute to or limit postural integrity and efficient movement dynamics. By means of an integrative process of postural evaluation, MFLT, manual therapy, dialogue, movement and neuromuscular re-education, a new-found empowered awareness develops to re-shape posture, movement patterns, and sense of self. This often results in the alleviation or reduction of pain associated with pathology.
THE REWARDS OF BEING A STRUCTURAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST Structural Medicine Specialists are among the first health educators to bridge rehabilitative medicine and bodywork. By joining in this pioneering effort, the student and practitioner can treat most neuromuscular musculo-skeletal dysfunction by treating the patient's body as an integrated whole. In doing so, Structural Medicine specialists develop intimate, meaningful connections with their clients. In helping to relieve their suffering, Structural Medicine Specialists share in their client's triumph and joy as their recovery continues. Among the deepest rewards of practicing Structural Medicine is the fulfillment and gratification of relieving the pain of others. Becoming a Structural Medicine Specialist also provides the foundation for a lucrative career in private practice. As a Structural Medicine Specialist, you are able to have flexibility in your lifestyle, an independent business, and recognition by other health care professionals. After completing your training at the Institute of Structural Medicine, you can receive accreditation by sitting for state and national massage therapist's boards and by joining the International Association of Structural Integrators (IASI), a nationally recognized organization of health educators. Moreover, training in Structural Medicine will improve your ability to listen to yourself, to develop as a person, and to feel comfortable in your own body. Structural Medicine incorporates all of a practitioner's previous skills and experience, and the practitioner's personal history immediately influences their technique and skills. Structural Medicine Specialists cultivate their own unique, deeply personal approach to their work. In doing so, they become increasingly aware of their own being. As a Structural Medicine Specialist, you will find new insight into yourself and new awareness about your presence in the world. Table of Contents... CURRICULUM The Institute of Structural Medicine's Structural Medicine Specialist Training Program is a two-year, 2,00-hour program. Both the first and second year consist of three (3) two-week segments held at the Institute of Structural Medicine and six 3 to 5-day review sessions at ISM. Between segments and practicum, students engage in Independent Study and document their findings in short essays. Students will be assigned a faculty advisor to mentor them through the Independent Study process. Independent Study allows students to develop their skills and understanding of the practice of Structural Medicine and to develop a future client base. Most students graduate with their professional practice already fully developed. Year-1 focuses on teaching students a variety of structural integration methods and structural integration treatment series appropriate for the patient. Students also learn the basics of Structural Movement, including Body Awareness and Usage. Following their first year, ISM SMS students are qualified to practice structural integration. Students may sit for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) examination, obtain their Washington State Licensed Massage Therapist (LMP) license, and are qualified to join such professional organizations as the International Association of Structural Integrators (IASI), Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), or the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). The second year teaches students how to adjust structural integration methods to meet the specific needs of clients suffering from pain due to musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders. Students will learn how to use myofascial length testing and structural analysis to create customized treatment plans for individual patients. They will continue their study of Structural Movement, learning the fundamentals of communicating movement lessons. The Institute of Structural Medicine offers an advanced third year option, open to students who have already completed the twoyear SMS Training Program. Consisting of two (2) two-week segments supplemented by independent study, The third year teaches advanced levels of skilled practice, particularly relating to joints and neuromuscular practice. Training in Structural Medicine includes courses in the sciences of anatomy, physiology, pathology, exercise and kinesiology, and embryology, as well as in the arts of movement education, the fundamentals of dialogue, and personal and interpersonal communication. The Institute of Structural Medicine also provides business education in such subjects as ethics, standards and practices, and business development. All of these areas of knowledge provide the basis for becoming a successful Structural Medicine Specialist. The Institute of Structural Medicine awards the school diploma upon completion of the 2000-hour SMS Training Program courses and required field experience. The Institute of Structural Medicine offers the following courses during the Structural Medicine Specialist Training Program. To obtain certification as a Structural Medicine specialist you must successfully complete all courses (see following descriptions).
Table
of Contents... COURSE
DESCRIPTIONS
Table of Contents... BODYWORK Principles of Structural Integration: Prior to touching a patient's body, students must learn how to analyze the body's structural relationship through observation and touch. Principles of Structural Integration focuses on how to use myofascial length testing (MFLT) and functional analysis in order to plan a course of treatment. Techniques
of Structural Integration: In
this hands-on course, students learn how to apply the techniques of Structural
Integration. Students will learn to systematically improve the structural
balance of the human body using myofascial manipulation techniques.
This course also emphasizes effective biomechanics in the delivery of
the work. Structural
Integration Practicum Students
apply their skills and knowledge by delivering a Structural Integration
series to models and
each other under direct supervision of instructors. MOVEMENT Human Evolution and Gravity/Embryology: An overview of the development of human form and function, emphasizing psychological and cultural factors that interfere with optimal movement development. Introduction to Structural Movement: As an introduction to basic movement principles and movement facilitation, students learn to analyze movement patterns in relation to the objectives of the Structural Integration sessions. Learning activities include lecture, demonstration, observation and practice sessions. Body Awareness & Movement Lab I: In this course, students acquire new movement patterns through exercises. These exercises provide a foundation for increased movement awareness. To facilitate student learning, instructors also employ demonstration and video. Structural Movement Practicum: In the Structural Movement Practicum, students learn to deepen their ability to analyze the client's gait by observation. Under the direct supervision of instructors, students also begin the process of teaching effective movement lessons to others. Ergonomics: This course examines movement during work, while at home, and while playing sports. The student learns how to evaluate and resolve issues of human biomechanics so as to affect optimal movement and functioning. Communicating
Movement Lessons:
Students learn to assist
clients in increasing their awareness of their bodie's movements and movement
patterns. This course includes practical applications of passive
movement, video analysis, and how to communicate both verbal and kinesthetic
movement lessons. PSYCHOLOGY Introduction to Psychological Inquiry: A survey of several major theories of psychological functioning, including Jung, Erikson, Reich, Stone, Body-Centered Psychotherapy, and Voice Dialogue. Movement and Psychology: This course develops student's understanding of the psychological language of structure, movement, and body language. Fundamentals of Dialogue: In this course, students explore communication from a humanistic and transpersonal perspective. This lecture and lab course introduces students to the essential ingredients of effective facilitation. Key concepts introduced and practiced include creating emotional safety, presence, building rapport, congruence, active listening, and working with emotional release. Intra/Interpersonal
Communications:
An exploration of the
Voice Dialogue technique of the Psychology of Selves as a foundation for
understanding communication. Students learn to increase their
conscious presence while communicating with clients and themselves.
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY Introduction to Body Systems/Physiology: This course familiarizes students with the systems of the human body and gives general descriptions of their structure and function. The course includes lectures, slides, and Independent Study. Structural and Functional Assessment I: In this course, students develop an understanding of how the musculoskeletal and connective tissue systems provide the functions of balance and alignment for the body. The course includes an overview of the extrinsic musculoskeletal components and connective tissues and their relationships. Primary teaching modes include lecture, observation, analysis and palpitations, and instructors will use regular oral inquiry to evaluate student understanding. Structural and Fundamental Assessment II: This course continues the exploration of the musculoskeletal and connective tissue relationships by focusing on the body's intrinsic musculature and connective tissues. Teaching methods and evaluation are the same as Structural and Fundamental Assessment I. Myofascial Anatomy: In this course, students will gain an understanding of the body's fascial lines and fascial bands. The course covers the constituents of fascia, the relationships of fascia to muscle, superficial and deep fascia, fascial planes of the body, and connective tissues. Students also study the origins and insertions of all the major muscle groups. Teaching methods and evaluations are the same as Structural and Fundamental Assessment I& II. Applied Human
Anatomy/Physiology:
In this class, students
develop the ability to manually identify the muscles of the human body
and to assess joint function including range of motion, end-feel qualities,
and neuromuscular and myofascial restrictions. Palpation and demonstration
are the primary learning activities. Students will observe and evaluate
their own progress. PATHOLOGY Theory and
Causes of Disease:
This class, students
study the causes of disease, with particular emphasis on pathologies affecting
structural alignment and function. The course also covers basic
terminology employed by medical professionals to discuss disease.
BUSINESS Ethical Standards and Practices: This course covers the ethical responsibilities of Structural Medicine Specialists with regards to their clients and business practices. Topics also include basic business ethics and ethical decision making. Introduction to Marketing: Based on successful marketing techniques employed by Institute's faculty, this course prepares students to market their own practices. Practice Development:
In this class, students
learn how to attract new clients, expand their businesses, and how to
further develop professional skills.
ADMISSION POLICY & APPLICATION PROCESS Students must meet the following prerequisites before entering the Structural Medicine Specialist Training Program:
The Structural Medicine Specialist Training Program application process is as follows:
An application process package and checklist are available from the ISM administration staff, including contact for information about each one of the requirements and application fees and schedule of payments. Call to our main office to obtain the SMS Training Program Application Package. Table of Contents... PROGRESS REPORTS AND GRADING The instructors of the Institute of Structural Medicine grade all classes on a Pass/Fail basis, with a Passing grade requiring scores of 75% or better. During the first two days of the first segment of every SMS™ Training Program, the instructors will test students on the course’s prerequisites. During the first two days of every subsequent segment, the instructor will administer a test covering the previous segment's topics and homework. This test will consist of a practical examination supplemented by a short essay. The student must pass the test with a score of 75% or better. If a student fails with a score better than 60%, that student may retake and attempt to pass the test one time. At the end of each segment, instructors will administer an un-graded pre-test to prepare students for the next segment. The instructor will give progress reports to each student at the middle and end of each segment. These progress reports will consist of short notes and private meetings outside of class time. At this time, students will have the opportunity to evaluate their instructor during their private meetings and by written evaluation. At the beginning of each course, students will receive an Independent Study Notebook and a Business Manual containing the assignments for the independent study segment of the training. During the training, students give their completed assignments directly to their advisor/mentor. The advisor/mentor reviews the assignment, consults with the students, and reports progress directly to the training faculty for evaluation. In order to graduate from the Institute of Structural Medicine, a student must demonstrate intellectual mastery of course material and technical skill in delivering structural integration. Students must also complete all field work and independent study assignments. All students must
show regular attendance and complete 2,000 hours of study.
In the event that a
student does not complete the training with an adequate evaluation, students
may be required to repeat certain sections of the material, as well as
to pay prorated tuition for such remedial study.
The Institute of Structural
Medicine keeps records of student progress and course work at the school.
These records are available to students, instructors, and other authorized
individuals at any time during working hours. ATTENDANCE Students must be on
time and present from the beginning to the end of class each day.
During Independent Study portions of the training students must submit
all assignments to their advisor/mentor on time. Students failing
to make satisfactory progress due to absence, tardiness, or lack of commitment
may be subject to administrative review, remedial work, or dismissal.
At the discretion of the faculty, a dismissed student may re-apply for
admission at the beginning of another term.
CONDUCT If a student's
actions during the training jeopardize the reputation of the Institute
of Structural
Medicine or otherwise damage the school, the faculty may find cause for
an administrative review, remedial action, or dismissal. During
the classroom phases of the training all students are expected to abide
by the ground rules established by the Institute of Structural Medicine
and the training facility. LEAVE OF ABSENCE Students with problems
related to immediate family, serious illness, or financial difficulty
may receive a leave of absence. The student may reenter the school
at time agreed upon by the students and faculty. Depending on the
circumstances and duration of the leave of absence, the student may have
to repeat some previous studies. This repetition may entail additional
tuition fees to the student, to be established on a case-by-case basis.
COMPETENCE The faculty members
of the Institute of Structural Medicine stress that admission as a student
and participation in the Structural Medicine Training Program do not
guarantee successful graduation. All students must demonstrate satisfactory
progress and competence throughout the training. This requirement
is not intended to cause doubt or discouragement. On the contrary,
the faculty is committed to supporting students to their fullest capacity.
The teachers and staff emphasize that they require a serious commitment
of every student. PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE The Institute of Structural
Medicine assists its graduates in developing profitable business practices
in a variety of ways. First, by completing the assignments in the
Independent Study portion of the training, students will graduate with
an established client base. Secondly, the business education provided
during the training is designed to provide realistic and practical training
to help practitioners succeed. Finally, the school will inform students
about opportunities for work in existing health or education settings.
However, the Institute of Structural Medicine can make no guarantee of
placement, and the development of the practice ultimately depends on the
graduate. STATE OF WASHINGTON STUDENT TUITION RECOVERY FUND The Institute of Structural Medicine is authorized to operate as an approved, private post-secondary school by the state of Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board under Chapter RCW 28C.10. Persons seeking to resolve problems or complaints should first contact their Mentor, Training Coordinator, or other administrative personnel. Requests for further action may be made to Donna F. Bajelis, Owner and founder of ISM. Washington law requires that, upon enrollment, a fee be assessed in relation to the cost of tuition (RCW 28C.10.082). The fees support the student tuition recovery fund. It is important that enrollees keep copies of all enrollment agreements, contracts or other application forms to document the total amount of tuition paid, and records showing the percentage of the course completed. Such records would substantiate a claim for reimbursement from the STRF, which in order to be considered must be filed within 60 days following school closure or termination of the student. For further information
or instructions, please contact the:
Workforce Training
and Education Coordinating Board Building
17 Airdustrial Way P.O.
Box 43105 Olympia,
WA 98504-3105 (360)
753-5673 INSTITUTE FACULTY
GUEST INSTRUCTORS Anita Boser: Anita is a certified Hellerwork Practitioner who maintains a private practice in Issaquah. She has twenty years of experience running small businesses, and has worked in strategic planning, product development, branding, business management, and marketing. Steve Hurley, MusB, MM, AmSAT: Steve Hurley is certified as a teacher of the Alexander Technique by the American Society of the Alexander Technique. He also holds degrees in vocal performance from Boston Conservatory and the University of Michigan, and in addition to his work in movement education, teaches singing and acting. Structural Movement grew from Steve's experience working with his colleagues in movement education and from his experience as a teacher in the Hilberry Theatre Program at Detroit's Wayne State University. Steve has over fifteen years of experience teaching movement skills in the contexts of both professional performance and therapy. Carol Kennedy: BioValent Systems (credential description forthcoming...) Catherine Kier: Voice Dialogue (credential description forthcoming...) Marcus Nemuth, MD: (credential description forthcoming...) Bob Nieman, CPA: Business systems, business planning, and business practice. (credential description forthcoming...) Dr. Joseph Sailer, M.D.: Former director of the Group Health radiology department in Seattle, WA. Dr. Sailer teaches a one-day workshop at ISM on reading x-rays abnormalities associated with musculoskeletal dysfunction, injury, or abnormalities, as relevant to Structural Medicine™ practice. Don St. John, Ph.D.: (credential description forthcoming...) Sally VanDusen, LMP: Movement therapy and alternative bodywork modailities (credential description forthcoming...) Keri Yamamoto, OT, CHP: Assistant instructor to Donna Bajelis and movement therapy. Specialized knowledge of arm and hand injuries and disabilities. Certified Hellerwork Practitioner and Occupational Therapist with a successful practice in Hawaii. TEACHING AT THE INSTITUTE OF STRUCTURAL MEDICINE Graduates of the Institute of Structural Medicine are welcome to visit ongoing trainings to observe, take part in class demonstrations, and contribute to the student's learning experience. Successful practitioners can apply to become Academic Mentors who individually assist students through the Independent Study phase of training. Experienced Mentors may be asked to begin the Teacher Training Program to join the staff of the Institute of Structural Medicine. Table of Contents... ISM TRAINING FACILITY INFORMATION
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