CE CLASSES
Theresa Wilkes
Theresa Wilkes, NCBTMB Approved Continuing Education Provider
Provider # 450891-08
Theresa has over 34 years of experience as a professional therapist and 29 years as an instructor.
Theresa has been training massage therapists since 1996. She was the Owner/Director of the NC School of Natural Healing and the Education Director at the Finger Lakes School of Massage. She has had a private practice for 33 years focused in clinical massage for the treatment of chronic pain, injury recovery and pre/post-surgical clients. Presently, she is the Owner and Head Therapist of Light Hand Clinical Massage in Greenville, SC. She is passionate and adept at teaching professional therapists to master advanced techniques with presence, skill and sensitivity. She specializes in teaching therapists to refine and strengthen their subtle palpation and assessment skills. Her classes are fun and packed practical information for beginning and advanced practitioners.
The following classes are taught at various locations throughout the Southeast. Some classes are directed to the host venue to register. Please follow the links for more info on registration and cancellation policies.
For full descriptions of classes, please choose the class or review the full list below
Craniosacral, Level 1
9:00am-6:00pm
March 21-22, 2025
Credits: 16 CEs
$400
The Healing Arts and Massage School, Raleigh, NC
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Muscle Melting: Non-Force Deep Tissue Massage
9:00am-6:00pm
May 3, 2025
Credits: 8 CEs
$200
The Healing Arts and Massage School, Raleigh, NC
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Deep Lymph Flushing Massage for Chronic Pain and Illness
9:00am-6:00pm
March 23-24, 2025
Credits: 16 CEs
$400
The Healing Arts and Massage School, Raleigh, NC
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Neck and Shoulder Treatment
9:00am-6:00pm
May 4, 2025
Credits: 8 CEs
$200
The Healing Arts and Massage School, Raleigh, NC
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Positional Release Techniques
9:00am-6:00pm
May 2, 2025
Credits: 8 CEs
$200
The Healing Arts and Massage School, Raleigh, NC
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Psoas: Non-Force Deep Tissue Massage
9:00am-6:00pm
May 5, 2025
Credits: 8 CEs
$200
The Healing Arts and Massage School, Raleigh, NC
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Full List of Classes Offered
Theresa teaches these classes throughout the year. To get on our waiting list, or let her know what classed you'd like specialized training in, please fill in the form below.
Abdominal & Visceral Massage
Abdominal or visceral massage can gently and deeply address many clinical issues in the gut when performed with knowledge and skill. In this short workshop, you will learn to flush inflammation from the abdominal cavity and organs, including a Liver Pump technique. This can improve the health of the organs as well as digestion, constipation, and acid reflux. You will learn to soften tension around the diaphragm for better breathing. We will also address surgical scars (C section, gall bladder, hernia etc.) to reduce the impact on motility. As time allows, we can practice techniques to lift displaced uterus, bladder and colon.
Craniosacral, Level 1
Cranial Sacral Therapy is gaining in recognition and popularity with the general population. This class will give the therapist a clear understanding of the theory and benefits of this cutting-edge therapy and when to apply it. An overview of the anatomical system will be covered. Most importantly, the therapist will learn to palpate and assess the cranial rhythm throughout the body and in the head. The concept of still-point will be explained and demonstrated. Techniques to treat the parietal, frontal and zygoma bones, CV-4 and dural tube will allow the therapist to address simple headaches, sinus issues and back tension and are given on Day 1. These techniques can also be easily integrated into a general wellness massage promoting relaxation and introducing the client to cranial sacral therapy. A review of the initial techniques and a deeper look at the anatomy will start us off on Day 2. Then, techniques to treat the sphenoid, temporal, mandible, occiput and sacrum will be given. A discussion about developing focused listening skills will encourage the therapist to take the practice beyond technique to mastery. The techniques given in this class form a complete treatment protocol.
Craniosacral, Level 2
With the classic 10 Step Protocol as a foundation, the therapist will develop a greater mastery of skills and application with more advanced craniosacral techniques for the treatment of headaches, sinus issues, and TMJ dysfunction. These techniques will provide the practitioner with a deep and diverse toolbox for treating these chronic conditions that plague a large part of the population. Additionally, Emotional Release will be explored with the Central Channel practiced as a grounding and sensing technique for the practitioner. The effects of trauma on the body and the cranial system will be discussed. The class is intended to offer beginning CranioSacral therapists a greater sense of comprehension, sensitivity, confidence, and mastery. Graduates will be proud to announce that they practice CranioSacral Therapy!
Deep Lymph Flushing Massage for Chronic Pain and Illness
Lymphatic drainage massage is in high demand in the wellness space. Lymphatic massage is a gentle yet profound manual technique that is effective in reducing water weight and inflammation while supporting your client’s detox programs. It is truly supportive for clients with chronic illness and pain seen with Fibromyalgia, arthritis and Long Covid. This course will teach the basic techniques of traditional manual lymph drainage as well as deeper flushing techniques drawn from sports massage techniques and a particular focus on flushing around the abdominal nodes and organs. It is taught as a 3 session protocol which is a wonderful service addition to your practice or spa menu. The techniques can also be integrated into any wellness, sports or pain relief massage session. A lymph drainage facial and sinus routing using a Gua Sha stone will also be taught. This course will not focus on oncology treatments.
Energetic Bodywork: Blended approach to massage / energy work
This Energy Bodywork class will teach you the following skills:
• Balance the chakras through all layers of the energy fields & with the internal organs
• Clear a client’s energy channels with the Chelation Protocol
• Balance the Chakras into the Layers of the Field
• Balance the Chakras with the organs
• Dialog with & release a client’s long held tension/trauma
• Hold a strong clear Energy Channel • Work empathically safely & confidently
• Identify & clear negative energies from self & others
• Learn how to blend all of this with your massage
Theresa is an Empathic Energy Healer/Teacher of 34 years with a passion for making energy work accessible & meaningful for clients & practitioners alike. She will assist you in experiencing an authentic & powerful energy flow through your body & hands to share with clients. This class is appropriate for accomplished energy workers and as well as novices. Theresa will create a safe space for new experiences and deep exploration. She is highly skilled at facilitating the development of sensitivity to subtle energy.
Muscle Melting: Non-Force Deep Tissue Massage
To many people, Deep Tissue Massage means hard, aggressive, painful techniques meant to force the muscle to release tension. This type of work can leave the client with increased pain and the therapist burned out with stressed hands and joints. The latest anatomy research and development of advanced techniques show us the way to work in cooperation with the nervous system, the muscle proprioceptors, and the lymphatic system, engaging the body’s own healing mechanisms in order to release muscle tension and pain more thoroughly, deeply, and gently. This class will teach the therapist to identify and flush inflammation out of the muscles in preparation for deep work. Slow, sinking strokes performed with soft hands and optimal body alignment will calm the nervous system and lower proprioceptive activity. Effective, specific routines of non-force, deep tissue massage for the low back & hips, upper back & rotator cuff, and neck will be demonstrated and practiced.
Neck and Shoulder Treatment
Every professional bodyworker should have the expertise, sensitivity and skills to safely and efficiently address chronic neck pain as well as neck strain syndromes. Equally as important is technical ability to treat tension and injuries in the rotator cuff muscles. This course will train the therapist in non-force deep tissue techniques and trigger point release for the anterior, medial and posterior neck muscles as well as all four SITS muscles and the associated muscles of the upper back, arm, and chest. Lymphatic flushing techniques will be demonstrated to relieve inflammation in the tissues. Stretching and breathing exercises will be given for client self-care.
Positional Release Techniques
PRT is a gentle therapy that places the injured or tight muscle in a position of ease to release the tension by reducing or stopping dysfunctional proprioceptor activity. It is a simple but refined technique that can be performed on recent muscle injuries, chronic joint pain, taut muscle bundles or areas that are too tender to touch with the client fully clothed. This makes it perfect to integrate with any other massage techniques. This class will cover the theory and evolution of Lawerence H. Jones, D.O.’s original Strain and Counterstrain with extensive practice of techniques for all areas of the body.
Psoas: Non-Force Deep Tissue Massage
Does your client have chronic low back pain that your massage isn't resolving? Do you think about working on the psoas but hold back because you are nervous and lack confidence? This class is for you. The course will give you a clear picture of the anatomy of the psoas and the associated muscles in the glutes, hips and low back as well as the palpation skills to access them confidently. You will learn a full deep tissue massage routine in the prone, supine and side lying positions with secure draping. Finish up with stretches and self-care techniques to give your clients, and you'll be ready to step up your therapeutic massage practice to the next level.