Teacher : Rob Wilks & Ellen Watson

Assistant teacher : Jenny Pareno

November 13 - 30, 2026

Huts Rock Ubud, Bali

Esalen® Massage 100 Hours Training

Overview

The 100 hr. Esalen® Massage Certification is designed to train certified bodyworkers holding the equivalent of a 150 certification in a recognized bodywork modality to the practitioner level in the art of Esalen® Massage. The skill sets taught in this training are divided into the following categories:

Esalen® Massage Skills/Technique/Theoretical Foundations
Communication Skills
Applied Anatomy/Physiology
Professional Ethics
Movement Practices/Meditation/Self Care

Each of the above categories is composed of sub-categories described later in this document.

The intent of this program is to support the growth of Esalen Massage throughout the world by training and supporting practitioners in California, the United States and other countries, who adhere to the highest standards of professional/ethical conduct.

Structure in Terms of Hours per Subject

This is a 15 day program, with required coursework between Modules I & II, and post graduate. Most days consist of 8 classroom hours, with allowances for one excursion off campus . In this training, the total number of supervised classroom hours is 100. Following is a specific description of hours spent on different knowledge areas:

Esalen® Massage Skills/Technique/Theoretical Foundations (70 hours)
- Understanding the experiential nature of this method
- Defining the experience of presence; of awareness & attention
- Opening and closing your massage
- Understanding the Long Stroke, front and back, and it’s relaxing, integrating function
- Detail work on the front body
- Detail work on the back body
- Adequately draping clients and dealing with nudity
- Special Cases
  - Working with injuries
  - Working in the side lying position
  - Geriatric Massage
  - Perinatal Massage
Communication Skills (5 hours)
- Basic understanding of Gestalt Process Communication skills
  - Gestalt Language
  - Basic dialogic communication skills
- How to deal with conflict/misunderstanding when it arises within the client/practitioner relationship
- Communicating the ethical boundaries of the professional relationship.
Applied anatomy and physiology/pathology (10 hours)
- Integrating anatomical knowledge of a given area of the body into one’s massage work
- Applying relevant anatomical/physiological information into the overall flow and structure of a session with a given client
- Understanding the Gamma-Motor System, Muscle-Spindles, and Golgi Tendon Organs
- Understanding how tissue changes in relation to touch
- Recognizing pathological conditions that contraindicate touch and/or massage
Professional Ethics (5 hours)
- Understanding Transference and Counter Transference
- Understanding appropriate boundaries within the client/practitioner relationship
- Learning how to deal with difficult clients
Movement Practices/Kinesiology/Self Care (10 hours)
- Strengthening the body through Yoga and or other practices like Chi-Gong, 5 Rhythms, etc.
- Relating those practices to movement around the table, while working
- Using meditation to improve focus, concentration and presence while working

COURSE RATIONALE AND SUMMARY

The Esalen® Massage100-hour Professional Practitioner Training offers comprehensive bodywork education in the skills necessary to become a recognized Esalen Massage practitioner. This class is tailored for certified massage practitioners seeking to add the resources of Esalen Massage to their repertoire. It focuses on critical skills relevant for giving a full Esalen Massage, including centering and grounding, self-care and reflection, application of the long flowing strokes punctuated with detail specific to each segment, and an integrated experience of body-mind-spirit.

Additional points of the curriculum include work in the side-lying posture, passive joint movement, gentle stretching, and ethics of massage. Students will learn and practice communication skills to enhance deep self-reflection and to address emotional release that may arise during a massage session. The instructors offer on-going support at the table as well as assessment through receiving.

This course is designed to link body, mind and spirit in a professionally oriented, hands-on training. Successful completion includes full attendance (100 classroom hours), one 30 minute, and one 75 minute massage assessment session, fifteen documented off-site massage sessions, and payment of the certificate fee ( $150). Graduation grants the practitioner full Esalen® Massage privileges, including listing on the website and use of the brand to promote their work as Esalen® Massage as long as they remain in good standing.

Students will receive a resource book that includes the class schedule and curriculum, forms, and assessment guidance plus multiple articles by leaders notable in the Esalen® Massage legacy. Attendance is kept daily; If health reasons prevent a student from attending a class, a student may arrange with the instructors to make-up the class time.

EDUCATIONAL GOALS AND ASSESSMENT

Enhanced Client Awareness: Students will develop observation, listening, and palpation skills to better understand their clients. Assessment: Practical assessment and peer feedback.
Body Mechanics and Boundaries: Students will learn to maintain good body mechanics, establish boundaries, and effectively communicate with clients. Assessment: Visual assessment, self-reports, and peer feedback.
Customized Massage Techniques: Students will tailor massage based on client needs and requests. Assessment: Practical assessment and peer feedback.
Application of Esalen Principles: Students will apply Esalen® Massage principles in providing a full-body massage. Assessment: Observation and peer feedback.
Incorporation of Verbal Clues: Students will integrate verbal cues and guidance into massage sessions. Assessment: Congruence of client and practitioner feedback.
Safe Integration of Stretches: Students will safely incorporate limb stretches and movement in sessions. Assessment: Observation, peer feedback, and instructor assessment.
Holistic Approach: Students will apply holistic and energetic concepts to massages. Assessment: Instructor observation and practical assessment.

Meet Your Teacher

Rob Wilks

Rob wilks is a full-time bodywork practitioner. He is a faculty member with Esalen Institute Healing Arts Department, teaching all levels of Esalen® Massage. He has taught massage and bodywork in Indonesia, China, and Italy, as well as experiential leadership education in the U.S. and Eastern Europe.
Ellen Watson

Ellen Watson, a 40 year member of Esalen Institute's community, lived on campus in Big Sur, while she healed herself, worked in the garden, as a chef in the kitchen, and studied extensively for 10 years. Ellen offers retreats and trainings globally in the fields of Mindfulness Practices which include Esalen®Massage & Bodywork, Touching Essence™, Vibrance™ Dance & Song, The 5Rhythms®, Holotropic™Breathwork, Vibrance Pranayama and Breathwork. Ellen’s work has been deeply influenced her work with plant medicines, empathogens and entheogens, while she apprenticed with Terence McKenna and Stanislav Grof.

Assistant Teacher

Jenny Pareno

Jenny Pereno has been an integral part of the Esalen community for over a decade as a massage therapist and instructor. She also maintains a private massage practice in San Luis Obispo, California, which she calls home. When she’s not using her nurturing hands for her work, Jenny’s adventurous spirit shines through as an avid trail runner and marathon racer. She finds balance in the beauty of movement and through her deep connection with nature.

Venue and Accommodation

Huts Rock Ubud, Bali

A new cottage located in the popular area of Ubud, Bali. It is a family-owned business that has been providing quality accommodation for years. Here you will find Balinese ornaments carving, a beautiful garden with tumbling waterfalls and statues, and comfortable seating areas around the pool.

It offers a unique and serene experience, perfect for you who want to relax in the company of nature. This cottage is also ideal for groups or families and to use as an exclusive location for Yoga and other wellness activity.

Balinese Family Vibes - Huts Rock offers you genuine Balinese hospitality in a supportive environment where you will be treated as a family.
Secluded Spot - Close to restaurants, museums, and other known places in Ubud. Huts Rock Cottage, quiet and yet nearby to all amenities you could desire, the cottage feels like your own personal space
Room Features - Each room features stone walls, wood installations, and hand-painted art to complete the Balinese touch. Soft lighting illuminates every corner to give you a romantic and warm feeling.

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How to Apply?

Complete the application form online, click here.
Sign the Enrollment Agreement and submit to us by photos or scanned documents, click here to download
Choose your preference in “Pricing and Payment“ section below.
Wait for confirmation. Once received, we will add you to the roster, reserve your room, and send you periodic updates.

Room Option and Payment

We currently provide Twin Share room options, and we will arrange a same-gender roommate for you.
If you prefer to stay elsewhere and can make your own way to the venue, an off-site stay option is available.