The principles and structural techniques expressed in Ida Rolf ’s series for ten Structural Integration sessions are the core of the Guild’s Basic Training Program. Basic Training consists of two phases: Auditing Class and Practitioning Class. Each phase is eight weeks in duration and each class begins with one week of Integrative Anatomy. The ensuing seven weeks of instruction focus on Structural Integration studies. Classes are conducted four days a week. Each phase consists of auditors and practitioners with approximately two or three instructors in attendance.
An interim period between classes is recommended, although some students attend consecutive classes. Throughout Basic Training students learn to “see”, to analyze and interpret human structure and movements in the Earth’s field of gravity.
Students also acquire a comprehensive knowledge of Structural Integration theory and fundamental principles of Structural Integration. In addition, students receive exposure to the history and development of the work, and preparation for practicing the craft.
Auditing Class: Phase I
SIB011 - 264 Hours
All students enter auditing with the focus on “seeing.”
“Seeing” human structure and movement is an indispensable prerequisite to Structural Integration work. The way we see the whole person is the hallmark distinguishing Practitioners of the Ida P. Rolf Method of Structural Integration from other bodyworkers. True sight is not casually acquired; it is hard work, perhaps even a lifelong process.
Convinced that “seeing” presented a most difficult yet essential and important task for practitioners, Dr. Rolf created
auditing so that students could begin to train their sight before doing their work. Today, auditors
in GSI classes principally observe sessions, participate in lectures, have group discussions and engage in other learning activities as part of their experience. Manipulation is not done by the auditors during this part of the training.
At the conclusion of Phase I, individual interviews are conducted by the instructors and the administrative staff to determine which students advance into the Practitioning Class (Phase II). At this point the student and the instructors are able to discuss the student’s progress and what is needed to prepare further for the practice of Structural Integration. If a student is found to be unacceptable for passing into the Practitioning Phase, it is also discussed at this time.
Practitioning Class: Phase II
SIB013 - 264 Hours
The Practitioning Class (Phase II) concentrates on manipulative instruction and practice by students who have successfully completed the Auditing Class.
During the weeks of Structural Integration studies, each Practitioning student works with models who receive the standard ten sessions of Structural Integration. In this phase, the Practitioning students also exchange the ten sessions with a designated partner. All manipulation work is directly supervised by the class instructors. A diploma is awarded at the successful completion of this class.
