for massage therapists

Education at Core Connections

Vermont based Massage Therapist Education specializing in abdominal massage. Core Connections supports massage therapists, birth workers and other whole-body practitioners by providing needed abdominal massage education.

Our continuing education programs are created for massage therapists who want to bring safe, respectful, and effective abdominal therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine into their practice. Rooted in thousands of years of traditional healing practices, and grounded by a modern understanding of anatomy and physiology, our classes emphasize assessment, sensitivity, and confidence — so each practitioner can adapt their work to the unique needs of every client. Instruction blends clear teaching with guided, hands-on practice in a supportive and trauma sensitive environment. While our current focus is professional training, future offerings will also extend this learning to clients and the wider community.

Upcoming Classes:

  • Abdominal Massage Intensive

    A two-part professional training for bodyworkers designed to help you integrate safe, effective, and transformative abdominal massage into your practice. Birthworkers with informal massage training and/or experience are welcome to join!

    NCBTMB approved for 28CE hours VSAC eligible for Advancement Grant

    Level 1-     2 days, 9-5 each day
    Level 2- 2 days, 9-5 each day

    LEARN MORE

What our alumni have to say…

  • I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in exploring the abdomen and furthering their somatic education. Caitlin was an extremely skilled, smart, intuitive and compassionate teacher. She provided a lot of experience, technique and inspiration. I learned so much. I have been a bodyworker for 15 years and wanted to gain more knowledge about working with the abdomen, and that I did. I feel a lot more confident and educated about this part of the body on a physical, energetic and emotional level and excited to integrate this knew knowledge into my practice for both my clients and self. Thank you.

    - Betsy Ansara, Nomadic Nurture, Vermont and Martha’s Vineyard

  • Caitlin's warm teaching style and experiential wisdom are such a gift! This was my first experience with TCM, and Caitlin beautifully conveyed big concepts in a digestible manner without watering down the depth + complexity of this fascinating modality. This course was dynamic, featuring engaging lectures and plenty of time to practice the abdominal techniques. I can't say enough about Core Connections, it is such a special offering! Thank you Caitlin!

    -Marisa Hall, Ayurvedic bodywork + health counselor, Montpelier, VT

  • Caitlin is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about abdominal therapy. She's kind, relatable and fun to learn from. She creates a calm and supportive learning space. With such attention to detail, intuition and passion about her work, this is the most I've taken away from any a CE course. I am already applying it to my own sessions. Thanks, Caitlin!

    -Shannon, Flora Bodywork, Mid-coast Maine

Our Core Values

  • Safety & Connection

    Build confidence in offering abdominal therapy that prioritizes physical and emotional safety, trauma sensitivity and meaningful outcomes so your clients can live with less pain and more ease.

  • Assessment & Intuition

    We listen through touch and respond to the unique needs of each body. Sharpen your ability to blend clear and concise assessment techniques with intuitive knowing.

  • Wholistic Approach

    Explore the core in connection with the whole body. Our sessions can become much more powerful by making the core the center of your practice, not just an enticing add-on or last resort option.