THERAPIST PROGRAMME

Training Overview

The Zenthai Therapist Programme has been offered in Newcastle since 2021 taught by Sonia and a wonderful team. Our students learn important skills of theory and bodywork, and the art of being a therapist. This role asks for deep honesty and a willingness look at ourselves with openness, curiosity and compassion. This process creates opportunities for growth and lays out a strong foundation for interpersonal work. We use the Chinese Medicine 5 elements throughout every aspect of this training to create balance and a unique holistic approach.

Its a unique journey of fun, empowering knowledge and skills, as well as bowing down to something bigger. A fulfilling training pathway that weaves immense value through every day, in every moment. Impacting not only the lives of each person who dives in, but those who are connected through friendship, family and community as the ripple becomes a wave. An incredible experience that is cherished by all who take part.

The therapist programme is the next step beyond the level one foundations trainings, either the Zenthai Level One or The Elements foundations course are acknowledged as the pre-requisite 4 day introduction to Zenthai.

Not just a great bodywork course, a transformational journey learning and embodying the principles of Zenthai. A deepening into trust and confidence offering a therapeutic art of movement, touch and connection. Learning to see through both a structural and energetic lens to tailor a session to the individual.

The training asks students to move beyond the surface, cultivating the ability to be in stillness, listening, with heart open, and quiet mind.

2027 Dates (Please Click here to be first to know when these are announced).

2026 Dates

Advanced 1 :: April 9 - 12
Elements 1 :: May 14 - 17
Advanced 2 :: June 11 - 14
Remedial 1 :: July 16 - 19
Elements 2 :: Aug 20 - 23
Remedial 2 :: Sept 17 - 20
Traditional Therapies :: Oct 22 - 25
Student Clinic and Graduation :: Nov 19 - 22 (Community Day Nov 21st)

Location

Newcastle, is home to one of Australia’s most stunning coastlines, 1.5 hrs drive north of Sydney. With natural beauty, vibrant culture, pristine beaches, awesome surf breaks, scenic ocean baths and hidden treasures. There are many gifts it offers to serve the Zenthai community.

Our venue is easily accessible by public transport and 1km from our favourite swimming beach.

Accomodation Options are available for those who would like to stay with a local host.

Online Application Form

4 Aspects of the Therapist Programme

1. A deep dive into the mystery of the Chinese Version of the 5 elements and how it can be utilised to vitalise our interconnected relationship with life

2. Learn the skill of floor based bodywork from various modalities - to effectively deal with issues in the musculo - skeletal system

3. Use movement as an intelligent art to ‘ unfix ‘ the body and mind from restricted and conditioned patterns that limit us in every way .

4. Develop an articulate conversation with the body that allows it to feel safe, release the tension and move towards freedom.

Investment

A deposit of $950 is required to secure your spot once the application has been approved. The remaining amount is to be paid one month before the course begins.

Full training - $4500

This exchange includes online resources, 2 Books by Gwyn Williams, manuals, and an energetic container over the 9 months, with 8 modules face to face. For those who confirm early, there is also a 1 on 1 Mentoring session with Sonia included.

Recent student reflections…

APPLY HERE

More of your questions answered….

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All classes run from 8.30 to 4.30.
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Regular yoga classes and practice time outside of class time is encouraged.

Includes acroyoga and therapeutic flying offerings.

An insurance cover is recommended at the completion of student clinic to begin practicing as a therapist.

Graduation and certification is given on completion of all modules, tasks assigned, 30hrs of logged clinic practice, and all course fees settled. Any class time missed is to be made up at an hourly fee to one of the senior teaching team. (please note, the Elements Modules and Traditional Therapies are not able to be made up because a group setting is needed for these classes).

Can I swap locations if other module dates are more suitable? In short, no, this is not a possibility. The class you are enrolled in is your set class. In rare circumstances we allow students from other locations to join, but this is challenging and not recommended as most of the class sizes are at full capacity and are unable to fit any extra students in to the venue. It also is disruptive to the group container.

For those wishing to apply for the programme, this course is normally very full, so entry is not automatic. Applications are now open. Click here.

Course Outline

Below you can find an overview of each module.

12 THREADS OF ZENTHAI SHIATSU • FOCUSED INTENTION • FREEDOM
Two practical and innovative intensives, offering a wealth of gestures developed from Zen Shiatsu, Traditional Thai Massage and Osteopathic techniques. Zenthai is inspired by the integration of structural and energetic bodywork.
MOVEMENT • TOUCH • CONNECTION • LOVING KINDNESS• OPEN HEART
- Gestures and sequences to restore balance and harmony
- Addressing common areas of stagnation and disharmony
- Refining the quality of therapeutic touch
- Offering and receiving deep, effective therapy
- Self-enquiry and healing practices
- Connection to self, tribe and nature
Remedial One and Two
PRACTICE INTO THERAPY • ALIGNED INTENTION• THEORY AND PRACTICE •
Visiting the structures of the human body to understand how posture and lifestyle affect our movement, joints and their energetic relationships. Addressing a variety of musculoskeletal imbalances and conditions. Aligning treatment intentions to client needs, whilst addressing a variety of musculoskeletal dysfunctions and conditions.
STRUCTURE • ANATOMY • PRECISION • EFFECTIVE THERAPY
- Anatomy Lab: Theory class and movement exploration
- Our structure: bones, joints, posture, movement and dysfunction
- Soft tissue imbalances and injury – muscles, tendons and fascia
- Relationship of Chi → Blood → Organ
- Alignment of TCM Meridians and myofascial structures
- Understanding other body systems and internal organs
- Zenthai gestures, techniques and sequence to restore balance
- Movement-based therapy for self healing
Elements One – Principles of Zen Shiatsu
This module introduces Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)and 5-Element theory into the art and includes:
EARTH • METAL• WATER • WOOD• FIRE
- Introduction to Oriental Medicine (TCM)
- 5 Elements and Zang Fu organs
- Signs and symptoms of Elemental imbalance
- Meridian / Point location and key release areas
- Diagnostic tools and identifying imbalance
- Specific treatment and gestures to heal disharmony
- Recommendations – lifestyle support and foods that heal
Elements Two – Psychology, mind-body counselling and 5 elements in daily life
‘To see it is to free it.’
This intensive addresses the psycho-emotional factors that relate to the 5 Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We identify the key emotions of each element and address how to balance them through the 5 element cycles. This module also recognises that honest self-exploration, and development of caring and supportive relationships with clients, is an essential component of a successful therapist practice. You will challenge yourself in the art of honest self-inquiry, unraveling the conditioning that might be preventing you from living to your potential. This looking-within to find the answers creates a therapist who is a far more present and effective listener, thus encouraging others to dissolve the emotional and mental blocks that are part of a healing journey. Module topics include:
EARTH • METAL• WATER • WOOD• FIRE
- Know thy self – recognise, acknowledge and observe
- See these emotions and patterns in with non-judgment
- Practice compassion and loving kindness – metta
- Gestures and sequences to restore balance and harmony
- Learn how to heal emotional aspects through the 5 elements
- Listening practices, receptivity and self-enquiry
- Meridians, extensions, points and moxibustion
Traditional Therapies
THEORY AND PRACTICE • ORIENTAL APPLICATIONS • EXTRA TOOLS •
Eastern approaches to health and healing are “wholistic” in nature. Traditional Therapies delves into other therapeutic tools that can be applied during or in conjunction with Zenthai Shiatsu. These potent remedies are effective tools for balancing aspects of TCM.
BALANCE • TONIFY • DISPERSE • HEAL
- Cupping and moxibustion
- Poultices, compresses and herbal sauna
- Thai foot massage
- Wat Pho Thai massage applications
- Refining diagnostic skills – pulse, tongue, hara
- Client interactions and aligning treatment intentions
Student Clinic
OPEN CLINIC • SUPERVISED & SUPPORTED • DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
You will be guided and supported in offering multiple sessions including client consultation, TCM diagnosis, planning and providing treatment and offering lifestyle support to your clients. Supervision will be offered with feedback from supervisors and other qualified Zenthai Therapists. This valuable experience will integrate your learning from throughout the year.
INTEGRATION • REFINEMENT • FULL POWER • HEART CENTRE
- Aligning client needs, diagnosis and treatment
- Offer full heart sessions with Focused Intention
- Integrating content and context
- Coming home – full circle of healing and transformation

MORE REFLECTIONS

"By committing to this 9 month programme, you will receive so much more than you can imagine".

The 9-month Zenthai Shiatsu Therapy course with Sonia was deeply transformative. Her embodied teaching guided us through a powerful journey of growth - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I highly recommend it to anyone who feels the calling.
Tina Schwizer, Yoga Teacher and Studio Owner.
“Therapist training in Newcastle with Sonny and the assistants was magical. "

Sonia made sure our training stayed on track with fluidity and grace. The connections that I made with the Newcastle crew was awesome. Having community so close to home in Sydney is so so special.
Hannah More - Retreat Facilitator, Sydney
“The Zenthai Shiatsu Therapist Course with Sonia exceeded my high expectations. "

Her deep genuine care that we really understand is very moving and motivating.
The caring and sharing within the group is so supportive and transformative and lasts beyond the end of the course. There were so many surprises, discoveries and insights. I came out a happier person than I was when I went in. I'm really enjoying having this confidence in giving Zenthai to help my friends. I am thinking of doing the course again because it was sooo much fun.”
Mich Poppinghaus - Sleep Doctor, Newcastle
"Life changing".

Sonny is highly skilled and experienced both as a therapist and teacher. I can’t say enough, what a joy it was to be part of her group. Weaving magic.
Sonia transforms a quaint scout hall to an incredible healing space. I miss our regular monthly connections.
Being Sydney based, the connections I’ve made in Newcastle with Sonia and other therapists means our supportive network connection continues.
And I discovered Newcastle, what a great city! The sunsets by the sea a wonderful way to digest our day of learning and connection to self and others.
Robyn Webster, Art Gallery Curator.
"The identity I carried with me when I walked into this course is far from the energy I’m embodying now."

It has been a safe and welcoming container that has helped me re-define community. To feel what it truly means to open up, surrender and be vulnerable in front of others. It has shown me a new way of opening my heart to others, and the boundless joy that comes from it. Words cannot encapsulate what this experience has done for me.
Krystel Spurway, Outdoor Adventure Guide - Coffs Harbour
What an incredibly profound and beautiful journey we have been on, led by your gracious strength and wisdom.

Thankyou Sonia, I will cherish this time of great awakening.
Marcel Cooper, Artist and Potter
Sonia's deep care for each participants journey as individuals nurtured our developmental evolution on all levels.

These four days each month were beyond looking forward to, they were solace, an oasis of stillness, learning, rejuvenation and love.
If you want to invite more joy, touch, play, growth and awareness into your life - this is a great space to dive in. It's an investment that just keeps on giving."
Laura Summer Stampa - River Guide, Founder Journeys Outdoors in Nature
Sonia has warmly smiled, even beamed; and encouraged without fail all the way!

Sonia is an exceptional zenthai facilitator!
For nine months, true to the zenthai thread: Limits, exploring our edges,
I have been incrementally challenged, from the beginning to the very end!

I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and am delighted with my growth! : )

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Christopher Cole, Painter / Flamenco Dancer