Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy
Designated learning institutions by Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Designated with Private Training Institutions Branch
Designated by British Columbia Education Quality Assurance

Here is a feedback from Cassandra Amaral who graduates the diploma program at the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy.

Cassandra Amaral

Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy

Q : What did you like best about the curriculum?

There are a few things that I really like about the curriculum. I love that there is such a mix of courses. My favorite course has to be the Japanese language and culture course. I really got an appreciation for how and why the technique is done the way it is and I really got a sense of the honour and respect between student and teacher, between me and my classmates and in the client practitioner relationship. However, I also like that a course on Traditional Chinese medicine is part of the curriculum. I really believe in "whole body" healing and I appreciate that we were exposed to different healing techniques through the school. I also love that I am able to complete the course in my own time. Sciences were not my forté in high school and therefore I was able to take my time completing the courses, giving me more time to give the attention needed to each course. On that note, I really like that the class sizes are small. This really allowed me to get the help and attention I needed when I needed it.

Q : What else can you tell us about the course set up?

I really liked the fieldwork component of the diploma program. It got me over my marketing fears I had and was really fun to interact on a different level with people passing by our booth or station. I really like that the other part or the clinical placement is supervised by professional Shiatsupractors at the school. I love getting feedback from the different supervisors, everyone has a slightly different touch and getting little adjustments, I think, makes the treatments that I give more enjoyable as I am able to combine what I have learned. I also really appreciate that the supervisors give advice on how to maintain health as a practitioner. Their advice is very valuable.

Q : Why did you decide to teach Shiatsu?

I practice other alternative modalities such as CranioSacral Therapy, Lymph Drainage Therapy and Reiki and I am constantly combining those modalities with Shiatsu to create a unique and specific treatment for my clients. I have thought about teaching one of the modalities I practice and was thrilled to be asked to teach Shiatsu at the same school where I graduated. I know I have a different perspective around healing that I can bring to the curriculum and love sharing that with other practitioners (and soon to be practitioners).

Q : What do you love most about teaching?

I love watching the students’ process throughout their term. Everyone is always very apprehensive and unsure in the first few weeks of Shiatsu Foundation and as we go through the course, I love seeing the confidence grow within them. I also love watching the familial bond that develops from going through an academic course with a group of people. I feel very special and very honoured that I get to be a part of that journey with the students as they support and encourage each other thru the courses.

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