Mastering The Method

The strategies and structures of lessons that work

Studying the standards and masterpieces is a time honored path to developing mastery. In the lexicon of Functional Integration (FI) lessons, there are classic structures and strategies that are so consistently effective, so remarkably reliable, that we count on them to facilitate learning.

In each module of the MASTERING THE METHOD advanced training series, Larry Goldfarb, CFT, Ph.D. offers a multi-dimensional map of one such archetypal lesson plan. In a careful and complete manner, this workshop offers all you need in order to add this lesson plan to your personal repertoire.

MASTERING THE METHOD offers you the opportunity to:

• Become skilled at new hands-on techniques while refining familiar ones.
• Understand the how & why of each step in the lesson choreography.
• Take better care of yourself, improve your self-use, and refine "the touch that teaches."
• Uncover and utilize the integrity of “the movement behind the lesson.”
• Adapt the lesson to the student, not vice-versa.
• Promote the transfer of learning into daily life.

This course goes beyond simply presenting a “formula.” Studying each classic template from the inside out reveals the art and science of Feldenkraisian pedagogy. Examining essential lessons from an advanced perspective provides the means to discover—and come to embody—the methodology that guided Moshe Feldenkrais in developing our work.

MASTERING THE METHOD begins with a series of Advanced Training modules about developing length and fostering dynamic upright skeletal support. Each module presents what could, in the wide repertoire of existing FI structures and strategies, be considered a standard: an unfailing, landmark lesson.

Modules 1, 2 & 3 - Developing Length And Support:

The first module presents an FI given in a side-lying position that fundamentally re-organizes the trunk and spine. Larry contextualizes the lesson for various situations ranging from rehabilitation to performance enhancement. When he introduces advanced skeletal and muscular techniques, Larry makes the underlying teaching tactics explicit. Most importantly, he guides you in integrating what you learn and applying it in your practice.

The second module introduces an FI that dramatically re-balances flexor-extensor tonus. Not only does Larry teach the necessary techniques—addressing the feet & ankles, hips & lumbar spine and head, neck & chest (with the student supine)—but more importantly, he discloses the logic of the lesson, revealing just how each step contributes to the learning process. Exploring how to take the lesson into life, you discover it's potential for noticeable change: making standing dramatically more comfortable, altering how someone walks and developing better balance.

The third module goes beyond the exploring extension prone, asking “How do we develop length when the student is lying on the belly?” By relying more on strategy than recipe, Larry demonstrates how a clear understanding of optimal action combines with sensory-based guidelines for a creative approach that is remarkably and reliably effective. You learn how to use this lesson to reframe common complaints in terms of habits, possibilities and choices.

Modules 4, 5 & 6 - Developing Dexterity And Strength:

In MASTERING THE METHOD, Modules 4, 5 & 6 Larry presents three unfailing landmark lessons that focus on developing dexterity and strength. Based on over 25 years of experience working with individuals in private practice and at work, Larry presents a practical, down-to-earth approach to assessing and addressing repetive strain, hand injuries, and arm and shoulder problems, as well as improving the abilities of athletes, musicians, dancers, and other high performance movers.

The lessons you will be learning in MASTERING THE METHOD, Modules 4 - 6 clarify the connection of arm to the center, demystify the mechanics of the shoulder girdle, address problems with the hands and arms, and improve both skillful actions and fine motor abilities.

In each module, Larry discloses the logic of a particular lesson, revealing just how each step contributes to the learning process. Since these lessons directly address the underlying coordination necessary for giving FI's, this series is also an excellent way to improve your self-use, efficacy, and comfort in working hands-on.

Modules 7, 8 & 9 - Balance And Coordination:

In the third cycle of MASTERING THE METHOD, Larry teaches three more unique, and incredibly reliable, FI compositions that are designed to improve balance and coordination.

The lessons you will be learning in Modules 7, 8 & 9 will teach you to

• Recognize the habits that limit poise and interfere with equilibrium
• Discover how to activate and refine sensory acuity
• Refine hands-on abilities by learning advanced manual skills such as "conversing with the head and neck as well as the foot, ankle, and leg.

The way Larry sequences the learning makes it possible for each participant to learn—no matter their level.

In each module he starts by setting the pre-lesson framework, moves step-by-step through each hands-on technique and teaching tactic, and finishes with how to facilitate learning after the lesson.

Larry teaches each technique by showing where to place the hands, explains why we put our hands there (in terms of biomechanics and sensory dynamics), and reveals how best to move the rest of yourself. Combined with carefully selected ATM lessons, this approach develops both an uncanny conceptual understanding and a profoundly felt appreciation for how each step contributes to the effectiveness of the lesson.

In all modules of MASTERING THE METHOD, Larry is actively engaged in making it possible for participants to learn from and with each other. For instance, after demonstrating an FI vignette, he might visit each small group to give the teacher on the table a sense of how the technique feels. The person on the table is then able to give more precise and useful feedback. Because he interacts with and tracks everyone in the course, each participant receives Larry's individual attention and personal coaching.

TESTIMONIALS

"When I went home after MASTERING THE METHOD, all the techniques I learned were second nature. I was so surprised that the whole lesson was just there: I could do what you showed us without ever having to look at my notes."
Sabine Böller-Schleiff
Rendsburg, Germany

"This was the most effective Feldenkrais teaching that I've ever experienced. For years I felt sure that it
could all be shown more simply and explained more clearly and you have proved to me that that is so." Feldenkrais Practitioner, USA

"One question that has plagued me ever since my basic training is WHY am I doing this? WHY could I want this person to bend better, or lengthen his neck? Why does this make more sense than that, or why this order and not that order? The answers to those questions are part "do-lots-of-ATM's-yourself", part "experience" and so on, but wow, it sure does help when someone takes the time to explain one FI in a way that gives you a sense of what's actually going on! Understanding better how one lesson fits togther gives you a way to achieve results by design and not by default."
Kathryn Hume-Cook
Hamburg, Germany 

Please see our Calendar for the dates, times and locations that MASTERING THE METHOD is offered:

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