Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the current travel advisory.
Learn More.

Learn more.

Due to road closures along Highway 1 to our north and south, Esalen is closed through April 11.
Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the current travel advisory.
past workshop

Esalen® Massage Teacher Training: Module I

February 8 – March 7, 2025

Robin Fann-Costanzo, Ellen Watson and Dean Marson

Embark on a transformative journey with the Esalen® Massage Teacher Training program, designed to empower you with the skills and knowledge to become an effective introductory-level teacher of Esalen® Massage.

This immersive training for certified Esalen practitioners launches with a month-long training at Esalen Institute, followed by a two-week module at Mimpi Menjangan in Bali (October 08-25, 2025).

  • Modules I: Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA
  • Module II: Mimpi Menjangan, Bali

Senior teachers will cultivate a sense of embodied presence in the classroom and guide you in this experiential mode of instruction.

Highlights include how to organize a training, different learning methods for different learning styles, truly great massage demonstrations, group dynamics, and the joys of sharing this healing work with a global community. You will be supported between modules by experienced mentors who will guide you through your homework and each stage of your development, ensuring that you are well-prepared to inspire and educate future practitioners.

Important Notes:

  • This course is presented by the Esalen Massage and Bodywork Association (NCBTMB #283720-00) for the personal development of its members. It is not under the auspices of the massage school, nor is it vocational training.
  • While the overall course consists of two modules, the prices and information here pertain to Module 1 at Esalen Institute.
  • Upon satisfactory completion of Module 1 and the assigned homework, you will be invited to apply for Module II, which will be held in Bali, Indonesia, on October 8-25, 2025.
  • For Module II in Bali, room and board is $4,950 and up. All payments for Module II will be submitted here.
  • Satisfactory completion of both modules and all homework is required in order to become an Esalen® Massage teacher.
  • An additional $450 mentor fee will be paid directly to instructors in Module I.

You may apply to this program if:

  • You are certified in Esalen® Massage.
  • Have an active practice of minimum 2 years and have given 300 or more massages.
  • Have a referral from an Esalen Massage teacher.

Recommended Reading:

  • Hostage at the Table by George Kohlreiser  (required)
  • The Educated Heart by Nina McIntosh (required)
  • The Art of Receiving and Giving: The Wheel of Consent by Betty Martin (required)
  • Teaching Massage: Foundation Principles in Adult Education for Massage Program Instructors by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (required)
  • Designing & Leading Life-Changing Workshops: Creating the Conditions for Transformation in Your Groups, Trainings, and Retreats by Ken Nelson et al.
  • What it takes to Heal by Prentis Hemphill

Robin Fann-Costanzo

Robin Fann Costanzo is a senior instructor who uses her background in dance and yoga to inform her practice. Robin specializes in trauma resolution and applies that to her practice.

Full Bio

Ellen Watson

Ellen Watson fell in love with breath when she first arrived at Esalen in the 1980s. During the ensuing years, studying breath became a focus in all her pursuits. In addition to enhancing self-awareness, breath informs all the practices Ellen teaches at Esalen today. Among these practices are Esalen Massage & Bodywork, 5Rhythms®, Touching Essence, and the Vibrance Collective Practices.

Full Bio

Dean Marson

Dean Marson is a Senior Esalen® Massage instructor whose approach to bodywork embraces elements of movement, awareness practices and conscious connection. He is an experienced yoga teacher and meditator who inspires the rediscovery of the pleasure and potential of healing touch.

Full Bio