I started the Rolf Mentoring Program required by The Rolf Institute in Boulder, CO, where I need to rolf a client by following a structured protocol of 10 sessions, all under the careful supervision of Sara Soltau, an established Rolfer based in Santa Barbara. I asked the client to send me notes and comments about her experience throughout this process for each session to better understand her perspective and the effectiveness of the Rolfing technique. Here are her thoughtful comments about her Rolf knowledge before agreeing to volunteer: "I had heard of Rolfing for a number of years, but I did not know any details about the techniques or even the goals of the procedures. It always sounded very serious, and I even feared it might be painful; although I recall the Rolfing Institute website mentioned that the techniques are less painful than in previous years. I was intrigued by the idea that manipulating connective tissue could actually enhance flexibility, especially since I have struggled with a restricted range of motion in my left shoulder and right leg for many years. In fact, I was told by a doctor that I should just 'get used to it,' which was quite discouraging. However, after experiencing chair massages from Joachim during quilt retreats in Buellton three or four times a year for the past eight years, I began scheduling a full hour-long table massage the day before these retreats to prepare my body for the physical demands of the weekend. In June 2013, when Joachim emailed his clients asking if anyone would be interested in sessions of Rolfing with a mentor in Santa Barbara, I felt a spark of curiosity and excitement, which prompted me to volunteer for the program in hopes of finding a solution for my long-standing physical discomfort."
Exploring Rolfing: Advanced Mentorship with Sara Soltau
August 2nd, 2013 by Joachim Creten
I started the Rolf Mentoring Program required by The Rolf Institute in Boulder, CO, where I need to rolf a client by following a structured protocol of 10 sessions, all under the careful supervision of Sara Soltau, an established Rolfer based in Santa Barbara. I asked the client to send me notes and comments about her experience throughout this process for each session to better understand her perspective and the effectiveness of the Rolfing technique. Here are her thoughtful comments about her Rolf knowledge before agreeing to volunteer: “I had heard of Rolfing for a number of years, but I did not know any details about the techniques or even the goals of the procedures. It always sounded very serious, and I even feared it might be painful; although I recall the Rolfing Institute website mentioned that the techniques are less painful than in previous years. I was intrigued by the idea that manipulating connective tissue could actually enhance flexibility, especially since I have struggled with a restricted range of motion in my left shoulder and right leg for many years. In fact, I was told by a doctor that I should just ‘get used to it,’ which was quite discouraging. However, after experiencing chair massages from Joachim during quilt retreats in Buellton three or four times a year for the past eight years, I began scheduling a full hour-long table massage the day before these retreats to prepare my body for the physical demands of the weekend. In June 2013, when Joachim emailed his clients asking if anyone would be interested in sessions of Rolfing with a mentor in Santa Barbara, I felt a spark of curiosity and excitement, which prompted me to volunteer for the program in hopes of finding a solution for my long-standing physical discomfort.”