Classes and Programs
2012
Ebb & Flow Integration Therapy™
EFI Practitioner Program
EFI Breath Facilitator
EFI Breath Facilitator
EFI Birth Journey Facilitator Program
Star Doula & Massage Doula & Water Birth Doula
Prenatal Massage Certification
Oxygen Oil Heated Massage using O3 Skincare
(*Some program descriptions not yet included in this catalogue as of Jan. 2012)
Prenatal Massage Certification
Oxygen Oil Heated Massage using O3 Skincare
(*Some program descriptions not yet included in this catalogue as of Jan. 2012)
Star Institute
2900 W. Anderson Ln. C-200-125Prent
Austin, TX 78757,
(512) 420-0068
email: info@thestarinstitute.com
Copyright, 2012
Star Institute
Classes and Programs
Table of Contents
- Vision Statement
- Star Institute Office Information
- Affiliating with Star Institute
- Background of Rima Star and Star Institute
- What does Ebb & Flow, Ed. Symbolize?
- What is EFI Therapy™?
- What is the EFI Eight Series?
- How does one become certified in EFI Therapy™?
- What are the requirements for EFI Therapy™?
- What are the requirements for acceptance into classes and programs?
- Can you take classes and not be registered in a program?
- Are Continuing Education Credits available?
Ebb & Flow Integration Therapy™ Practitioner Program
· Classroom Trainings—Breath, Body, Birth, Land Aquatics, Ocean Aquatics, Certification
· Private Instruction
· Internship
· Certification
Ebb & Flow Integration Therapy™--Birth Journey Facilitator Certification Program
Additional Hours and Requirements
Ebb & Flow Integration Therapy™--Water Birth Facilitato/Doula Certification Program
Additional Hours and Requirements
Faculty and Staff
Schedule
See Current Star Institute Class Schedules Page on this site.
The Rima Star
Ebb & Flow Integration Therapy ™ Practitioner, Birth Journey & Water Birth Facilitator Program
Vision
“Birthing Peace On Earth” represents a vision for caring, gentle births where human beings start life with love, quality attention, and relaxed bonding. Such babies have a strong foundation for becoming the kind of children and adults that create a peaceful, honoring, and sustainable society. Star EFI Practitioners, Birth Journey and Water Birth Facilitators™ have an important role to play in bringing hope, help, and healing hands to birthing families and anyone who has been born. They help to facilitate and “make easier,” this important birth journey and use the principles of birth to facilitate the daily journey of living life creatively.
- Rima Star, Program Founder
Star Institute Office
The office is open by appointment. Call Star Institute to schedule an appointment for an interview, for more information about our programs, and a current schedule of free previews. The telephone number is (512)420-0068. Email: info@thestarinstitute.com
Affiliating with Star Institute
Contact the Star Institute Office for information regarding affiliating with us and representing our programs in your community or scheduling a training for your area.
Background
Rima Star founded the Star Institute in 2000, in Austin, Texas, as an integrative educational center for birth, healing and creative living. She began her massage career in holistic health in 1974 in Oregon and opened her Texas practice in 1976. She taught her first Swedish massage classes in 1977. From her experience with health and wellness modalities including yoga, Rolfing, Feldenkrais, and attending the California Lomi School, she employs approaches to humanistic and somatic psychology. This precipitated her awareness of the central integrative role of breath itself.
In 1977 she met Leonard Orr and became one of the first ten people in the world certified in the Rebirthing breathing process as both a practitioner and teacher. During this time she learned the effectiveness of working with people in the water as another element that supports ease in realizing greater health and wholeness.
During these years, Rima was able to heal from key personal events including the death of her son through drowning. Eventually, she recovered her desired to have children again and wanted to create as safe, loving, and conscious a matrix for pregnancy and birth as possible. Her explorations resulted in her being one of the first two women in the United States to give birth in water. The two women are friends who collaborated and birthed in the same week in 1980. Rima wrote about her personal story in The Healing Power of Birth, 1986. Her children, Mela, 1980, Orien 1984, and Hank, 1987, were birthed in the comfort and safety of warm water at home births attended by midwives.
In 2004 she was given an award as the “Mother of Water Birth in the United States,” at an international congress. She is a pioneer in water birth and birth consciousness and attended the inaugural meeting of the Pre and Perinatal Psychology and Health congress in Canada in 1983. She has trained in midwifery and labor assistance (with Mari Mikel Penn, RN, CPM), attended numerous MANA (Midwives Alliance of North America) meetings since 1980 and CIMS—Coalition to Improve Maternity Services meetings. She visited the former Soviet Union in 1988 to meet with women, who birthed their babies in the Black Sea and attended a water birth while she was there. She has attended several hundred births and facilitated thousands of couples, birth teams, and healthcare providers in preparing for birth. Her career includes over 30,000 hours of clinical work and teaching.
Ms. Star’s interests, and surprise at the numbers of parents who wanted to use water in the births of their children, caused her to feel that dolphin mammals could provide clues that might lead to insights helpful to birthing women and couples. In 1988 she was invited to go to Florida with someone who had worked with captive dolphins for many years. She spent time with a mother dolphin, her new baby and the dolphin who had been “midwife” for that birth. This launched an ongoing interchange that expanded to free dolphin pods and grew to offering and facilitating therapeutic trips for small groups of people in the Florida Keys.
She was also excited by the therapeutic benefits humans, in general, experienced from simply spending time near dolphins. In the 1990’s she began conducting therapy sessions in the ocean in the dolphin’s playground (or territory). She brought together her knowledge of the body, breath, and birth with the elements of nature and consciousness. The results of these sessions with people of all ages and walks of life, as well as over 1000 hours of personal time with the same pod of territorial free dolphins, led to the final development of the Ebb & Flow Integration Therapy™ system.
What does Ebb & Flow Education symbolize?
Ebb = Energy, Body, Breath
Flow= Finding Love, Opportunity & Wisdom
Ed.=Each Day
What is Ebb & Flow Integration Therapy™?
It is a system of holistic education that assists people in:
· Learning a form of centering and self-healing they can practice daily
· Improving their ability to shift patterns of stress BEFORE it becomes a challenge to their well-being
· Strengthening their ability to set intentions that are in alignment with the “blueprint” of their being
· Following through with the details of life that ARE within their abilities to accomplish
· Focusing their attention on releasing tension and balancing each part of their body and be better able to “feel” what they need to stay in balance
· Exploring the creative process of your life from conception through infancy for clues about how to live life more fully and joyfully in the present
· Creatively finding ways to include their new visions for their present and future ways of living
· Taking the time to more fully develop and listen to their connection with Spirit
· Finding ways to express and fulfill their unique gifts and talents as well as to appreciate and receive the talents and gifts of others
· Bringing this learning into their professional and community life
The spirit of the dolphins has woven its way into my heart and into the Ebb & Flow therapy system. If you would like to explore the “dolphin spirit” in your life and work, please join us.”
Rima Star
What is the EFI Eight Series?
A full series includes eight units of education and support with each unit consisting of a breath lesson combined with a table session and later, a water session. Each unit focuses on one of the eight energy centers of the body and the birth/creative journey stages, questions and qualities associated with that center. EFI Therapy™ offers the Birth Journey Series to people who are in the process of preparing for childbirth and the Creative Living Series for anyone who has been born and wants to explore their current creativity based on the principles from birth and bonding. Practitioners also offer individual or general sessions, and can customize a program based on the series of eight to meet the needs of individuals or couples.
How does someone become certified in EFI Therapy™?
The basic Practitioner Level 1-4 EFI trainings are each four days with follow-up homework, private instruction, and an internship. Level Five is a 5-day training in the Florida Keys with the ocean and the dolphin’s playground as our classroom. Level I Practitioner Training incorporates 225 hours of training and internship and is available in Austin, TX. Sections of the training are available in Madison, WI, Boulder, CO, and elsewhere by arrangement. The Birth Journey Facilitator Certification requires an additional 33 hours of training and the Water Birth Facilitator Certification requires an additional 17 hours of training (beyond the Birth Journey Facilitator hours) for a total of 275. Star Institute considers previous education and experience in determining each person’s exact curriculum. The trainings highlight: breath, body, birth, land aquatics, ocean aquatics, private instruction, internship & certification.
What are the requirements for acceptance into individual classes and programs?
The Star Institute classes and programs are intended for a variety of healthcare professionals and interested non-professionals. Acceptance is based on the application, interview and availability of space in the trainings. Licensed professionals will be asked to sign a statement they will be using what they learn in the Star Institute programs in accordance with their professional licensing and standards of ethics for their profession.
Can people take one or two classes or trainings and not be registered in a program?
Yes, with approval from Star Institute. Day one of the four-day breath, body and birth journey trainings is open as an introductory day for interested individuals. Individuals may also attend a complete four-day training, in one of the first three trainings, or the two-day Water Birth Facilitator training. The fourth training, aquatic EFI, is only open to people who have completed at least one of the previous four day trainings.
Are continuing education credits available?
Continuing education credits are available for Texas licensed massage therapists. Other professions may accept Star Institute courses for credit, if professionals apply to their associations and specific conditions are met. Star Institute plans to explore applying as CE Providers for other professions and is open to input on this subject.
Ebb & Flow Integration Therapy™ Practitioner Program-- 225 Hours
Classroom = 168 hours
Private Instruction = 10 hours
Internship = 32 hours
Certification = 15 hours Total Hours = 225
Classroom Trainings
1. EFI Therapy™--Breath 4-day training
Class will cover an overview of the use of conscious breathing for health and wellness. Eight basic breath lessons including breath pattern, birth/creative journey stage, healed message, energy/body center, color, movement, guided visualization. Students will practice teaching individual lessons as well as general sessions incorporating all lessons together. Students will be instructing, self-guiding and working with a partner.
2. EFI Therapy™--Body 4-day training
Class will cover an overview of approaches integrating an awareness and use of breath with the body. The eight basic breath lessons will be applied to the body. Breath and body will work together to facilitate opening and balance in each of eight areas. Learning to deepen intuition, “read” energy and fluid flows, and respond to and use color to clear and strengthen the body will be emphasized. Students will learn to observe the body and relate to the birth journey cycle in their assessments.
3. EFI Therapy™--Birth Journey 4-day training
Class will cover an overview of approaches integrating an awareness of the birth journey process to physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and relational health and balance. Each of eight stages will be explored: preconception, three trimesters of pregnancy, stages of labor, birthing, immediate post-natal bonding, bonding up to 3 months’ infancy, post-partum recovery, and the new family. We will look at the “messages” of health and balance that are available in each stage and ways to nurture and express those messages appropriately through language, affirmations and imagery. Experiential partner sessions centered around participants own birth stories are included.
4. EFI Therapy™--Land Aquatics 4-day training
Class will cover an overview of the use of water in facilitating therapeutic sessions. In the EFI Therapy™ process, aquatic sessions are used in particular as part of the envisioning process, where the client intends to call forth the balance, health and wholeness they desire in regard to each of the eight stages of the birth/creative journey process. Class will include preparation, equipment, and techniques. Experiential sessions are centered around each participants envisioning process for their birth experiences.
5. EFI Therapy™--Ocean Aquatics 5-day training
An overview of ocean aquatic sessions and possible interactions with free dolphins will be discussed. The training is held in Key West, Florida, and includes two full days on and in the water integrated with three land days. This training uses our connection with nature to further explore our spiritual journey and how that can relate to facilitating health, balance, manifestation of life purpose, hopes and dreams. The training includes giving and receiving aquatic sessions, meditations and visualizations with an awareness of the diversity of nature and opportunity for spiritual connection represented in the keys.
6. EFI Therapy™--Certification 2-day training
Upon successful completion of classroom, homework, and internship hours, candidates for certification will attend the certification training. Summary and presentation of work will be shared as well as a peer review and support process. Day two will support certified practitioners in manifesting their vision for taking this work further into their lives and communities. Gratitude and appreciations will complete the day.
Private Instruction
During the course of the program, participants will complete ten hours of private instruction in the form of five two-hour EFI sessions with a Certified Practitioner. During those sessions they will explore the eight stages of the birth journey process in their own lives and how that relates to their creative process as adults. Notes and summaries of each session will be submitted by the participants as well as the instructor/practitioner.
Internship
During the course of the program, participants will facilitate one person through eight two hour sessions, exploring the stages of the birth/creative journey. They will also facilitate this same person through four aquatic sessions. Practitioner notes and client evaluations of each session will be kept. In addition, the practitioner candidate will facilitate four general sessions each with a different person. Practitioner notes and client evaluations will be kept.
Certification
Upon completion of classroom hours, private instruction, internship and required completed documents, Certification Certificates will be awarded and transcripts of course work given. An annual filing of an activity report with EFI Therapy™ is required to maintain active status, including official directory listings and referrals. A reasonable administrative fee will be assessed each year.
EFI—Birth Journey Facilitator Certification Program
Additional Hours:
Water Birth Training = 16 hours
Attend a Water Birth = 14 hours
Review Process = 3 hours
Total Hours = 33_____ Total Program Hours = 258
The requirements are the same as for EFI Practitioner with these additions:
1. The participant will facilitate the EFI Therapy™ birth journey series with the same prenatal client.
2. The participant will complete the two-day Water Birth Facilitator training and the requirements of that training.
3. The participant will attend a water birth since their entry into the Star Institute Birth Journey Facilitator program.
4. Complete all assignments and submit notes, evaluations, and paperwork.
5. Complete a review process with the program director and other participants who are ready for graduation.
EFI—Water Birth Facilitator Certification Program
Additional Hours:
Attend an additional water birth = 14 hours
Review Process = 3 hours (may coincide with BJFT review)
Total Hours = 17 hours Total Program Hours = 275
The requirements are the same as for the EFI Practitioner and Birth Journey Facilitator Programs with these additions:
1. The participant will attend an additional water birth and submit notes, evaluations, and summary of that experience.
2. The participant will complete a review process with the program director and other participants in the program who are ready for graduation.
Faculty and Staff
Rima Star, MA, LMT, CE Provider, founder, director and senior teacher
Ms. Star has a Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Lutheran University, a Master's Degree from the University of Houston in Sociology and Political Science and continuing studies in educational counseling. She has worked in government, education, business and private practice. She continues to study and experience a wide variety of integrative holistic modalities. She is the author of The Healing Power of Birth (1986), The Wisdom of Water Birth (in publication), Water Birth video (1985), In the Heart of the Wave-Dolphin Adventure Retreat (2006) DVD, and Ebb and Flow—Color Breathing Meditation CD (in production).
I am delighted to share the classes and programs of Star Institute with all who want to explore and expand their consciousness and ability to serve others through the "miracle" of birth. I am especially excited to provide and be part of the learning environment that we create together. Birthing peace on earth is my heart's desire.
I am delighted to share the classes and programs of Star Institute with all who want to explore and expand their consciousness and ability to serve others through the "miracle" of birth. I am especially excited to provide and be part of the learning environment that we create together. Birthing peace on earth is my heart's desire.
Mela, Rima, Orien & Hank Star, Colorado, July, 2011
Luna Wood, LMT, CE Provider, NCBTMB-- EFI Therapy™ Practitioner, Birth Journey and Water Birth Facilitator
Luna Wood has sixteen years’ experience applying therapeutic massage to the very special transition of pregnancy and childbirth. In addition to her Ebb & Flow Integration and Birth Journey Facilitator work, she is a certified pregnancy massage therapist, breastfeeding educator and Doula. Luna is the founder of Vida Luna private doula and birth facilitator practice provides a number of services to expectant families. She has informed and educated numerous family members in the area of pregnancy and birth support, massage for labor and infant massage and has attended over 500 births. She has been a teacher in the massage and birth programs of Star Institute since 2002. She is a teaching assistant and internship supervisor for the program.
“I understand and respect all aspects of the birth process. I am committed to providing an educational environment where students feel empowered to support expectant parents with the ability to create the best possible outcome for their birth experience.”
Luna and Niko, age 11, Austin, July, 2011
Cyndi Lestina, EFI Therapy™ Practitioner, Birth Journey and Water Birth Facilitator, health practitioner
Cyndi Lestina is a graduate of the Star Ebb & Flow Integration Therapy, Birth Journey and Water Birth Facilitator programs since 2003. She has assisted in teaching three additional programs. She brings her experience in energy healing, herbs, crystal bowl sound healing and more to her work as an educator. She has a private Birth Journey Facilitator, doula and health practice in Austin. She will be a teaching assistant in the programs and coordinator of private instruction sessions for participants.
“One of the main benefits from my training as a EFI practitioner and birth journey facilitator is the ability I gained to facilitate myself into a more integrated human being. The work that I do on myself and my soul is reflected in my practice and world around me. The program gave me tools for a peaceful life that I am able to share with pregnant women and their families.”
Cyndi helping Rima Celebrate at her June, 2011, Birthday
Negeen Sani Mosley, LMT, EFI Therapy™ Practitioner, Birth Journey and Water Birth Facilitator
Negeen Mosley, is a graduate of UT Austin and of the Star Institute Massage Therapy program as well as EFI and Birth Journey Facilitator Programs. She used water in the birth of her first child, Silas, in October, 2010. She has assisted and facilitated several births and provides prenatal facilitation and pregnancy massage at her South Congress Massage office. She will be assisting in the classes and programs of Star Institute.
Negeen and dolphin friend--prior to the birth of her child Silas!
(No--that's not Silas. We will get a picture of Silas soon!)
Negeen Mosley, is a graduate of UT Austin and of the Star Institute Massage Therapy program as well as EFI and Birth Journey Facilitator Programs. She used water in the birth of her first child, Silas, in October, 2010. She has assisted and facilitated several births and provides prenatal facilitation and pregnancy massage at her South Congress Massage office. She will be assisting in the classes and programs of Star Institute.
"Having experienced birth as both a Birth Facilitator and a mother, I can honestly say that conscious preparation, including exploring both parent's birth stories, makes pregnancy, labor and birth a truly joyful, fulfilling experience. I witness first hand, every day, the benefits my son has received from being birthed through this kind consciousness preparation. Our whole family benefits!"
Negeen and dolphin friend--prior to the birth of her child Silas!
(No--that's not Silas. We will get a picture of Silas soon!)
