From the Co-directors:

(Written April 2008) The 25th anniversary of the founding of the Body Therapy Institute gives us an opportunity to reflect upon the journey thus far -- and to take a look at our future. Although the school's physical location has grown from a 700 square foot office space in Chapel Hill to our beautiful 150-acre campus in Chatham County, our commitment has remained the same: to offer Learning that Changes Lives. This is not just a slogan; it embodies our mission to provide opportunities for transformational experiences that happen both in the classroom, and wherever people take their new-found knowledge, skills and awareness to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

GRATITUDE

First and foremost, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the students we’ve had the pleasure of serving. This includes those who have taken our introductory massage classes and Massage Therapy Diploma Programs, as well as the thousands of healing arts professionals who have attended our continuing education workshops and advanced trainings. It has truly been our honor and privilege to be a part of your life journeys.

Over these years, we have also had the good fortune of working with a stellar group of women and men who have helped us carry out this mission on a daily basis. Our staff and faculty members at BTI have brought an amazing level of dedication, depth, humor and competence to their tasks. We are proud to call them our colleagues. Since we’re in the business of career training, we also want to express our great appreciation to those who employ our graduates, along with everyone who sees them as massage therapy clients.

OUT STANDING IN OUR FIELD

While we’re more likely to be found on a walk around the meadow here at South Wind Farm, we keep a close eye on what is happening in the larger field of massage, bodywork and somatic therapies. In 1983, BTI was the first school in the Carolinas to offer professional massage therapy training. Today, we’re one of 40 such schools in this state and approximately 1600 nationwide.

On one hand, we are thrilled to see how much this field has grown. Massage has certainly become mainstream, as there are currently 250 million hands-on sessions given every year. That’s a lot of touch! On the other hand, we are concerned that this rapid expansion has actually resulted in a dilution in the overall quality of care provided to the public. Our answer is to redouble efforts to provide the best possible education to our students, and to support them as they carry this valuable work into their communities.

BTI has earned a reputation for being one of the finest massage schools in the country. It didn’t happen overnight, and it hasn’t always been easy. Folks have asked us if there’s a secret formula for this success. Here’s what it is: We choose quality over quantity. We have mature, capable and expertly-trained instructors. We have a strong curriculum that integrates ancient wisdom with state-of-the-art learning theory and methods. And most of all, we love our work and those we get to work with. This is an endeavor we will continue to pursue with great joy.

SANCTUARY

Our country campus is more than just an attractive setting. We consciously offer it as a place for our students and guests to experience the healing and nurturance that comes from being in direct contact with nature. As everyday life becomes more busy, stressful and crowded, we will provide a sanctuary of beauty and tranquility -- for humans, animals and plants alike.

COMMUNITY

Since it’s inception, BTI has played an active role in conveying the “message about massage”. Our students have given countless people their first massage therapy experience, and we reach out to different populations in need through our community service programs. We will continue this important work, as we partner with a variety of institutions to increase the opportunities for our students and graduates to provide the many benefits of touch for healing in our world.

We look forward to many more years of sharing this grand adventure with you!