ISMETA: International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association

Information

About this organization:

The International Somatic Movement Education & Therapy Association (ISMETA) promotes a high level of standards and professionalism in the field of somatic movement education and therapy through advocacy and maintaining a registry of professional practitioners.

ISMETA is committed to:

• Establishing a forum for the common goals of our individual members and member organizations;
• Developing and upholding standards of excellence in education, training, and practice;
• Increasing professional and public awareness of the techniques, methods, goals, and benefits of the practices of somatic movement education and therapy;
• Encouraging the integration of somatic movement education and therapy into the fields of health and human services, the performing arts, wellness education, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM);
• Representing ISMETA registered practitioners in professional, governmental, political, legal and other arenas;
• Protecting ISMETA registered members' right to practice;
• Promoting and supporting research in the field and the dissemination of results in professional publications and meetings

ISMETA’s purpose is to grow the emerging field of somatic movement education and therapy.  We ensure that training programs uphold high standards of education and practice, and maintain a professional registry of their graduates.  We are committed to building the community of somatic movement practitioners worldwide and advocating for the profession in legal and governmental arenas.  We work to educate the general public about our work and help our colleagues in complementary and alternative medicine, human services, and the performing arts understand its benefits.

Registered somatic movement practitioners (link to Find a Practitioner page) have completed extensive training in ISMETA approved programs. They use knowledge of anatomy with combinations of movement, sound, breath, touch and imagery to deepen clients’ understanding of themselves in movement. Somatic movement practitioners work with the body but acknowledge that movement affects the dimensions of psyche and spirit as well. As a result, their work facilitates improved vitality and performance, expanded creative expression and integrated personal transformation in clients’ daily lives.

What is good health?

Questions patients should ask when evaluating a health practitioner:

Disciplines:

Alexander Technique, Body-Mind Centering®, Rolfing, Somatic Movement