Brian Tierney, LMT – Biography
Brian did much of his formal training at Heartwood Institute in California, where he lived for 3 years. He is a Licensed Massage Therapist, former Yoga Instructor and a psychotherapist in training.
As a Massage Therapist, Brian brings his own subtle experiential understanding of the body to the table. He surrounded himself with many forms of massage and bodywork since his first certification in 1999 and over the years he has seen his practice crystallize into 3 powerful modalities that he loves.
Visionary Craniosacral work has always been a base-note to his work, providing a soothing effect to over-stimulated or traumatized nerves- this approach to the nervous system complements another approach that Brian uses: the Rolf Method of Structural Integration.
Craniosacral work softens the intensity and increases the effectiveness of the Rolf Method, which is a series of ten sessions that are designed to systematically produce dynamic freedom in the body as a whole- Brian has seen this powerful process produce miracles in his clients as barriers to physical and psychological development are surpassed.
Thai Massage, often nicknamed “the lazy person’s Yoga”, is another one of Brian’s favorites as he can give his clients a powerfully relaxing and invigorating experience that comes from his own practice and passion for Yoga.
Brian lives in California and is currently enrolled in ongoing continuing education in the fields of psychology, embryology and bodywork that keep him at the cutting edge of his profession. Brian continues to develop his own unique body-centered approach to multi systemic therapy where he can integrate all of his modalities, both on and off the table as he proceeds toward getting his PhD in Somatic Psychology at Meridian University in Petaluma.
Brian’s educational and chronological background in the healing arts:
MADISON, WI USA
Completed first hands-on Reiki workshops in 1998 and several classes in Traditional Chinese Medicine shortly before completing his undergraduate degree in marketing. Studied Pilates “Contrology” for several years and began Yogic training in 1998.
HEARTWOOD INSTITUTE- Garberville, CA USA
Attended over 800 hours of training from 2000-2003 in Massage Therapy and adjunct knowledge. Modalities included Swedish Massage, Breema Bodywork, Craniosacral Therapy, Reiki, Zen Shiatsu Acupressure, Thai Massage, Deep Tissue, Polarity Therapy, Transformational Breathwork, Hypnotherapy and Body-Mind integration.
Brian taught Yoga, Core Strengthening and Breema Bodywork at Heartwood for 2 years.
WHITE LOTUS FOUNDATION- Santa Barbara, CA
Became a formally certified Yoga Instructor, June 2003
CENTER FOR HYPNOTHERAPY- Oakland, CA
Certified Hypnotherapist, March 2003
RELATIONAL YOGA MANDIRAM- Colorado Springs, CO
Certified Kriya moderator, pranayama instructor and transformational breathing educator, August 2003
Brian also trained heavily in Kung Fu and Pa Kua at the Relational Yoga Mandiram
HARBIN HOT SPRINGS- Middletown, CA
Internship in Watsu (aquatic massage) and Craniosacral Therapy. Taught Yoga, Transformational Breathwork and Martial Arts. February 2004
THE MILNE INSTITUTE- Big Sur, CA
Completed 4 levels of advanced Visionary Craniosacral Work. April 2005
INSTITUTE FOR STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION-Miami, FL
Certified Advanced Connective Tissue Massage Therapist, June 2006.
Certified in the Rolf method of Structural Integration: (2 year program) graduated in July 2007
TRANSFORMATIONAL DANCE- Bad Sulza, Germany
Certified Transformational dance educator, July 2007
THE UPLEDGER INSTITUTE- St. Petersburg, FL
Certified in the application of Feldenkrais Methodology in the Craniosacral Arts, March 2008
PSYCHOSYNTHESIS INSTITUTE OF NEW ZEALAND, Auckland NZ
Completed foundation course in psychotherapy training, November 2009.
MICHEAL SHEA, DEEP HEALING FOR THE EMBRYO, INFANT & ADULT, Auckland NZ
Advanced training in fluid body respiration, embryology and applied clinical biodynamic craniosacral touch. Feb. 2010
AUCKLAND CENTRE FOR PSYCHODRAMA TRAINING, Auckland NZ
Completed training in the Psychodrama method including Sociometry and Social Atom repair.
Some of Brian’s hobbies include:
Authentic Movement/Dance, Yoga, Kayaking, SCUBA diving, Martial Arts (Afro-Brazilian and Chinese), Co-Counseling, psychodrama, Poetry, Soaking in hot springs, Somatic Psychology, Men’s Work, Hiking and World Travel.