IPSB - School of Integrative Psycho-Structural Bodywork — Local services in Santa Monica

Dear IPSB Students,

I hope this message finds you all in the best of health and spirits. I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the absolutely incredible massage experience I had the privilege of receiving at IPSB massage school recently. The skillful touch and soothing presence of each student left a lasting impression on my senses, creating a beautiful symphony of pure bliss.

From the moment I laid down on the massage table, a sense of tranquility washed over me. Your mindful approach and genuine care were evident as you took the time to check in with me before and after the massage, making sure to understand my physical, mental, and spiritual state. I remember the gentle vibrations of a tool used over various parts of my body and head, creating a soothing melody. Your hands, at times, simply rested on different areas, like my lower back, before performing slow, comforting movements that seemed to gently cradle my spine and brainstem. While the details may be a bit hazy, the overall experience was profoundly calming and nurturing.

Throughout the massage, even in the absence of words, I felt completely safe, seen, and heard. Your thoughtful check-ins during the session reassured me of your commitment to my comfort and well-being.

Although I was in good physical health when I arrived for the massage, the impact of your touch went beyond the physical realm. I felt deeply understood and cared for, bringing an immense sense of peace and serenity to my entire being. Your healing presence and intuitive approach created a space where I could truly let go and find solace.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude not only for your exceptional expertise and remarkable ability to address severe mental afflictions, but also for the genuine care and compassion you bring to your vocation. Your ability to create an atmosphere of tranquility and nurture surpasses all expectations. Your healing touch reaches far beyond the boundaries of the physical and the mental, delving into the depths of the soul.

I wholeheartedly recommend that others seek out the exceptional skills and compassionate care offered by IPSB students. Even though you may not be regularly at IPSB, our paths crossed during a continuing education class, amidst the enchanting hills of Topanga, and I am grateful for that serendipitous encounter. If appropriate, I encourage readers to reach out to IPSB students directly for more information about their own businesses.

Once again, dear students, I offer my sincerest gratitude for your unparalleled expertise and the genuine compassion you bring to your noble profession. I consider myself immeasurably blessed to have experienced your healing touch and to have you as an integral part of my personal journey towards wellness.

With utmost admiration and profound...

I’m a current student at IPSB and it has been the best time of my life so far. I made the decision to become a massage therapist after becoming completely burned out in a corporate career and wanted to finally work for myself, set my own hours, and work in an environment where I could prioritize health, balance, and boundaries.

I knew that if I was going to go back to school, I wanted to go to the best one. I did a lot of research on which schools in the Los Angeles area produced students who were not only hireable, but experts in what I wanted to do. I was essentially looking for the ivy league of massage schools.

I found IPSB on a Reddit thread, of all places. Someone wrote: “if you want to work with celebrities, you need to go to IPSB.” Not that that’s the most important thing, but I figured that celebrities tend to hire the best of the best. And if IPSB was producing the best of the best, that’s where I wanted to be. Once IPSB was on my radar, I found SO many more accounts of business owners and alumni who said so many wonderful things.

When I started school at IPSB, my life changed drastically. The first class you take as a student is Foundations, where you get an overview of anatomy and basic strokes. But the class, and the staff, became my second family. At every step and in every class, I was welcomed with open arms. Some of the very best people in my life I’ve met at IPSB.

Self-care is the first and foremost tenet of IPSB’s curriculum- you can’t help others if you’re not taking time to help yourself. In all of our early classes, we learn Tai Chi so we can incorporate it into our movements, thus taking the pressure off of our hands and wrists. In most classes, you receive bodywork and there’s always some kind of meditation, body check-in, or other type of self-care ritual to make sure we’re feeling our best. Massage therapy should NOT be backbreaking work, and at IPSB you learn how to do this without ever getting injured or feeling pain. Some of our instructors are in their 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s- and when I tell you these people are as bouncy and active as my 29 year-old self (if not more), I’m not joking. And these people have been giving massages for DECADES.

Now that I’m getting ready to graduate, I’m back in career-building mode. I plan to practice massage solo, and as part of a collective started with other friends from IPSB who are about to graduate. I already have a solid clientele lined up, and couldn’t be more excited for this next journey. But I’m going to keep taking classes at IPSB for as long as I can, because this place is magical, and...

Attending the 9-month intensive program at this massage school was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the very first day, I felt welcomed into a community that was both supportive and inspiring. The program was fast-paced in the best way—every week brought something new, exciting, and deeply engaging.

The instructors were passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about helping each of us grow, both as massage therapists and as people. They made complex techniques approachable, while also encouraging us to push ourselves and discover our own unique strengths. I loved how every class was hands-on and interactive, which kept the learning process fun and always interesting.

What stood out the most was the balance of structure and creativity—there was a clear path of learning, but also room for us to explore, connect, and truly enjoy the journey. The school created such a wholesome environment where friendships blossomed, laughter was always around the corner, and every day felt like a step closer to the future I was excited about.

One of the most unique and valuable parts of the program was how they incorporated Tai Chi into our training. Learning to move with flow, balance, and intention completely transformed the way I approach body mechanics. It not only gave me the tools to protect my own body and prevent injury, but it also taught me how to bring more presence, ease, and grace into every session. Beyond the classroom, I found that practicing Tai Chi enriched my daily life—it has grounded me, helped me manage stress, and gave me a deeper connection to myself. This practice has been a gift both professionally and personally, and it continues to shape me as a practitioner and as a person.

Looking back, I can honestly say I loved everything about this experience. It gave me not just the skills I need for my career, but also memories, confidence, and a feeling of joy that will stay with me...