Letter from the Board President Mary Abrams

08/12/07


What a true pleasure to launch our new ISMETA website, and move forward on our board’s goal to better serve ISMETA membership!  The new site is easier to navigate, and provides more information to the general public about what somatic movement education and therapy are, how people can benefit from this amazing work, and where to find accessible professionals registered by ISMETA.  Kudos to Megan Reisel and James Thompson on their expert collaboration, which resulted in the site’s dynamic, enticing, and accessible design.


During 2007 the board developed a more clear understanding of what the administrative needs of the organization are, and successfully transitioned to our new Administrative Director, Anneliese Mordhurst. Anneliese joined the organization in June and officially took over the Director’s position in August 2007.  We are delighted to have her keen interest and understanding of somatic movement working for us in the office. The office is now located in Holyoke, Massachusetts.


Thanks to board member Megan Reisel and Anneliese our online ENEWS newsletter remains a steady monthly resource for member news and events, and updates on the organization.


Board members continue diligent committee work:

  • The Application Review Committee approved one new training program this year, with two more applications in process, and finalized several new individual applications.  Each application can take hours of attention and exchange between committee members and applicants.
  • We meet twice yearly with representatives from our Member Organizations.  Discussions this past year have included – How do somatic movement therapy and psychotherapy differ?  How does somatic movement education and therapy differ from dance therapy?  We are grateful to Katrina Hawley for chairing this committee work and to all the Member Organization representatives who give their time, energy, and expertise to these meetings.
  • Megan Reisel and I attended the annual meeting of the Federation of Therapeutic Massage, Bodywork, and Somatic Practice Organizations in Boulder, CO.  I continue to serve as ISMETA’s representative to the Joint Government Regulations Committee of this Federation.  We meet via conference call every 4-6 weeks to discuss legislative activities around the country that affect the freedom of somatic movement educators and therapists to practice legally.  Massage legislation has been active in many states in the USAduring 2006-2007 calling ISMETA and many local members to participate more than ever in preserving our freedoms of professional practice.

The ISMETA board of directors continues to set new goals in the effort of serving ISMETA’s mission.  Our current goals include:

  • Board Development -- increasing the number of board members by the end of 2007
  • Organizing a 20th anniversary celebration of ISMETA in New York City in the fall of 2008
  • Developing more regional networking events;
  • Continuing to research support for international members insurance needs and information on governmental regulations of the profession;
  • And the continued quest for more ways to educate the general public and legislative representatives about the amazing benefits Somatic Movement professionals bring to our communities and world.

Research and education are hot topics these days in many institutional and non-institutional environments. Former board president, Ellen Barlow represented ISMETA, in June 2007 attending a stakeholder dialogue sponsored by the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) a program of the National Institute of Health.  NCCAM is inquiring into what complimentary and alternative medical professions need to facilitate serious clinical research.  Along this line, the US Trager® Association is currently looking into creating its own foundation for research and education related to The Trager® Approach.  ISMETA board members invite you to think about what would support you and/or the training program you represent to engage in documentation and research?  What kind of foundation do you envision would support further discoveries in somatic movement education and therapy practices?


Become more involved with ISMETA!

Help us fulfill our goals, and help support and protect freedom of movement.  We would love to hear from you and hear your ideas for ISMETA.  Any way you would like to get involved to develop this unique organization is welcome. Please contact me or any of the other board members through the ISMETA office.  We will be glad to speak with you and create more movement together.   


Sincerely,
Mary Abrams
RSME

 

Mary Abrams
Moving Body Resources
112 West 27th Street, Ste. 400
New York, NY  10001
212-206-7542
www.movingbodyresources.com