Santa Barbara Body Therapy Institute

I couldn’t have hoped for a better foundation in massage training. I attended in 2005. It wasn’t until I met other therapists that I realized how lucky I was to have such a unique and nurturing experience: small classes, unique and amazing instructors, the very body centered and grounding environment, the retreat weekend. It goes on and on. This curriculum took me out of my head and into my body, which is a profound adjustment for most people. We were challenged on our need for books and notes and made to focus on watching, feeling, and internalizing. We sat on the floor. We learned by doing. The principles of massage are simple and need repeating, and I can still hear in my head the isms of John, God rest his soul, so many years later. Katie helped expose and improve our lifestyle habits, helping the connection using qi gong exercises and meditations, and was a wealth of knowledge for many health conditions. John instilled confidence and kept the practice down to earth, had the perfect combination of super support and tough love. I will never forget it. I did only the first level of training and would have loved to spend more time at SBBTI, but even so, I remember this massage by heart and feel totally confident from my core as a bodyworker to practice any modality, thanks to this school.

As a graduate of SBBTI in 1994, I can say that the education and training I received was excellent. I landed 2 jobs with 2 of the best places to work in Ojai and Santa Barbara at the time, right out of school, and I am sure it was from BTI’s good reputation and training. As a current «customer», meaning, I receive massages from students quite often, it is apparent that the school has only gotten better with time. The students always seem to have great attitudes, approaches to clients and strong knowledge base, just as it was so many years ago. The staff are ALWAYS so positive and helpful.

I was a student at BTI for a year, I graduated with 550hrs. The people at BTI were very welcoming and accepting. I grew in my education and character. All of the teachers are exceptional, I learned Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Reflexology, Craniosacral, Myofacial Release and Tui Na. For less than $ 6000, it was an incredibly efficient education. I recommend BTI for anyone who’s interested in being a health practitioner.

I’m so glad I found SBBTI. It’s the best and most fulfilling education I’ve ever received. Just like the motto says, SBBTI does change lives!

It was nice to get an inexpensive massage. The student who worked on me seemed well trained. However, the facility in general felt very unprofessional and the only massage they seem to want to perform is relaxation (even though I asked in advance for a sports/​deep tissue). If you are looking for a relaxation massage that is affordable then this is your place. Otherwise, find somewhere else.

INEXPENSIVE massages by students. After a trigger point massage by Katie I felt floppy and so relaxed. Wow! I was in a room with about 5 massage tables, each with a client and student. Clothes are left on so don’t wear jeans. I wore a t-​shirt and yoga pants. I didn’t think this would be relaxing, but it was! So much so! And did I mention it was cheap? It’s $ 30 for a massage or $ 125 for 5 massages! I bought the 5 pack.
Katie was open to suggestions and when the instructor gave her some tips/​direction, she immediately implemented them and continually asked me how the pressure was which is just how I like it.
If you’re looking for a quiet, private, pat-​the-​kitty massage with cucumber water and «Zen» music in the background, this ain’t it! That’s good for me because I hate spa massages – I like therapeutic, get-​the-​kinks-​out massages. Thanks Katie, great job! I will be back and hope that I luck out with as competent a student practitioner as I did with Katie.

Love this place! The clinics in particular are great, because there is a teacher there to instruct. Massages, obv, are hit or miss since you are dealing with students and for the price can’t expect TOO much. But definitely worth checking out.

Had a 2hr massage w/​Pro masseuse Alan. I arrived in pain & slight headache. I left completely relax & rejuvenated! Doesn’t get better than Alan. He is truly a healer.

AMAZING! Wonderful reflexology massage. The masseuse, Nell, even helped me with acupressure points for migraines and talked about how reflexology massages can help the entire body. Great experience. Highly recommend. The only down side was that it was not very private (shared a room with another individual getting a massage) and so I couldn’t ask my masseuse more questions to learn more about reflexology. The massage was wonderful though.

This place is a good place to get a massage when you are on a budget. The massages are good to awesome based on who you get as a therapist. You can always request for talented ones, when you are making the appointment.

I was in town for a couple days and felt like a massage. My fancy-​schmancy hotel had them available for $ 150 but I didn’t feel like having one THAT badly. I Unilocaled massage in SB and came across this place. They didn’t have appointments but put me on a waiting list. I got a call around 3 and said if I could come in right now they could see me. Luckily I was just on State St shopping so I bolted over.
Yes, it’s not 100% private, and Yes, they are students but for $ 30?!? How can you go wrong? My masseuse was GREAT. I obviously got there after the appointment was to start, but I received basically a full-​hour massage. He had enough pressure, and he did tend to my upper back as I’ve got tons of knots there, while also giving a good rub-​down everywhere else.
I will definitely be back next time I’m in SB and highly recommend it to everyone!

I agree with Emily G’s assessment. Good one hour for $ 30, but not the best. No privacy and sometimes, if your student sucks, you’re outta luck.
in the cooler months, the room is cold!