CATA’s Oncology Massage Training Program was borne out of a need in the community to train licensed massage therapists to safely work with cancer patients. Pioneers in oncology massage like Gayle MacDonald, Tracy Walton and Cheryl Chapman helped put to rest the fallacy that massage can spread cancer and helped train the next generation of LMTs to work safely with cancer patients. CATA stands on their shoulders, and others like them, training massage therapists in the art and science of compassionate and informed touch. Our mission is to train a phalanx of highly-skilled massage therapists to help bring relief to cancer patients at all stages of their treatment and recovery. By reducing the side-effects of their cancer treatment, oncology massage can affect better outcomes, by reducing stress and anxiety, increasing circulation, reducing pain, reducing the risk of lymphedema, and, for palliative care patients, ease their suffering in their final days and hours.

Cancer is the second most prevalent cause of death after heart disease in the United States, so there is an undeniable need for oncology trained massage therapists. CATA graduates one class of LMTs each year in our thoughtfully structured program. The training program culminates with a 40-hour hands-on clinic where students have the opportunity to work with cancer patients in treatment and recovery under the careful tutelage and guidance of our faculty. Upon completion of the Specialty Certificate Program, we award our graduates with a Specialty Certificate in Oncology Massage with over 150 hours of classroom and hands-on training.

Lecture/Hands-on

14 CE hours NCBTMB / NYS-certified

Instructor: Michael Alicia, LMT

This Introduction class is the prerequisite for taking any of the classes in the CORE Program or any of the classes in the FULL Program. Students who complete the FULL Program are eligible to sit for the Specialty Certificate Exam. The Introduction Class is designed to educate licensed massage therapists in the safe practices of Oncology Massage. Students will develop a keen appreciation and understanding of the latest concepts in cancer biology and cancer treatment. 

This class will provide students with an understanding of:

• the biology of cancer, its etiology, and the terminology for working with a cancer population in any setting

• the risk factors for cancer

• the different types of cancer

• the common elements of cancer staging

• cancer testing techniques and medical devices

• cancer treatment goals and modalities, their side effects, concerns, and the cumulative effects of treatment

• the specific considerations for lymphedema, including common side effects

• HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) laws and develop strong professional and ethical practices

The practical portion of the class will include learning appropriate touch pressures for working with oncology patients, bolstering techniques for working with medical devices and the debilitating side-effects of cancer treatment, and safe practices including donning and doffing PPE and proper body mechanics.

Lecture / Hands – On

8 CE hours NCBTMB / NYS-certified

Prerequisite: Introduction to Oncology Massage (or equivalent)

Instructor: Ericka Clinton, BS; LMT

This class is designed to educate practitioners about the condition of lymphedema and how to safely work with clients at risk for lymphedema.

The lecture and discussion will include an understanding of the causes of lymphedema within oncology and other special populations, a brief description of the anatomy of the lymphatic system, classifications of common physiological changes due to lymphedema, signs and symptoms, and contraindications and precautions.

The practical portion of the class will include learning basic manual lymphatic drainage techniques, session planning, and practice.  By the end of the class, the therapist will be able to perform a 1-hour session with a short MLD protocol for the person ‘at risk’ for Lymphedema.

Lecture/Hands-on

8 CEs (NCBTMB/NY)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Oncology Massage (or equivalent)

Instructor: Ericka Clinton, BS; LMT

This class is designed to introduce and discuss the impact of pharmacology on massage treatment planning. It will focus on differences in cancer biology, drug classifications, and associated side effects. The lecture will explore anti-cancer therapies, and the potential adverse events associated with them. Case studies will be integrated throughout the lecture.

The hands-on portion of the class will involve developing and enriching therapists’ intake skills regarding pharmacological considerations, including scheduling, treatment focus, and duration, as well as protocol implications. Case studies from the lecture will be used for hands-on practice.

Therapists will be provided with the opportunity to strategically plan effective, safe, and therapeutic treatments.

Lecture/Hands–On

Prerequisite: Introduction to Oncology Massage (or equivalent)

8 CE hours NCBTMB/NYS-certified

Instructor: Michael Alicia, LMT

In this class students will assimilate the material from the Core foundational classes, Introduction to Oncology Massage, Lymphedema Awareness for the ‘At Risk’ Oncology Client, and Pharmacological Considerations for Oncology Massage with the overall goal of integrating the material into a clinical setting. Students will begin learning and practicing the process of assessment for performing an oncology massage intake, including precautions, contraindications, and considerations for surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, cancer drugs and their side-effects, and risks and treatment options for patients ‘at-risk’ for lymphedema.

The practical portion of the class will include review and practicing appropriate draping, bolstering, and touch pressures for working with oncology patients, bolstering techniques for working with medical devices and the debilitating side-effects of cancer treatment, and safe practices including donning and doffing of PPE and proper body mechanics.

Lecture/Hands–on

Prerequisite: Introduction to Oncology Massage (or equivalent)

8 CE hours NCBTMB/NYS-certified

Instructor: Ericka Clinton, BS; LMT

This class will introduce therapists to gastrointestinal cancers and the depth and breadth of the benefit of bodywork for clients with these cancers. The day will include lecture where we will identify and discuss the types of gastrointestinal cancers, standard approaches to treatment, and the physical/emotional repercussions of treatment. In addition, we will describe in detail the various postural imbalances and complaints reported by these clients. The hands-on portion will involve demonstration of techniques applicable to various complaints and disease progression. Therapists will leave this class with the ability to design effective, safe and therapeutic treatment plans.

Lecture/Hands–on

Prerequisite: Introduction to Oncology Massage (or equivalent)

8 CE hours NCBTMB/NYS-certified

Instructor: Ericka Clinton, BS; LMT

This class will introduce therapists to gynecological cancers as well as the depth and breadth of the benefit of bodywork for clients who are being treated for these cancers. The day will include lecture where we will identify and discuss the types of gynecological cancers, standard approaches to treatment and the physical/emotional repercussions of treatment. In addition, we will describe in detail the various postural imbalances and complaints reported by these clients. The hands-on portion will involve demonstration of techniques applicable to various complaints and disease progression. Therapists will leave this class with the ability to design effective, safe and therapeutic treatment plans.

Lecture/Hands–On

6 CEs (NCBTMB/NY Certified)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Oncology Massage (or equivalent)

Instructor: Michael Alicia, LMT

This continuing education course is designed to review the concepts of ethical standards, professional behavior, and acknowledgement of boundaries for the patient with cancer in the therapeutic setting of home, hospital and hospice.

Major topics include: basics of ethics in healthcare, morality, virtues, client rights, practitioner responsibility, confidentiality, privacy, managing boundaries, transference, dual relationships, nondiscrimination and cultural sensitivity.

Lecture/Hands–On

7 (14) CEs (Pending)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Oncology Massage (or equivalent)

Instructor: Kimberlie Wilson, LAc; DACM

This class is designed to introduce students to the basic framework of the nature of cancer, from both a Classical Chinese Medical and Allopathic perspective. Students will learn evaluation techniques, based on simple pulse, palpation, and intake questions. Students will learn tui na protocols, based on the most common signs and symptoms of cancer and its allopathic treatments..

Lecture / Hands – On

12 CEs (NCBTMB/NY Certified)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Oncology Massage (or equivalent)

Instructor: Ericka Clinton, BS; LMT

This class is designed to guide massage therapists through the critical thought process needed to offer safe and effective touch therapy to clients with breast cancer.

Through lecture and discussion, participants will receive an overview of the basic pathophysiology of breast cancer, including the concepts of disease progression and staging. Lecture material will include identifying the types of breast cancer, standard treatment approaches, and the physical/emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment. Discussion will include identifying postural imbalances and common complaints post diagnosis, surgery, radiation treatment, and more. Discussion will also include the interdisciplinary team approach to care.

Hands-on instruction and practice will focus on palpation, assessment, and massage techniques for addressing the muscles and fascia of the targeted area in a focused and specific way. Therapists will learn how to help clients restructure their holding patterns to generate pain relief, fluidity, and ease of movement.

Therapists will leave the class with tools to critically think through all the information provided by the client and design a safe, effective, therapeutic massage treatment.

This course is appropriate for licensed massage therapists who are considering entering the field of oncology massage, whether in a paid hospital-based position or a volunteer capacity. It is also designed to help support LMTs in private practice who may encounter serious breast cancer-related issues in the course of working with clients.

Lecture / Hands – On

Prerequisite: Introduction to Oncology Massage (or equivalent)

8 CE hours NCBTMB / NYS-certified

Instructor: Ericka Clinton, BS; LMT

This class introduces massage therapists to cancers of the brain, head and neck. We will cover basic pathology information as well as the depth and breadth of the benefit of bodywork for clients with these cancers.

The day will include a lecture where we will identify and discuss the types of cancers (including oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands, sinuses), standard approaches to treatment, and the physical/emotional repercussions of treatment. We will also describe in detail the various postural imbalances and complaints reported by these clients.

The hands-on portion will involve demonstration of techniques applicable to various complaints and disease progression and time for students to practice. Specific muscle palpation, assessment, and techniques such as myofascial release, muscle stripping and trigger point therapy will be the focus of the hands-on work. The class will include a review of the MLD protocol from the Lymphedema class.

Therapists will leave this class with the ability to design effective, safe and therapeutic treatment plans.

Lecture / Hands – On

6 CEs (NCBTMB/NY Certified)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Oncology Massage (or equivalent)

Instructor: Ericka Clinton

This class describes the processes of inflammation and tissue repair in normal wound healing and examines complications of healing such as fibrosis, delayed healing, and lymphedema, resulting from cancer treatment. Participants will review patient intake, design treatment strategies to address scar tissue and/or fibrosis, and learn and practice hands-on techniques designed to dis-adhere tissues and improve tissue pliability in postoperative cancer patients.

Students will demonstrate proficiency in the following hands-on techniques: multidirectional friction; skin rolling/lifting strokes; active and passive myofascial release techniques; positional release; and passive stretching.

Students will practice designing and implementing hands-on massage sessions targeting scar tissue for patients with a history of surgery to the trunk wall, abdomen or pelvis, head/neck, or extremities.

We will also practice and discuss positioning options for patients with scar tissue or the trunk, head/neck, abdomen, and/or pelvis.

Students will learn to list and describe the four stages of inflammation and tissue repair and the types of hands-on therapies appropriate at wound sites during each stage; to define fibrosis and describe its causes and consequences; to describe radiation therapy and the differences between external and internal RT; to recognize indications and contraindications for touch therapy at RT sites; to list conditions that delay tissue healing including lymphedema, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, infection, and implanted hardware, and describe the way that each can impact a massage therapy session; to describe the anatomical effects of common cancer surgeries; to ask questions specific to cancer patients with a history of surgery.

Lecture/Hands–on

12 CEs (NCBTMB/NY Certified)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Oncology Massage (or equivalent)

Instructor: Craig Kienzle, LMT, AOS, ARCB

This course examines the basic theory and techniques of foot Reflexology and how this can benefit clients with cancer. Topics will include the following:

• A review of the anatomy of the feet

• What is Reflexology and how it works

• The history of Reflexology

• The general benefits of Reflexology with emphasis on stress reduction

• The role stress plays in cancer

• How Reflexology/Foot Massage reduces stress

• The value and benefits of stress reduction in cancer patients through Reflexology

• An overview of the reflexes and referral patterns of the feet

• Zone Therapy

  The goal of this course is to learn foot massage techniques that have a basis in Reflexology and be able to apply those techniques to the various types of cancer a client may have to help reduce stress and relieve pain. Often clients will respond to reflexology with renewed strength and energy and see an improvement in their natural vitality. Reflexology can speed up recovery from major surgery and make the recovery process itself more bearable.

  The aim is to provide therapists with new techniques for working on clients when you cannot utilize other massage techniques on the body. These techniques can also be incorporated into any style of bodywork as well.

Lecture/Hands–on

12 CEs (NCBTMB/NY Certified)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Oncology Massage (or equivalent)

Instructor: Michael Alicia

Day one of this course is designed to explore the concept of empathy and the role it plays in working with cancer patients. Through lecture, discussion and example, students will explore the role boundaries play in maintaining a healthy, safe and compassion-led work environment.

Day two of this course is designed to prepare massage therapist with specialized training the ability to offer informed and compassionate end-of-life support for clients and their caregivers.

Coordination with multiple partners in the care team is emphasized within development of a care plan. Lecture and discussion will acquaint students with an overview of end-of-life as it is delivered in the United States, including definitions of palliative care, end-of-life and hospice, the interdisciplinary team approach to care, and stages of dying.

Approaches to hands-on work for clients at end-of-life will be demonstrated, including session intention, session length, modified techniques and precautions.

At the end of the course, students will be able to discuss and compassionately set healthy boundaries, discuss understanding of palliative/supportive care, end-of-life and hospice, understand the roles of the interdisciplinary team, and demonstrate skill in developing a treatment plan with consideration of the setting.

Students will learn:

• The importance empathy plays in working with cancer clients and the adverse effects when it is not a consideration in the overall cancer journey, including end-of-life

• The importance of setting clear boundaries for working with the cancer population

• Discuss feelings, values, attitudes and expectations on the topic of cancer, death, grief within the context of individual, family, cultural and spiritual beliefs and traditions

• Verbalize experiences of personal loss, suffering, grief and bereavement in developing appropriate professional boundaries around own experiences

• Understand ways to communicate effectively and with sensitivity with clients and families

• Describe basic principles regarding a multi-dimensional care model including physical, emotional, social, psychological and spiritual needs

• Differentiate between palliative/supportive care, end-of-life and hospice

• Describe the stages of dying using clinical terminology

• Acknowledge end-of-life signs and symptoms to identify appropriate measures to alleviate suffering

• Verbalize the usefulness of touch therapies as a palliative/supportive care intervention to the

• interdisciplinary team

• Demonstrate skill in developing a plan for end-of-life touch therapy needs within a variety of settings to participate in the coordination of care

• Demonstrate skill in developing a plan for end-of-life touch therapy needs within a variety of settings to participate in the coordination of care

CATA Specialty Certificate Review is a comprehensive review designed to prepare students for taking the Specialty Exam.

Apprenticeships are available for qualified students. Inquire. More information available upon request.

Ericka Clinton, BS, LMT is a NY State Licensed Massage Therapist.  She obtained her license in 1998 after earning a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute.  She has been a faculty member and administrator at the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences in New York City since 2000.  As a member of the faculty, she has taught practical classes in both Western and Eastern modalities and supervised clinical internships and externships. In 2015 Ericka earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesthetic Neuroscience from Empire State College. 

Ericka maintains a private practice as a massage therapist and has worked as a therapist for NY Presbyterian Medical Center & Integrative Medicine Program, and from 2011-2013 worked at the Bendheim Integrative Medicine Center run by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.  She currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) as well as the Managing Director for the Oncology Massage Training Program and the Managing Supervisor for the Clinic at the Center for the Advancement for Therapeutic Arts (CATA). She currently teaches a variety of continuing education courses for Massage Therapists in NY and outside the US.  Her courses cover various topics such as oncology massage, Shiatsu, medical

Michael Alicia, LMT has been practicing massage since 1992 and an instructor at the Swedish Institute since 1994. His practice and teaching encompass both Eastern and Western massage techniques including Shiatsu, Thai massage, and Swedish massage in its many applications. Michael worked with Felicia Newsome starting in 2014, to create what is arguably the most comprehensive oncology massage training program in the United States. Many of the graduates of the CATA Oncology Massage Training and Specialty Certificate Program have gone on to work at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Mt. Sinai, and NYU Langone Health Hospitals. Alicia is the Executive Director of CATA and Cornerstone Oncology Massage Foundation, a not-for-profit created to provide funding for oncology massage treatment, training, and research.

Kimberlie Wilson, DACM, LAc, is board certified through NCCAOM with licenses to practice in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. In private practice since 1999, Dr. Wilson’s focus is on chronic illness as a narrative of a person’s journey. She seeks to acknowledge the factors that lead to chronic illness in order to support and help the patient to move through those challenges. Her background is in Classical Chinese Medicine and is a student of the renowned Jeffrey Yuen. Along with her practice, she has taught Chinese medicine for 15 years, and currently serves on the faculty of Pacific College of Health and Science. In addition, Dr. Wilson has written for several publications including Medical Acupuncture, Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, and Hudson News, to name a few. Most recently she published an article on Composting and Chinese Medicine and has done presentations on the subject in conjunction with the Parks dept. She is currently writing a book on Classical Chinese Medicine and has formulated a line of essential oil blends to assist healing to further the spiritual path. 

Craig Kienzle, LMT, AOS, ARCB Certified Reflexologist, is a member of the core faculty of the massage therapy program at the Swedish Institute. He teaches Swedish Massage I, Swedish Massage II and Reflexology modules in the Western Department and is the director of Off-Site Internships, Levels 1 and 3. He also teaches Reflexology Certification classes. Craig has volunteered as a massage therapist and reflexologist at Beth Israel Hospice, is a member of the AMTA and the NCBTMB, is an ARCB certified reflexologist and has a private practice in New York City.