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Foundations of Relational Bodywork Course
📍 Algarve, Portugal | 🗓 23-29 March, 2026
A 5 day residential retreat for touch practitioners:
Learn our powerful, body-based coaching session structure — and the core elements that lead to better client outcomes.
📍 Algarve, Portugal | 🗓 23-29 March, 2026
A 5 day residential retreat for touch practitioners:
Learn our powerful, body-based coaching session structure — and the core elements that lead to better client outcomes.
We are proud to have enjoyed contributing to the training of over 1000 practitioners.
I have had the privilege of learning from Julian several times and I can honestly say he teaches with exceptional skill, insight and experience.
He has an astonishing depth of knowledge, and he is also kind, warm and patient.
He creates an environment where you feel encouraged, supported, and confident to ask questions. He is very tuned in to the needs of the group and individuals.
One of his best traits is that he can teach quite complex information with such clarity, that students find it accessible and easy to follow.
He also has a sense of humour and is very down to earth and approachable .
He has an astonishing depth of knowledge, and he is also kind, warm and patient.
He creates an environment where you feel encouraged, supported, and confident to ask questions. He is very tuned in to the needs of the group and individuals.
One of his best traits is that he can teach quite complex information with such clarity, that students find it accessible and easy to follow.
He also has a sense of humour and is very down to earth and approachable .
I did the Foundations of Relational Bodywork training and have also received 1 to 1 session with Julian. Julian's energy makes me feel safe and held to connect with vulnerable side of me. The training I did gas been a very beneficial step for my work with my clients with trauma and womb healing. If you are looking for a space holder in which you want to feel safe I definitely recommend Julian.
I’ve known Julian for over a decade now, and our paths have crossed many times through different courses and learning environments. Every time, I’ve been amazed by his deep intuition and the way he coaches—he doesn’t just hear words spoken, he sees what’s behind them. His ability to reflect back the deeper truth of what’s being said is truly on point. I’ve had the privilege of receiving mentoring from Julian, and I’m so grateful for the experience. His guidance has been insightful, supportive, and always exactly what I needed in the moment.
Julian is an amazingly skilled bodyworker, with a lot of tools. He isn't afraid to dive deep, and his presence is so trustworthy, that it is not difficult to open up to him. He does this with empathy and professionalism. I have been on a practitioner training and private immersive mentorship retreat with Julian both were fab.
THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU IF:
✔️ You’re ready to make a meaningful career shift
You want to transition into being a highly effective, sought-after body-based coach or touch professional—without spending years in training or investing a small fortune to get there.
✔️ You’re already a touch practitioner… and you want more
You have experience in modalities such as Ayurvedic massage, shiatsu, Thai massage, holistic bodywork, or similar, and while you love the power of this treatment model work, you know your clients would benefit from deeper, more transformative coaching journey with ethical, long-term support.
✔️ You know your clients go deeper when YOU embody the work
You want personal embodiment, not just theory—so your presence becomes one of your most powerful tools.
✔️ You want to integrate talk and touch in a coherent, ethical way
You’re searching for a reliable, person-centred method that bridges verbal inquiry and hands-on work—one you can confidently use both online and in-person.
✔️ You want a session structure that makes your work more effective and easier
You want a simple, enjoyable and repeatable structure that helps clients identify their own body-based learning goals, stay in their agency, and make sustainable, integrated changes.
✔️ You feel limited by “fixing” clients and want to shift into transformation, not treatmentYou’re done with clients coming for the same issue again and again. You want to learn how to guide them into embodied learning instead of symptom-chasing.
✔️ You want to deepen your confidence in holding emotional, intimacy themed, and somatic material
You’re looking for a trauma-aware, consent-based framework that keeps both you and your clients safe, empowered, and resourced.
✔️ You want to build a thriving practice with strong client retention
You’re ready to learn how to create structured, ongoing ethical client journeys that lead to meaningful, long-term transformation—and a stable income.
✔️ You're committed to real, body-based learning—not scripts or performance coaching
You want an approach that empowers the client's inner authority rather than teaching them to perform better.
You want to transition into being a highly effective, sought-after body-based coach or touch professional—without spending years in training or investing a small fortune to get there.
✔️ You’re already a touch practitioner… and you want more
You have experience in modalities such as Ayurvedic massage, shiatsu, Thai massage, holistic bodywork, or similar, and while you love the power of this treatment model work, you know your clients would benefit from deeper, more transformative coaching journey with ethical, long-term support.
✔️ You know your clients go deeper when YOU embody the work
You want personal embodiment, not just theory—so your presence becomes one of your most powerful tools.
✔️ You want to integrate talk and touch in a coherent, ethical way
You’re searching for a reliable, person-centred method that bridges verbal inquiry and hands-on work—one you can confidently use both online and in-person.
✔️ You want a session structure that makes your work more effective and easier
You want a simple, enjoyable and repeatable structure that helps clients identify their own body-based learning goals, stay in their agency, and make sustainable, integrated changes.
✔️ You feel limited by “fixing” clients and want to shift into transformation, not treatmentYou’re done with clients coming for the same issue again and again. You want to learn how to guide them into embodied learning instead of symptom-chasing.
✔️ You want to deepen your confidence in holding emotional, intimacy themed, and somatic material
You’re looking for a trauma-aware, consent-based framework that keeps both you and your clients safe, empowered, and resourced.
✔️ You want to build a thriving practice with strong client retention
You’re ready to learn how to create structured, ongoing ethical client journeys that lead to meaningful, long-term transformation—and a stable income.
✔️ You're committed to real, body-based learning—not scripts or performance coaching
You want an approach that empowers the client's inner authority rather than teaching them to perform better.
WHAT THIS COURSE OFFERS YOU
1. A complete, repeatable session structure that actually works
A clear, 4 phase session flow blending talk and touch, giving you confidence, consistency, and a reliable container for transformational client work.
2. A person-centred method that deepens client agency and outcomes
Learn how to support clients to identify their own body-based learning goals, make empowered choices, and create meaningful, long-lasting change.
3. The skills to work both online and in-person with equal depth
You’ll gain a versatile approach that translates seamlessly across touch, movement, and verbal inquiry — allowing you to support clients wherever they are.
4. Trauma-aware foundations and ethical touch competency
Build a grounded understanding of consent, boundaries, scope of practice, and safety, so both you and your clients can relax into deeper work.
5. Practical tools to expand your client journeys and retention
Learn how to design multi-session processes, support ongoing learning arcs, and ethically create sustained income through deeper client relationships.
6. Embodied practitioner development — not just techniques
You’ll experience the work in your own body, strengthening your presence, attunement, and nervous system capacity so your sessions become more potent and easeful.
A clear, 4 phase session flow blending talk and touch, giving you confidence, consistency, and a reliable container for transformational client work.
2. A person-centred method that deepens client agency and outcomes
Learn how to support clients to identify their own body-based learning goals, make empowered choices, and create meaningful, long-lasting change.
3. The skills to work both online and in-person with equal depth
You’ll gain a versatile approach that translates seamlessly across touch, movement, and verbal inquiry — allowing you to support clients wherever they are.
4. Trauma-aware foundations and ethical touch competency
Build a grounded understanding of consent, boundaries, scope of practice, and safety, so both you and your clients can relax into deeper work.
5. Practical tools to expand your client journeys and retention
Learn how to design multi-session processes, support ongoing learning arcs, and ethically create sustained income through deeper client relationships.
6. Embodied practitioner development — not just techniques
You’ll experience the work in your own body, strengthening your presence, attunement, and nervous system capacity so your sessions become more potent and easeful.
THIS COURSE IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
✘ You’re looking for quick fixes, techniques, or scripts
This work is not about “fixing” clients — it’s about guiding them into embodied learning and self-agency.
✘ You want to diagnose, treat, or provide medical or classical therapy
This training is not a based on clinical diagnosis or psychotherapeutic treatment models. Clients regularly say it has deeply therapeutic effects for them, perhaps because it does not feel like 'therapy".
✘ You’re seeking a purely technical massage or bodywork course
If you want more techniques rather than a relational, client-led approach, this won’t be the right fit.
✘ You prefer to lead, direct, or “tell clients what to do”
This method centres the client’s inner authority. Practitioners who "need" to be the expert or the problem-solver will struggle with this model.
✘ You’re uncomfortable with consent processes, boundaries, or trauma-aware practice
This training requires a strong ethical foundation and willingness to work slowly, safely, and respectfully.
✘ You’re not willing or interested to engage with your own embodiment process
You cannot guide others into the body if you’re not willing to explore your own somatic landscape.
✘ You’re looking for motivational or performance-driven coaching methods
We don't focus on pushing clients, rather we aim to be skilled at guiding embodied learning
✘ You’re not interest to hold space for emotional, somatic, or personal material
While you won’t be doing therapy, you will be holding clients through powerful sensations, openings and transformative insights. After this we support them in integration and implementation. If that feels overwhelming, this course may not be a good fit.
✘ You’re looking for a self-paced, hands-off online course
This is an immersive, experiential training. You’ll be practising, receiving guidance, and being part of a live learning community.
This work is not about “fixing” clients — it’s about guiding them into embodied learning and self-agency.
✘ You want to diagnose, treat, or provide medical or classical therapy
This training is not a based on clinical diagnosis or psychotherapeutic treatment models. Clients regularly say it has deeply therapeutic effects for them, perhaps because it does not feel like 'therapy".
✘ You’re seeking a purely technical massage or bodywork course
If you want more techniques rather than a relational, client-led approach, this won’t be the right fit.
✘ You prefer to lead, direct, or “tell clients what to do”
This method centres the client’s inner authority. Practitioners who "need" to be the expert or the problem-solver will struggle with this model.
✘ You’re uncomfortable with consent processes, boundaries, or trauma-aware practice
This training requires a strong ethical foundation and willingness to work slowly, safely, and respectfully.
✘ You’re not willing or interested to engage with your own embodiment process
You cannot guide others into the body if you’re not willing to explore your own somatic landscape.
✘ You’re looking for motivational or performance-driven coaching methods
We don't focus on pushing clients, rather we aim to be skilled at guiding embodied learning
✘ You’re not interest to hold space for emotional, somatic, or personal material
While you won’t be doing therapy, you will be holding clients through powerful sensations, openings and transformative insights. After this we support them in integration and implementation. If that feels overwhelming, this course may not be a good fit.
✘ You’re looking for a self-paced, hands-off online course
This is an immersive, experiential training. You’ll be practising, receiving guidance, and being part of a live learning community.
WHAT PREVIOUS STUDENTS SAY
Bring clarity, confidence, and embodied skill into every session you offer.
Bring clarity, confidence, and embodied skill into every session you offer.
It is easy to learn from Julian. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge but is able to meet you where you are. I have felt that Julian holds space with real safety both in my 1:1 to one sessions and the group spaces I have attended. He is genuinely interested in helping people become more embodied and his enthusiasm and curiosity is contagious, he makes learning fun.
I completed a week long craniosacral training withJulian and Howard ,and Julians very friendly personality made the week so much more fun and this allows his knowledge and wisdom to come through into his teaching . I would work with him again:)
I first met Julian during my bodywork training, and was immediately struck by his warm, open teaching style. Julian creates such a safe and welcoming space—encouraging every student to dive deep into self-exploration with curiosity and loving acceptance. His approach to relational bodywork blends clarity and structure with genuine care, which makes learning both practical and transformational.
Over time, I experienced how his sessions empower both practitioners and clients, providing clear frameworks while always centring the power of choice for everyone involved. I found myself developing new confidence and discovering a deep sense of peace, purpose, and clarity—not just as a student, but in my own client work as well. Julian’s way of working truly liberates practitioners from feeling like we must have all the answers, and instead helps us trust the wisdom of the process and the people we serve.
Over time, I experienced how his sessions empower both practitioners and clients, providing clear frameworks while always centring the power of choice for everyone involved. I found myself developing new confidence and discovering a deep sense of peace, purpose, and clarity—not just as a student, but in my own client work as well. Julian’s way of working truly liberates practitioners from feeling like we must have all the answers, and instead helps us trust the wisdom of the process and the people we serve.
Our method helps you guide deeper change, hold safer space, and grow a more sustainable practice.
RESIDENTIAL TRAINING STRUCTURE
The outline that follows represents our proposed schedule; elements may be adjusted to meet the emerging needs of the group.
DAY 1 — Grounding + Focusing: Learning Edge Mapping & Introduction 26th March: 2pm to 6pm + 8pm -10pm
We begin by grounding you in the core principles of this methodology. You’ll learn how to identify your own and then a client’s learning edge — the place where growth can happen safely, without overwhelm. This day introduces:
- The principles behind body-based, client-led learning
- Mapping learning edges and understanding how transformation actually happens
- Introduction to our full session structure from start to finish
- Nervous system tracking basics and how to attune to a client’s subtle somatic cues
DAY 2 — The Power of Active Receiving Touch 27th: 9am - 1pm + 2pm - 6pm
Today you step into the heart of the embodied touch component. You’ll explore how to guide clients into states of deep awareness, presence, and choice through the practice of active receiving — a hallmark of ethical, client-led touch work.
You’ll learn:
You’ll learn:
- How to use touch to support learning (not fixing or performing)
- Techniques for orienting clients toward their own internal experience
- Consent, boundaries, and co-created contact
- How to regulate your own nervous system while offering touch
DAY 3 — Somatic Coaching &
Client-Led Sessions 28th:
9am - 1pm + 2pm - 6pm
Today you step into the heart of the embodied touch component. You’ll explore how to guide clients into states of deep awareness, presence, and choice through the practice of active receiving — a hallmark of ethical, client-led touch work.
You’ll learn:
You’ll learn:
- How to use touch to support learning (not fixing or performing)
- Techniques for orienting clients toward their own internal experience
- Consent, boundaries, and co-created contact
- How to regulate your own nervous system while offering touch
DAY 4 — Integration, Peer Supervision & Professional Pathways 29th: 9am - 1pm
The final day brings everything together. You’ll integrate your learning through reflection, supervised practice, and supportive group discussion.
You’ll receive:
You’ll receive:
- Peer supervision-style feedback to strengthen your practitioner presence
- Tools for creating ongoing client journeys and deeper retention
- Ethical guidance around scope of practice and next steps
- Clarity on how to apply this work professionally
- Insight into advanced training and progression pathways
Here's How Enrol
If we have not yet spoken, book a fee enrolment chemistry call
We'll spend 15 minutes discussing your goals and whether this training is right for you. No pressure, no sales pitch - just an honest conversation about what you need.
We'll spend 15 minutes discussing your goals and whether this training is right for you. No pressure, no sales pitch - just an honest conversation about what you need.
If it feels like a "Good Fit", secure your spot
We'll send you a secure payment link and link to application form to reserve your space. Simple, straightforward, and completely secure.
We'll send you a secure payment link and link to application form to reserve your space. Simple, straightforward, and completely secure.
We will send you your welcome info
We'll send you everything you'll need to know, about accommodation, travel instructions what to pack, and how to prepare for the experience.
We'll send you everything you'll need to know, about accommodation, travel instructions what to pack, and how to prepare for the experience.
VENUE & COURSE DETAILS
START: Wednesday, 23rd March 2026 – 2 pm
END: Sunday, 29th march 2026 – 1 pm
SCHEDULE:
Daily sessions from 9 am to 6 pm with a 1.5 -hour lunch break.
Breakfast is served at 8 am, dinner latest at 7 pm. We will have an after dinner session on first day + possible optional evening practices for those who want.
LANGUAGE:
The retreat will be held in ENGLISH.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS:
An enrolment call is required to attend this training retreat. The approximate number of participants is 16. The retreat is consent based and trauma-informed it will include touch practices. – This is an alcohol and drug-free event.
PRICES: The EARLY BIRD prices are valid until 15th January 2026.
*Single Bed Shared Room (Dormitory): EARLY BIRD 850€ | REGULAR 950€
*Private Studio: EARLY BIRD 1100€ | REGULAR 1300€
Complete privacy in a studio with a king-size bed, a private bathroom, air conditioning, and floor heating.
*Camping: EARLY BIRD 800€ | REGULAR 900€
Choose a beautiful spot in nature on the property for your own tent or van. With access to an outdoor shower, a sustainable compost toilet, and to the shared bathroom in the dormitory.
*Off-Site: Early Bird 800€ | REGULAR 900€
If you prefer to book accommodation outside of the Sanctuary
*Low Income (Shared Accommodation): Early Bird 700€ | REGULAR 800€ - Contact Julian direct for this.
END: Sunday, 29th march 2026 – 1 pm
SCHEDULE:
Daily sessions from 9 am to 6 pm with a 1.5 -hour lunch break.
Breakfast is served at 8 am, dinner latest at 7 pm. We will have an after dinner session on first day + possible optional evening practices for those who want.
LANGUAGE:
The retreat will be held in ENGLISH.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS:
An enrolment call is required to attend this training retreat. The approximate number of participants is 16. The retreat is consent based and trauma-informed it will include touch practices. – This is an alcohol and drug-free event.
PRICES: The EARLY BIRD prices are valid until 15th January 2026.
*Single Bed Shared Room (Dormitory): EARLY BIRD 850€ | REGULAR 950€
*Private Studio: EARLY BIRD 1100€ | REGULAR 1300€
Complete privacy in a studio with a king-size bed, a private bathroom, air conditioning, and floor heating.
*Camping: EARLY BIRD 800€ | REGULAR 900€
Choose a beautiful spot in nature on the property for your own tent or van. With access to an outdoor shower, a sustainable compost toilet, and to the shared bathroom in the dormitory.
*Off-Site: Early Bird 800€ | REGULAR 900€
If you prefer to book accommodation outside of the Sanctuary
*Low Income (Shared Accommodation): Early Bird 700€ | REGULAR 800€ - Contact Julian direct for this.
HELPERS: If you are interested to come as a helper with a price reduction, please let us know with your registration. There are 3 helper spots available. Helpers are full participants and pay only 700€ in exchange for helping in the kitchen and with cleaning during the retreat during the breaks. Contact Julian direct for these spots also.
Extra Nights:
Extra nights are available for 1 day before and after the retreat.
Check-In: 16h / Check-Out: 11h
* Prices per night with/without dinner & breakfast:
Dormitory 50€/35€ | Camping 30€/15€ | Studio 110€/95€
LOCATION:
The Sanctuary, Moncarapacho/Olhão – Algarve, South Portugal (for directions, scroll down)
GETTING THERE:
By Car:
The Sanctuary is situated in the nature park around the Cerro da Cabeça mountain, near Moncarapacho. You will receive a detailed description and the coordinates with your booking.
By Airplane:
The nearest airport is Faro Airport (35km). From the airport, you can take a taxi to our place, or the Faro train station (15 min) to take the train to Fuseta, from where we can pick you up.
By Train:
The nearest train station is in Fuseta (25 min from Faro or 3.5 hours from Lisbon). From there we will pick you up. You can book the train here: www.cp.pt
Extra Nights:
Extra nights are available for 1 day before and after the retreat.
Check-In: 16h / Check-Out: 11h
* Prices per night with/without dinner & breakfast:
Dormitory 50€/35€ | Camping 30€/15€ | Studio 110€/95€
LOCATION:
The Sanctuary, Moncarapacho/Olhão – Algarve, South Portugal (for directions, scroll down)
GETTING THERE:
By Car:
The Sanctuary is situated in the nature park around the Cerro da Cabeça mountain, near Moncarapacho. You will receive a detailed description and the coordinates with your booking.
By Airplane:
The nearest airport is Faro Airport (35km). From the airport, you can take a taxi to our place, or the Faro train station (15 min) to take the train to Fuseta, from where we can pick you up.
By Train:
The nearest train station is in Fuseta (25 min from Faro or 3.5 hours from Lisbon). From there we will pick you up. You can book the train here: www.cp.pt
MEET YOUR FACILITATOR
JULIAN MARCUS Relational Bodywork Teacher I am a Certified Somatic Educator, Bodywork Mentor and found of The School of Relational Bodywork. My passion is to facilitate and support the joyful embodiment of your healthiest and happiest self and in tune with others. I have a huge passion for expanding practitioners confidence and experience sustaining a healthy and fulfilling practice through mentorship and group facilitation. Seeing the results with clients and in the community fuels my capacity for working with people through teaching and my continuing to learn through my busy private practice. I offer a fluid, unique, unified approach in service of growth and integration that supports resilience and joyful embodiment. |
CONTACT
mobile: +351 960 448 037 (Signal, Telegram or WhatsApp)