By Certified Advanced Rolfer® Pedro Miguel Gonçalves de Amorim, Norway/Portugal
My journey to becoming a Rolfer began in March 2015 at the Rolfing® Spectrum [now Level 1 training] in Agatharied-Munich. At that time, I was primarily working with Shiatsu and Acupuncture but felt something was missing. Through the Rolfing training, I discovered a language and learning approach that truly resonated with me.
Discovering Rolfing: A New Perspective on Body and Mind
Rolfing drew me in for several reasons. The changes I experienced within myself were profound; the work offered a new perspective on alignment and posture, and a deeper awareness of space and relationship with gravity—a constancy in life. Additionally, the teachers were instrumental in my journey. Their passion and commitment, even after many years of practice, were inspiring. The holistic thinking of Rolfing, which integrates both intuitive and structured methods, further captivated me.
I was eager to upgrade my skills but unsure where to start. A friend mentioned Rolfing, sparking my curiosity. Although I had never experienced a Rolfing session before, signing up for the Spectrum felt like a leap of faith. During the Spectrum, I had my first two Rolfing sessions, marking the beginning of a journey that keeps fascinating me. It still fascinates me how transformative this work is; it literally changes alignment and posture, leading to a new perception and awareness of space. And I love to see that change in my clients!
From Pain Relief to a New Way of Living
Unlike other modalities, Rolfing required full attention and engagement. It invited me to explore and breathe into different body spaces, noticing the changes occurring. After the second session, I knew I wanted to become a Rolfer. The persistent pain in my feet and lower legs disappeared, and I no longer needed custom-made insoles. Walking became a joyful way to check in with myself, where the inside meets the outside—a practice where I meet the ground and receive its support.
Before Rolfing, it never truly crossed my mind that the ground supports us, but acknowledging this was a game changer.
The Rolfing training provided an organic learning experience through feeling, embodying, observing, touching, and moving. Teachers adapted to various learning styles, often using imagery to explain concepts, which I found especially engaging. Meeting experienced teachers who remained enthusiastic after many years of practice deeply influenced my decision to pursue this path.
Practicing Rolfing in Norway: Challenges and Rewards
From an early age, I was curious about people’s origins, different cultures, and diverse ways of living. This curiosity helped me understand how geography and upbringing shape us and likely contributed to my decision to move abroad. My journey away from my roots made me more aware of themes around grounding and belonging. Being a foreigner in Norway has allowed me to work with people from all over the world. My practice is approximately 50% locals and 50% expats. This diversity enriches my practice, enabling me to adapt to a wide range of cultural perspectives and physical needs.
The themes of moving, grounding, and the mind-body connection are deeply meaningful to me.
I focus on creating a sense of balance and connection within my clients, helping them find their own ground and a sense of belonging, regardless of where they are in their journey. I’ve also had the rewarding experience of working with a professional football team and professional musicians.
Practicing Rolfing in Norway has been a slow but steady process. I have two practices: one in Trondheim, where I lived for many years and now visit occasionally, and another in Oslo, which I am currently building up. In Trondheim, word of mouth has been very effective, though establishing the practice initially took time. One of the main challenges is the conservative nature of the Norwegian market, where people often rely on more conventional or well-established treatments. This means I frequently need to educate potential clients and healthcare professionals about the benefits and principles of Rolfing. Despite these challenges, it’s rewarding to have loyal clients, some of whom have been with me since the beginning of my practice. The biggest hurdle is often that crucial first step: getting the client into the office.
The Future of Rolfing in Scandinavia
Looking ahead, I hope for increased awareness and acceptance of Rolfing in Scandinavia. I would like to see Rolfing become more recognised and integrated into various healthcare options, complementing other disciplines. Expanding through collaboration with health professionals could enhance interdisciplinary understanding and referrals.
I highly recommend the Rolfing Level 1 training in Scandinavia. It provides a solid foundation in movement, anatomy, and touch, equipping students with the skills necessary to begin or enhance their practice. The training offers deep insights into the body’s structure, fascial connective tissue, and dynamic processes of posture and mobility in relationship with gravity, helping practitioners facilitate positive changes in their clients.
Author: Certified Advanced Rolfer® Pedro Miguel Gonçalves de Amorim, Norway/Portugal
edited by Sabine Becker
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Photo: Copyright © Pedro Amorim & Sofie W. Andersen
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