IB
ICONIC Board
of Holistic Health
Recognized Education Pathways

Somatic Therapy
Education Pathway

ICONIC Board formally recognizes somatic therapy education credentials across multiple established training traditions as meeting prerequisite education requirements for the corresponding IBC credential tiers.

SE — Somatic Experiencing® Trainings
Hakomi — Hakomi Institute
Rolf Institute — Structural Integration
Feldenkrais — FGNA Accredited Programs
AT — Alexander Technique Societies
IB
Board Recognition Notice
ICONIC Board of Holistic Health — Formal Recognition

ICONIC Board of Holistic Health recognizes education credentials from established somatic therapy training programs as meeting the prerequisite education requirements for the corresponding IBC holistic health credential tiers. Graduates of the programs listed below may be eligible to apply for the relevant IBC credential — subject to meeting all remaining requirements.

This recognition reflects ICONIC Board's independent assessment that the curriculum standards, supervised clinical training hours, and documented practitioner outcomes of recognized somatic programs are consistent with the Board's prerequisite education benchmarks at each tier. ICONIC Board recognizes that somatic practitioners frequently integrate multiple methods; the IBC credential serves as the unified professional practice standard across the somatic field. Recognition is reviewed on a rolling basis and subject to revision.

Important: Education prerequisite recognition does not constitute automatic credentialing. All applicants must independently satisfy ICONIC Board's requirements for professional practice hours, ethics attestation, CE compliance, and application review. Many somatic modalities — particularly touch-based bodywork practices — require state licensure (e.g., massage therapy license) independent of any ICONIC Board credential. The IBC credential is a professional practice standard; it does not substitute for any required state or local licensure.
Recognition of education pathways does not constitute endorsement, partnership, or affiliation with the listed institutions. ICONIC Board independently evaluates programs based on published curriculum standards and documented practitioner outcomes.
Last reviewed: April 2026  ·  Next scheduled review: October 2026

Education Pathway Mapping

The following somatic therapy programs are recognized as meeting the education prerequisites for the corresponding ICONIC Board credential tiers. Multiple programs may qualify at each tier.

State Licensure Note: Touch-based somatic practices (Rolfing®, Feldenkrais Method®, Alexander Technique, and bodywork-oriented SE/Hakomi applications) may require a state massage therapy or bodywork practitioner license in your jurisdiction. Verify your state's requirements before practicing. ICONIC Board credentials are professional practice standards only.
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Currently in Training? Start as an IBC-HHC™ Candidate

Students actively enrolled in a recognized education program who have not yet completed their training may apply for IBC-HHC™ Candidate status — the official pre-credential entry point for practitioners in training. Candidate status provides access to the ICONIC Board professional community, directory listing, and a clear pathway to full credentialing upon program completion. Learn more about IBC-HHC™ Candidate →

Tier I — Associate
IBC-HHA™
ICONIC Board Certified Holistic Health Associate
Graduates of entry-level somatic programs (200–500 hours) may be eligible to apply for the Associate credential. Practitioner must additionally meet practice hours, ethics, and CE requirements.
Recognized Programs at This Tier
Somatic Experiencing® — Beginning Level (Year One)
First-year SE modules as offered through Somatic Experiencing International (SEI). Introductory trauma-informed somatic methodology. Graduates of the Beginning Level may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHA™.
Body-Mind Centering® — Introductory Courses
Introductory courses and workshops through the School for Body-Mind Centering (SBMC). Foundational somatic movement education and embodiment practices.
Continuum Movement — Foundational Training
Entry-level Continuum Movement practitioner training. Somatic movement re-education through breath, sound, and fluid movement exploration.
Introductory Somatic Movement Education Programs
Other accredited introductory somatic movement education programs of 200–500 documented hours. Applicants must provide curriculum documentation for Board review.
Entry-Level Breathwork Practitioner Programs
Foundational breathwork practitioner training (e.g., Integrative Breathwork, Holotropic Breathwork introductory certification). Minimum 200 documented training hours required.
Tier II — Practitioner
IBC-HHP™
ICONIC Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner
Graduates of comprehensive somatic practitioner certification programs (500–1,500 hours) may be eligible to apply for the Practitioner credential. Client contact hours and professional documentation still required.
Recognized Programs at This Tier
Somatic Experiencing® — Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP)
Full SEP certification through Somatic Experiencing International: three-year program, 12 modules, required case consultations, and supervised practice. Graduates of the full SEP program may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHP™.
Hakomi Method — Certified Hakomi Therapist
Comprehensive Certified Hakomi Therapist training through the Hakomi Institute. Mindfulness-centered somatic psychotherapy training with supervised clinical components. Graduates may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHP™.
Rolf Institute — Certified Rolfer® (Structural Integration)
Certified Rolfer® designation through the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration (RISI). Comprehensive structural integration training. Note: touch-based practice; verify state licensure requirements. Graduates may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHP™.
Feldenkrais Method® — Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner
Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner designation through a Feldenkrais Guild of North America (FGNA) accredited four-year training program. Awareness Through Movement® and Functional Integration® practitioner training. Graduates may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHP™.
Alexander Technique — Certified Teacher (AmSAT/STAT)
Certified Alexander Technique Teacher designation through an AmSAT- or STAT-approved three-year teacher training program (1,600+ hours). Psychophysical re-education methodology. Graduates may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHP™.
Tier III — Educator
IBC-HHE™
ICONIC Board Certified Holistic Health Educator
Advanced somatic practitioners with recognized teaching, faculty, or trainer designations may be eligible to apply for the Educator credential. Teaching or supervisory practice documentation required for full qualification.
Recognized Programs at This Tier
Somatic Experiencing® — SE Faculty or Assistant Trainer Status
Practitioners holding SE Faculty or SE Assistant Trainer status as conferred by Somatic Experiencing International. Formal teaching role within SEI-accredited trainings. Holders may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHE™.
Hakomi — Certified Hakomi Teacher or Trainer
Certified Hakomi Teacher or Certified Hakomi Trainer designation through the Hakomi Institute. Recognized teaching and curriculum delivery role within the Hakomi training system. Holders may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHE™.
Rolf Institute — Advanced Rolfing® Instructor Certification
Advanced Rolfing® Instructor designation through the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration. Recognized curriculum developer and instructor role within RISI-accredited programs. Holders may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHE™.
Feldenkrais Method® — Trainer or Assistant Trainer Designation
FGNA-recognized Feldenkrais Trainer or Assistant Trainer designation. Active curriculum delivery and practitioner mentorship within accredited Feldenkrais training programs. Holders may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHE™.
Published Somatic Educators with Curriculum Development
Practitioners with published curriculum, recognized teaching roles in accredited somatic training programs, and documented instructional contributions to the somatic field. Documentation required for Board review.
Tier IV — Doctorate
IBC-HHD™
ICONIC Board Certified Holistic Health Doctorate
Doctoral-level academics, senior trainers with extensive documented mastery, and recognized founders of somatic training traditions may be eligible to apply. Extended application review, doctoral documentation, and Board assessment required.
Recognized Programs at This Tier
PhD in Somatic Psychology or Body Psychotherapy
Doctoral degree in Somatic Psychology, Body Psychotherapy, or closely related field from a regionally accredited institution (e.g., programs at Naropa University, CIIS, Pacifica Graduate Institute). Graduates may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHD™.
Somatic Experiencing® — Senior Trainer / Advanced Faculty
SE Senior Trainers and Advanced Faculty as recognized by Somatic Experiencing International, representing the highest tier of the SE training lineage. Combined with 2,000+ documented client hours, holders may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHD™.
Combined Advanced Certifications + Documented Mastery
Practitioners holding multiple advanced somatic certifications (e.g., SEP + Certified Rolfer® + Hakomi) with 2,000+ documented client hours and published research or curriculum development in somatic methods. Portfolio review required. Practitioners meeting this criteria may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHD™.
Founders and Senior Faculty of Recognized Somatic Training Programs
Founding faculty or senior faculty of IACREP-, FGNA-, or RISI-accredited somatic training programs with recognized contributions to the field. Exceptional review track — Board assessment required. Founders may be eligible to apply for IBC-HHD™.
Advanced Pathway Requirements — Doctoral + Examination
Diplomate Pathway Requirements
  • Hold a current, active IBC-HHD™ (Doctorate credential) in good ethical standing
  • Documented post-IBC-HHD™ practice with 2,500+ cumulative professional contact hours
  • Pass the ICONIC Board Diplomate Qualifying Examination — a structured written examination assessing advanced clinical competency, ethics, and field leadership
  • Two letters of professional recommendation from IBC-credentialed practitioners at IBC-HHD™ or above
  • Sustained continuing education compliance throughout the credentialing period
The Diplomate designation is the first of two advanced tiers awarded through structured examination — representing demonstrated mastery at the highest clinically-practiced level in holistic health.
Tier V — Diplomate
IBC-DHH™
ICONIC Board Diplomate in Holistic Health
Candidates meeting the examination and practice requirements may be eligible for the Diplomate designation. Extended application review and Board examination are required. Exam fee: $795.
Board-Conferred Distinction — Nomination Required
Fellow Pathway Requirements
  • Hold a current, active IBC-HHD™ (minimum) or IBC-DHH™ in good standing
  • Nomination by two sitting ICONIC Board Fellows or Board Directors
  • Distinguished contribution to the holistic health field: published research, curriculum development, institutional leadership, or national/international policy influence
  • 15+ years of sustained, documented professional practice and contribution to the profession
  • Board review and affirmative vote by the ICONIC Board Fellowship Committee
The Fellow designation is the highest distinction ICONIC Board confers — board-selected and reserved for practitioners whose careers have shaped the profession at scale. Fellowship is not applied for; it is awarded.
Tier VI — Fellow
IBC-HHF™
Fellow of the ICONIC Board of Holistic Health
Fellowship is board-conferred and not directly applied for. Eligible candidates are nominated by sitting Fellows or Board Directors and reviewed at the Board's discretion.

Specialty & Leadership Designations

Beyond the six sequential credential tiers, ICONIC Board awards parallel designations that recognize specialized expertise, supervisory roles, and research contributions. Parallel designations are earned alongside your sequential IBC tier — not instead of it. Stacked notation example: IBC-HHP™ · Specialist.

Specialist Parallel
IBC-HHS™
Specialist in [Modality]
Available to practitioners holding IBC-HHP™ or above who demonstrate documented specialty expertise in a defined holistic health modality. Application fee: $195/specialty.
IBC-HHS™ requirements →
Supervisor Parallel
IBC-HHS-SV™
Clinical Supervisor
Recognizes practitioners who supervise students or junior practitioners in professional settings. Requires IBC-HHE™ or above plus documented supervisory practice. Fee: $345.
IBC-HHS-SV™ requirements →
Examiner Parallel
IBC-HHX™
Certified Examiner
Conferred on credentialed practitioners authorized to administer ICONIC Board assessments. Requires IBC-HHD™ and Board approval. Fee: $295.
IBC-HHX™ requirements →
Research Parallel
IBC-HHR™
Research Fellow
Recognizes practitioners actively contributing peer-reviewed research or evidence-based publications in holistic health. Requires IBC-HHD™ plus documented research output. Fee: $395.
IBC-HHR™ requirements →
Full Parallel Designation Reference: For complete requirements, fees, and stacking notation for all parallel designations — including IBC-HHX™ (Certified Examiner), IBC-HHR™ (Research Fellow), IBC-HH-EM™ (Emeritus), and IBC-HH-DF™ (Distinguished Fellow) — visit the Credentials overview page or review individual credential pages linked above.

How to Apply Using This Pathway

Using a recognized somatic therapy education pathway simplifies your application — your program credentials satisfy the education prerequisite for your tier.

1

Identify Your Tier

Find your program in the credential mapping above and click "Apply" for the corresponding IBC tier. Your tier will be pre-selected in the application form. If you hold credentials from multiple programs, apply at the highest qualifying tier.

2

Submit Credential Documentation

Upload your somatic training certificates, completion letters, or official program documentation. ICONIC Board accepts credential documentation directly — you do not need to provide separate education transcripts for recognized programs.

3

Meet Remaining Requirements

Ensure you also satisfy the practice hours, ethics attestation, and any continuing education requirements specific to your tier. If your practice requires state licensure, confirm licensure is current before applying. The Board will advise on any gaps.

Ready to Apply?

Select your tier above, or begin with the Associate level if you are new to ICONIC Board credentialing. Applications are reviewed within 5–7 business days. The IBC credential is the unified practice standard for somatic professionals.

Begin Your Application →