Dear Practitioner Apprentices,
​
I hope that you are well during this time of uncertainty and trial. I, myself have been overwhelmed with how to continue upon this path while navigating a life where all of the things that I once did face-to face are now expected to be executed virtually. This is a very uncomfortable place to be for someone like me—who believes in the power of intimate (and private) conversation, a quiet presence, hands-on experience, and the idea that there’s magic in each spontaneous encounter. 

But, here we are, and this is what we have.

I have spent the past few weeks experimenting with various ways to continue this work we are doing together…while apart. And here is the plan, subject to change, of course:

Apprentice Circles
We are keeping to our schedule for our apprentice circles, but are holding them as half hour Zoom Calls. We met virtually two weeks ago and it was lovely and inspiring to see some familiar faces. I am holding them in 3 sets of half-hour calls and then posting them in 15 minute segments on the SupportiveSkincare Educational Hub under Resources. The first two are up…and I hope that with practice, getting the rest up will move more quickly! https://www.supportiveskincare.com/1-practitioner-resources.html

The next one is this coming Tuesday (April 7th) with meetings at 1-1:30pm, 2-2:30pm, and 3-3:30pm. We are going to be talking more about the things that you need to know in order to be a “virtual practitioner” These will be recorded and distributed. If you want to attend, you need to RSVP to me (hopefully by noon on Tuesday) so that I can send you the private link to our zoomroom. 

Between You & The Moon by Brooklyn Herborium
“Lessons in Nature-Led Living”
Starting this Friday, I will be releasing 15-20 minute mini-talks a few times a week over a podcast-type platform that will be open to all who wants to enjoy. These are simple voice recordings-many of me simply reading some of my articles or worksheets that will allow you a chance to brush-up on some of our concepts and get a regular dose of Brooklyn Herborium—even if you can’t get here. The link to the talks will be shared on Thursday. I think you will love it.

www.SupportiveSkincare.com
In between these things, I am slowly putting various recordings of our Apprentice Circles on the Supportive Skincare. I have already put up the recordings of our “Emotional Housekeeping Masterclass” this week—but not all of the worksheets that I want to accompany it. The direct link is here: https://www.supportiveskincare.com/emotional-housekeeping.html

​Staying Connected
You probably know that my relationship to social media is imperfect at best, and that most of our practitioners/apprentices do not use facebook and are not about to start now! I have, however, created a FB group for us that you can feel free to join and connect with one another on. I tend to check-in a few times a week. 

If you need to chat about something private, or need a little extra “Emma Encouragement” please, please reach out to me and we can either have a private phone call or even meet one-on-one via Zoom.

Please, reach out to me via email. I want two things from you right now. I want to know how you are. I miss you so much and I care so much about you all that I get a bit knotted up inside not knowing. In addition, I could use a little push—or maybe a little positive affirmation that what I am doing and producing is helpful and wanted and not just a waste of everyone’s time. Without talking to you face to face—I’m not getting the positive feedback that I get from our circles and I feel like I am just “talking into the wilderness”. 

Times are hard, but you can get through hard things and you can even come out stronger. 

Be well, 
Emma

​My Dearest Practitioner Apprentices,

Thank you for your patience as Molly and I figure out how to “take care of business” and best support you during this global health crisis. As I have been overwhelmed with the amount of “digital information” that has been thrown at me—much of which I need to respond to immediately, I have needed a little extra time for my own “Emotional Housekeeping” in order to work out how I am going to continue your lessons.

As you may know, tomorrow is supposed to be an apprentice circle. The sad news is, of course, we will not be meeting in person—BUT the exciting news is that those of you whom have not been able to make it to the apprentice circles may actually have an opportunity to meet with us.

Here’s how tomorrow will work:

I have scheduled three 30 minute Zoom calls tomorrow. Each will have a different planned topic. You may attend any one or all three of them. 

The topics will be:

Tuesday 2/24/2020 at 1-1:30 pm EST The Remote Consultation
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Tuesday 2/24/2020 at 2-2:30 pm EST The Ideal Functional Skin Care Regimen
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Tuesday 2/24/2020 at 3-3:30 pm EST How to Teach Our Massage Techniques Virtually
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All of these will be recorded and shared following the meetings. I have also recorded a sessions from a consultation that I did this past Saturday with the permission to share it with you.

In addition, I am rolling out each of our lessons via keynote presentations. Each lessons will provide a PDF of the pages that we are working with as well as an audio session that may or may not have a corresponding visual presentation. As these lessons will be made available to the entire Brooklyn Herborium Community (Apprentices, Herbalcrafters, and Practitioners of all levels) there will be certain concepts that we will return to again and again. I intend these lessons to be simple and informative with an emphasis on sharing knowledge with you so that you can contemplate and do the work on your own time. More on these lessons as they are available.

As many of you know, I am working on this from my tiny apartment with 2 small children who are home from school, so I expect that it will get interesting! I just need to keep reminding myself: “Start where you are and do the best you can with whatever you have!”

Please RSVP to [email protected] and I will give you the password to get into the meeting!
I hope to see you tomorrow.

Be well,
Emma

Hello Holistic Practitioners!

At our last apprentice circle, it was mentioned that it might be helpful if I make "recorded presentations" of some of the slideshows I have made. Here you go: my first attempt with the "first things first" presentation. Please let me know if it is helpful (send me an email!!!) and I will continue to make more of them for you--I am open to requests and suggestions as well! Please note: I wanted to get this to you before the next apprentice circle...so I recorded it this morning at 5 am while the kids were starting to get up...you can imagine where that goes :)

FYI: Almost everyone has requested that we record some of our sessions for future review. Starting next week, I will have a production assistant with a recording device present for some our Apprentice Circles. There will be some parts we do not record because I want everyone to feel comfortable sharing thier personal experiences, but I would like to make sure that everyone is OK with me sharing these recordings in our group. I you are NOT comfortable with it, please come to me and let me know and I will make sure your privacy is respected.

I also recognize that the majority of our Holistic Practitioners do not use Social Media, but (if you do) we did make a Facebook "group" that you can join so you can reach out to each other and have another way of getting this information. I'm not using it much (yet!) but it is there if you are interested.

In addition, we are doing the second part of our 2-part apprentice circles on "Integrative Therapies" on Tuesday.  Here we will take another look at one of our favorite case study models.

At our January 21st, 2020 Apprentice Circle: we talked about 1st phase Integrative TherapiesThese specialized services allow the client to “choose the results”, while you, the Holistic Aesthetician, chooses the exact methods. This is that class that puts everything together for you so that you may utilize all of the tools you have (learned though us or not) to provide authentic, lasting, results from the very first time you meet with a client.

• Integrative Therapy for Dehydration & Congestion
• Integrative Therapy for Barrier Repair
• Integrative Therapy for Biome Rehabilitation

Next up is:
Apprentice Circle: Pinpointed Integrated Therapies (2nd phase Therapies)
February 4th, 2020 12:30-4:30 pm
These specialized services allow the client to “choose the results”, while you, the Holistic Aesthetician, chooses the exact methods. This is that class that puts everything together for you so that you may utilize all of the tools you have (learned though us or not) to provide authentic, lasting, results from the very first time you meet with a client.

• Integrative Therapy for Reducing Redness and Reactivity
• Integrative Therapy to Improve the Appearance of Old Scars
• Maintaining Radiance at Every Age

As I have repeated (but I know you want to hear it again), three criteria must be met in order for us to perform 2nd phase Integrative Therapies:

1. Barrier must be intact and functioning well (This is why we can’t usually start with a 2nd phase…so many of our clients need to repair their barrier or rehabilitate the microbiome FIRST)
2. No “new” primary conditions (Ghosts of pimples past and a stress bump or two is ok though)
3. Must be on “the regimen” with absolutely NO Controlling Products. (Does not necessarily have to be OUR product, although there aren’t many out there that fit the bill)

February 4th, 2020 Demonstration
2nd Phase Integrative Therapy Demonstration: Tertiary Conditions
Female, 25 This will be our 4th treatment with her over the course of 3 months as she has moved from Functional Facials Level 2 & 3 (Integrative Therapy for Biome Rehabilitation/Barrier Repair) to the second of her Phase 2 Integrative Therapies. You saw her first one last Tuesday, but In our next circle, we will pull out Bian Comb again, but also help the Red/infrared phototherapy go a little deeper by exfoliating with the Diamond Dermabraision Machine. (I found the power sources as well as the hand-held wand!) 

Homeo-theraputic Phototherapy: We have been working with phototherapy in conjunction with our own Between You and the Moon Skin Care line for over 10 years. It is complimentary to both Conventional Skin Care and Functional Skin Care and can be utilized while re-building the skin’s health as well as when a more active catalyst is needed to facilitate the return of the skin to its natural state of health and beauty. We find that taking the subtle body approach to using photons is more effective for lasting results than the more popular “allopathic” approach.

Advanced Exfoliation Techniques: We do not recommend advanced exfoliation on a regular basis. At Brooklyn Herborium, we advocate the judicious use of these methods ONLY when it is appropriate. We will talk about which methods work best for certain situations and how to choose a method of exfoliation depending on the client's needs.

• Diamond Dermabrasion 
• Ultrasonic Lift-off with BT Micro
• Alpha-Beta Peel
• Seasonal Pumpkin Enzyme Peel/Rose Renewal Mask
• Silk & Pearls

At our Circle on February 18th, 2020 we will have an extra demonstration:
2nd Phase Integrative Therapy Demonstration: Redness and Reactivity
Female 30ish Many of you saw her last Spring for a first phase Integrative Therapy where we were focusing on Barrier Repair due to her peri-oral dermatitis and the overly-sensitized nature of her skin. We will see me demonstrate her third Integrative Therapy for Redness and Reactivity (every 2 weeks for 2 months). So far, we are getting great results. Her old redness and distended capillaries are almost completely gone. 
Also coming up on February 18th:
The Alignment Technique, Advanced Facial Point Stimulation and Body-Mind Alignment Protocol
February 18th, 2020 12:30-4:30 pm
The Alignment Technique is the most important and widely used protocol in Facial Point Stimulation. It is similar to acupressure or reflexology in that using a point on the surface of one part of the body sends a reflexive message to the subtle body and resonates within certain organ systems. It is an extraordinarily relaxing time-proven energetic modality that allows the practitioner and the client to drop into a meditative state that allows the body to focus on internal balance in the body’s quest for total equanimity within all organ systems, increasing overall vitality. We developed this method over many years of clinical practice to simplify obfuscated ancient teachings and return healing back to the self.
Facial Point Stimulation: Similar to reflexology in that we are utilizing the nervous system to send a reflective message from one area of the the body (in this case, the face) to other areas of the body, our method differs in that it is offered as a truly relaxing facial massage using our unique tools for your own, as well as your client's comfort. The main ideas can be learned in an hour--but true mastery can take a lifetime of practice.
The Body-Mind Alignment Protocol:  When your body and mind are in alignment you are able to tune into the energetic hum of the universe. In this state of alignment you release your mind’s grip on the physical world, allowing the flow of energy to pass around and through you, finding specifically the areas where you need a tune-up and delivering them instantaneous healing love and a subtle body pep-talk. We will go over this protocol in detail and make suggestions to help you make this method your own, utilizing the tools you already have as well as the tools you get from studying with Brooklyn Herborium.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE: 
I love it that we all enjoy the wonderful food from across the street and that we have a relaxed atmosphere, but we do only have a few hours together. Please be on time as much as possible and ready to get to work at 12:30 and push though until 4:30 if possible. Cena starts serving lunch at noon, so you can get your delicious food before we start and even save some for a shorter break time during the day. Or plan with one another to go out for enchiladas  and Instagram gossip after we finish cleaning up…
If you do eat during apprentice circle time (which is totally welcome if you need to!), please don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink/lab area until the end of the day—Herbalcrafters need that space to remain clear at all times.
Which reminds me, clean up is at 4:30 and I expect that everyone take part in the clean up. This means resetting the treatment room as well as tidying up (and vacuuming if there was food consumed) the classroom. We get so excited in our discussions and with continuing to chat amongst ourselves that many of these important tasks aren’t getting completed. 
In both cases, I am also guilty (tacos and chit-chat are hard to resist!) and will also be holding myself accountable. I also recognize that it is difficult to pay attention for 4 hour stretches so I will insert more changes/breaks into the day.
Thanks for your consideration. Your presence and participation in these Apprentice Circles is what makes our program so great!

The next Apprentice Circle will be:
January 7, 2020 From 12:30pm - 5:00pm at the Windsor Terrace Location

Apprentice Circle: Functional Facials to Improve Skin Function
This Apprentice Circle goes back to the basics of giving a great facial that identifies when there is dysfunction in the skin and takes the initial steps to remedy the situation. 

Topics we will cover
Techniques used in a Functional Facial
    Cleansing/Analysis Massage
    Double Wipe Method of mask removal
    Identifying what could/should be extracted (+ techniques for preparation and extraction)
Identifying Skin Dysfunction using the Functional Skin Care Model
Actions of the “Healer” (New Philosophy Worksheet!)
Using S.O.A.P. to pinpoint exactly how to improve skin function
    I have new forms to add to your SOAP Journal
Addressing congestion/dehydration, stagnation & structural damage
Addressing Stress Bumps Topically 
Addressing Stress Bumps using Stress Bump Tea/Drinking Herbal Infusions

If you are planning on attending this circle, please RSVP before Monday or I may not have print outs for you.

Here's a link to the Resources Pages for this Masterclass

What is coming up ahead at Brooklyn Herborium:
January 21, 2020 From 12:30pm - 5:00pm at the Windsor Terrace Location

Please keep in touch! Sometimes I feel like I am talking into a void (and then you show up at the shop and give me some love so I know its all good)

Next week we have so much going on at the Windsor Terrace Workshop!

ORIENTATION
On Monday, December 16th we will hold an Orientation for our New Practitioners from 10 am until 2!
PLEASE LET ME KNOW ASAP:
If you have not had your orientation and plan to attend this one.
If you are interested in helping out at orientation or be a model.
If you have already had your orientation and would like to sit in as a refresher.

I will try to satisfy everyone's requests as best as I can! There is a new section within your resources page with some good stuff to go over before your orientation--don't worry if you don't get through all of it before Monday.

APPRENTICE CIRCLE
Tuesday December 17th is a very exciting Apprentice Circle: Herbal Infusions Masterclass for 12:30 to 4:30. I am expecting a bigger group, so please please please let me know (if you haven't already) if you plan to attend so that I can have enough supplies prepared.

PRACTICE DAY
Wednesday will be a practice day starting at 10. I will only be there for the first 40 minutes (unfortunately) but I expect that others will be around and want to practice on each other. Please let me know if you plan to attend so that we can make sure there's a good balance of maidens and crones...

And the GREAT NEWS?
In 2020, we will continue holding our Apprentice Circles just about every other Tuesday (twice a month--keep an eye on the calendar, topics might change, but the dates will stay the same unless there is an emergency and I will send out a specific email!)
Updates:

• For those two dates we will schedule one THEORY and one PRACTICE Session per month.
• We are also adding a Zoom call once per month for all Practitioners/Apprentices/Mentors where you can ask questions.
• If you are a practitioner who is far away and can't make it to Brooklyn very often, I want to implement a SEASONAL CHECK-IN which would be a half-hour phone call 4 times a year. It's not mandatory (so far...) but I think that it would be helpful to keep you heading in the right direction.

Be well, precious humans! We hope to see you soon.
Emma & Molly

Hello Holistic Practitioners!

Happy New Moon. It’s the season of the roots and connection with our ancestors. What a great time to learn new techniques or dig deeper into the techniques are are working on—discovering new nuances as you go.

Fo those of you who are attending Tuesday’s Practitioner Apprentice Circle (or those of you who want to play along at home) I’ve put some suggested resource materials on our Resources page as well as down below. Let me know how this works for you. They were simply made from videos that apprentices took during Circles past and then emailed to me—but there is good stuff to be gleaned. I would love to have a head count, so please RSVP if you can.

Next Practitioner Apprentice Circle:  Oct 29th, 2019 
Advanced Massage Techniques (The Breakdown Technique, The Contour Technique, The Drainage Technique) 

Please Review before Tuesday if possible:
BYATM MASSAGE METHOD 
Watch the first 6 videos on this youtube playlist
CONTRAINDICATIONS & CONCERNS

New Practitioners and Practitioner Apprentices: 
If you are new and have not yet learned The Alignment Technique, don’t worry—you will get your chance. We can do a practice day dedicated to The Alignment Technique after your Orientation. Get a head start with this video

Winter 2019 Revision Session will be on December 3rd
Does anyone want to add an Orientation day the day before and a Practice day the day after?
Email me!

Anything else? Let me know.

Emma

Here's a simple video that was part of a recent series on Hormonal Health. When I track down the rest of the videos, I will post them here too.

These Handouts are the pages you are welcome (and encouraged) to share with your clients. It is important that we are consistent in the recommendations that we make--especially when clients are so easily confused (because of media, etc...) and soon revert to the old ways (not counting drops, mist and then oil, straight up oil as a massage medium before bed, 12 grain bread, low-fat, too much raw foods....you get the point) unless we give them good reminders.

• Tell them in the treatment room.
• Give them 3-4 print outs afterwards (Don't overwhelm them!)
• Follow-up with an email linking to articles (on BrooklyHerborium.com that back you up.
• ...And the next time they come in, ask again "What are you doing to your skin Morning and Night?"

As you become a firm believer in the practices (through your own experience and your S.O.A.P. Studies) you will be sharing them with confidence--knowing exactly how to pinpoint who needs which handouts for the quickest and most effective path to great skin.

***note-there seems to be a lot of trouble with click-though from this page. If it doesn't work--go though the Apprentice Resources Page and log in from there. All of the Handouts are also in the Google Drive. My apologies for digital hiccups.