Mentoring Programme

STAA Mentoring Programme

Shiatsu Tailored Professional Development

Providing a resource that supports a meeting of needs and skills between STAA members

Mentoring is where someone provides support, encouragement, reflection and advice, based on their knowledge, skills and experience. It provides a two-way learning experience that encourages deep satisfaction and numerous benefits in personal, career, community, organisational and developmental areas.

Mentoring is mentee-driven. The mentee reflects on what they want to focus on and develop. The mentor offers perspective, insights, learnings and holds a space for development of the mentee.  It is a partnership based on mutual respect, trust and honesty that evolves over the period of mentoring. 

What can you be mentored in?

• Clinical practice – treating unfamiliar, complex or specific conditions
• Client/Practitioner relationship 
  
• Setting up a practice 
  
• Business practices 
  
• Research assistance – case series guidance
  
• Anything relevant to your Shiatsu practice

2026

Expressions Of Interest

Have you been thinking of specialising in an area?

Interested in undertaking a research study but not sure how?

Wanting to grow your existing Shiatsu practice?

Or are you a lapsed member wanting to return to STAA and be eligible for Private Health Rebates?

It's all possible within the STAA Mentoring Programme.

Investment: $900 members (25 CPE points)

$1500 non members

Watch the info session:

https://youtu.be/8CfKDal3OzU

Since its inception in 2019 this program created by experienced Shiatsu Practitioners for Shiatsu Practitioners. The mentoring program is committed to helping Practitioners develop their clinic, branch out in a speciality and develop professionally.  The programme provides unique support specifically designed to:

●    Align with the culture, values, and philosophies inherent in shiatsu training

●    Function as a mentee-directed process that reflects the values and practices of client-centered care within a therapeutic context

●    Empower mentees to identify and address their specific needs with their ongoing development

●    Naturally foster professional connections and career pathways

Industry best practice recognises mentoring as essential to practitioner wellbeing and competence across all professions and trades. Within the shiatsu context, mentoring has demonstrably increased both mentee and mentor competence and autonomy, while enhancing confidence in professional relationships.

Scholarships

The STAA Mentoring Program Scholarships are designed to support practitioners to grow and develop a sustainable practice by easing financial barriers. Each scholarship covers 50% of the program fee and recognises passion, commitment, and vision in practitioners building a meaningful and fulfilling practice. All applications and scholarship recipients will remain strictly confidential.

CRITERIA

Financial Criteria – This is for you if:

• You’re living week-to-week, with little disposable income for CPE.

• You’re not partnered with someone who collectively provides financial security.

• You have no scope for credit to fund further training.

• You can honestly say the full course fee is  out of your reach.

 

Personal Criteria – In addition to financial need, successful applicants will demonstrate:

• A clear sense of Purpose – you feel called to this work and are committed to developing your practice as part of your life path.

• Commitment– you’re actively engaged in personal and professional development and follow through with integrity.

• A Natural Feel for touch and care – you’re drawn to working with others through your hands and heart.

STAA invites a thoughtful and honestapplication, including a genuine reflection on where you are currently and the future you envision within this modality.

If this resonates, we encourage you to share openly about, your circumstances, your aspirations, and what draws you to this program. Our intention is to support those who feel a deep calling to this path.

APPLICATIONS

Please send a written application to enquiries@staa.org.au answering the following:

1. Your name/contact details.

2. Your previous bodywork training.

3. Current work situation.

4. FINANCIAL – An overview of your life circumstances and finances as per the list above in addition to your employment situation.

   1. Employment type (full time/part time/causal)

   2. Number of hours worked per week

5. PERSONAL – Why do you feel you would both love to receive and deserve a scholarship place addressing all the personal criteria as outlined above.