IMT classes in Tauranga, New Zealand 2026
What is IMT?
IMT practitioners assess patients by using manual (hands-on) diagnostic techniques. IMT diagnostics assess the body’s numerous anatomic and physiologic systems independently as well as investigate how these systems are interrelated for each patient’s pattern of dysfunction or disease. The diagnostics evaluate various inherent rhythms in the body (also known as biologic rhythms, circadian rhythms, or motilities). Just as a doctor might use a heartbeat to gain information about the heart and the cardiovascular system, so too an IMT therapist measures inherent anatomical and physiologic rhythms to assess different systems in the body (i.e. lymphatic, nervous, fascial, circulatory system). For example, the lymphatic system has a distinct rhythm which can be used to identify inadequate immune support within lymph vessels or at lymph nodes.
However, unique to IMT is the ability to discern the state of the body on the basis of these rhythms. IMT total body diagnostics often broaden the scope of investigation from a seemingly local problem to a more regional, systemic and/or multi-system dysfunction.
To illustrate, consider a patient who suffers from chronic migraine headaches. An IMT practitioner would assess the patient by identifying all areas in the body which are contributing to the problem. This would include dysfunction at obvious local sites such as the joints and muscles at the head and neck, but might also include breakdowns at the joints of the pelvis, sacrum, and spine, a blood flow insufficiency locally or systemically, tension within the nervous system, an immune system breakdown, or a combination of all or any of these problems. Ultimately, IMT diagnostics determine the origin and/or the underlying cause(s) of pain or dysfunction, as well as the hierarchy in which treatment should ensue for optimal results. IMT diagnostic approach enables the practitioner to develop a customized treatment plan for an individual.
About the Instructor
Dr Carla Bekker-Smith, her husband, and her five beautiful girls, immigrated from South Africa to New Zealand in 2021 where she has helped people in Tauranga to heal and recover from their various health situations for over four years. After completing her degree and Masters in Chiropractic (Health Science: Chiropractic, SA), Carla founded her own health care centre (called Balance Health Asia) in Hong Kong where she worked for 10 years practicing and supporting other practitioners to deliver exceptional health care. Following her time in Hong Kong, Carla and her family lived for 10 years in Hermanus (SA) before settling in Tauranga.
During her time in Hong Kong, Carla studied and gained certification in Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) a process that required twice yearly training in Connecticut (USA) where she established a relationship with a core group of practitioners and the IMT institute. This relationship continues to this day. This year marks an opportunity to realise a dream of hers – to teach the unique skills of IMT in New Zealand. Carla is now practicing her unique set of skills from the Life Clinic, Tauranga.
Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy, USA.
Integrative Manual Therapy is multi-faceted for clinical application, education, and research. IMT Wellness Center is headquartered in West Hartford Connecticut. IMT seminars are presented through the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy (CSIMT).
In 2001, the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy became authorized as a private occupational school in the state of CT. The three-year diploma program trains health care and non-health care professionals to be proficient in the field of diagnostics and treatment using IMT. Following completion of the CSIMT diploma program, graduates are eligible to sit for certification to become a Certified IMT practitioner.
DCR, which is now known as IMT Wellness Center, was created by Mary Fiorentino, OT, to bring continued education in manual therapy to health care practitioners. In 1986, DCR was passed on to Sharon Giammatteo, and has subsequently focused on IMT education.
Research and development at the Institute of IMT is constant. New techniques and protocols are created on a regular basis, based on clinical research and patient care. Currently, there are many IMT practitioners who are focusing their doctoral research on the field of IMT. This research is focused across all patient populations and includes research into the fields of autism, spinal cord injury and Parkinson’s.
In August 2003, the IMT professional community initiated the Integrative Manual Therapy Association (IMTA). The IMTA is a professional association for IMT practitioners independent of the Institute of IMT. It supports individual practitioners and promotes IMT as a health care profession. Our goal for the future is to launch IMT Global Health.
As IMT continues to evolve, it aims to extend its reach globally and to other health care disciplines. True to its multi-disciplinary origins, IMT will continue to communicate, learn from and train professionals from all health disciplines in order to ultimately provide patients with optimal care.
Editor’s Comment: Please note that the following terms are trademarked: Integrative Manual Therapy, IMT Wellness Center, Integrative Diagnostics, Integrative Manual Therapist-Certified, Biophysiography.
IMT Classes in Tauranga 2026
Integrative Diagnostics: IMT Flagship , Repeat class from 2024
27th Feb -1st March 2026
Duration: 3 Days
Credit Hours: 21hrs
Cost: NZD 1,265 incl GST
Course Description:
Integrative Diagnostics is the flagship of Integrative Manual Therapy and the Academic Intensive Program. During this 3 day lab intensive course, the student will learn comprehensive tools for assessment and manual diagnostics of all types of body dysfunctions, including assessment of pathoanatomy, pathophysiology, pathomechanics, and pathoenergetics. The tools that are learned in this course will
be integrated in all Academic Intensive courses, with specific application towards the focus of the course.
Course Objectives:
- Learn comprehensive Manual Diagnostics
- Develop clinical skills in Sagittal, Coronal, and Transverse Plane Myofascial Mapping
- Develop clinical skills in Pathophysiology Mapping
- Begin learning in Physical Functional Medicine motilities
- Understand implications of findings with Manual Diagnostics for treatment plan development
Winter School, via Zoom from CT, USA
7-9th March 2026
Topic to be determined
Price last year was USD 750
Helix Biomechanics, Repeat class from 2025
20-22nd March 2026
Duration: 3 Days
Credit Hours: 21hrs
Cost: NZD 1,265 incl GST
Cranial Therapy Series, Level One
Date: 24th-26th May 2026
Duration: 3 Days
Credit Hours: 21hrs
Cost: NZD 1,265 incl GST
Course Description: This course is the beginning of the Cranial Therapy Series. In this course, the student is introduced to the cranial system and cranial therapy. On the first day, the student learns how to palpate and assess the CRI (Cranial Rhythmic Impulse/Cranio-Sacral Rhythm). During the second and third days, presentation includes assessment and treatment of suture and joint restrictions and treatment of the cranial and facial vaults: the temporomandibular joints, the sphenobasilar joint, and the cranial and facial articulations. During these last days, the student will also learn how to assess and treat dura mater restrictions.
Course Objectives:
1. Anatomy and biomechanics of the cranial fault in order to address cranial problems whatever the client population.
2. Techniques to improve mobility and motility (biologic rhythms) of the head and neck.
3. Techniques to decrease cranial symptoms.
Cranial Therapy Series, Level Two
Date: 19th-21st June 2026
Duration: 3 Days
Credit Hours: 22Hrs
Cost: NZD 1,265 Including GST
Course Description: This course is a continuation of the Cranial Therapy Series. The focus of this course is on assessment and treatment of membranous tissue of the cranial vault, the fluid pressure system, the facial vault, and intra-oral dysfunction. The student will learn how to treat persons with more involved cranial and neurologic dysfunction.
Course Objectives:
1. Techniques to affect pain and disability from cranial and spinal membrane dysfunction.
2. Techniques to affect face pain.
Summer School, via Zoom CT, USA
Date: 1-3rd August 2026
Topic to be determined
Price last year was USD 750
Advanced Concussion Solutions
Date: 28-30th Aug 2026
Duration: 3 Days
Credit Hours: 22Hrs
Cost: NZD 1,265 Including GST
Helix Biomechanics, Advanced Spine 2
Date: 18-20th Sept 2026
Duration: 3 Days
Credit Hours: 22Hrs
Cost: NZD 1,265 Including GST
Course Description:
This course is an advanced lab course and is included in the Biomechanics Series as well as an advanced lab course focusing on the spine. In the course, the student will be introduced to many advanced protocols, techniques, and motilities important for correction of complex spinal syndromes such as low back pain and sciatica; cervical syndrome; spinal pain and dysfunction; scoliosis and other postural dysfunction; osteoporosis; spinal disorders related to trauma and surgery; spinal cord injury with infection, inflammation, circulation insufficiency, weakness and paralysis. The student will gain critical thinking and clinical skills in many new IMT techniques as well as gain an understanding of these spinal syndromes.
Course Objectives:
- To assess the spinal column and spinal cord, to locate and isolate problems affecting motor and sensory function
- Techniques for treatment of spinal pain, dysfunction and disability
Future Class
Date: 16-18th October 2026
Duration: 3 Days
Credit Hours: 22Hrs
Cost: NZD 1,265 Including GST
Classes taught by Dr Carla Bekker-Smith, 3 day at NZD 1,100 Excl GST (NZD 1,265 Including GST)
Early bird registration and payment, one month ahead of classes receives 15% discount.
The venue for next year will still be in Tauranga but it is still to be confirmed.