Biographies

Ida Rolf

Dr. Rolf received her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Colombia University in 1920. She also completed additional studies in organic chemistry at the Rockefeller Institute. In 1927, she left for Europe to study mathematics and atomic physics at the Swiss Technical University in Zurich. During that time, she also studied homeopathic medicine in Geneva.

Dr. Rolf returned to the U.S. to seek answers to family health problems. Not finding answers in the conventional medicine of the 1930’s, she investigated osteopathy, chiropractic, and the Alexander Technique. She began to explore the relationship between a person’s mental outlook and its affect on the body’s physical health.

In the 1940’s, Dr. Rolf became known in Manhattan, New York, for the success she had in helping people who suffered from chronic pain. Combining her scientific background with her study of osteopathy and chiropractic, she discovered a new way to restore structural order to the body. This technique eventually became known as Structural Integration.

For the next 30 years, Dr. Rolf devoted herself to develop this technique. In the 1950’s, she taught Structural Integration in Europe. In the 1960’s she was invited to the Esalen Institute in California by Fritz Perls, founder of Gestalt Therapy.

Dr. Rolf was interested in teaching structural integration as an holistic approach to health. Though traditional medical students wanted to work with her and learn her techniques, she favored students who were open to exploring and understanding the relationship between the mind and body beyond what conventional medicine offered. As a result, Dr. Rolf was very selective about whom she would teach, choosing only those who were willing to work with others at deeper levels physically and emotionally.

The Rolf Institute was established in the late 1960’s in Boulder, Colorado. Dr. Rolf died in 1979, but her work lives on through the schools that are dedicated to preserving and refining her teachings. For more information, see Rolf.org, Rolf guild.org, and Hellerwork.com.

Joseph Heller

Joseph Heller is internationally known for his expertise in Structural Integration which he has been practicing for thirty years.

His education began in Paris. When he was 16 years old he immigrated to the United States and settled in Los Angeles. He studied science at Cal Tech and worked as an aerospace engineer in the NASA space program during the 1960’s and early 70’s.

In 1972, Joseph became interested in humanistic psychology. He left his job and studied Structural Integration with the legendary Dr. Ida Rolf. After establishing his practice in Los Angeles, he was appointed by Dr. Rolf as the first president of the Rolf Institute. In the following years, he worked with some of the leading figures in the humanistic health movement such as Judith Aston, creator of the discipline known as Aston- Patterning, Dr. Brugh Joy, physician, author and an innovator in the fields of preventative medicine and healing, and Hal and Sidra Stone, the creators of voice dialogue.

As a result of his unique combination of training in structural integration, movement education and body awareness, Joseph synthesized a new form of bodywork called Hellerwork. He founded the Hellerwork School of Structural Integration which is known and taught internationally.

I am grateful to have studied with Joseph who gave me personal attention and assistance in learning the art and science of structural integration.

Michael Mitchell, H.H.P.

Born 1958 – 2 pounds and 3 months premature. I’m still maturing and glad to be here! Enjoying life and appreciating good health is something I believe in and strive to share with others.

Since I was a child, I have always been interested in staying active. I was a competitive swimmer and lifeguard. I have also surfed for over 30 years. I still enjoy these sports, but as I grow older I have recognized the need to take care of my body so that it ages well and allows me to get the most out of life.

My interest in math, engineering, and design lead to a career in home building. I started out as a contractor in Malibu and made the move to Encinitas 25 years ago. I have built many homes and appreciate fine craftsmanship. Ten years ago, the very physical and stressful work of construction began to take its toll on me. I started paying attention and looking for help.

While resting up in Hawaii, a friend told me about Rolfing or Structural Integration. I found a practitioner who became a very dear friend. He understood how my history had affected my structure. I had put a lot of pressure on myself throughout my life by always trying to be the best at whatever I did. This accumulated into a lot of tension.

During my sessions of Structural Integration, I began to let go of the tension inside me. I regained a lightness I had not felt in years. My negativity and fears about aging dissolved as my life improved. I knew from my first session that structural integration was a remodeling work that I wanted to learn about. Since then, I graduated from Joseph Heller’s School of Structural Integration.

Working one on one with people and watching them create a better life for themselves is very satisfying for me. My practice of Structural Integration is a continual education in the body’s openness to change. Life is a process of growth and each day I allow myself to observe what comes my way. I recognize that we are all unique individuals who can learn from each other and find meaning and purpose in our lives.

Understanding who we are is a challenging process of discovery, but a vital one. I hope that in reading this you might examine your health goals and envision how you would like to see your life in the future.

Sita Mitchell, M.A.

I was born in 1962. My early years were shaped by science as I traveled with my family to many foreign countries in search of rare plants my father was studying. One trip was especially interesting, when we crossed Africa in a landrover. What an experience for me to see the diversity of people and their ways, while my father researched the inner life of plants.

Through my travels, I developed a passion to understand the inner workings of people and the common ground we all share.

At the University of California, Santa Cruz I studied the history and philosophy of science. In 1986, I graduated with honors in an independent major designed to explore the nature of science as a belief system upon society. In 1990, I studied the psychology of belief as a philosophy student. I completed my M.A. in 1993.

In 1994, I met an 82 year old man from India who had lived with Gandhi during India’s struggle for freedom. He was on a worldwide lecture tour speaking about Gandhi’s principles of non-violence. I was impressed by his vitality and ease in walking and speaking. He looked 30 years younger than his age and when I asked him about this he said he had no wrinkles on his face because he had no wrinkles on his heart.

I became his secretary and international program director for six years. This position involved setting up speaking engagements for him at universities, colleges, and on television and radio programs in many countries. In our travels, we were hosted by peoples of many cultures and religions including Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jews and Sufis who were all seeking to find and develop healthy ways of thinking and living. During this time, I met many specialists in various health fields who shared their insights with me about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

In 2000, I returned to the west. I began counseling people about how their personal beliefs and habits affect their health. I work with chiropractors, physical therapists and psychiatrists. In addition to counseling people, I also practice integrative massage.

My greatest joy comes from meeting people who are motivated to grow in a positive way. Helping them face their health obstacles and overcome them is a thrilling process to be involved in. I invite you to come in and talk with me about any of your health concerns.