Wonderful massage with Bathiah today! Deeply healing and comforting. Great overall muscle tension release. Paul also did a wonderful massage, with assisted stretches recently. His massage really helped my hip pain. I'd like to return to both these massage therapists soon. read more

See all

Amazing education techniques in very short period of times. The staff is very very pleasant and cooperative all the times.

For those of you who are curious about getting massage certification stay away from this school. They are extremely misleading when it cones to the business and practice of massage therapy. They want your money and find unethical ways to take as much as they can. Their staff is lousy. Their approach is lousy. You will not find any help here. Seek out another institution. read more

Whew!! I can totally relate with that saying the FRESHMEN 15. Except I'm not a freshman, I've just been spending a lot of time at Mckinnon this year accumulating 200+ hours worth of massage credits in Acupressure, Anatomy and now Shiatsu. I truly only FEEL like I have gained 15 pounds, from a ton of commuting back and forth from the Peninsula... I have stayed about the same weight... just hard to squeeze exercise in the mix after an intensive 9am-6pm and up to 2 1/2 hours commute time.. I've managed to keep it all in order though. It's important to stay healthy and entact in order to set a good example for all the massage clients and yoga students I currently have! I can tell you right now, most of the best massages I've recieved or given... the body worker, was super healthy and radiating nothing but positive vibes. The two go hand and hand! Well let me tell you about Mckinnon.. if you're looking for a massage course or even to knock out some of the current State of California's Massage licensing requirements, a total of 500 Hours, Mckinnon is one of the best options out there. Okay, so if you've done any research on this thus fur, you'd know you have the local program that mandates your specific schedule for 8-9 months and requires a ton of $ (over $15k last I checked) and requires more than 800 hours to recieve any certification. It's basically an investment almost as costly as an associates degree, but you only get a certificate, no degree. Then there is Mckinnon. If you're like most of us, who need to maintain a current career or several miscellaneous jobs in order to survive, while attending class, Mckinnon is great! There are several courses rotating times and days around the year. It's basically a potporri style system. You can pick up what you need and fill up your preferred subjects and mandatory hours as needed. You can go completely Western-- with Deep Tissue, Sports and the Anatomy class in succinct, or totally Eastern with Acupressure, Shiatsu, Thai Massage and of course an anatomy class focused on the meridians and points. There is a vast array of other class subjects as well! Every single teacher I have had, has been experienced, knowlegable and incredibly skilled at teaching! The quality of teachers has continued to impress me. There is something very special about the type of people, teachers and students alike, that Mckinnon attracts. It's been a privilege to be a part. I have walked away from each class with a much more in depth comprehension of each subject than I could have ever thought I had before. The classes are fun, and no matter what subject, there has always been some hands on massage happening, even if it's just some minimal palpating for anatomical understanding. Parking here is actually very easy! I've been daytime, night time, weekends and weekdays... and always found a spot with ease. It's somewhat safe, just be smart, lock your doors or have your car alarm set, you'll be fine. Obviously, I just adore this school. It's one of the best in the Bay Area, by far! I hope you find what I have found, in this wonderful school. Best of luck. read more

I've gotten 2 massages here from McKinnon graduates, and both were simply superb, intuitive, and intimately knowledgeable about muscles and knots and connective tissue issues. My blissful experience as a client (as well as my fond memories of getting paid to massage my grandma as a child) led me to embark on the path of a massage student myself! I'm midway through Intro to Swedish and just have to say that in some ways, I've learned more about the intricacies of the bodymind here as it relates to modern society and the self than my entire undergraduate career at a prestigious university. Massage is a truly holistic, healing, therapeutic path, and is a practice that is so deeply needed in this world of stress, hyperactivity, and competition. The instructors are awesome and are all practicing bodyworkers themselves. Classes are team-taught so you're always getting a fresh perspective. Staff are friendly and accommodating. The school is situated in a carpeted house and has a really cozy feel... and you may be lucky enough to take a class in the lovely "attic" with its sunny windows and view of the garden. The garden itself is nice to sit in sometimes, with its bamboo shoots, chimes, and compost tumbler. Yay to McKinnon for being a green business that composts! The payment plan they offer is reasonable, but I do wish they would offer scholarships to those of us who aren't as privileged as others. Luckily the programs are flexible and you can take most classes a la carte at your own pace. It just would be nice for the school to be more accessible to communities who wouldn't otherwise be able to study massage. You know, so massage that traditionally draws from so many cultures doesn't end up just being saturated with people who are completely divorced from those cultures. Just my two cents. Otherwise, I love McKinnon! read more

Today I graduated with my 100 hour Swedish certificate from Mckinnon school, very nice. now I qualify for the CCMP license to practice anywhere in California. Reasonably priced compared to other schools in the area, and you can pick and choose which classes you like, next up for me is Deep tissue and Craniosacral therapy. The school is in a handy location in Oakland, walking distance to 19th st Bart station. The teachers are nice people, all currently working massage therapists and really knowledgeable and I got different perspectives from the 3 different teachers I had. The class size was small, so we had great hands on guidance from the instructor and they focus a lot on body mechanics so giving massage is not tiring and actually fun. The school is in a nice colorful house that has a good vibe. I love this place. If you are looking at studying massage in the bayarea you have to take a look at this place. read more

I can't say enough good things about McKinnon Body Therapy Center. I stumbled across the school about 3 years ago when looking to get into massage therapy. I attended one of their orientation evening events, and once walking thru the door I could tell by the energy and warm vibe that McKinnon was the place for me to do my training. The next day I called the school and signed up for their Swedish certification program. Once I completed the program I was hooked and just continued to take more and more classes. I have taken all of my training at McKinnon with over 500+ hours of training. I love the small class sizes, the flexible scheduling, the way you can tailor your classes to what you are interested in taking, and all the teachers are top-notch experienced massage therapist. Other plus was that it was very conveniently located to where I live in Oakland, but is also close to public transportation. I would highly recommend (and have recommended) McKinnon Body Therapy Center to anyone looking for a massage school in the Bay Area that you can count on getting great training experience from. read more

I moved up to Oakland in September knowing that I wanted to go to massage school in the Bay. Even through my first phone call prior to moving, I knew that this was the school for me. It has a family feel, small classes, experienced and warm teachers, affordable prices, and offers an extensive variety of modalities to study. I truly have not found another massage school like McKinnon. I am in the process of finishing my 250 CMP program and am excited to continue on to complete the 500 hours to be a CMT. I highly recommend McKinnon to anyone interesting in exploring massage therapy! Check out the McKinnon Massage Clinic for a wonderful and relaxing experience! Sliding scale featuring graduates of McKinnon. read more

Extremely talented and well trained therapists. This clinic is such a service to the community by providing affordable quality massage. Thank you Fiona for always being so professional and kind when helping me with my bookings. I highly recommend this clinic. read more

I looked around and interviewed lots of places to learn massage therapy, I can say with confidence, McKinnon is the best. The instruction is top notch, and the whole place has a warm, genuinely friendly vibe. It is also a great and affordable place to get a massage! read more

I have been giving and receiving massage since I was a child. I went to McKinnon to learn how to give massage without injuring myself. The education was phenomenal and warm. Best of all it allowed me to honor my independently learned skills without requiring me to conform to a cookie cutter routine. Another thing I discovered was that the graduates learn a sense of communication with the body that I have found lacking in many of the graduates from other schools. As a massage buff, it's extremely annoying when the practitioner can't feel that they are massaging bone! McKinnon institute graduates just don't. read more

I took the Back, Neck, Shoulders training class here, and it was great! We, the students, spent half the time getting massaged for practice, which was good in itself. The teacher, Carl, was very knowledgeable, soft-spoken, and patient. He taught us very good techniques for practical use (e.g., chair) and perhaps for more private use. By the end of the class, I learned enough to probably be able to do a massage for an hour. This was a great first course for me since I mainly just wanted to do it for interest and not as a career prospect. read more

I'm just about ready to take my final for Swedish massage and I have no doubt I will pass due to the comprehensive training I've received. McKinnon has surpassed my expectations as a student of massage. Entering this program I was concerned that I would be the oldest and fattest student enrolled. I was happy to find many other classmates making a career transition in our middle age, and while I was the largest student in the class, I never experienced a moment of judgement from the staff or my fellow students. There is a respect for all bodies that is an intrinsic part of the philosophy at McKinnon. The flexible study programs they offer is fantastic. I can work and attend school with classes that fit my schedule. And I can study what I am interested in, not just a generic program dictated by the school. I have a long list of courses I'm excited to take and expect to continue to add modalities even after I'm a working professional. I definitely was scared to go back to school after being away for so long. But our teachers Carl, Doug and Nina made learning enjoyable. Especially anatomy! read more

My experience at McKinnon today was fantastic. The center is tranquil and clean and the employees are kind. My massage therapist, Tanya, has a true gift. It was easily the best massage I have ever had and she is masterful in her massage therapy techniques. She utilized a balance between Swedish massage and Esalen, with long strokes - it was fabulous. I thoroughly enjoyed her balance between gentler touch and firmer pressure and wished the massage would never end! Thank you McKinnon and Tanya, I will be back soon! read more

This is the place in the Bay Area to learn bodywork. The classes are small and the schedule is flexible and rotating, so you can choose what you want to study and when. The teachers are all bodywork practitioners, so they are doing the work and bringing their expertise and care to the classroom. The added bonus about McKinnon is their on-site massage clinic. With a sliding scale from $40-$60 per hour, you can get an incredible massage for a great price from professional and experienced bodyworkers, in a calm and quiet environment. I highly recommend it! read more

I went to one orientation where they shared lots of details about the school as well as answered any and all questions. I was hooked immediately, I enrolled into classes the very next day. Beckah greeted me with a tour and told me even more about McKinnon, she walked me through payment plans, and even had all the books needed as well as paper work to help me through the course right there in the office. I love all the options of courses-they map out the steps you can take to reach the goal you are aiming for. I love the way they price everything out, the class sizes, their patience and eagerness to help as well as their amazing instructors. I can have an absolute terrible day, but 5 minutes into class I've completely forgotten about my day and my entire mood has changed. When I tell people I'm in school for massage, I'm quick to brag about McKinnon! I would no doubt recommend them to any and everyone. read more

I've been a massage therapist for 6 years thanks to the training that I received at McKinnon. I first went to McKinnon when I wanted a change of pace from college classes. I took the introduction to Swedish course and fell in love with it right away. I now have over 500 hours of training. The teachers are genuinely caring and they want you to learn on your own pace and produce your own quality of work. Nothing is about the cookie cutter massage with a routine, everything becomes incorporated into your practice. I love how you can take classes whenever you want to, with flexibility of schedules and different teachers to get a well rounded idea of the modality. You can also finish certificates at your own pace which is good if you want to get practice in between classes. I have found that the staff and teachers are really friendly, all experienced, and really know what they are talking about. I highly recommend the craniosacral, asian systems, and special needs courses, but I have never taken a bad class at McKinnon. I continue my practice as a massage therapist and it's also a good place to go if you want to have bodywork as just a hobby. You will have a very personal and intimate experience at McKinnon, rather than a large classroom with lecture. The smaller class sizes make it that way where you feel comfortable to ask questions and have your needs met. I love McKinnon. Of all the massage schools in the bay area, I recommend this one the most. I also know that people and clients seek out graduates from McKinnon rather than from other schools. The quality of massage tends to be better. read more

This is a great place to take continued education classes. I drove up here from LA this past weekend to get my Reiki lll certification/attunements. Char was the instructor and was amazing. What a wonderful experience. I wish I had discovered this place when I lived in SF. They offer so many different modalities of bodywork and classes. read more

McKinnon Body Therapy Center - Reiki III - Adult Education Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great school, experienced teachers, good experience, I have taken 2 CE classes already & taking a 3rd one this weekend. I am so glad I found this school. It's 30 minutes drive from home, they have weekend classes which is great for me. I plan to take more classes. I wish they offer medical massage. read more

McKinnon Body Therapy Center - Adult Education Near Me - Berkeley, California

I got a great massage from Paul, who helped me with some neck and knee issues, and I'm looking forward to the next.

McKinnon truly is an amazingly special place. Like others on here have said it is small but oh so cozy and warm. Many of the instructors are inspirational and even though I went there years ago some of my teachers there have made a profound impact on my life and how I view the word even today. It is true that they don't take fasfa or pell's but they do work with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (at least last I knew of, and if you qualify of course). So there is hope to go there if you don't have the savings or put it on your credit card route. I took over 600 hours of training in one year and still continue to go back for more continuing education classes when I get the chance. This school offers extra classes I have not seen most places. Classes that help you work with people who've suffered trauma, chronic pain, serious illnesses, and how to work best with the elderly, how to cope with the connections you've made with your clients that pass away. Yes this is some of the deeper stuff but it will change your life and I feel I've become a better person after my experiences at McKinnon. On the lighter side the small class sizes make things so much more fun! I think there were only 8 people in my sports class and I left there laughing often. It's so much easier to get personal with your classmates. If you ever find yourself checking out McKinnon and think "hmm okay cute but small, i"m on the fence", just know that this place is full of magic and wonder and it starts in the class room. read more

I had heard good things about Mckinnon before i attended class so i wasn't surprised to find the staff and atmosphere more than just pleasant, they are all fun and free spirited. The moment you walk threw the door you can feel the positivity flowing threw the building. Upon starting my first class I could tell this wasn't an ordinary school. Mckinnon has small classes (my swedish class has 12 students) which makes for a very good teacher/student relationship. I feel as though I am actually getting the proper attention I need and that all the questions the class has get answered. Not to mention you get a massage at least once a week while in class. I would recommend just about anyone to try a class at Mckinnion, you wont regret it. read more

If you are considering a profession in massage therapy, here is a great start for you. Great deal on a professional class massage table. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/hab/4162406918.html --John read more

As an immigrant woman of color, I am very sad to say that I have felt unfairly treated and arbitrarily blacklisted by Fiona, the receptionist. The reason for my sadness is that the practitioners (especially Caitlin) are truly wonderful. Something about my presence triggered Fiona so much that she told me I couldn't continue to book there even though I always paid on time and tried to maintain courteousness. Misunderstandings (like the time I had to hang up in a hurry because she called me as I was starting another appointment, leading to her writing down the wrong time for an appointment) blew up to the point where she said "You are always hard to book with and never satisfied." When I tried to use my best non-violent communication skills, took ownership over my part of the misunderstanding, and pointed out the all-or-nothing always/never polarized statements she was using, and insisted on how satisfying many of my booking experiences had been, she instead hung up on me. I used to rely on this place for affordable high-quality healing. POC, stay away from this place! read more

McKinnon has been so wonderful in my transition from a corporate focus to a holistic outlook to health and healing. The diversity of programs and classes are wonderful. It has open so many doors and possibilities for me. I can't stop taking classes. There's always something to learn. McKinnon embodies a nurturing environment and the instructors become mentors. They help guide you into the area that best suit your talents and not a one size fit all type of programs. I encourage anyone who's interested in bodywork to check McKinnon out. read more

I have had nothing but positive experiences with McKinnon. I have been practicing bodywork for 7years and I believe that the approach I learned there is a big part of what keeps people coming back for more, and what makes me love my work. After completing my basic Swedish and Deep tissue elsewhere, I did the Touch for Diverse Populations program, the Asian Systems program, and Cranio-sacral. I liked the rotating schedule of classes, the classes were always small enough to get a lot of personal attention and practice, and the teachers were all gifted and experienced in their specialties. I feel that McKinnon is where I really learned to personalize my work, and to become a more intuitive practitioner. I would recommend this school to anybody who wants to begin training as a therapist, or to deepen and expand the skills they already have. read more

McKinnon was a the best thing I've done for myself. All of the instructors are well experienced massage therapist and not some newbie graduate that's taught HOW and WHAT to teach you. I've interviewed a few other massage schools throughout the bay area and went with McKinnon because they were more interest that I was serious about learning ... Unlike the others schools that was more interested in whether I had a fat enough wallet or grant to attend. read more

I am about to finish taking my Swedish massage class here. It was a great experience having 4 different teachers in Swedish and being exposed to their different styles. The atmosphere is nurturing, the instruction clear and knowledge, and very conducive to learning. Many places always say they are about the student, but I really felt this was one of the few places where this was true. I wish I had only more time and money so I can take more classes here. read more

The McKinnon Institute is wonderful. It is made up of people who have been doing massage for years and have decided to teach their art. These people are passionate about what they do and add their own flavor to each class. The class schedule is flexible and offers days and times for those of us who need to work while we are attending classes. The school itself is clean, the equipment in good working order, and the memory of my classes there makes me want to go back for more. read more

I really enjoy my time at this place. The people are chill, and their massage practice, including education, is effective. It manages to be in between a hospital and major street but still very calm with a nice surrounding neighborhood. The price of both education and therapy is competitive, especially given the intimate setting (and high teacher:student ratio). I am glad to have found it; you should come as well. read more

McKinnon is unlike any school you will encounter. For one, the staff actually cares about the students, they want to empower you to succeed and learn the healing arts. Also, the teacher-to-student ratio is fantastic. My Swedish class had 5 people! The school itself is incredible, a large 2-story house with tons of open space, friendly cats in the back, and tons of modalities to learn and choose from. I've spoken to my friends at more well-known "chain" schools, and found out that they were required to take a pre-selected regimen of styles (you choose your path at McKinnon based on the clients you want to serve), had to make poster board presentations for classes (poster boards?! really? this is a massage school, not jr. high art class), all for about twice the price. If you're considering this field, do yourself a huge favor and come check this school out. You won't regret it. read more

Carl Johns' hands are truly blessed with healing touch. The McKinnon Institute was at the Tour de Cure today donating massages to the cyclists. I was lucky enough to get Carl! read more

I almost don't want to tell you and keep her to myself but she deserves to be acknowledged. If you are like me and like to be taught straight to the point but broken down in sections with some hands on, Lisa Huwei (I butchered her last name) is the woman to go to. That woman has seriously taught me a skill that has permitted me to have clients leaving with smiles and asking when can they come back for more. In order to be good at what you do, you have to truly know what your doing. Lisa makes sure of that. Great school, great teachers, great investment that lasts a life time. I'm referring my two sisters to this school. They should be enrolling soon :) read more

I attended the 2 week, intensive, Swedish massage course totaling 100 hours. Each day was informative and full of interesting facts that kept me wanting more... eager to spend 7 hours, each and every day, learning from 3 awesome teachers. I learned so much and can't wait for the next 150 hours and beyond. Another day in paradise . Thanks McKinnon. :) read more

Went to a day long workshop and had a wonderful learning experience with Zara! Whether you're looking to learn to give massage as a career or for friends and family for fun, this is a wonderful place. They focus on teaching deep listening and presence skills. Highly recommended! read more

Great place to take your continuing education classes. Class environment is relaxed and people are there to learn. Size of class was just right so it wasn't crowded. All of the staff are approachable, great, and a pleasure to talk to. Parking (close) is either the streets (metered) or paid lots (I parked on Summit, $10 for the day). You can avoid paying if you don't mind walking a few blocks. I'll be back for more classes. read more

I was considering a job change and asked a massage therapist where she went to school." McKinnon BTC in Oakland." I valued her opinion. I searched for McKinnon BTC and found it. I found it to be one of the best experience's of my life. I live in Oakley 45 minutes away. I researched schools closer but McKinnon by far was the best! I highly recommend this school to anyone. It will change your life in a positive way. read more

I came across McKinnon when I started looking into getting certified as a massage therapist, and I am soooo glad I found this school. From the first phone call on I had nothing but the best experiences. The staff is super friendly, they where very patient in helping me putting my classes together and working with the various challenges in my busy schedule. Since I was in grad school at that time, I needed evening and weekend classes, and McKinnon's class schedule worked perfectly. Classes are rotating on a regular base, and you will likely find one that works for you no matter how busy you are. The teachers were amazing, all have their own practice and their love for bodywork shows in the classroom. I keep on going back for more classes, and my clients just love my massages. read more

I have only wonderful things to say about this school ...the staff is comprised of some really amazing and warm and genuine and truly talented people, the trainings ive received have all felt valuable and comprehensive and have prepared me on every level to enter into my career as a bodyworker. Ive felt very comfortable here and enjoy the peaceful and kind environment they provide. Im very much looking forward to rounding out my education here in the coming year. read more

I went to school here 23 years ago and always feel lucky that I learned from a school so dedicated to excellence. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life and it is wonderful to know that Dorothy McKinnon remains one of my "sheroes" by choosing such incredible teachers who are genuinely "the best." read more