Because HTSMT believes that the foundation of an excellent therapeutic massage program necessitates small class size for the techniques classes, all techniques classes will be no larger than 9 students.  It is also the philosophy of HTSMT that in order to learn therapeutic massage techniques effectively each massage stroke must be learned in five ways.  First the student must see the stroke.  At the same time, the student must hear the directions for performing the stroke.  Third, the student must feel the stroke done correctly – and receive that hands-on experience from the instructor.  Fourth, the student must practice the stroke on the instructor so as to receive specific feedback about how to do the stroke.  Finally, the student must practice the stroke on fellow students to perfect the technique.  While this process is very time-consuming HTSMT believes that this method is the most effective.  This process then enables the student to perform each stroke successfully on the Internship tests and creates positive self-esteem and confidence in her/his skills.