Chris McGrath, PhD (Uni South Australia), MEd (Uni NSW), RPP/TT (Polarity therapist training with Masterworks International, EIRE), Cert IV Remedial Massage (NSW School of Massage), BA(Psychology, Macquarie Uni), Cert Gifted Ed (Uni NSW), Grad Dip Music (NSW Conservatorium of Music), Remedial Teachers Course (Sydney), Teachers Cert (Wollongong)
From the beginning of 2010, we relocated to Manyana, three and a half hours south of Sydney. At this beautiful coastal village I continue my work as a therapist and teacher of Polarity Therapy, Qi Gong and Meditation. Southern Ocean Therapies has its new base here. I am editing and developing Polarity Therapy training materials and SelfWise, a summary of work that Robbie and I have developed and trialled over the last couple of years.
In 2008 -9, I worked mainly in the east coast area of Australia providing Polarity Therapy and training and Selfwise Retreats with a focus on relaxation and health building. In 2008 and 2009, we provided training in Spa work for staff at Paradise Resort on Taveuni Island, Fiji. For several months at the end of 2009 we worked in a management role at this beautiful island resort.
From 2006-2008, I worked full time as a natural therapist at Crystal Lodge, Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. Polarity Therapy was the main modality I practised. I also provided Swedish, Remedial, Cranio-sacral, Lymphatic drainage and other massage techniques. During this period we were resident managers at Crystal Lodge. We also provided talks about energy therapy to guests and presented Polarity Therapy training workshops.
Prior to this I worked for many years as a teacher, lecturer and consultant in NSW educational institutions. I was a consultant for students with special needs including gifted students. In 1995, I was awarded a university research scholarship to undertake doctoral studies about thinking and learning. I was most interested in how learning and thinking can be maximised.
In 1990, I was awarded a Teaching Fellowship to study the Education of Gifted Students in China. Since 1991 I have had many opportunities to present papers about teaching thinking and learning at national and international conferences. I was most interested in teaching thinking and facilitating group process and personal change.
I began practising meditation in Sydney in 1971 and later learning Tai Chi and Chi Gong in 1984. I began teaching Tai Chi, Chi Gong and Meditation to students, teachers and others in 2002.
I founded Syntivity Australia in 1998. This concept developed out of my major research on how thinking can be taught. Syntivity is about mindfulness and creativity. The focus of Syntivity Australia is to facilitate advanced learning and thinking in any sphere of human behaviour, in particular, conscious living.
I began Polarity Therapy training and practice in 2004-5 and became President of the Australian Polarity Therapy Association in 2008.
In 2008, with Robbie, I founded Southern Ocean Therapies.
I am enthusiastic surfer and ocean lover. In 2000, I re-discovered skiing and engage in this passion as frequently as possible, especially on the magnificent island, Hokkaido, in northern Japan.