Winter Clinical Intensive 2024
In-Person Winter Intensive
with Thomas Easley and Mel Kasting
January 22 through February 16, 2024
Are you an herbal practitioner ready to enhance your clinical skills?
Do you crave a deeper understanding of complex cases, or seek to jumpstart your career with a concentrated dose of clinical experience?
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner looking to reignite your passion or a newbie eager to expand your knowledge, our Winter Clinical Intensive might be exactly what you're searching for.
January 22-February 16
Lowgap, NC
Join Thomas Easley and Mel Kasting for a month-long clinical intensive hosted at the ESHM campus on Wellspring Mountain, a beautiful 500-acre botanical sanctuary located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Level Up Your Herbal Practice
ESHM Winter Clinical Intensive
This is a crash course in our clinical program, using a combination of lectures, discussions, case shadowing, and review format for quick integration of information - coursework and clinicals at the same time!
In a close, supportive setting, over the span of one immersive month, you'll shadow experienced herbalists, engage in intensive case review, and practice clinical skills with your peers. This isn't just about theory — it's a hands-on, real-world experience designed to enrich your practice and boost your clinical skills!
In a close, supportive setting, over the span of one immersive month, you'll shadow experienced herbalists, engage in intensive case review, and practice clinical skills with your peers. This isn't just about theory — it's a hands-on, real-world experience designed to enrich your practice and boost your clinical skills!
Requirements for Participation
Requirements for participation in the Winter Clinical Intensive are as follows:
- Advanced Student in a Clinical Program
- Graduate of a Clinical Program
- Willingness to give and receive feedback on clinical skills
OR
- We are happy to assess self-taught folks who have extensive training in physiology and pathophysiology.
If you have questions about qualifications, please email Mel BEFORE applying. [email protected]
- Advanced Student in a Clinical Program
- Graduate of a Clinical Program
- Willingness to give and receive feedback on clinical skills
OR
- We are happy to assess self-taught folks who have extensive training in physiology and pathophysiology.
If you have questions about qualifications, please email Mel BEFORE applying. [email protected]
What to Expect
at the Winter Intensive
Our Winter Clinical Intensive invites you to explore the intricacies of herbalism under the guidance of active practitioners. Every case review is a class in itself. We'll utilize participant cases as invaluable learning tools, exploring pathophysiology, differential assessment, and clinical protocols in depth.
Your journey with us will be peppered with diverse learning opportunities, from engaging blind tea tastings to insightful relational health classes. You will have access to our extensive online and physical libraries, as well as dedicated office hours with Thomas and Mel each week to personalize your learning experience and delve deeper into topics of interest.
Your journey with us will be peppered with diverse learning opportunities, from engaging blind tea tastings to insightful relational health classes. You will have access to our extensive online and physical libraries, as well as dedicated office hours with Thomas and Mel each week to personalize your learning experience and delve deeper into topics of interest.
Winter Intensive Weekly Schedule
This program is designed not just to teach but to instill a sense of practical applicability. Expect a rigorous week-by-week breakdown of topics:
Week 1
A Philosophy of Practice. Building Physical and Mental Health. Introduction To Client-Centered Care. Exploring The Effects Of Bias In Clinical Practice. Trauma Awareness. Case Shadowing. Case Review. Navigating Complex Cases. Clinical Skills and History-Taking Practice.
Week 2
Blood work assessment and Thyroid Disorders. Ethics, Legalities and Defining Scope of Practice. Boundary setting in clinical practice. Case Shadowing. Case Review. Navigating Complex Cases. Clinical Skills and History-Taking Practice.
Week 3
Fatigue Differentials And Sleep Disorders. Health Plan Creation, Follow-up and Case Management. Case Shadowing. Case Review. Navigating Complex Cases. Clinical Skills and History-Taking Practice.
Week 4
Working With Long Covid. Applied Harm Reduction. How To Question Clinical Information Presented By Our Client. Case Shadowing. Case Review. Navigating Complex Cases. Clinical Skills And History-Taking Practice.
As we work through this curriculum, you'll uncover herbal, nutrition, and supplementation strategies that you can apply to real cases. By the end of the month, you'll walk away with a renewed confidence to support your clients through a variety of chronic illness patterns, armed with fresh perspectives on even the simplest cases.
Our schedule will be intense, but purposeful. From Monday to Thursday, we'll dissect participant cases together and spend valuable time learning about our topics of the week. Fridays will be dedicated to observing live consultations, followed by post-case discussions. We're keeping weekends free for you to relax, explore the area, or immerse yourself in self-study.
FAQ
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What are the requirements for participation in this winter intensive?
Requirements are as follows:
Advanced Student in a Clinical Program
Graduate of a Clinical Program
Willingness to give and receive feedback on clinical skills
We are happy to assess self-taught folks who have extensive training in physiology and pathophysiology. -
What is the cost for this intensive program?
The intensive costs $3,000, which includes your lodging and over 100 hours of classes, case reviews, and shadowing. A $500 deposit is required to hold your spot.
We're happy to accommodate payments as long as the full amount is paid by the first day of classes.
We are not currently able to offer any scholarships or work trade, but we hope to be able to offer these by our next winter intensive. -
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $25. To begin the application process, click on any of the "Apply Now" buttons on this page and complete the checkout process. Once complete, you'll be redirected to the application (you'll find the application link in the online classroom as well).
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What does the process look like after I apply?
You'll be contacted by Mel to set up an interview!
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Where will I stay?
You'll stay on-campus in our lodge. Read below for more information about lodging!
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How many spots are available?
We will be accepting 6 in-person participants.
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Who should I contact with questions about qualifications?
If you have questions about qualifications, please email Mel BEFORE applying. [email protected]
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What if slots are filled before my interview?
If slots are filled before your interview, your application fee will be refunded. If you know that you're interested in applying, don't hesitate, as qualified applicants are selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Application Process
We're keeping this intensive intimate, with just six spaces available to qualified participants. To secure your place, you'll need to fill out an application and have a short interview with Mel. It's first-come, first-served, so don't hesitate if you're interested.
How to Apply
Step 1: Click on any of the "Apply Now" buttons on this page. Complete the checkout process to submit your $25 application fee.
Step 2: Once checkout is complete, you'll be redirected to the application. You can also visit your online classroom for the Winter Clinical Intensive and view the Application module to find the link there. Complete and submit your application, then Mel will reach out to schedule an interview with you.
If you have questions about qualifications, please email Mel at [email protected] BEFORE applying.
Please note: If you are unable to attend our in-person 2024 intensive, but would be interested in an online version or alternative dates later in the year, please submit our ESHM Winter Clinical Intensive Waitlist form.
Lodging and Amenities
at the ESHM Campus
Our charming two-story lodge features six bedrooms: four bedrooms on the ground floor and two bedrooms on the top floor. The ground floor also includes a kitchenette, a cozy family room, and a spacious front porch. A full bathhouse is just a short walk away, but you’ll also find two bathrooms on the ground floor of the lodge (one with a shower and the other a half) and two bathrooms on the top floor (both half baths).
Please note that there is no internal staircase to the top floor of the lodge; each floor has its own entrance. The entire space is ADA compliant, and also offers high-speed internet. The campus community kitchen and laundry facilities are located just next door to the lodge.
Please note that there is no internal staircase to the top floor of the lodge; each floor has its own entrance. The entire space is ADA compliant, and also offers high-speed internet. The campus community kitchen and laundry facilities are located just next door to the lodge.
Your Instructors for the Winter Intensive
Thomas Easley, RH
Thomas Easley, RH (AHG), is a Clinical Herbalist and the founder of the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine. With a passion for herbal medicine ignited in 1996, Thomas has dedicated his life to helping others through a unique approach that integrates Traditional Western Herbalism, Clinical Nutrition, and modern medical sciences.
Since opening his practice in 2001, Thomas has provided guidance and support to tens of thousands of clients. In 2010, he founded the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, which offers comprehensive clinical training. As a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild, Thomas continues to refine his clinical expertise by reviewing cases for his school’s free clinic and maintaining an active private practice.
Thomas is the co-author of The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine Making Guide and Modern Herbal Medicine. He firmly believes in the power of herbal medicine to transform lives and promote vibrant health. His approach emphasizes the importance of food as medicine and incorporates tailored diets, stress reduction techniques, nutritional supplements, and exercise to help clients achieve their health goals.
As a champion for evidence-based practices, Thomas strives to ensure that his teachings and methods are rooted in tradition, clinical practice, and sound scientific principles. He draws inspiration from the Eclectic and Physiomedical physicians of the 19th century, combining their wisdom with modern medical sciences to create a comprehensive and systematic approach to health and healing.
Since opening his practice in 2001, Thomas has provided guidance and support to tens of thousands of clients. In 2010, he founded the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, which offers comprehensive clinical training. As a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild, Thomas continues to refine his clinical expertise by reviewing cases for his school’s free clinic and maintaining an active private practice.
Thomas is the co-author of The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine Making Guide and Modern Herbal Medicine. He firmly believes in the power of herbal medicine to transform lives and promote vibrant health. His approach emphasizes the importance of food as medicine and incorporates tailored diets, stress reduction techniques, nutritional supplements, and exercise to help clients achieve their health goals.
As a champion for evidence-based practices, Thomas strives to ensure that his teachings and methods are rooted in tradition, clinical practice, and sound scientific principles. He draws inspiration from the Eclectic and Physiomedical physicians of the 19th century, combining their wisdom with modern medical sciences to create a comprehensive and systematic approach to health and healing.
Mel Kasting, RH
Mel is a practicing clinical herbalist, educator, poet, and emergent facilitator. As Clinical Program Director and Free Clinic Manager, she helps clients to get the support they need while guiding students through the rigorous process of preparing for and participating in active clinicals.
Mel’s passion lies in both serving clients and empowering students to develop the essential relational health and clinical skills required to excel as herbal practitioners. Through her clinic work, art and class facilitation, she explores the intersections of herbalism, botany, society, and somatic experiencing to support plant-centered botanical medicine and celebrate the teeming diversity life has to offer.
In her private practice, she blends traditional western herbalism and clinical nutrition with somatic herbal practices. She recognizes the significance of addressing personal and societal traumas as an integral part of the healing journey. This profound understanding shapes her approach, as she guides individuals toward greater well-being and helps them navigate the complexities of their own healing processes.
Mel’s passion lies in both serving clients and empowering students to develop the essential relational health and clinical skills required to excel as herbal practitioners. Through her clinic work, art and class facilitation, she explores the intersections of herbalism, botany, society, and somatic experiencing to support plant-centered botanical medicine and celebrate the teeming diversity life has to offer.
In her private practice, she blends traditional western herbalism and clinical nutrition with somatic herbal practices. She recognizes the significance of addressing personal and societal traumas as an integral part of the healing journey. This profound understanding shapes her approach, as she guides individuals toward greater well-being and helps them navigate the complexities of their own healing processes.