Course Objective: To provide the foundational skills for students to practice and explore aquatic therapy using the Watsu^® technique.

Competencies to be acquired:

• Understand the therapeutic properties of water and its applications in bodywork.
• Master body mechanics to move safely and harmoniously with the receiver.
• Adapt head support techniques to each individual’s needs.
• Develop sensitivity to perceive and facilitate the receiver’s breathing patterns.
• Execute a basic sequence of aquatic movements and mobilizations with precision.
• Achieve fluid transitions in preparation for Watsu^® 2 training.
• Assess session progress to make real-time therapeutic adjustments.

The class will be taught in Spanish. Pre-class work, including the WABA Code of Ethics and Conduct for Watsu^® Form, must be completed and submitted to us before the class begins.

At the end of the course a Certificate of Participation will be awarded by Watsupath^™ Training Institute, the only Training Institute in Spain accredited by Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association W.A.B.A. valid for the Watsu^® Professional Training program.

Gabriela Villalba Gallardo is a Professor of Body Expression and Dance. Her career has developed across various professional fields: education, arts, and therapy. Gabriela has trained in different bodywork and artistic disciplines, including Qi Gong, Yoga, Dance, Theater, Creative Movement, and more.

Gabriela is a Watsu^® Practitioner trained in multiple aquatic therapy modalities, including Craniosacral Therapy in Water^™, Waterness Journey^™, Sound Water^™, Fire and Water^®, and Ai Chi^®. She is also a Watsu^® Basic and Watsu^® 1 Instructor, a Shiatsu Therapist and Instructor, a Sound Therapist and Gong Practitioner, and a Manual Therapist specializing in Ayurveda, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Lomi Lomi, Reflexology, Chinese Medicine, and Acupuncture, as well as Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy.

She is a member of the Watsupath^™ Training Institute, where she participates in the Training Committee as a Watsu^® 1 and Shiatsu Instructor. She works in both “Dry” and “Water” settings, integrating her knowledge and experience in Spas, Rehabilitation Clinics, and her private practice, bridging connections between Spain, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Argentina.

Commencing on Thursday, the 02^nd of April 2026 at 8:30 H, and closing on Monday, the 06^th of April 2026 at 17:00 H.

We recommend arriving at least fifteen minutes before beginning of the class to complete your registration and familiarize yourself with the facility. The daily class schedule will be communicated to you on the first day of class (indicatively every day from 8:00 to 19:00, with a lunch break).

All the scheduled hours are needed, so please make every effort to be on time for the start and to organize your travel back home in such a way that you won’t need to leave before the end of course. Any hour missed during the class must be recovered with individual supervision.

Registration fee is 770 Euros price estimated and conditioned by taxes. See below for discounts and reductions.

The registration fee includes all tuition fees, learning materials, the assistance during class hours and W.A.B.A. registration fee.

It does not however include travel expenses, food and lodging costs, or the use of all class related facilities. (See the following paragraph Facility Cost).

Registrations will be accepted on a first come – first served basis. The registrations will be valid only upon completion of the Registration Form and online deposit.

Early bird discount: Students who complete their registration through the payment gateway by 09^th of January 2026 will receive a 15% discount. Not cumulative with other discounts. COUPON: watsu2gab

Auditor discount: The students that have attended this class before will get a 30% discount of the course fee. Not cumulative with other discounts. COUPON: auditorw2gab

If, after registering to the class, the student needs to cancel their registration, these rules and conditions will be applied:

• Cancellation is permitted only if requested via email to info@watsupath.com at least 6 full weeks prior to beginning of the class. 
• Cancellation requested via email 4 full weeks or more before the beginning of the class students will receive back their full deposit less a 50,00 Euros administration fee.
• Cancellations requested via email fewer than 4 full weeks before the class start date will forfeit any deposit refund.

In case the minimum number of students is not achieved the organization has the faculty to postpone or cancel the course. In case of cancellation, you will be refunded the full deposit with no further compensation. In case of postponement the deposit will be refunded to the students who request it.

AQUATIC THERAPY UNIT OF HOSPITAL FUNDACIÓN INSTITUTO SAN JOSÉ.

Address:

C/ Pinar de San José, 98

28044 MADRID.

www.fundacioninstitutosanjose.com

Facility Cost:

Fundación Instituto San José will make available their facilities for the use of registered students on this course. This includes heated swimming pool, shower and land instruction.

Students are required to pay a facility fee of 30 Euro/day (VAT NOT INCLUDED) _prices estimated and conditioned by taxes_ to access the pool and use the classroom for land classes. The balance must be paid through our online payment getaway and will be included on your invoice.

Meals:

The cafeteria at Fundación Instituto San José offers a daily simple menu. In the same cafeteria they serve salads, sandwiches, and burgers.

We recommend you bring your lunch. A microwave and small fridge are available on-site. The hospital gardens provide a pleasant place to take a break, weather permitting.

Accomodation:

We handle class logistics and are happy to assist you. However, travel and accommodation arrangements are your responsibility.