my stone training was with LaStone. of course, I haven't had any other stone training, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I think it was great training. There could be less emphasis on the spiritual aspects of stone massage, IMO.
The contrast of hot and cold was covered in depth.
Clients comment all the time how my stone massage is "different" and "better" (THEIR words, not mine!) than other stone massages they have had. I'd like to think it was just
ME but I know the credit really goes to my LaStone training
(but then again, I've received incredible work from therapists who learned on their own too!)
An idea would be to go and receive stone massages from therapists with different training backgrounds. Go with which one you like best! I think personal preference can vary greatly with stone massage styles...
Just a side note:I don't remember signing a contract, but my class was many moons ago... it's very possible I just don't remember! But I did want to point out that alot of Trademarked or Registered modalities require an agreement - so that therapists can't go and claim they "created" it, or turn around and teach it (both of which could have a negative impact on the company, the modality, the integrity of the work, the list goes on and on...)
But that's a whole 'nother thread!