Discover Clay's Journey
Learn about Clay Cox's extensive experience and dedication to your well-being.
ABOUT CLAY
I was introduced to Rolfing when I fell off my motorcycle and broke my neck in 1975. A close friend of mine at the time was one of Ida Rolf’s original five teachers and happened to be in town teaching a class. He worked on me for less than an hour and miraculously I was able to stand up from my hospital bed and walk out the door. After further treatment I fully recovered and was quite impressed. Well after I decided to enroll at the Rolf Institute, graduating in 1979 and earning my Advanced Certification in 1981. I went on to teach at the Rolf Institute, serve on the board of directors, and later branched out to study with Jean Pierre Barral (Visceral Manipulation) as well as John Upledger (CranioSacral Work). Over the years, I also trained with multiple medical experts chiropractors, osteopaths, thermal diagnosticians to augment my skills. I have found that 50 years practicing Wushu Kung Fu and nearly 30 years as a psychotherapist have also given depth to the philosophy and application of my practice.
MY PROCESS
I take a detailed history and proceed with an in-depth conversation about the client’s circumstances and goals. In the initial session I perform a physical assessment and evaluation of the client’s complaints.The assessment involves structural observations, mobility tests and thermal scanning in order to determine the biggest priorities for each client. Sessions begin by addressing any structural imbalances using biomechanical and soft tissue techniques. By balancing the structure and releasing tension in the tissue (fascia, muscles, etc.) I find that I can help resolve the bulk of clients’ complaints. When appropriate, I may use other methods like Jin Shin Jyutsu, CranioSacral work, or Visceral Manipulation.
Throughout my work I will evaluate progress by having the client perform common activities they perform in their daily lives. After an evaluation at the end of the session, I will work up a plan for future sessions as well as homework for the client. Progress is marked by the client’s satisfaction with the process.
Education
- 1977-1978: Pierce Junior College; Los Angeles, CA; Pre-Med
- 1977-1978: Formally Admitted as a Doctoral Candidate in Counselor Education, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- 1976: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Awarded Master of Science in Education: Counselor Education
- 1973-1975: Drew Post Graduate Medical School; Los Angeles, CA; Specialized Therapy Techniques Certification
- 1968: California State University at Northridge; Northridge, CA; Awarded Bachelor of Science: Physiological Psychology
- 1962-1964: California State University at Pomona; Pomona, CA; Mechanical Engineering
Board Certifications
- 2001: Board Certified in Diagnosis and Treatment of Soft Tissue Injuries Resulting from Motor Vehicle Accidents; American Academy of Craniofacial Pain; Hurst, TX
- 1994: Bodyworker; National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork; Dallas, TX
- 1992: Clinical Member; American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; Washington, D.C.
- 1981: Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner; Jin Shin Jyutsu, Inc.; Scottsdale, AZ
- 1981: Advanced Rolfer Practitioner; Rolf Institute; Boulder, CA
- 1979: Rolf Practitioner; Rolf Institute; Boulder, CO
- 1977: Community College Counselor; State of California
- 1977: Community College Student Personnel Worker; State of California
Licenses
- 1992-2007: Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor; Arizona Board of Behavioral Science Examiners; State of Arizona
- 1976-1999: Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor; Board of Behavioral Science Examiners; State of California
Specialized Training
- 2011: "Integrative Pain Management for Optimal Patient Care"; The American Academy of Pain Management's 22nd Annual Clinical Meeting; Las Vegas, NV
- 2011: "Strain & Counterstrain and Its Clinical Applications"; Harmon L. Myers, D.O.; Tucson Osteopathic Medical Foundation, Continuing Medical Education; Tucson, AZ
- 2010: "Integrative Pain Management for Optimal Patient Care"; The American Academy of Pain Management's 21st Annual Clinical Meeting; Las Vegas, NV
- 2009: "Integrative Pain Management for Optimal Patient Care"; The American Academy of Pain Management's 20th Annual Clinical Meeting; Phoenix, AZ
- 2007: "Shoulder and Knee Dissection, Exam & Interpretation of Physical Findings: Mini Course"; Robert E. Hunter, M.D.; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center; Tucson, AZ
- 2007: "40-Hour Mediation Training"; Our Family Community Mediation Program; Tucson, AZ
- 2007: "Shoulder and Knee Dissection, Exam & Interpretation of Physical Findings: Mini Course"; Robert E. Hunter, M.D.; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center; Tucson, AZ
- 2006: "University of Arizona Mini-Medical School"; University of Arizona Health Sciences Center; Tucson, AZ
- 2006: "Arizona Association for Marriage and Family Therapists Fall Conference: Using Research in Therapy: How to Mix Science with Art"; Tucson, AZ
- 2005: "Success of Failure: It’s All in the Mind"; Brian Willis; Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board; Tucson, AZ
- 2005: "Shoulder and Knee Dissection, Exam & Interpretation of Physical Findings: Mini Course"; Robert E. Hunter, M.D.; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center; Tucson, AZ
- 2004: "University of Arizona Mini-Medical School"; University of Arizona Health Sciences Center; Tucson, AZ
- 2003: "University of Arizona Mini-Medical School"; University of Arizona Health Sciences Center; Tucson, AZ
- 2002: "University of Arizona Mini-Medical School"; University of Arizona Health Sciences Center; Tucson, AZ
- 2002: "Therapy, Ethics and Legal Issues"; AAMFT; Tucson, AZ
- 2001: "Soft Tissue Injuries Resulting from Motor Vehicle Accidents: Biomechanics, Diagnosis and Testimony Preparation"; Part II; Wesley Shankland, II, DDS and Christopher Brown, DDS; American Academy of Craniofacial Pain; Dallas, TX
- 2000: "Soft Tissue Injuries Resulting from Motor Vehicle Accidents: Biomechanics, Diagnosis and Testimony Preparation"; Part I; Wesley Shankland, II, DDS and Christopher Brown, DDS; American Academy of Craniofacial Pain; Scottsdale, AZ
- 2000: "Understanding Depression"; John Preston, Psy.D.; Mind Matter Seminars; Tucson, AZ
- 2000: "Understanding Anger"; Joseph Shannon, Ph.D.; Mind Matter Seminars; Tucson, AZ
- 2000: "Ethics of Touch"; Cherie Sohnen-Moe; Sohnen-Moe Associates, Tucson, AZ
- 2000: "Stress and Disease"; Nicholas Hall, Ph.D.; Mind Matter Seminars; Tucson, AZ
- 1999: "The Immune System Minding the Body and Embodying the Mind"; Steven Keller, Ph.D.; Mind Matter Seminars; Tucson, AZ
- 1998: "Understanding Loss of Control"; Russell Blacker, M.D.; Mind Matters Seminars; Tucson, AZ
- 1998: "Health, Healing and Consciousness"; University of Arizona Extended University; Tucson, AZ
- 1998: "The Calm Before the Storm: Understanding Symptoms Preceding Major Disorders"; Edwin Jacobson, M.D.; Mind Matters Seminars; Tucson, AZ
- 1998: "Six Day Intensive Human Dissection"; Gil Headly, Ph.D.; Somerset School of Massage Therapy at Western University for Osteopathic Medicine, Pomona, CA
- 1997: "Transdisciplinary Care for the 21st Century"; American Academy of Pain Management 1997 Clinical Meeting; Las Vegas, NV
- 1997: "Conflict Resolution and Confrontation Skills"; Career Track; Tucson, AZ
- 1996: "Diagnosis & Treatment of Back Pain - The Next Level"; American Back Society, San Francisco, CA
- 1996: "Symposium On The Mechanical Assessment and Treatment of Painful Spinal Disorders: The McKenzie Approach"; McKenzie Institute International, Robin McKenzie, O.B.E., F.C.S.P., Dip. MDT; San Francisco, CA
- 1996: "Diagnosis and Treatment of Altered Biomechanics and Chronic Pain: Clinical Perspectives on Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndromes"; Parker Chiropractic College; Jeff Rockwell, D.C.; Tucson, AZ
- 1996: "Differential Diagnosis of Pain"; Parker College of Chiropractic, William Hogan, D.C.; Tucson, AZ
- 1996: "Functional Anatomy: Mind and Body from a Biofeedback Perspective"; Biofeedback Society of Arizona; Tucson, AZ
- 1996: "Different Strategies: One Goal Two Therapists Working Live with One Family"; Arizona Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; Tucson, AZ
- 1996: "Surviving in the World of Managed Care"; Arizona Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; Tucson, AZ
- 1996: "Current Issues in the Recognition and Treatment of Fibromyalgia"; Pedro Escobar, M.D.; Tucson, AZ
- 1995: "Health Related Pleasures"; Mind Matter Seminars; William Polonsky, Ph.D.; Tucson, AZ
- 1995: "Pain Management Collaborative Group: An Interdisciplinary Approach"; Maricopa Medical Center, Department of Academic Affairs; Tucson, AZ
- 1995: "Back Pain in an Era of Healthcare Reform"; American Back Society Annual Conference; Los Angeles, CA
- 1995: "Surface EMG and Chronic Pain Management"; Maricopa Medical Center and Pain Management Collaborative Group; Tucson, AZ
- 1995: "The Virus: Particle of Life, Death and Change"; Bob Siegel, MD, Stanford University; Tucson, AZ
- 1994: "Prevention and Early Intervention of Pain"; Maricopa Medical Center and Pain Management Collaborative Group; Tucson, AZ
- 1994: "Advances in Primary Prevention"; Mind Matters Seminars; Bruce Quinn, M.D., Ph.D.; Stanford, CA
- 1994: "Healing the Family: The Marriage of Medicine and Family Therapy"; Arizona Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Conference; Tucson, AZ
- 1993: "Soft Tissue Diagnosis & Treatment"; Warren Hammer, M.S., D.C./Cleveland Chiropractic College; Phoenix, AZ
- 1993: "Transference/Countertransference: Dealing with the Sexually Abused Client"; Tucson Psychiatric Institute; Tucson, AZ
- 1992: "Movement Disorders"; University of Arizona College of Medicine Continuing Education Program; Tucson, AZ
- 1991: "Assessing and Managing the Temporomandibular Disorder and Chronic Facial Pain Patient Using State-of-the-Art Psychometric Tests"; Stephen Levitt, MD, Ph.D.; Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina
- 1991: "Fascial Health"; Carlisle Holland, D.O.-Director; Arizona Academy of Osteopathy Fall Educational Seminar; Sedona, AZ
- 1990: "Chronic Low Back Pain Assessment and Management"; Norma Gilbert, Ph.D.; Psychometric Medical Services; Dallas, TX
- 1988: "Child Abuse, Molestation and Neglect Seminar"; Nancy Clairborne, M.S.W.; University of Phoenix; Phoenix, AZ
- 1988: "Advanced Visceral Manipulation"; Jean-Pierre Barral D.O.; Upledger Institute; Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- 1987: "Visceral Manipulation"; Jean-Pierre Barral, D.O.; Paris du Nord: Director of Visceral Manipulation: Paris, France; Santa Monica, CA
- 1982: "CranioSacral Therapy: I, II & III"; John Upledger, D.O.; Santa Fe, NM
- 1981: "Advanced Rolfing"; Jan Sultan and Emmitt Hutchins; Rolf Institute; Boulder, CO
- 1981: Six-Day Intensive Rolfing Workshop; Jan Sultan; Rolf Institute; Santa Monica, CA
- 1981: Six-Day Intensive Rolfing Workshop; Peter Melchior; Rolf Institute; Scottsdale, AZ
- 1980: Six-Day Intensive Rolfing Workshop; Emmitt Hutchins and Peter Melchior; Rolf Institute; Boulder, CO
- 1978: Certifed Rolfer; Jan Sultan and Emmitt Hutchins; Rolf Institute; Boulder, CO
- 1979-1983: "Jin Shin Jyutsu: I, II & III"; Mary Burmeister; Jin Shin Jyutsu, Inc.; Scottsdale, AZ
Work Experience
- 2012-2013: Pediatric Clinic with Dr. Teresa Longoria, M.D.; Specializing in biomechanical issues; Tucson, AZ
- 2003-2014: U.S. Dept of Labor, Federal Workers’ Compensation, Provider; London, KY
- 2000-2001: Private Practice: Manual Medicine. Andrews Crippled Children’s Clinic; Nogales, AZ
- 1998: Teaching Assistant: "Six-Day Intensive Human Dissection"; Gil Headly, Ph.D.; Somerset School of Massage Therapy at Regis University, Denver, CO
- 1983: Teaching Assistant; Advanced Rolf Training; Boulder, CO
- 1982-Current: Worker's Compensation Provider; State of Arizona
- 1982-1988: Private Practice; Rolfing; Commuted to St. Louis, MO
- 1979-Current: Private Practice: Chronic Pain Management; Tucson, AZ
- 1979-Current: Private Practice: Psychotherapy; Tucson, AZ
- 1977-1978: Doctoral Teaching Assistant; Counseling Education Department; University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA
- 1974-1978: Private Practice; Psychotherapy; Los Angeles, CA
- 1968-1978: Deputy Probation Officer; Los Angeles County Probation Department; Downey, CA
- 1968-1970: Master's Teaching Assistant; Physiological Psychology; Cal-State Northridge; Northridge, CA
Lecturing Engagements
- 2013: "Fascial Fitness"; Body Quest Pilates Holiday Party & Open House; Body Quest Pilates, Tucson, AZ
- 2012: "TMJD: Another Treatment Perspective"; Pima Dental Study Club; La Paloma Country Club, Tucson, AZ
- 1996: "Functional Anatomy: Mind and Body from a Biofeedback Perspective"; Biofeedback Society of Arizona; Tucson, AZ
- 1993: "Soft Tissue Management of Chronic Pain Issues"; Southern Arizona Physical Therapists Association; Tucson Medical Center; Tucson, AZ
- 1993: "Treating Musculoskeletal Disorders"; Tucson Dentist's TMJ Study Group; El Dorado Hospital; Tucson, AZ
- 1991: "Chronic Pain Management and Fascial Therapy"; Complementary Medical Association National Conference; Tucson, AZ
- 1991: "Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and Rolfing"; Tucson Pain Management Network; Tucson, AZ
- 1991: "Rolfing and Structural Realignment"; Arizona Academy of Osteopathy: Fall 1991 Education Seminar; Sedona, AZ
- 1991: "Structural Alignment and Health"; New Life Health Food Stores Lecture Series; Tucson, AZ
- 1989: "Chronic Pain and Rolfing"; 1989 Rolf Institute Annual Meeting; Boulder, CO
- 1988: "Soft Tissue Management of Acute Pain"; 1988 Rolf Institute Annual Meeting; Boulder, CO
- 1985: "Treating Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita in Children with Rolfing: A Two-Year Study"; 1985 Rolf Institute Annual Meeting; Santa Monica, CA
Professional Appointments, Memberships, and Societies
- 2002-Current: International Association of Structural Integrators; Missoula, MT
- 2000-Current: International Association of Healthcare Practitioners; Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- 1997-2011: American Psychotherapy Association; Diplomate; Washington, D.C.
- 1997-2011: American Psychotherapy Association; Executive Advisory Board Member; Washington, D.C.
- 1997-1998: National Directory of Who’s Who in Medicine and Health Care: 1998-1999 Edition: Included; National Directory; Babylon, NY
- 1995-2012: American Back Society; Fellow; Oakland, CA
- 1994-2014: American Board of Forensic Examiners; Member; Washington, D.C.
- 1994-1997: Maricopa Medical Center & Pain Management Collaborative Group; Member; Phoenix, AZ
- 1992-1995: Complementary Medicine Association Board of Directors: Member; Tucson, AZ
- 1992-1998: Complementary Medicine Association; Member; Tucson, AZ
- 1992-1998: Arizona Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; Clinical Member; Phoenix, AZ
- 1992-2019: American Academy of Pain Management; Fellow; Modesto, CA
- 1992-2011: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; Clinical Member, Washington, D.C.
- 1992-1994: Tucson Open University; Board of Directors: Member, Tucson, AZ
- 1991: Arizona Academy of Osteopaths: Associate Member; Phoenix, AZ
- 1988-1995: Tucson Pain Management Network; Member; El Dorado Hospital; Tucson, AZ
- 1986-1991: Southwest Region of Rolfers: Chairperson (elected position); Boulder, CO
- 1986-1992: Admissions Committee for Rolf Institute: Member; Boulder, CO
- 1982-1984: Regional Ethics Committee for Rolf Institute: Member; Boulder, CO
Publications
- 2013: "THIRD-PARTY PAYMENTS", STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION: THE JOURNAL OF THE ROLF INSTITUTE; vol. 41, no.1; Boulder, CO
- 2010: "HOW WE DEVELOP AS ROLFERS- INDIVIDUAL PERSPECTIVES: LEARNING ABOUT PAIN MANAGEMENT- POST-CERTIFICATION TRAINING AND INTEGRATION IN A ROLFING SI PRACTICE", STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION: THE JOURNAL OF THE ROLF INSTITUTE; vol. 38, no.2; Boulder, CO
- 2009: "TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION: OVERVIEW, DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT," THIRD REVISION, IA SI 2009 YEARBOOK OF STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION; Missoula, MT
- 2008: "TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION: OVERVIEW, DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT," REVISED EDITION, ROLF LINES JOURNAL OF THE ROLF INSTITUTE; vol. 36, no. 4; Boulder, CO
- 2002: "LOW BACK PAIN and DYSFUNCTION" STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION: THE JOURNAL OF THE ROLF INSTITUTE; vol. 30, no.3; Boulder, CO
- 2001: "TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION: OVERVIEW, DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT", ROLF LINES: STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION; THE JOURNAL OF THE ROLF INSTITUTE; SUMMER 2001, vol. 30, no. 2; Boulder, CO
- 2000: "CONTRA-INDICACAO DO ROLFING PARA PACIENTES COM CANCER"; ROLFING BRASIL; ano 1 numero 4, November 2000
- 1989: "FOUR CHRONIC PAIN SYNDROMES AND THE BASIC ROLFING SERIES"; Private Publication for Rolf Institute Members; Rolf Institute; Boulder, CO
- 1988: "SOFT TISSUE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE PHYSICAL TRAUMA"; Private Publication for Rolf Institute Members; Rolf Institute; Boulder, CO