“Break down, break through”.

I was recently reminded how therapeutic a good, solid breakdown can be and I am thankful.  Just about 4 weeks ago, my husband BJ and I decided to move from Colorado to Rhode Island – effective sooner than later.

It’s an exciting change, one that brings us home to family, friends and my Pisces soul to the ocean, a great place for breakdowns by the way. It is also a change that moves fast; warp speed.  There is a tremendous amount to accomplish and many times I just feel behind. But at 38, I understand that with all life change comes a new load we must carry and sometimes during the transition that load gets a little too heavy.  I believe that’s when you have to let the emotions flow and have a good breakdown to reset the scale.

A few days ago, my load felt a little too heavy and I needed to let the good times roll.  I had a breakdown.  For me, this was nothing less than a therapeutic exercise, followed by a long nap.  The greatest thing about a good solid breakdown is that you not only get to feel the emotions, you can also get to hear them coming out.  To me, this is a cleansing experience, a rebirth of sorts.  Certainly not to be overdone though, for a good breakdown is exhausting and is never recommended on a regular basis.

Since my fervent outpouring earlier this week I’ve been back to my optimistic self, ‘hi old friend‘ and feel ready to handle the challenges ahead.  This experience has reminded me of when I was in massage school at BCMT. It was 2004 – 2006, I went in the evening and worked at least one job throughout that time, sometimes two.  My schedule leaned towards the hectic side of the things and I found myself on a quarterly break through schedule.  These episodes were dramatic, honest and never accusatory, they were simply healthy releases of emotion.  Releases that allowed me to connect with the awesome undertaking of learning to become a massage therapist and going into a career where I would be helping people live better lives.   It was a huge deal, it was a life change.

My friend Carol, (a.k.a. BCMT blogger ‘admin’) recently told me that you can’t make the big things happen, they happen all on their own.  I wholeheartedly agree with that statement and just like this move east, massage school was part of my journey in life.  I feel that we must trust our paths and know that if we are meant to be somewhere or do something it will happen, all on its own.  In the meantime, enjoy the ride, trust in the process and treat yourself to a break through once in a while.

BOULDER COLLEGE OF MASSAGE THERAPY’S NEW DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION EXEMPLIFIES SCHOOL’S SPIRIT OF SERVICE
Joni Masse brings passion for veteran recovery and over 26 years of holistic healthcare and education experience to lead educator position

BOULDER, Co. (August 4, 2010) — The Boulder College of Massage Therapy (BCMT) today announced Joni Masse as the school’s new Director of Education. Masse brings over 26 years of holistic healthcare and education experience to BCMT, along with a passion for treating veterans and other trauma victims.

Masse began her healthcare career in 1984 as a registered nurse. After receiving a psychology degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1985, Masse extended her passion for healing by adding certified massage therapist to her resume with a certificate from the Sarasota School of Massage Therapy (SSMT) in 1990. In 2009, Masse received a master’s degree in somatic counseling psychotherapy from Naropa University, where she simultaneously completed training from the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute specializing in trauma recovery work for body therapists. Throughout the last two decades, Masse has served both as a faculty member and administrator at SSMT where she taught Swedish massage, ethics, pathology, communication courses, and served as SSMT’s Education Director for 13 years.

A veteran herself, Masse has always been committed to serving the health needs of the veteran community. During her massage therapy training, she served as an intern at the Boulder Vet Center and her massage specialization is trauma recovery. Masse regularly offers a continuing education course, Touch for Trauma, in Florida, and recently established a new service learning internship with the Boulder Veterans Counseling Center to work with Iraq veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“I am proud to be a member of the BCMT staff and community. I was encouraged by the mission statement and values of BCMT and the school’s commitment to community service, as it is in alignment with my core principles,” said Masse.
In addition to an internship with Boulder Veterans Counseling Center, BCMT offers students a variety of other community service internship opportunities through its Service Learning program. Designed to enhance student education through the integration of academic learning in courses and related service experiences in the community, the program also allows student to explore a variety of specializations, environments and clientele. Through the program students have the opportunity to work with local preschools, hospitals, universities, rehabilitation centers and animal rescue organizations.

For more information about the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, visit BCMT’s:
•    Website
•    Green Chi Blog
•    Facebook
•    LinkedIn
•    Twitter

About Boulder College of Massage Therapy
Founded in 1975, the Boulder College of Massage Therapy (BCMT) is an independent, not-for-profit massage therapy college offering an internationally recognized Massage Therapy Certificate Program, an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in Massage Therapy, advanced certificates and continuing education courses. More than 4000 graduates in fifty states and 31 different countries turned to BCMT to help them achieve their career goals. As a not-for-profit organization, BCMT believes in educating people on the therapeutic benefits of massage therapy and giving back to the community. As part of their training, BCMT students participate in service learning, providing thousands of hours of massage therapy services a year to individuals and organizations including the elderly, hospice and AIDS patients, breast cancer survivors, healthcare workers, rehabilitating animals, teachers, firefighters, and low-income individuals. In addition, BCMT’s student clinic offers more than 7,000 discounted massages every year. The Boulder College of Massage Therapy is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), and approved and regulated by the State of Colorado Department of Higher Education. Additional information on the college and its offerings can be viewed online at www.bcmt.org.

Charitable and Educational Events Benefit Communities

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) today announced dates for the 2010 EveryBody Deserves a Massage Week, which promotes the benefits of massage to consumers. Massage therapists will hold events between Sunday, July 18, and Saturday, July 24, in communities nationwide. The award-winning promotion is open to both ABMP members and non-members to help build their businesses and visibility.

The use of massage therapy has boomed in the last two decades. Massage has proven health benefits, such as effectiveness in treating persistent back pain and arthritis pain, as well as strengthening the immune system. It also reduces symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and much more. Consumer research shows first-time massage therapy clients report very positive feelings about their experience.

More Info – click here

I realize I’m taking the risk that every person reading this will think I’m talking specifically about them. Well, I’m not. I’m simply taking this opportunity to dispel the myth of what to wear under those sheets.

All of my clients get the same schpeel on their first visit. “Undress to your comfort level whatever that may be….”. I’ve had everything from pants to nothing. In all seriousness, it truly does not matter to me. The comfort and security of my clients overrules anything and everything. If I have a client on the table that is not able to relax completely because they are a nervous wreck about being naked then our session will be interfered with and full effectiveness will not be reached. So the rule will always be to make sure that you, the client, are comfortable with every piece of your experience whether that means you wear nothing or something.

In the end, it’s the client’s decision but I’ve had so many questions about this I thought I would address it from my point of view. And that is, I’m a massage therapist, I work with the soft tissue of the body and my work is best when applied directly to the skin. I have am trained to be meticulous with draping so that the client who does decide for the full monty will still feel safe and respected throughout their session.

I make it very clear from the get-go, I do not accept gratuities in my practice.

You see, before becoming a massage therapist I always hated the tipping game.  ‘He’s the owner, do you tip the owner?’ ‘How much did I tip last time?’  ‘What if I tip less by mistake, will she think I didn’t like my service?’

For me, there was always an air of confusion around tipping.  Many times I found myself thinking about it during the session which undoubtedly diminished my experience.

When I decided to become a massage therapist, I knew two things: 1) I would go into private practice 2) I would not accept gratuities.

As my education ensued, I learned more about the ancient skill of massage and felt, many times over,  it’s profound benefits.  I learned that massage is not a luxury, it is a necessity.  Everyone in my class recognized that massage therapy is health care.  We talked casually in class a few times about tipping and I think it was summed up best by one of my classmates who compared it to tipping a doctor.  Of course, it made so much sense, decision not to accept tips confirmed.

Now, I understand that this policy would be difficult to uphold in a spa, clinic type setting when the therapist is receiving a percentage of the actual cost. But for me, it made sense.  I was going into private practice.  I would have complete control over my business, my rates and my policies.  I would be collecting 100% of the fees (me and Uncle Sam that is) and I figured if I ever needed my clients to pay me more, I would simply raise my rates.

It’s been 4 years since I started my practice and I have only received positive feedback from clients about my non-tipping rule.  They respect it and they appreciate it.  I know this because they tell me all the time.

During an official work visit to the college last week I had the pleasure of spending time with my colleague and fellow BCMT blogger, Rebecca.  Our casual conversation led to my discovery of what I am calling, a massage therapist’s best friend.  You see, Rebecca introduced me to Itunes Genius playlists and mixes.  I know I may be preaching to an already formed choir but I have to think there are a few of you that have not yet discovered this career easing application.

If you read my previously posted, Hidden Talents of a Massage Therapist article then you know that doubling as a DJ is required by our profession.   Switching up songs to keep the musical vibes fresh are a common pastime for any massage therapist but with Itunes Genius disc jockey duties are now officially delegated.  At this point, you’re either shaking your head and wondering how I’m surviving in such a sheltered life or like me, excited to learn more.

I found this quick tutorial online, click on the image below to view the video.  The great thing about Genius – it’s easy!  I do recommend a quick screening of the songs to make sure they are right for your clients.  I’ve been switching up my music each day for a week now and Genius has yet to steer me in the wrong direction.  Happy mixing!

My trip to Mexico on the study abroad program was life changing in several small ways. As a young student at BCMT I hadn’t traveled much. As a massage therapy career can be very mobile, I was eager to watch and learn and begin my journey while I was in school.

Not only was my first travel experience with massage safe, but it was also educational. As a student who loves to teach I volunteered to show the demo of neuromuscular massage to the Mayan massage therapist. Their interest, curiosity, and enthusiasm showed me how much we take for granted in the United States. I felt the same while watching their demos of Mayan Abdominal Massage. As specific and factual as my demo was, theirs was as rich with culture, trust, and experience. It was the first time I realized that we can learn so much about the body from different cultures as they all have different points of view and experiences.

As an individual I grew with every encounter, every massage, and every activity we embarked upon during this adventure. My most educational self moment was the traditional Mayan Sweat Lodge. I have never experienced something so profound and awe-inspiring as that night. It not only enhances who I am but it enhanced my class when I returned to school to undertake in my last quarter in Integrative Massage.

This trip was a crucial part of my time and educational at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, and I thank everyone for their support of international study at a technical college.

—Jessica Shada, 2009 BCMT Graduate