In This Episode You Will Learn:
- Why we need touch as electrical beings.
- The importance of finding a mentor.
- The number one asset you should look for in a massage school.
Massage Heals Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually
Tom Myers, founder and CEO of Anatomy Trains, shares how essential human connection is right now in both life and your search for an excellent massage therapy program.
Tom recalls that when he graduated from college, he felt emotionally and physically crippled. He realized that while his education had developed his intellect, he had received little emotional or spiritual nourishment.
When he started his career in massage, Tom found the holistic education and profession he’d been craving. And now, as the world comes out of the pandemic, Tom predicts massage therapy will become even more important for helping people heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
[7:44] “There’s something essential in [human] contact.”
Tom explains that just as people’s bodies were shaped a great deal by the industrial era, so our bodies are being shaped by our technology and screen time. Massage therapy can help bring the body back to optimum function.
Clinical Experience Matters
With over 45 years of massage therapy experience as an educator and therapist, Tom knows what it takes to be a practitioner that makes a difference. His advice: secure an education that gives you a strong foundation.
When starting your massage therapy school search, Tom recommends:
- Clarify what kind of clients you want to work with.
- Look for schools that focus on the kinds of clients you want to practice on.
- Call teachers at the schools you’re interested in — this can help you gauge the quality of instruction.
- Research whether the school will give you access to anatomy and physiology courses.
- Find a mentor.
Clinical experience is important. Make it a priority to ask schools how clients are assigned for students’ clinical practice. Is there team consultation? Does the school provide an array of different kinds of clients for you to practice with? Clinical practice should be guided and assessed by an instructor.
Choose a School That Brings You Joy
Finally, Tom highlights that good massage therapy programs equip you with two key skills that go beyond massage therapy:
- Emotional intelligence: this skill will be instrumental in helping you connect with your clients.
- Business understanding: this skill is essential if you ever want to start your own practice.
At the end of the day, you should be excited about the school you choose. Your massage therapy program should bring you joy.
Learn More:Tom’s website