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This is the book for
you if you've been considering the idea of getting into massage as a profession,
or if you're in massage school right now and would like a gigantic booster
shot to further enthuse you. In fact, the book will be helpful if you're
already practicing too, at any stage of your career, because it's filled
with ideas that you can use to expand your practice, increase you business,
and take your life in directions you perhaps had not considered before.
Have you ever thought about teaching your own weekend workshops, for instance?
You'll find ideas and encouragement here.
My goal with this book
is to help you get the most out of your own Massage Adventure, and to
turn your career into something truly fun and rewarding. We're lucky.
This is a great time to be practicing massage. The possibilities are unlimited.
I hope that by reading this book you can enhance not just your career,
but your entire life.
Best of luck to you.
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . page 1
learning objectives
chapter summary
how to use this book
Chapter One . . . . page 11
Massage Therapy—a Career Without Limits
the development of massage in the U.S.
current growth rate in the field
the aging baby boom generation creates a demand for massage
the mainstreaming of “alternative” therapies
dozens of directions for post-graduate study
a wealth of job opportunities
Chapter Two . . . . page 22
Is There a Healer Hidden Inside You?
the ten traits of a “born” therapist or healer
the psychology of touch
the spirituality of touch
what you can realistically expect if you become a massage therapist
overcoming sexual issues
developing your healing skills—massage schools & training programs
Chapter Three . . . page 60
Making the Dream a Reality—the Nuts and Bolts of the Massage Business
work environments: salons, spas, clinics, chiropractor’s office, doctor’s
office,
private clientele, subcontracting
how to choose your direction
job interviews and test massages
creating a professional image
letterheads, business cards
brochures, fliers
photographs
advertising options
business plans
Chapter Four . . . . page 105
Massage Clients—Treating the Whole Person
clients—where to find them
referrals/introductions
advertising
consultations/evaluations, what you can realistically hope to accomplish
and
what cases you should refer out
special cases
establishing boundaries
clients who become friends
Chapter Five . . . . page 140
Touch and the Law
the parameters of the professions—what you can and cannot do legally as
a
massage therapist
licensing
zoning
professional insurance
safety concerns
third-party billing
taxes
Chapter Six . . . . page 169
Creating the Perfect Space—How to Set Up and Maintain the Optimal Environment
for Your Massage Therapy Practice
choosing your location, points to keep in mind
ambiance—clinical or soothing, chic or earthy?
lighting
music choices
equipment—tables, linens, oils and more
what to wear—uniforms vs. street clothes, casual vs. professional
Chapter Seven . . . . page 218
Day to Day Realities—Dealing with the Details of a Thriving Massage
Practice
a “nightmare” day in the life of a massage therapist
scheduling & managing your time effectively
record keeping—client records and financial records
keeping yourself in shape mentally and physically
dealing with the burnout syndrome—five key techniques
fees—setting them, bartering, keeping the books
rewards—vacation time and therapy for the therapist
rewards—from financial planning to financial freedom
a “dream” day in the life of a massage therapist
Chapter Eight . . . . page 267
The Path Ahead—How to Advance Your Career in Massage
RESOURCES
professional organizations and associations
books, magazines, and newsletters
BEYOND THE BASICS—ADVANCED TRAININGS
mind/body practices
energy work
deep tissue therapies
movement-oriented bodywork
techniques from the East
SPECIALIZED MASSAGE PURSUITS
humanitarian massage
mother massage
animal massage
water massage (Watsu®)
MOVING INTO OTHER PROFESSIONS
Physical Therapy
Chiropractic
Nursing
New Medical Massage Technology
EXPANDING YOUR REACH
writing and massage—a growing side-field
teaching—workshops, seminars
teaching in massage schools
massage, a family affair
consulting with corporations, spas, doctors, business people, and other
therapists
making a name for yourself—the key to success
CONCLUSION
Appendix A . . . . page 340
Books, Magazines, Newsletters, Associations, Massage on the Web,
Schools, Manufacturers, Suppliers, Retailers, Business Tools,
Insurance Reimbursement, Contacts
Buying the Book from Me
You can get your very own autographed copy of Massage Therapy Career Guide
for Hands-On Success straight from me if you'd like. Just head to the
spa store and use
the PayPal easy payment service. Your book will arrive shortly and you
might just have so much fun reading it and get so much out of it that
you may call or write afterwards to express how excited you are about
your possibilities in the massage field. I'd be delighted to hear from
you.
If you have a store of
some kind or would like for any reason to buy large quantities of this
book (by the case, for example), please call the publisher at (800)347-7707.
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