Facebook/abmppage

When a massage therapist becomes established within their community as a reputable, well-respected, valuable resource—through colleagues, networks, and loyal clients—by providing trusted, quality, consistent services through their highly satisfactory, in-demand skill set . . . The [successful] massage therapist enjoys what they do, knows their worth, and leaves a long-lasting “touch” in the field, whether they work for themselves or for someone else. Simply put, success is helping others so you can help yourself.

When you see a true difference in your clients’ mind, body, and spirit! Then, you know you provided a safe, comfortable place for them to heal, and you did what it takes to facilitate their body’s ability to heal itself. It’s the greatest feeling in the world!

After 20-plus years, being able to do what makes me happy is a gift.

For 27 years, I have always tried to make sure everyone on my table receives healing techniques that help them leave feeling better. Seeing 5–6 clients a day, five days a week, comes from a good education. Continuing education with Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) keeps my practice well-versed in all aspects of bodywork and therapeutic massage.

Success comes with each client. Listening to the body is an art form, [and] the body is the canvas. I’ve done my job successfully when the client leaves knowing they got more than a massage—they got what they needed.

Being booked solid every day of business for the past 10 years with regular and new [clients who are] always grateful and always going out of their way to inform you how much they appreciate you and how much you have helped them.

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When a client immediately gets off the table and feels relief from tension and pain, or when they rebook multiple sessions. My favorite is when a client comes back and says, “I’ve been doing the things you recommended, and I feel great!” Then, I know I’m helping someone and that makes me feel very fulfilled.

Having a good repeat clientele, making people feel better, and loving your job!

Having a full schedule (perhaps even a wait list!).

When you have a work-life balance and financial security.

Being able to support myself and my family as a massage therapist, instead of needing a “real job” to make ends meet.

My greatest success isn’t getting people better. My greatest success is helping people believe they can get better.

Loving your career and having the ability to work in coordination with other therapists—not seeing every other therapist as competition. We all have strengths and weaknesses and using those as strengths for our clients’ benefit only helps us as therapists! Having empathy, integrity, and drive will make you successful.

Long-term results. That’s what keeps people coming back.

When you can set boundaries and have full books.

When my clients can do the things they love to do because my hands helped them feel able to do them again.