15/07/2026
Been thinking about writing a little post regarding the ins and outs of being a massage therapist/body worker.
Some things have come up for me in recent months, years, in regards to expectations, boundaries etc.
It is really easy for folks to kind of see you as an all-in-one, masseuse, counsellor, spiritual healer, seer, all knowing pyramid 3rd eye statue haha. Maybe the last one is a stretch!
I always wanted to create a 'healing' space that helped people feel safe, cocooned and relaxed.The emotional is arguably inseparable from the physical. And spiritual and mental all interwoven of course.
However, we as hands on practitioners have devoted much of our training and interest in mainly physical learning and practice. I mean some venture down the road of Reiki and Spiritual healing work, but I have definitely gone down more sports, holistic hands on body work route. I am also super interested in exercise, strength and conditioning alongside treatments.
I am not always the best at listening, counseling or offering decent advice for emotional problems. I've had my own issues and past traumas, particularly relating to abuse, loss and grief. That makes it on the one hand, easy to empathise, but feeling shut down (to protect my mental space) or over thinking a response, on the other hand. When social anxiety steps in, particularly if I'm not in my best headspace, or dealing with strangers, or someone who's not come in in the most friendliest of moods, I inevitably feel I've said or done the wrong thing.
Essentially what I'm attempting to convey, is how difficult IT IS being in this line of work.
I feel massage therapists in particular are dealing with an unfair set of expectations from the general public. This is NOT a critique, but a way to create understanding and support.
We are not qualified counselors, or psychologists. And we genuinely are doing our best. Often whilst being physically and emotionally burnt out. Extra time given when we have not eaten. Focused work on little sleep. Smiles and caring for others when going through hardship, loss or dealing with PTSD. And sometimes a small complaint when we've literally poured our HEART and SOUL into this practice. Working with a chronic injury - oftentimes the case for me. Helping others feel calm and safe, when we might not!
Obviously we try to take regular care of ourselves/each other.
I know a great many practitioner I see for treatments - George Strino for his wonderful Shiatsu, Tara Linkowska Chakra La UK for holistic treatments wonderful facials and more! Massage therapists here in the Business Centre, Rachel Henderson in Grange and Lomi Lomi massage in Kendal by Bertalan. Sound massage with Hilary Grieve bathed in sounds. So many more I can't list them all!
Most of my lovely clients have been so understanding, kind, thoughftful, wonderful souls that I feel grateful to share with and hold space for. I have made many friends in this line of work. I consider myself extremely lucky.
So despite some challenging situations, where some have not come from a place of love or kindness - its helped me to develop stronger boundaries and learn not to take things personally sometimes.
Hope this has been an eye opener. I have a few people I know who've 'retired' from massage recently, and they've been in the business only a few years. Of all the people that trained in my school in Brighton (100s) - I am one of few working full time still.
This is a hardcore profession and to anyone entering it - you must be physically fit and strong. Mentally resilient and emotionally grounded and supportive (even if you're having a sh*t day!).
Get regular treatments, get outside as much as you can ! And eat properly. Lol. And it's Ok if you're having a b*llocks day. We're not perfect - but they'll never replace us with robots!
###
