Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/81195
and are offered regularly all over the country at www.deepfeet.com. 6. EXPLORE NEW MODALITIES Try abdominal massage, for instance, which includes training in meditation, nutrition, relaxation, wellness, and addressing the whole person. "The massage therapists we attract are those looking for something else to bring into their practices," says Diane MacDonald, program coordinator for Arvigo Techniques (www.arvigotherapy.com), which teaches Maya-inspired techniques. An introductory class is $75 and a week- long advanced training is $1,700. 7. TAKE A BUSINESS- RELATED COURSE "People think the best way to get more clients is to learn a new modality, but if you're already practicing a lot of modalities, don't try and learn another," Williams says. "Get the marketing training you need. Too many massage therapists reject the idea of marketing. We think of it as money grubbing, but it's simply a way of communicating more effectively with your clients." 8. COMBINE CE WITH TRAVEL How about learning lomilomi in Hawaii? Or ayurveda at a retreat in India? Or Thai massage in Thailand? It's all possible for those willing to think outside the box. Sacred Lomi (www.sacredlomi. com) offers an eight-day, 48-CE hour training at a retreat center in Pahoa, Hawaii. The cost—$2,100 to $3,750, depending on accommodations—includes everything except airfare. (Family or friends cost about $1,000 more.) "It's a chance to completely unwind, learn hula, learn about Hawaiian ways, and learn an entire modality," says Donna Jason, founder and owner of Sacred Lomi. Niika Quistgard organizes two-week trips to the Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre for Women in Kerala, India, which she founded in 2007. For information about her upcoming trips, visit www.ayurvedatrip.com. The Thai Healing Alliance International (www. thaihealingalliance.com) keeps a record of upcoming approved classes in that modality, including classes at Sunshine Massage School (www.sunshine-massage-school.com) in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Two-week beginner's classes start every Monday throughout the year and cost roughly $27 for a 60-hour class. 9. AVOID COMMON MISTAKES Top of the list: Not being up-to-date regarding license- renewal requirements. "This includes not knowing how many hours are required during the renewal period, if the number of hours must be split up within the renewal period or can be completed all at once, and whether there are required topics that must be completed during the renewal," Baisley says. Another common pitfall: Not maintaining appropriate records. "It is imperative that one maintains this documentation in case of a future audit," Baisley says. "Make sure that the organization you are obtaining credits from has a long-standing history so that they will be there for you if you need information regarding your history with them." 10. ELIMINATE GUESSWORK Make sure you know exactly what your state's regulations are. One easy way to track your state recertification requirements is on ABMP's sister website, www. massagetherapy.com. There, you'll find an interactive map of the United States. Click on your state for a list of certification and recertification requirements. Individual states have a wide variety of continuing education (CE) requirements for massage therapists, ranging from zero to 12 hours per year. Rebecca Jones is a tenured Massage & Bodywork freelance writer. She lives and writes in Denver, Colorado. Contact her at killarneyrose@ comcast.net. Celebrate ABMP's 25th anniversary and you may win a refund on your membership. ABMP.com. 23