Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/97768
quick hits Define Your Approach Michelle Doetsch of Michigan spent a decade as an environmental chemist before becoming a bodyworker, and has found that the mental tools developed during her previous career allowed her to bring a fresh perspective to her new one: "Many clients tell me they feel I'm very balanced in my approach to massage and bodywork— using deductive reasoning skills while also following my intuition." Others, like Carrie Cavanaugh in Iowa, found that the discipline they studied enhanced their view of the body's functions and structure. "I had gone to school for architecture and civil engineering prior to massage school," Cavanaugh says. "The way I see the body reflects what I learned, including the idea that in order to have a well-built and sound building, you need a strong foundation." Focus on Your Clients "I worked as a dental assistant and front-desk staffer for almost 20 years. I now have the advantage of making appointments people actually want to keep!" Sue Scales, Pennsylvania "I've worked in factories, trained racehorses, and been an administrative assistant, salesclerk, cashier, waitress, etc. Knowing what those jobs did to my body has helped me identify the problem areas for my clients more easily." Jackie Jenkins, Ohio The nature of bodywork appeals to practitioners with compassion and empathy for others. Some readers, such as Diane Cooper in Indiana, came into massage from another healing profession. "I was a nurse for more than 20 years," Cooper says. "My compassion and respect for each person has been very important." Others have taken customer service skills developed in retail or food-service positions and applied them to their clienttherapist relationships. "I was a server/hostess for 10 years before becoming an MT, and it definitely helped me when it comes to customer service skills and making guests feel welcomed," says Tiffany Ochman in Pennsylvania. "My previous career was in IT. My 'geekiness' has been especially helpful in analyzing posture and combining the right techniques for each individual client." Sherry Litasi, Colorado Make sure you connect with us to get your voice heard in next issue's Tell Me … www.facebook.com/ABMPpage @ABMPmassage http://abmp.us/LinkedInMT mp www.massageprofessionals.com www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 21