Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/494122
IT'S NOT EASY STREET OVER HERE, EITHER Kristin Coverly: OK, now for the female perspective. Do male therapists have a unique set of challenges? Sure. But that doesn't mean it's always a breezy "Easy Street" sing-along (I just saw the Annie remake with my niece) over here on the female side of the profession. We've got our own set of challenges to deal with. The good news is that with some preparation and practice, these are hurdles we can clear. Let's explore a few of the common challenges for women in our profession, with the caveat that what follows are generalizations that won't apply to all female therapists and may or may not apply specifi cally to you. Challenge: Age Data shows the median age of massage students is dropping. Does this younger population of female therapists face a unique set of challenges? You bet. Younger therapists have to work a little harder to be perceived as professional and competent therapists. For our purposes here, let's defi ne "younger" as therapists in their 20s. Many employers, based on previous experiences, believe younger employees lack professionalism and won't show up on time or be able to carry on a professional conversation (with eye contact) with clients. Some clients believe age equals experience and talent, which ends up being a plus for older therapists, but a challenge for younger ones. However, some clients also believe that older therapists may not be able to deliver the pressure they want (this goes for petite therapists, too). Frustrating, right? Work smart. Male therapists may be at a disadvantage because of long-held biases, or bad apples who generate stereotypes, but you can overcome those. Set yourself up to dispel those myths. Remember that statistic about the percentage of males in franchise clinics? That's a way for those males to gain some traction. For some, it may be too diffi cult to have your own offi ce when fi rst starting out. Through no fault of your own, clients may decide they need an environment where they feel more comfortable. If you are interested in practicing independently, you may need to look into partnering with another therapist (likely female) to establish your viability. Focus on your business. You are engaged in this fi eld to serve others, but serve yourself as well. And that means developing a healthy practice. Every therapist—male or female— has a challenge to cultivate a thriving practice. Make your primary focus this year be the growth of your client base. If being a male in a female-prominent fi eld is a challenge, strive to be the best-marketed practice in your area. Many biases are just initial ones—education and demonstration of your skills, your work ethic, and your professionalism will make your gender irrelevant. Harness your girl power. All good therapists should welcome feedback about their practice—we can always improve, and who better to give you constructive input than your sisters in practice? You undoubtedly went to massage school with female classmates; have them give you some guidance and share thoughts. Offer bodywork trades and ask them about ways you can improve and make your practice more open and welcoming. As mentioned, developing a thriving practice is a challenge for anyone. Males just may have a few more hurdles than females. But that's not the end of the world. We men can do it. Instead of listening to James Brown singing, "It's a Man's Man's Man's World," go back a few more years to 1959 and listen to Frank Sinatra and "High Hopes"—oops, there goes another rubber tree plant … Shout out to my brothers in arms (and elbows) out there doing great work—let us know your secrets of success! Email us at bizfi t@abmp.com. at a disadvantage because of long-held biases, or bad apples who generate stereotypes, but you can overcome those. Set yourself up to dispel those myths. Remember that statistic about the percentage of males in Developing a thriving practice is a challenge for anyone.