AboutJohn Nickolas Barakitis Expertise Anatomy, physiology and kinesiology.
NCBTMB testing and study guides.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Massage therapy (General)
Reiki, Shamballa and Energy based modalities
Experience I am a L.M.T. of 11 years and and an A & P Instructor/Massage Instructor for 5 years for two massage therapy schools here in South Carolina and Georgia. Specialties in Holistic Healing
Publications Island Packet
http://www.islandpacket.com/lowcountrylife/story/131130.html
Education/Credentials AS, Certificates in Kriya Massage,
Educator in Reiki and Shamballa healing modalities
Question hello John. im considering obtaining a certificate, not a degree to become a massage therapist. i choose a certificate because its quicker and i want to move out of my parents house asap.(high school grad.) i live in st.louis but im willing to relocate to some places like Arizona or california. would i have any trouble finding a job. also would i be making enough to live on my own? what about if i did house calls on the weekend for extra cash, could i do that even if i do land a job? thanks and anything else you have to say i'd love to hear it.sorry so long
Answer Hi Craig
What I can share with you regarding you questions about finding work is if massage is your passion and you enjoy the craft you will find clients to support that. In the event it is a means to and end, let's say investing in your independent lifestyle, then it may be a bit more challenging.
Male therapists have an interesting challenge, we are the minority in the field. The advantage is just that it's hard to find reputable male therapists, the disadvantage is finding clients that enjoy male therapists because the majority prefer female.
A suggestion is after graduating, position yourself with a Chiropractor/Acupuncturist and build your practice and credibility with them. This is how I started. Find someone established in the field and work with him. The first year is challenging because you commit to "complimentary" work just to get your name out there. The strong willed push forward even when clients are few at first, stay the course and it will pay off big time.
Our business model is similar to say a hair stylist where it can take up to three years to establish a client base. However once it's done you will reap the rewards of those years of investing in your career.
For example I work part time (10 clients a week) and generate $700. That's about 15 hours of my time. Keep in mind it takes time to get a steady client base, but finding 10 clients per week is a goal that can be reached.
Being male we are to put in 100% effort to build up trust with our client base, unfortunately there are those in the field that give male massage therapists a bad reputation, WE are changing that perspective by living in Integrity. No matter how beautiful and attractive a client may be you cross that line just once, your career and reputation are over. I have seen many male therapists throw it all away because they failed to manage that primal impulse. Master this and your client base and reputation will soar.
Also look for areas of the county demographics that support massage. www.citysearch.com is an invaluable tool to decide where to move. Look at the average household income and look for $50K and up. This let's you know people living in these areas have money to invest in their health.
Artisan communities are supportive, but most artists are on barter systems. Paying rent on barter may be tricky but not impossible! :)
As with anything Craig put your heart into it and doors will open.
Last thing Website/Blog is a must. Handing out business cards with the ability of future clients getting to know you personally from online media is key. Record some videos about techniques and relative passions. Testimonials from your clients and even a paypal account so folks can easily purchase gift certificates is huge.
Check out other male therapists online and see what they do and how they do it.
In any event, it's all about the Journey so enjoy the ride!
