Massage CEUs

This post contains information about Massage continuing education.

Cheap CEs Will Kill Your Career

Cartoon person holding a "Will Massage for Food" sign

Maybe you read the post I wrote a while ago about how you get what you pay for when you search for massage therapy services. If so, you probably already know what my opinion is going to be concerning cheap continuing education. *This post may be more directed at massage therapists, but massage therapy consumers can benefit by knowing a bit more about how to find a better massage therapist.

Recently, I’ve been seeing a lot of chatter on social media about how expensive massage therapy CEs are and how massage therapists really want to stop, “Paying an arm and a leg,” for continuing ed. I’ve seen comments concerning giving up their first born, pints of blood, and other ridiculous exaggerations on the costs of classes.

Continuing education classes cost money, some more than others. Online classes are a lowest common denominator situation with canned curricula that leaves a lot to be desired when learning hands-on techniques. They are however good for ethics, business classes, and refreshers for book work. Live, in-person classes cost more than online classes with good reason. Having an instructor prepare, teach, demonstrate, observe, troubleshoot, and correct deserve money and respect. Specialty classes, those that involve certifications in specific methods that not all other massage therapists offer, cost even more.

If you want to learn a new technique or improve your current skills, your computer is best used to find an instructor and their teaching schedule. Evidence is mounting that learning is best done when we are engaging with the world and without screens.

There’s Nothing Wrong With a Bargain

Don’t get me wrong, I like bargains and there’s nothing wrong with them. Unfortunately, as professionals, the continual seeking of bargains when it comes to continuing education leads to stagnation and sometimes degradation of our skills. Imagine graduating from massage school and never taking another hands-on class again. How do we expect to progress and mature in our profession if all our continuing ed is done online for the cheapest cost possible? And without being professional and discriminating in how we spend our CE dollars, how can we expect to be taken seriously by the community, medical or otherwise, and also be valued and paid for our experience?

And what about our clients?

Now imagine what our clients think. Maybe they don’t care? Maybe they care a lot that the person they pay to be an ally in their healthcare cares enough to spend the money to be the very best.

I simply can’t afford it…

Check out your local AMTA chapter. Members get a discounted rate on CEs and even non-members get a pretty good rate. Most chapters host nationally certified instructors once or twice a year. Check out your local massage schools. They also bring in nationally certified instructors occasionally and while the cost is usually more, you can save by not having travel expenses.

You Can’t Afford Not To

I know it’s not what we want to hear, but it’s important and it’s what sets the good massage therapists ahead of the bargain hunters. You simply cannot afford not to budget for and spend your CE dollars on quality, continuing education.

Cheap CEs Will Kill Your Career Read More »

It’s Time to Register for Class!

Ashiatsu Therapist's feet applying compression to a lower leg

Have you signed up for the Alabama Barefoot Massage Training Center‘s May class yet?

May 16-18 in Decatur, AL!

Register here!

It’s going to be a fantastic class with myself and Jeni Spring (one of the founders of Center for Barefoot Massage) teaching together! You don’t want to miss this, it’s going to be epic!

Need more information? Call me! 256-603-4596

Sharon Bryant at Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Therapist!

It’s Time to Register for Class! Read More »

I Got FasciAshi Certified!

ashiatsu barefoot massage FasciAshi Certification Award

So a few weeks ago I received this! It’s one small step in a BIG direction for my career and I am so excited. I was actually in the middle of another barefoot training class when the instructor suddenly turned around and said, “Here!” and handed it to me. Yay!

So now I am officially a Certified FasciAshi Barefoot Massage Therapist! It’s mostly just a bunch of words that mean I spent time after class practicing (a lot), I took a test (that wasn’t very easy), had a lot of practice clients fill out evaluations, and after all that, was observed by an instructor to make sure I was doing all the strokes correctly. It took a lot of time and work. I took my first steps to becoming FasciAshi certified in early July last year and you can see the date on the certificate says December. This didn’t just happen overnight, it was a conscious movement toward a goal.

There’s a lot of discussion in the massage therapy community on whether or not certification in any given modality means anything. “Experts” in our field will stand up and say, with confidence, that it means nothing because it’s not regulated and there are no standards. BUT I’m here to tell you that Center for Barefoot Massage put some standards into their certification process and make us do real work before they will give us the title of Certified FasciAshi Barefoot Massage Therapist.

Certification is important for a lot of reasons.

I want to be confident in my skills, so I do extra work outside of class to make sure that I’m good at what I do. I want my clients and prospective clients to be confident in my skills, so I do extra work outside of class to make sure that I can meet all the requirements to earn the certification AND the confidence of my instructors. And I also want my community to view me as an expert in my field, so I do extra work outside of class to become a trusted resource on barefoot massage.

You want to be good at what you do?

Do extra work outside of class to become better. It’s easy (sort of) if you love it!

If you’re interested in becoming better at what you do and becoming FasciAshi certified check out Alabama Barefoot Massage Training Center and come train with us.

Sharon Bryant at Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Therapist!

I Got FasciAshi Certified! Read More »

Alabama Barefoot Massage Training Center is Now Open!

I am so excited to announce that after 10 years of dreaming, planning, spending a lot of time, money, and energy traveling and training that Alabama Barefoot Massage Training Center is now a reality!

Since my very first Ashiatsu barefoot massage class way back in 2009, I have dreamed about being able to bring this wonderful modality to Alabama on a larger scale. Not only is this work one of the most profound and effective types of massage I have ever received, it has allowed me to save my body giving massage so that I can be of even greater service to my clients.

By finally accomplishing this goal of opening Alabama Barefoot Massage Training Center, I will be able to help other massage therapists learn to use their feet, save their hands, arms, necks, and backs. This will allow more massage therapists to bring this myofascially-based ashiatsu to many more people multiplying the potential of the number of people who can benefit from this work.

As a client, I know you’re probably wondering what this means for you. Well, you may be glad to know that each time I teach we will need guest clients for our student clinic. This will give you the opportunity to come in to a student clinic to receive barefoot massage from students for a discounted rate!

If you’re a massage therapist wanting to learn barefoot massage, head on over to the Alabama Barefoot Massage Training Center page for more information on class schedules, locations, dates, times, etc. Our first class will be taking place March 2019 and we’d love to see you there!

Sharon Bryant at Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Therapist!

Alabama Barefoot Massage Training Center is Now Open! Read More »

Alabama Ashiatsu Travel FAQ!

FasciAshi barefoot therapists learning

Welcome to Decatur, Alabama!

Welcome to Decatur, Alabama (aka the River City), host to Alabama Barefoot Massage Training Center the Alabama Campus for Center for Barefoot Massage! Sharon and her support team at Harvest Moon Massage Therapy & Reflexology are excited to welcome you to your next barefoot massage class.

This is your “insider’s guide” to all you need to know before you arrive. Decatur is a beautiful place, if you’re traveling consider extending your stay an extra day to take in some of what our lovely area has to offer!

Training Location:

The Alabama Campus of the Center for Barefoot Massage is located at:
1900 Flint Road, Decatur, AL. Click here to see a map!

We are located inside the brick house next door to Webb-Awtrey Insurance Agency. The training location is a shared space inside Harvest Moon Massage Therapy & Reflexology. Please park in the back of the building as the limited parking spaces in front are reserved for clients.

Travel Suggestions:

Huntsville International Airport is located approximately 30 minutes from the training location. It’s closer, but usually a little more expensive. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport is approximately 1.5 hours from the training location. Usually the cheaper option, you can catch a Southwest flight here, but you’ll have to rent transportation.

Lodging Suggestions:

The Loft in Hartselle – 15 minutes from training center
AirBnb has many availabilities in the Hartselle, Madison, and Athens areas. Be aware that Decatur has made AirBnBs and other short-term private rentals illegal.
There are several large chain hotels located on Beltline Road 5-10 minutes from the training center.

Coffee & Eats:

Java Jaay’s is a couple of blocks down 6th Avenue from the training center and they have a drive through! Please consider supporting our local businesses first, but if you must have Starbucks the closest is going to be inside Target on the corner of Hwy 31 and Hwy 67.

The Brick Deli & Tavern is uptown and is exactly what it sounds like. Let’s Do Lunch is an adorable little lunch counter with interesting and delicious options. Current: Coffee and Collectibles, West Side Coffee Place & Cafe, and Whitt’s BBQ are more local options that serve lunch. And don’t forget Mad Hatter’s Tea Shop & Apothecary inside Urban Atlas for an interesting local beverage experience. The Rail Yard and Bank Street Grill are other local favorites that are a little more upscale. There is a grocery store and a few chain restaurants that are walkable from the training center. Transportation will open access to many more that we can talk about during our time together.

See the Sights:

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is right down the street. Take a hike out to the observation building and see what kinds of waterfowl are in season. Check out the interpretive center and five different walking trails. It’s also all FREE!

Other nearby outdoor activities include Delano Park & Rose Gardens, Point Mallard, Hurricane Park, Bankhead National Forest, and Alabama Scenic River Trail.

Into history? Go see the Old State Bank Building on historic Bank Street and the Confederate Museum.

We are also directly across the street from Upsurge, Decatur’s indoor trampoline facility. And a short drive across the river will bring you to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

There is so much to do and see in our area you may want to extend your training into a mini-vacation that you can write off!

Directions:

From Huntsville International Airport travel west on I-565 to Hwy 31 south/6th Avenue. Turn left onto Corsbie Street. Corsbie Street turns into Flint Road in front of Upsurge. We are directly across from the Upsurge loading dock next door to Webb-Awtrey Insurance Agency.

From Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport travel north on I-65 to the Priceville exit (#334, AL-67). Take AL-67 north (turn left) to Hwy 31/6th Avenue. Turn right onto Hwy 31/6th Avenue. Turn right onto Corsbie Street. Corsbie Street turns into Flint Road in front of Upsurge. We are directly across from the Upsurge loading dock next door to Webb-Awtrey Insurance Agency.

Happy travels, we can’t wait to see you here!

Sharon Bryant at Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Therapist!

Alabama Ashiatsu Travel FAQ! Read More »

Have a Grateful Thanksgiving!

This year has been so filled with blessings, personal and professional. For me to list them all would take days. One of the things that I am most grateful for is also something that has been the greatest challenge this year. If you guessed that it’s the travel, you would be right. I am so thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to travel to all the different places I’ve been this year. I’m grateful for all the education I’ve received. I’m thankful for all the instructors who have so graciously shared their lives and expertise with me this year. And I can’t even begin to express how full my heart is at the reality of this new venture of becoming an instructor for the Center for Barefoot Massage.

I’m also extremely grateful that my clients have stuck with me throughout this year that has been so full of leaving the office to travel all over on these educational forays. I would promise it’s not going to happen again, but until I actually have Alabama Barefoot Massage Training Center up and running I will be traveling to finish that training.

I hope each and every one of you are having a beautiful Thanksgiving!

I hope this holiday is everything you need whether that be time with your loved one’s or time alone. And that you get to enjoy your favorite Thanksgiving dish regardless.

The office will be closed today and tomorrow so I can celebrate with my family. If you’re interested in doing a little Black Friday or Small Business Saturday shopping, gift certificates can be purchased over here.

The office will be back open next week before (you guessed it) I leave once again for Cincinnati and another CBM training. It’s almost over, it’s almost over, it’s almost over…if I keep saying it, it has to be true!

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Specialist!

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2018 AMTA National Convention Wrap-Up

So many folks have been asking about my trip to Washington D.C. I know it’s taken a while for me to get myself organized, but here it finally is, my wrap up from the 2018 AMTA National Convention in Washington, D.C.!

There were lots of meetings, lots of food (including dessert), lots of sightseeing, lots of classes, and a lot of time spent with dear friends I only get to see at convention. I hope each and every one of you get the opportunity to experience the kind of crazed joy that is a massage convention. Perhaps your life’s focus is not massage therapy, but surely we aren’t the only ones who connect like this each year!

And with that, enjoy the photo show!

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Specialist!

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I’m A Yankee Doodle Dandy!

Here I go again! It’s that time of year when AMTA hosts its National Convention. This year it’s in Washington D.C. and I’m headed out to see friends, represent AMTA-Alabama Chapter, and see as much of our capitol as possible. There will be classes, of course, but because it’s been a while since I signed up for them it’s going to be a surprise for us all.

With me gone, the office will be closed, but no worries, I’ll be back in the office on the 13th!

BACK ON THE 13TH!

Until then, check my online schedule to see what’s available next week. If you can’t schedule it yourself, shoot me a text message and I’ll do it for you!

Have a great week everyone!

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Ashiatsu Barefoot Specialist!

I’m A Yankee Doodle Dandy! Read More »

My Feet Are Going To School Again!

FasciAshi ashiatsu barefoot massage

So I’m going to be out of town for a few days this week getting my feet educated. Y’all know I’m serious about my barefoot massage education.

Even though my feet are already pretty smart, this is something new and I’m not one to shirk from a challenge. New, but similar. It’s called FasciAshi. And even though I haven’t learned it yet, I’ve been talking to my Ashi sisters, the ones who created it and the ones who are a bit more unbiased, and I have to say that I am excited. If you’ve been in to see me lately you have probably heard all about it. If not, I would love to introduce you to this new style of Ashiatsu barefoot massage.

I’ll be home on the 23rd and there are still appointments available for that week. Shoot me a text if you’re interested in trying out this new style of Ashi. I’ll get you on the schedule for after I return home.

If not, just stay tuned I’m sure I’ll have pictures and lots more to say about it when I get home!

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Specialist!

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2015 AMTA-AL Spring Convention Time!

ConventionOrBust2It’s that time of year again and I’ll be headed to Birmingham on Thursday for the 2015 AMTA-AL Spring Convention!

This year’s convention is hosting Doug Nelson of Precision Neuromuscular Therapy and I am very excited about adding some new techniques to my toolbox. I’ll also be running for 1st Vice President and Delegate again so keep a good thought for me Saturday around lunchtime. I’ll be giving my speech(es) and hopefully keeping my positions.

So…

Harvest Moon Massage Therapy will be closed beginning Thursday, April 23rd and will re-open Monday, April 27th. If you’d like to schedule an appointment while I’m away, please visit my StyleSeat online booking system or call and leave a message. I’ll get back to you on Monday.

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage is Decatur, Alabama’s Only Master Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapist!

2015 AMTA-AL Spring Convention Time! Read More »