ACM GRADUATE INTERVIEW - Rebecca Bargenquast

15/04/2009

ACM Graduate Rebecca Bargenquast's Massage Industry experience spans over a decade, here is a snapshot of her massaging career to date

What first interested you about massage?

I was initially interested in Beauty Therapy and completed a Beauty Qualification that had a module on Swedish massage within it. I still remember the first massage that I gave to a client. On completion of the treatment the client told me “You are amazing! It felt like you had a thousand hands”. Her comments escalated my own feelings towards giving massage and I knew from that moment on that I would be focusing more on massage than beauty therapy. Then I decided to upgrade my skills to Remedial Massage Diploma level. A fellow therapist at my work had recently completed ACM’s Distance Education Diploma and highly recommended the College to me! After researching what else was on offer I was 100% satisfied with my decision to join ACM.

How long have you been massaging?

I have been massaging for 11 years now! Earlier in my massage career my massaging skills helped me to work my way around Australia. During my travels I was employed at resorts in Alice Springs, Noosa and Batemans Bay, sometimes I even massaged guest’s poolside, needless to say it was just as relaxing for me! From 2004 – 2008 I was employed at Physikal Physiotherapy Centre in Hervey Bay, Queensland as a Physio Assistant. Owner Kallum Ireland became my mentor and I decided whilst working with him at Physikal that it was time for me to shift my focus from relaxation and feel-good massages to Post-operative and Rehabilitation massage. Since completion of my Diploma of Remedial Massage with ACM I have established my own business working from my home in Maryborough, Queensland. My handy husband Clint has built a self designed treatment room that is situated next to our swimming pool. So I guess that I’m still massaging poolside, just in the comfort of my own surrounds now. I can also gaze at the green pastures and bushland surrounding us through my octagonal one-way window.

What do you enjoy most about massaging?

"Massaging is the most satisfying job! The influence that massage therapists have on clients is sometimes overwhelming – in a good way."

I also love the fact that every client is different, meaning every day is different. It is a satisfying job that is satisfying for both the therapist and the client! I also enjoy “the look” that I receive after each massage I give, a look of genuine relief and joy.

What was your experience at ACM like?

In a word EXCELLENT!

"I studied by Distance Education and I felt that the course materials presented to me were a true reflection of the high quality training offered by the College."

The manuals were easy to follow and the DVD’s were excellent – it was just like being in the classroom. I also loved the fact that there was always someone I could call if I needed help. The Distance Education structure meant that I could do as little or as much as I felt like from day-to-day, I didn’t have the burden of a timetable. It was a good position to be in as I have three sons and a husband to look after as well.

How have your studies at ACM assisted preparing you for working in the massage industry?

"I feel like I am absolutely fully equipped to look after any client that walks into my treatment room."

I had previously received training in Beauty Therapy and worked in many resorts, clinics etc… prior to undertaking the Diploma with ACM and I have actually changed the way I do a lot of things, in particular l am now using the College´s unique draping protocol. I simply feel more confident in applying and using ACM procedures that I learnt throughout the course. On completion of the Diploma I feel 100% confident that I am doing everything in the correct manner, logically and ethically. I also feel more confident with being self-employed.

What advice would you give aspiring massage therapists?

Learning massage is self-discovery! The human body amazes me and learning about it and applying the learning to work has been enriching, don’t be afraid of learning anatomy, embrace it – it’s you! Also, go out and receive as many different styles and massage techniques that you can find. Take note of techniques that you enjoyed and also anything that you didn’t. Adapt this into your education and continue to do so, you will never stop learning.  Finally, you are never going to know everything, there is so much to learn and so many different styles and techniques to embrace you will be forever learning.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I was involved in the birth of my best friend’s first child (beautiful little girl). I massaged my friend throughout her pregnancy and two weeks before she was due to give birth she asked me if I would massage her throughout her labour and birth. I was really excited as I had previously given birth to two children myself and I was enlightened at the prospect of massaging my best friend through her experience. On the birth day, I massaged her for the last 3 hours of her labour working mainly on her feet and back. When it came time to push I was working on her shoulders and neck in between pushes – the feeling was electric and I just couldn’t keep my hands from massaging her – it wasn’t annoying or intrusive it was a really natural feeling. We feel like the experience has brought a unique element to our friendship, one that will be relived in August this year when her second child is due to arrive. I can’t wait!