ACM GRADUATE INTERVIEW - Amy Simpson

30/05/2011

While accompanying her partner to the Middle East, ACM Graduate Amy Simpson was able to offer massage treatments to the expats living nearby

What first interested you about massage?

There was always something about massage that I loved, even as a kid I would offer to massage Mum’s feet. As I got older I realised I wanted to help people be the best they could be; I found with massage I could combine something I love to do and help people at the same time.

How long have you been massaging?

I’ve been massaging since the middle of last year (2010).

What do you enjoy most about massaging?

Treating people who come to see me in pain, whether physical or emotional and helping them to find relief from that pain through massage means the world to me. Whether it’s an increase in range of movement or simply tension lines smoothed from the face, it’s so satisfying to be able to improve someone’s quality of life and make them happier.

What was your experience at ACM like?

I really enjoyed studying with ACM. I found the teaching staff very knowledgeable and approachable, with great skills to be able to transfer that knowledge to the students. The online learning was so flexible that studying was never a hassle. And when I needed to change from on campus study to online for my final few subjects, the staff in the office were really good to deal with and efficient.

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

I found the techniques and subjects delivered through the study program at ACM sees that students enter the industry with a broad knowledge base and enough skills to not only treat the range of injuries and complaints we are presented with as massage professionals, but also to educate clients on how the treatment is affecting their body and ways they can maintain and prolong the effects of massage.

What advice would you give aspiring massage therapists?

Massage therapy is a career where every day you get to make a difference to someone’s life and essentially help to make the world a happier place. I have found that as a therapist my work is always appreciated and I’m constantly learning something new. It’s just so rewarding and I love going to work every day.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Last year after finishing the Certificate IV component of the Remedial Massage Diploma with ACM my partner was offered a short contract in Qatar, a small country in the Middle East. Instead of putting my studies on hold I was able to continue them online at my own pace. I also learnt that a lot of expats were searching for an affordable massage service, so I started up a little practice from our house. This was my first experience with paying clients and I felt so rewarded when people were returning week after week delighted with the results they were experiencing from the massage.

We returned this year to Australia, and 2 weeks after the Massage Practice 2 assessment (the final component on my Remedial Massage Diploma) I was offered a position 5 days a week at a remarkable health clinic in Ormond, Victoria. Now I am in my dream job working with incredible massage therapists, chiropractors, naturopaths and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. Every day I’m working with inspiring people, treating delightful clients and constantly learning about a career I’m passionate about.