ACM GRADUATE INTERVIEW - Jill Gregory

07/11/2011

Jill specialises in women's health, she also participated in setting the Guinness World Record for the most Massage Therapists massaging in one place at one time

What first interested you about massage?

I had been receiving massage on an irregular basis since my early twenties. Each time I went I always quizzed my therapist about what they were doing and how that helped my aching body. I wish I had commenced massage study back then. It wasn’t until 20 years later, when a desire to assist my sports-oriented children led me to an Introductory Course with ACM that the underlying inquisitiveness turned into a burning passion. From the first day on-campus I knew that I loved massage and I wanted to learn more.

How long have you been massaging?

I have been massaging since 2009. After receiving my Certificate IV qualification, I began working alongside a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner who specialised in fertility. He provided relaxation massage to women trying to become pregnant. Massage is very supportive and nurturing and this can be a very stressful time for those receiving IVF treatment. I had the absolute privilege of massaging these women throughout their pregnancies and beyond.

After completing my Diploma of Remedial Massage with ACM I set up my own business at home providing remedial, pregnancy & relaxation massage treatments especially for women. I also provided remedial massage on a contract-basis at a local Wellbeing Centre.

What do you enjoy most about massaging?

I enjoy the one-on-one contact. I love the giving component of massage, that I am turning myself over to the client’s needs, whilst they entrust me with their care.

"Each day is different, client’s needs change and whether it is pain relief, stress relief or increased movement, the goal is always the same – to help them achieve a better state of wellbeing."

I enjoy seeing the positive impact I can have on people’s lives when they leave happier and healthier. I have some more ‘mature’ clients for whom the only physical touch they receive is in the time I give to them. Their heartfelt thanks after receiving massage is so genuine that I feel honoured to provide massage to these wonderful women.

What was your experience at ACM like?

From the time I took my first nervous steps into the classroom, I felt a care and respect from the college. Being taught the draping procedure to provide privacy right from the start, gave me a confidence in the professionalism and credibility of the College. Those high standards never dropped throughout the course, even when students become comfortable with each other. Those draping skills are so ingrained in me, I cannot imagine massage without automatically doing that. My clients often comment on this aspect of my massage saying how ‘nurtured and cared for’ it makes them feel and how this varies from their experiences elsewhere.

On-campus practical classes were fun and the regular massages a bonus. Due to changing work commitments I attended some weekends, some weekday and even some weekly lunchtime classes. This flexibility became very important to me, even though it meant I had different lecturers and class mates, I found each group to be welcoming and supportive and I have maintained friendships from each of these classes.

The home study subjects were great as I was able to take subject manuals with me and study in the car, while waiting at my children’s many activities. I liked being able to challenge myself with the online questions, doing a few at a time, when I was ready, rather than a big end of year exam which would have been terrifying.

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

From the Introductory Course, through to completing the Diploma, all the log-book practice hours, every component prepares you for when that first client walks through the door.

"My first massage job was advertised on the job page of the ACM website and I was offered the position immediately because ACM graduates are so highly sought after."

I was exceptionally nervous for my first ‘paying’ client, but to know that I had acquired the skills to provide a professional massage treatment right from the outset provides a quiet confidence that guides you through.

What advice would you give aspiring massage therapists?

Believe in yourself. You do have the skills, you do have the knowledge. Find yourself a mentor – someone you can ask questions and remember this is the beginning of your massage journey – keep on learning!

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

My career to date has had provided several highlights including being part of the ‘massage en masse’ at Daylesford in 2010 and helping to set the Guinness World Record for the most massage therapists massaging in the one place at the one time. Being involved in my kids’ sport & knowing how to help when one comes home after a tough training session. Taking control of my working life and finding that I can fit it around my family life, I no longer have to fit family life around work.