ACM GRADUATE INTERVIEW - Kathryn Jones

12/12/2011

Massage easily fits around Kathryn's life, even allowing her to work from a mobile tent clinic!

What first interested you about massage?

I was a medical research scientist who had always worked ridiculously long hours, first completing my doctorate and later running an immunotherapy clinical trial.

"Much as l loved conventional medicine and was very career focused, l wanted to travel more and start a family so l looked into natural therapy."

I began my Diploma in Remedial Massage with ACM as a stepping stone in that direction and haven’t looked back. I was lucky to find something l loved straight away.

How long have you been massaging?

5 Years

What do you enjoy most about massaging?

I enjoy the close interaction with my clients and the fact that when l treat each individual l get to see the great effect l have on them, whether it be helping alleviate their pain and improve their mobility or watching them “float” out of the clinic after a beautiful relaxation massage.

In my previous career l loved that l had the potential to improve the health of many sick people, but l wasn’t able to have the same interaction with my clients as l can now have with massage.

What was your experience at ACM like?

Although l could be considered a “professional student” after many years at university, l hadn’t experienced such a student friendly learning environment as l found at ACM.

My work and travel commitments meant l had to change classes a number of times and the staff were always helpful and friendly.

"This allowed me to see firsthand how consistent ACM’s course delivery was at every training centre."

Also, it didn’t’ matter which lecturer l had, they were always very professional and knew what they were talking about.

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

It has been brilliant. Having so much hands-on practice during the practical subjects meant lots of opportunity to ask questions. Doing the clinic hours for each subject also meant l had a well-rounded experience when l started working.

"During my travels around Australia l have been offered jobs on the spot when l told potential employers that l trained at the Australian College of Massage!"

What advice would you give aspiring massage therapists?

Learn the anatomy and trust your intuition.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I have been travelling around Australia with my family for a few years and having trained as a Massage Therapist with ACM has provided me with many opportunities to work in massage clinics, beauty centres and days spas.

I would have to say the most satisfying thing so far has been setting up my own “Tent Clinic” consisting of a tent beside our caravan, and treating other travellers and even locals who hear about me!

I can’t wait to see what other twists and turns this relatively new career will take me on!