ACM GRADUATE INTERVIEW - Stephanie Matsakos

10/10/2011

As a young gymnast Steph enjoyed receiving massage and now as a Massage Therapist she enjoys the act of giving just as much!

What first interested you about massage?

I was first introduced to massage at an early age whilst I was a competitive gymnast. I was often referred to a Physiotherapist and Massage Therapist to combat the frequent injuries I suffered.

I always loved the feeling during and after a massage. I was relaxed, I could forget everything in the outside world and just focus on myself and how great my body felt.

Receiving a massage was the only time I felt able to achieve this inner focus. I began contemplating what a great career this would be! To have people looking forward to seeing you, assisting them to feel great and being paid to do so!

On completion of Year 12, I immediately commenced working for a Chiropractor. This enhanced my admiration of the body, such an amazing machine and really ignited my passion to help the body to function and feel better.

"Once I attended the first day of ACM’s Introductory Massage Course you could say I fell in love! I purchased a table on day two of the course and enrolled into the Certificate IV on the same day and have never looked back!"

How long have you been massaging?

As soon as I had my Certificate IV in relaxation massage in early 2009, I started working at the Macedon Day Spa as a relaxation therapist and I also started working from home which included mobile massage. Once I completed my Diploma in Remedial Massage later that same year I then moved to the Lyall Day Spa in South Yarra, where I have had so many encouraging and wonderful opportunities as a Massage Therapist. From the Lyall Day Spa I have moved to Park Hyatt Health Club and Day Spa and currently I am embarking on a new journey at Groom Spa.

What do you enjoy most about massaging?

The change's that I see in my clients, both long and short term, is what I enjoy the most about massage. These changes don't just mean appearance and postural differences, but how they operate on a day to day basis. Whether they are more in tune with their body and start to listen when enough is enough, or are generally happy with the healthier direction they are now embarking on both mentally and physically. Being introduced to massage through receiving, I now find that giving massage is just as rewarding.

"Massaging is very relaxing and soothing, I could not imagine another career that I would enjoy more."

What was your experience at ACM like?

Being in a class environment, sitting at a desk in front of a teacher had been very difficult for me in the past, as I always wanted to be on my feet, doing something with my hands or would just want to be outdoors. I found the class environment at ACM to be fun and interactive. There was NEVER a moment with ACM that I was bored or had this recurring urge to be outdoors. I simply loved coming into class and gleaning as much information as I could from the wealth of experience of the lecturing team at ACM. This was in fact the personal highlight of my study with ACM and that after every two day practical class my head was whirling with new information, ideas and inspiration.

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

I felt thoroughly prepared when commencing work in the massage industry, again due to the support and helpful handy tips provided by the lecturing team. As with starting every job there is a steep learning curve, however I feel ACM had instilled in me all the professionalism and tools I needed to thrive in this industry.

What advice would you give aspiring massage therapists?

Don’t wait for an opportunity to come to you, jump straight into your studies and give it 100% and the opportunities will be lining up for you in this industry. Have an open mind about all types of massage and try to experience as many as you can. This enables you to include new, exciting strokes and sequences to individualise each massage that you give. Be passionate about your work and studies and enjoy every moment.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

The highlight has been the people I work with and the many great therapists, clients and even some celebrities I’ve met along the way.

"I do intend to travel the world and with massage at my fingertips I believe the options are endless."