Module 1 - Taking Stock of Your Career Options
5 Lessons
LESSON 1: Welcome Aboard
Introductions (10 minutes)
PPT-1 p.1 Welcome to… The Business of Massage
Introduce yourself and share your background. Provide contact info (and write on board), telling learners when and how to reach you.
Go over housekeeping.
Start and stop times
Break times
Restroom locations
Where to find food and drink
School policies, etc.
Emergency exits
We’ll begin every lesson with a review of the learning objectives. This will allow all of us to get on the same page.
PPT-1 p.2 Lesson Objectives (Review objectives with students)
1. Get to know classmates.
2. Understand the participation guidelines for the course.
Icebreaker Activity. (25 minutes) Some of you have known each other for some time, and others are new to the school. Let’s go around and introduce ourselves – but in a new way. I’d like you to stand up and tell us your name and where you are in the program (that is, your expected graduation date).
Then tell us something about yourself that no one would know just by looking at you.
This is good practice, by the way, for later on in the course, when you’ll get opportunities to share with your classmates – and for your work as a massage therapist, when you may have an opportunity to give a presentation to colleagues, prospective employees, or even to the media.
Today it’s just for fun. I’ll start. No one would know just by looking at me that I…
Share a fascinating fact about yourself, such as “…am the mother/father of triplets,” “…had a brief but brilliant career as a go-go dancer,” “…collect bowling balls,” etc.
>Start the icebreaker<
One by one, ask learners to introduce themselves. Acknowledge each learner after he or she shares. Allow a few moments for cross talk.
Tip: If a learner goes on too long or gets off track, tactfully interrupt and regain control of the conversation by asking a close-ended clarifying question, such as “How long did your partner teach mountain climbing?” Thank the learner and then ask next person to share.
>Bring exercise to a close<
Encourage cooperation and collaboration by saying: You are sitting right now in a room full of living resources. In the future these folks may provide ideas, camaraderie, and possibly even referrals. So, I really encourage you all to get to know each other – and to act as cheerleaders toward one another. Who knows, a person sitting in this room might be your future business partner!
In fact, to help foster these relationships, we’ll be doing a lot of cooperative learning activities, as well as a group-based final project.
>Ask for questions or comments. Answer questions before moving on<
Group Expectations. (5 minutes) In this course, we will share and learn together. You’ll be asked to reflect and share on some fairly deep topics – who you are, what motivates you, what you really want out of life, and how massage therapy fits in with all that.
In order to foster an open discussion, it’s important that we create an environment that feels safe to everyone.
Setting Norms. We will now explore what the group expects in order to create this safe environment. What “group norms” (or way of doing things) need to be established in order to create a safe environment for everyone here?
>Lead group in a brief full group discussion<
Record the suggestions on a flip chart (not the board).
Allow the students to brainstorm freely, but gently encourage them to add on if some critical elements are not suggested.
Some suggested items to include are “Respect others,” “Listen without judgment,” “Maintain confidentiality,” etc.
After finishing the group brainstorm, let everyone know that this will serve as the group norms for the remainder of the course (and if possible, keep the flip chart posted throughout the course).
Establishing these group norms is good practice for dealing with clients, who will sometimes share deeply personal feelings with you. With both classmates and clients, listen with generosity and understanding, take time to absorb information, and respond empathetically and without judgment.
Course Overview. (15 minutes) In your other classes here at the school you’re learning the physical practice of massage – anatomy, techniques, indications, contraindications, and so on. This course will focus on massage therapy from a career and business standpoint.
>Review what’s ahead<
Discuss final projects: portfolio and business plan.
Introduce each module.
Introduce the text.
Distribute and review the course syllabus.
Discuss journal writing.
Discuss binder.
PPT-1 p.3
HO 1-1, 1-2
Final Projects. Each of you individually will be responsible for submitting a portfolio – which is a collection of your work. In addition, you will be working in teams to create a business plan. Each of these will be accompanied by a presentation.
>Pass out handout on each and review the details<
PPT-1 p.4 Module Numbers and Titles. Now, let’s review the topics we’ll be covering:
Module 1, Taking Stock of Your Career Options, gives you an opportunity to some self-exploration and talk a little bit about the opportunities in the field of massage therapy. Then we’ll put the two together – you and the career – so you can think about how they fit.
In Module 2, Creating a Therapeutic Relationship, we’ll discuss how you can create a conversation with your clients in a way that is therapeutic and nurturing. Remember that as a massage therapist, you’ll touch not just your clients’ bodies, but their thoughts and emotions as well – through the verbal and nonverbal messages you send.
Module 3, Creating a Sense of Place, will be a lot of fun. You’ll get to design your ideal massage space and try to imagine what your clients experience – and what they think of you – even before they walk in the door.
In Module 4, Practicing Self-Care, you’ll learn how to take care of yourself while caring for others. In order to provide high-quality massages and maintain your stamina, you need to start with taking care of yourself first.
Module 5, Launching a Successful Practice, will help you get off to a professional and prosperous start – whether you decide to practice as an employee, independent contractor, or small-business owner.
In Module 6, Managing Your Practice, you’ll learn about the nuts and bolts of running a business – covering the essentials such as financial and record management, taxes, insurance billing, scheduling and employee management.
In Module 7, Spreading the Word, you’ll get creative in coming up with ways to reach prospective clients and build your practice – helping you to expand your business and your wallet!
In Module 8, Connecting with the Professional Community, we’ll finish up by discussing ways to build on your professional presence, through professional alliances and continuing education.
Stretch. We’re going to stretch at least once every lesson. Please remind me if I forget. As massage therapists we need to take good care of ourselves, right? I’ll lead this first one, but I’d like you to take turns leading the rest of them. I’ll say, “It’s time to stretch – who’d like to lead it?”
>Lead the class in a stretch<
Text. The Business of Massage textbook is essential to this course. We’ll refer to it, read from it, and fill out selected worksheets pulled from it. Please bring your textbook with you to every class.
At the end of each module, you’ll take a short quiz – to test your acquisition of knowledge.
>Direct learners to pull out and page through their textbooks<
Take a moment now to look through your textbooks. What are some things that you notice (in terms of how the information is organized)?
Point out:
Chapter Overview and Objectives – at the beginning of every chapter
Summary, Review Questions, Endnotes – at the end of every chapter
Spotlight on Business – focus on specific business aspects
Real Touch – real-life stories, case studies and quotes from people in the field
Resources boxes – books, websites, associations that can serve as resources
Worksheets – hands-on activities to help you apply information toward your own situation
>Ask if there are any comments and acknowledge all responses<
HO 1-3 Syllabus. This is the roadmap for the course. It explains the reading assignments you’ll be expected to have completed before each class begins and gives you a quick heads-up about the homework, so you can plan your calendar accordingly.
>Hand out Syllabus. Remember to fill out times and dates before copying<
Journal. Throughout this class, you’ll be taking a journey, reflecting on both personal and professional levels along the way. To help out in this personal exploration, we’ll be doing a lot of journal writing.
Is there anyone here who has a journal writing practice?
>Acknowledge all responses<
Between now and the next time we meet, please pick up a journal. We’ll be using this throughout the course, to engage in free form thinking, as well as goal setting. I think you’ll find that it’s a good practice that you can continue even after the completion of this course.
Binder. I’ll be handing out worksheets to you from time to time. You’ll need a binder to hold on to these. Please bring one with you to the next class – and to all classes from here on out. Many of these worksheets will go into your portfolio – which you will submit at the end of the course.
Wrap Up (5 minutes)
Go over homework. Your first reading assignment is to first review the Table of Contents in order to better familiarize yourself with where we’re headed. Next, take a moment to look over page 1, reviewing Chapter Overview and Chapter Objectives. Now, beginning with “Overview of Profession,” read pages 2 – 10 (stop before “Career Settings”). Pay particular attention to page 3 – Massage Modalities.
You’ll be tested on these.
Let students know this review needs to be done before your next class meeting.
>Invite and answer questions before moving on<
LESSON 2: Overview of Profession & Career Trends
Opening (5 minutes)
PPT-1 p. 5 Welcome to Module 1: Taking Stock of Your Career Options
Last class, you got an overview of the class and had a chance to get to know one another. Today, we embark on Module 1.
PPT-1 p. 6 Lesson Objectives (Review objectives with students)
1. Clarify personal reasons for choosing the field of massage therapy.
2. Gain an appreciation for the history of the massage therapy profession.
3. Describe at least two trends in the massage therapy profession.
Objective 1: Help students explore their personal reasons for choosing massage therapy.
Journal writing. As I mentioned last time, this class is going to require you to do some real thinking on both personal and professional levels.
To get started, I’d like you spend a few minutes jotting down some of your personal goals in your journal. For example, one of your personal goals might be to live in another country someday. Or, you may be planning to start a family. You could also want to learn a new sport, such as surfing, or a new skill, such as filmmaking.
Remember that this is for you, so don’t be afraid to think big! You can share as little or as much as you want with others. What’s important is that you are clear about what your personal goals are as you embark on your new career as a massage therapist.
>Give learners a few minutes to write in their journals<
After a few minutes, take some time to introduce students to the massage therapy profession. Now, we’re going to briefly discuss the massage therapy profession, but I want you to keep your personal goals in the back of your mind throughout this discussion. You’re going to keep coming back and clarifying your personal goals, so feel free to add more or make changes as we continue through the course.
PPT-1 p. 7 Engage students in another journal writing activity. Now, let’s return to the journals. Building on your personal goals, take a few minutes to write and reflect on your choice to become a massage therapist. Use these questions here to help guide you:
(Referring to slide, ask them to address these questions in their journal writing.)
Why have you decided to become a massage therapist?
What are your expectations?
What do you think are some benefits?
What are some directions you might take with it?
What are some of your deepest, most heartfelt dreams, and how do you think a career in massage therapy will help you achieve these?
>Give learners about 5 minutes to write in their journals, and then elicit any comments at the close of the journal writing<
Objective 2: Gain appreciation for the history of the massage therapy profession.
Using pages 2–5 as a reference, give students an overview of the massage therapy profession (40 minutes).
HO 1–4 Reinforce this discussion by introducing a “Quotes Slips” activity. Divide students into small groups (4–6) and ask them to designate a group facilitator and presenter. Distribute one quote slip to each group. As the facilitator to read the quote aloud to their group, then engage in discussion to address the following questions:
What are the expert’s main points?