Making Self-Care

Chelsea DeSouza-Nenno
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

This podcast is for massage therapists Hosted by Chelsea DeSouza, Licensed Massage Therapist, who is reevaluating the massage profession and her career in it. Listen in on convos with massage therapists nationwide who share their stories of burn out, success and encouragement. You’ll be sure to find your story in here too.

  1. 22h ago

    EP 48 Massage Therapists Follow The Money Part 2

    Chelsea DeSouza explores the financial and regulatory landscape of the massage therapy profession, questioning the roles and influence of associations and key figures like Deborah Persinger. She emphasizes the importance of understanding where money flows and how it impacts the profession's future. keywordsmassage therapy, associations, regulation, FSMTB, Deborah Persinger, professional funding, advocacy, licensure, self-care, industry insights key topicsThe role of massage therapy associations and their influenceFinancial insights into FSMTB and Deborah Persinger's compensationThe impact of regulatory organizations on the professionVoluntary nature of associations and their real powerThe importance of transparency in professional fundingThe concept of self-care versus health and wellnessThe multi-state licensure and compact discussionsThe significance of legal and ethical practice requirementsThe need for community and partnership in the professionChelsea's personal journey and reflections on industry change sound bites"Massage therapy outperforms medicine 75 to 80 percent of the time""Deborah Persinger earns $600,000 a year""Associations don't regulate us, the public does"Chapters00:00 Introduction and episode overview02:14 Chelsea's passion for health and massage therapy04:20 Exploring the role of associations and Deborah Persinger06:28 Deborah Persinger's background and compensation09:01 Career trajectory of Deborah Persinger10:55 The role of FSMTB and regulatory organizations13:00 Membership dues and networking groups14:59 The voluntary nature of associations and their influence17:09 Chelsea's suggestions for membership and advocacy19:52 Financial transparency and where money goes22:04 Regulation by public and the role of the Department of Health23:50 Surveying massage therapists and funding sources25:50 Revenue streams from licensure and exams28:07 Legal requirements versus voluntary associations29:55 Chelsea's reflections and call for community32:01 The importance of partnership and well-being in the profession34:07 Closing thoughts and community engagement

  2. Sep 8

    EP 47 Massage Therapists Following The Money Part 1

    Subscribe to  @chelseacdesouzalmt  to not miss Part 2 of Following The Money. In this episode, Chelsea DeSouza reevaluates the massage therapy profession by following the money trail, comparing it to physical therapy, and exploring how associations fund and influence the industry. She discusses the financial structures, organizational transparency, and the potential impact on the future of massage therapy. key topics- The comparison between massage therapy and physical therapy models- How massage therapy associations fund their activities- The flow of money within the massage industry- The role of nonprofit and for-profit organizations in industry funding-Implications of moving towards a medical insurance model for massage therapistsChapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and Chelsea’s reevaluation journey01:54 Sharing feedback and the importance of community conversation04:13 Comparison between physical therapists and massage therapists06:08 Following the money: industry financials and associations07:55 Details on the financials of major massage therapy organizations10:14 How associations fund scholarships and their financial transparency1986:06:19 The role of nonprofit and for-profit organizations in the industry2302:46:21 Where the money goes: salaries, grants, and operational costs2702:46:21 The impact of industry funding on the profession’s future3011:06:22 Discussion on the potential shift to a medical insurance model3349:59:46 The influence of federal and state organizations in regulation3652:46:26 Financial compensation of key industry leaders39999:59:55 Where the industry’s money ultimately benefits43722:13:18 The economic differences between massage therapy and physical therapy46972:13:20 The importance of industry participation and transparency50166:40:00 Conclusion and next steps in understanding industry fundingKeywords: massage therapy, industry funding, associations, following the money, professional reevaluation, healthcare model, nonprofit organizations, financial transparency, industry influence, self-care

  3. Aug 18

    EP 46: Massage Therapists Quit too Soon with Krista Dicks

    In this heartfelt conversation, Chelsea DeSouza sits down with Krista Dickd from The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast to talk about the realities of building a long-term career in massage therapy. Together, they explore the emotional ups and downs of the profession, the tension between creative fulfillment and business demands, and why so many massage therapists struggle with discontent, burnout, and the pressure to keep evolving. Krista shares her personal journey through 20 years in the field, including the moment she nearly walked away from massage therapy entirely—and how clinic ownership gave her a renewed sense of purpose. The two discuss the importance of flexibility, collaboration, community, and finding joy outside the treatment room so you can bring your best self back into it. If you’re a massage therapist, clinic owner, or anyone reconsidering your path in a helping profession, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a powerful reminder: your career doesn’t have to look one way to be meaningful, sustainable, and deeply rewarding. Making Self-Care Podcast Massage Therapists Quit Too Soon Chelsea DeSouza - www.instagram.com/chelseacdesouza The Radical Massage Therapist - http://www.theradicalrmt.com/

    EP 46: Massage Therapists Quit too Soon with Krista Dicks

  4. Jul 28

    EP 45: Establishing Boundaries in your Massage Practice

    In this episode, Amy Gimmy discusses the importance of boundaries, ethics, and self-care for massage therapists. She shares her journey of writing 'The Protected Practice' and offers practical advice for maintaining sustainability and well-being in the profession.massage therapy, boundaries, self-care, professional ethics, burnout, The Protected Practice, therapist support, mental health, practice managementKey Topics: Boundaries and ethics in massage therapyThe journey of writing 'The Protected Practice'The impact of burnout and overextensionStrategies for self-care and professional sustainabilityThe role of policies and communication in practiceguest name: Amy GimmySound Bites"We stretch our time, our patience, our energy""Boundaries are handrails, not walls""Without boundaries, burnout is inevitable"RESOURCES: The Protected Practice by Amy Gimmy - https://a.co/d/0iWURbAoAmy Gimmy - https://www.facebook.com/amy.dolph.gimmy You can find me below: Listen in: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-self-care/id1515360857Follow: Instagram.com/chelseacdesouza https://www.facebook.com/chelsea.desouza.nenno/How You Can Support This Work: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eypIDGxsL4O5ZB12zquJJdn2905gt6yhWfI13Ol6rxA/edit?usp=sharingLinks Apple Podcastpodcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-self-care/id1515360857 Spotify Podcastopen.spotify.com/show/49BlgZOTbb5XsYmOqL8WIE?si=c0cf63bb3ee34a45 Substackchelseadesouzanenno.substack.com Facebookfacebook.com/chelsea.desouza.nenno Instagram instagram.com/chelseacdesouza SUPPORT THIS WORK docs.google.com/document/d/1eypIDGxsL4O5ZB12zquJJdn2905gt6yhWfI13Ol6rxA/edit?usp=sharing More infowww.youtube.com/@chelseacdesouzalmt

    EP 45: Establishing Boundaries in your Massage Practice

  5. Jul 21

    EP 44: Protecting Therapists From Illicit Behavior

    In this episode of Making Self-Care, host Chelsea D'Souza speaks with Kaci Jones, an LMT from Pro Health Defense, about the critical importance of legal literacy for massage therapists. They discuss the lack of education surrounding client accountability, the necessity of documentation, and the role of police and legal support in protecting therapists. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by illicit massage businesses and emphasizes the need for empowerment through education and community support. Kaci shares insights from her continuing education courses and the importance of advocacy within the profession. Takeaways Legal literacy is crucial for massage therapists. Massage schools often neglect teaching laws that protect therapists. Documenting client interactions is essential for safety. Therapists need to know how to report inappropriate behavior. Illicit massage businesses pose a significant threat to the profession. Empowerment through education can reduce fear among therapists. Therapists should trust their instincts in potentially dangerous situations. Advocacy from associations is important but often lacking. Community support can help therapists feel less isolated. Legal education should be a priority in massage therapy training. Sound Bites 00:00 "We need to protect ourselves from clients." 04:47 "Document, document, document." 20:04 "We are drowning in illicit business talk." 24:00 "We need to advocate for ourselves." 26:57 "Education is key to empowerment." 30:01 "Your safety trumps all." 30:41 "Trust your instincts, always." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Legal Literacy in Massage Therapy 02:46 Understanding Client Accountability and Protection 06:13 Documenting Client Interactions for Safety 09:00 Navigating Police and Legal Support 12:03 Addressing Illicit Massage Businesses 14:49 Empowering Massage Therapists Through Education 17:56 The Role of Associations in Advocacy 21:07 Building a Supportive Community for Therapists 24:00 The Importance of Legal Education in Massage Schools 26:57 Case Studies and Real-World Applications 30:01 Conclusion and Future Steps for Massage Therapists Pro Health Defense: https://prohealthdefense.com/schedule RAINN.ORG

    EP 44: Protecting Therapists From Illicit Behavior

  6. Jul 14

    EP 43 *solo episode* your customer service will make or break your business.

    Solo Episode with Chelsea DeSouza, sharing why your customer service will make or break your business. With the frustrating real life example of having to get a root canal, Chelsea compares how her experience showed her the mistakes massage therapists make in their customer service. Massage therapists are always reading the room and preparing to regulate their clients no matter what type of day they had before they came into the clinic. Customer service is also required for our profession. If you want to create better customer service policies for you and your clinic take a listen.

  7. Jun 30

    EP 42: Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage for Menopause

    In this episode, Chelsea DeSouza hosts Billy Bossa of BossaMassages and Wellness to discuss the benefits of lymphatic drainage, especially for women experiencing menopause. They explore different modalities, the importance of education in alternative health, and the evolving role of massage therapy in healthcare. Main Topics: How lymphatic massage can support hormone health and menopause symptomsThe significance of light touch and correct terminology in lymphatic therapyNavigating the commercial landscape: weight loss claims and industry regulationThe basics and misconceptions of lymphatic massageHow lymphatic therapy aids in detoxification and fluid balance during menopauseDifferences between various lymphatic techniques including Brazilian and tools like fascia blastChallenges faced by massage therapists in medical integration and regulationStrategies to differentiate and niche in the competitive wellness industryBilly Bossa - Bossa Massages and WellnessInstagramFacebookIn this episode:00:00 - Introduction to lymphatic health and massage in menopause00:20 - Challenges in accessing traditional care due to politics and insurance01:00 - Why clients seek lymphatic therapy and how it supports hormonal health02:05 - Billy's perspective on client-centered treatment and industry misconceptions03:19 - The relationship between massage therapy and conventional medicine04:15 - The scope of practice and collaboration with medical professionals05:20 - Impact of hormone changes on fluid retention and inflammation06:25 - Educating clients on menopause symptoms and treatments07:47 - Differences between manual lymphatic massage and other tools09:12 - The importance of light, slow, and precise lymphatic techniques11:33 - Addressing the misconceptions about detoxification and fluid movement12:52 - The rise of weight loss and aesthetics claims in lymphatic therapy15:06 - The role of red light therapy and other advanced modalities16:53 - Benefits of lymphatic massage for general health, not just menopause17:50 - The societal perception of massage and the importance of branding20:06 - The revenue potential and front-line technology in wellness clinics21:54 - The significance of core strengthening and body composition tools23:23 - Modern tools like endosphere for lymphatic and fascia work24:39 - The importance of client education and informed consent26:33 - The power of niche marketing and personal branding in massage therapy27:47 - Overcoming industry competitiveness and building professional camaraderie29:36 - The impact of regulation and the future of massage therapy as healthcare31:10 - The importance of community, continuous learning, and professional growth34:16 - Expanding treatment offerings with multiple modalities and specialties36:53 - The importance of in-tune client care versus generic treatments39:31 - The need for results-driven therapy versus superficial treatments43:55 - Challenges with insurance and regulation in the US and beyond47:21 - The vital role of massage in reducing reliance on medication50:54 - Ancient therapies and the roots of holistic healing practices54:05 - Navigating licensing, testing, and professional standards across states56:37 - The cultural evolution of massage from "massuse" to healthcare provider58:36 - The call to keep accessible, effective therapies available to clients60:09 - Final thoughts and encouragement for therapists to niche down and unite Resources & Links: Connect with Billy: www.bossamassages.com Free Massage Oil with Hafen Beauty - https://www.instagram.com/p/DZF1G19mjws/?img_index=1

    EP 42: Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage for Menopause

  8. Jun 23

    The Origins Of The Human Garage

    When someone goes viral it is normal to want to know more about the people in the video and thats exactly why I wanted to know more about the truth of the Human Garage. I sat down with Joseph Gonzales of Posture Lab in Santa Monica. We break down the timeline of WHEN, HOW, and WHO started the Human Garage and it's infectious protocols that the world can't wait to get their hands on. - We break down who Garry is and how he and Joseph began the Human Garage. - How Joseph's dream led to Fascia Mapping - How Employees at the Human Garage might not be licensed or certified. - and more.... YOU COULD BE A SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE. Send an email to hafenbeauty@gmail.com for sponsorship info.

    The Origins Of The Human Garage
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About

This podcast is for massage therapists Hosted by Chelsea DeSouza, Licensed Massage Therapist, who is reevaluating the massage profession and her career in it. Listen in on convos with massage therapists nationwide who share their stories of burn out, success and encouragement. You’ll be sure to find your story in here too.

Information

  • Creator
    Chelsea DeSouza-Nenno
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Chelsea DeSouza-Nenno
  • Show Website
    Making Self-Care