Healing Destination by Suzie Daggett

Phillips School of Massage (PSoM) has been a constant in the Nevada City area since Judy Phillips lovingly opened the school in 1983. Since then, many graduates have provided clients with their compassionate gifts of healing massage therapy. Massage is a mainstream treatment for many ailments and can make a real difference in maintaining health or recovering from trauma or illness. Jim Butcher, a quiet and dynamic therapist/business man purchased PSoM recently and answered these questions:

What attracted you to massage and then to purchasing a massage school?

When a Judo instructor introduced me to applied kinesiology and muscle testing, I remember being fascinated by witnessing how one person’s touch can affect and benefit the body mind connection of another. Years later, I became seriously injured and a chiropractor and acupuncturist forever changed the way I would live. The therapy I received made me a believer in complimentary medicine and planted the seed that I too could be the difference in someone’s life. During the next six years I studied Healing Qi Gong and worked for a Fortune 500 company. In 2001, I received a severance package, which enabled me to attend PSoM. After graduation, I opened a massage studio and began to see how important harmony, balance and purpose is to living a fulfilled life. As my practice grew, I attend classes to deepen my understanding of the human experience. As a result, my work became very gratifying and fulfilling. When I received the announcement that Phillips was being sold, I thought this is a perfect opportunity to return to Phillips and inspire others to learn and grow.

What are the levels of training you offer your students?

We offer 650-hours of training divided into four parts: Introduction, Practitioner, Professional, and Comprehensive Studies. Introduction is a 100-hour program for the family caregiver and for students who enjoy sharing massage with others. The 250-hour Practitioner training is for individuals who will practice professionally and are accumulating training hours for certification. The 500-hour Professional program offers more opportunities for growth through community outreach, mentorship and business development. The full 650-hour program includes another 150-hours of specialized training including assistantships.

What are the overall benefits to both the massage therapist and their client during a massage?

The overall benefit for both the therapist and the client is being deeply touched and taking time to be present. My belief is that touch as a form of communication can help individuals explore, discover and express their strengths and weaknesses on many levels. Sometimes it takes someone from the outside to help us learn about our feelings from the inside.

What does your school offer that is different from other massage schools?

We offer a safe place for people to gather, grow, give and love. In eight short weeks of training, every student is touched on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual plane by skilled and loving hands. Our instruction includes 36 routines that include an integration of massage techniques from around the globe. PSoM graduates are able to touch and be present with a level of confidence that therapists attending other programs may not have - even after years of practical experience.

530-265-4645

www.phillipsschoolofmassage.com