Massage Therapy Instructor Interview Series: Daniela

Introduction to Massage Therapy Instructor, Daniela, of the European Massage Therapy School

Hey there, fellow wellness enthusiasts! I'm currently on a journey at the European Massage Therapy School, diving deep into the physical sciences as well as multiple massage techniques. Learning about the human body and its systems has been exciting. It's a refreshing reboot from my 18 years of working in marketing and tech.

My instructor, Daniela, is constantly opening my eyes to the intricate world of the human body, teaching us everything from kinesiology and anatomy to physiology and pathology. She emphasizes that massage therapy isn't just a luxury anymore; it's evolving into an integral part of people's regular wellness and healthcare routines. Daniela firmly believes that by 2030 future massage therapists will be playing a crucial role in preventative care and mental health, collaborating closely with other medical professionals like doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists.

It's genuinely inspiring to learn how powerful touch can be, not just for physical ailments like pain and soreness, but for addressing deeper emotional aspects like anxiety, trauma, and even grief (If you've known me for a while, you know that mental health and wellness are key themes in my life. You may learn more about my non-profit work on The Avery Burton Foundation's website).

Ussie with my instructor, Daniela, at the European Massage Therapy School

Interview Questions

Looking ahead to 2030, MassageLuXe predicts deeper roots for the massage industry in the health and wellness business sector, what emerging trends or specializations do you anticipate will shape the future career paths for your students?

Looking ahead to 2030, I see massage therapy becoming even more rooted in the health and wellness field. Not just as a luxury, but as a real part of people's healthcare routines. As a teacher, I already notice that many of my students come in wanting to help people with pain, anxiety, trauma, and even medical conditions, not just to relax.

I think we'll see more opportunities in areas like medical massage, lymphatic work, sports recovery, and even trauma-informed care. People are starting to understand how important touch is for healing, especially after everything the world has gone through in the last few years.

I also believe the next generation of massage therapists my students are going to play a bigger role in preventative care and in mental health spaces, working alongside doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and counselors.

So for me, it's not just about teaching techniques, it's about helping them build a foundation so they can step into whatever the future of healing looks like. And honestly, it's exciting to watch them find their voice and passion in this evolving field.

What strategies or business acumen do you believe are essential for a massage therapist to achieve financial success in private practice or as an entrepreneur?

For a massage therapist to succeed financially in private practice or as an entrepreneur, I believe it starts with understanding your value and learning how to communicate that clearly. So many gifted therapists struggle not because they lack skill, but because they don't know how to set boundaries, price their services, or market themselves with confidence.

One of the biggest things I try to teach my students is that being good at massage isn't enough-you also have to treat it like a business. That means knowing your numbers: your costs, your time, and how much income you actually need to thrive-not just survive. Learning how to budget, track income and expenses, and create a consistent schedule is key.

Marketing is another area where I see people hesitate. Your energy and the way you treat people is your brand. Word of mouth, being reliable, showing up with integrity, and creating a space where people feel cared for —that's your best marketing tool. From there, understanding basic tools like social media, rebooking strategies, and how to build client relationships makes a big difference.

Also, I always tell them: don't do it alone. Whether it's a mentor, a community of other therapists, or continuing education, having support and staying open to growth is what helps turn a passion into a long-term career.

How do you prepare students to address the mental and emotional aspects of their clients' health, understanding that massage can be "transformational" beyond just physical ailments?

I always remind my students that massage is not just about muscles, it's about people. Touch can open up so much more than physical tension. It can release emotion, memories, and even grief people didn't realize they were carrying. So I try to prepare my students to be present, grounded, and respectful of whatever might come up during a session.

We talk a lot about boundaries, both their own and their clients'. They learn that they're not there to fix emotional issues, but they are holding space. That means listening without judgment, noticing body language, and knowing when to simply stay quiet and supportive.

I also emphasize the importance of self-awareness. They need to know their own triggers and limits so they can show up for others without taking on energy that isn't theirs. Reflecting on their own experiences, practicing empathy, and learning how trauma can live in the body-these are all part of the journey.

Some of our most meaningful classroom conversations come from moments when a student realizes just how deep this work can go. I encourage them to stay curious, stay human,and understand that sometimes the biggest transformation a client experiences is just being seen and respected in that moment.

That's when massage becomes healing in the truest sense.

Final Notes

Daniela highlights that massage therapy is increasingly recognized as an integral part of people's wellness and healthcare routines. This inspires me because it aligns with broader trends where massage therapy is seen as a cornerstone of integrative health and wellness, with research demonstrating its effectiveness for various treatments.

Research indicates that massage can lower anxiety and depression temporarily, and is effective for pain reduction and management, and stress treatment. Massage can also open up emotional release, memories, and grief that clients might be carrying.

It's truly been a fun experience to learn from my instructors like Daniela how powerful touch can be, not just for physical ailments like pain and soreness, but for addressing deeper emotional aspects like anxiety, trauma, and even grief. If you want to learn from Daniela, too, call the European Massage Therapy School at (702) 202-2455 for more information.