Massage Therapy Canada

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Biography: Meet Susan Brimner

Tell us a little about yourself.
As a young girl traveling with my family, I would be the driver’s massage therapist (or perhaps way back then, the masseuse).

September 16, 2009  By massage Therapy Canada


Tell us a little about yourself.
As a young girl traveling with my family, I would be the driver’s massage therapist (or perhaps way back then, the masseuse). I was born to massage! This early experience gave me an interest in the body. I started out as an Aquatic’s Manager teaching swimming lessons, coaching, and swimming competitively myself. I believed that maintaining balance in one’s life was important. This inspired me to maintain an interest in a variety of sports, as well as teaching young children the value of good health through physical fitness. Eventually, this led me to the path of Massage Therapy. I am very passionate about continuing education for myself, and offering education to others.

Professional profile
In 2008, I will celebrate 20 years as a practitioner. It has been the most enlightening 20 years. I started my career in a medical clinic treating individuals suffering from the after-effects of MVAs. Later, I would leave this clinic and carry on with my journey by becoming an Instructor of Massage Treatments, Theory and Technique, as well as many administrative duties at the D’arcy Lane Institute in London, Ontario.

My career has been diverse through the years. Finishing my certificate in the Dr. Vodder Method of Lymphatic Drainage led me to sit on the research committee at the London Regional Cancer Clinic where we studied the effects of Massage Therapy on post mastectomy surgery. Throughout this time I continued to teach post-graduate courses in Joint Mobilization, and Lymphatic Drainage.

In 1997, I became a certified Kripula Yoga Instructor and am presently in my last year of the Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training. My interests in continuing educational studies include: ultrasound, low level laser therapy, sports related clinics, Reiki, Cranial Sacral Therapy, aromatherapy and a variety of other workshops. I continue to lecture through various organizations on Massage Therapy and Yoga for well-being. I have a strong belief in staying connected to
the source. Therefore, I continue to do contract work for the CMTO in ways that contribute to the maintenance and elevation of the standards of practice of Massage Therapy.

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Influential people or experiences leading to this profession/career
There are several. Before entering into Massage Therapy school, I met a Chiropractor who influenced how I viewed my body mechanics and my feelings towards well-being. This experience provided me with a renewed desire to help people in the way in which I was helped. My most cherished student, Wilma Bolton, gave me insight into wearing many hats in a variety of settings.

This was the catalyst towards longevity in my career. The fine teachers who taught me how to be the best therapist I could be in all the educational experiences I have come across. The colleagues I interact with on a regular basis, their energy and passion for the profession keeps me motivated and interested.

Most cherished accomplishment

Truthfully, this would be the birth of my son, in 1999. Through him, I have learned so much about the human soul and through him I see a mirror into my own soul. He teaches me about life, laughter, growth, understanding, compassion, sadness and most of all boundaries, in my professional and personal life. Next to this most cherished experience is graduating from massage therapy school. Without this accomplishment there would not be all the other related accomplishments. Finally, but by no means least … my best accomplishment is to have been in this profession for 20 years and to be still loving it!

Hope for our profession, in the near and distant future
My hope for our profession in the future is to have: standardized licensing across Canada, the CMTO to continue the bridging program, standardized fees across the board for all therapists and … NO GST!!!!!!!!!! As well, that all people involved in the profession, remember that Massage Therapy is the intertwining of the body, mind and spirit and to educate our children through massage and body awareness.

Words of wisdom
Keep a variety in your career. Be passionate in an aspect of your profession. Strive to take care of your own well-being.


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