Massage therapy has always been a part of Olivier Flibotte's life. Between his mother and other close relatives being involved in the therapeutic field, for him, it was just a natural fit. He was always able to see first hand how effective massage therapy can be, and how rewarding it can be as a career.
With his bachelor's degree in psychology and business, he deeply understands the mind-body connection to the practice. To become a registered massage therapist, Olivier also needed to obtain a massage therapy diploma that met the requirements of MTANS, the Massage Therapists' Association of Nova Scotia.
"As challenging as it may be, you just need to embrace how all of this will play a role in helping the patients get better, and in the end it will make you a more competent health care professional," says Olivier. Along with participating in specialty clinics, the program throws you into the sciences, mastering material such as neuroanatomy and pathophysiology.
Massage therapy is a career for the health-oriented and those seeking to help others. Olivier adds that along with providing effective treatments, and having an outstanding knowledge of anatomy, the key to success in the field is finding your niche market. One way in which Olivier differentiates himself is by being fluently bilingual in English and French, enabling him to serve the growing francophone community in Halifax.
Ultimately, Olivier says, "It's crucial to listen to your patients, and give them what they ask for. That, plus the self-care of the therapist, is fundamental for a long and successful career."
