Q : What made you decide to enroll at the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy?

I was really interested in Canada from the beginning, back when I was staying here before and already imagining a future for me in Canada. I had also been interested in working as a massage therapist for a long time. Learning Shiatsu at the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy satisfied both of those interests. Although there are a number of schools that teach Shiatsu and other forms of bodywork, I wanted to learn the original Namikoshi Shiatsu and I therefore came to the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy.

Q : How did you feel about the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy after enrolling?

Before coming to the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy, I was a little bit nervous about studying English medical terminology. For the first couple of months, I had a hard time keeping up -- especially in Physiology -- and spent 2-3 hours every day studying. The school staff and my classmates were always approachable and gave me lots of advice, and that helped me to overcome my worries and get me through a hard time.

Q : What did you think of the curriculum?

I was really interested in Nutrition class. Before taking Nutrition, I never cared much about what I ate on a daily basis; after learning Nutrition, however, I have come to appreciate the value of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and eat much better now without even thinking about it. I'm now much more conscientious and aware when I go shopping for food. It's good for my health, and very helpful when advising my clients.
The practicum courses such as the Shiatsu Foundation and Derivative Shiatsu classes were lots of fun. I'll never forget the words of Kiyoshi Ikenaga-sensei, the founder of the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy, during the Shiatsu Foundation class: "It's very important to touch the human body and experience giving Shiatsu treatment as much as you can." The Derivative Shiatsu class deepened my knowledge by teaching how to give Shiatsu treatment according to the client's symptoms. It was very useful for my work in the clinic.

Q : What can you tell us about the school clinic?

The students have to treat more than 300 clients at the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy and at public events under supervision. They develop skills in taking medical histories, planning treatment protocols, and applying Shiatsu techniques. My first client was my friend's husband -- I was so nervous about treating him, even though I had known him well for a long time. It was sometimes hard at first, knowing I still had more than 200 clients to go, what a long way ... but I gradually came to understand how important the school clinic is, and I began to appreciate the opportunity to treat lots of different people and be able to care for them. I also got lots of feedback from clients, and although the school clinic does not allow clients to request specific students, many clients told me that they would have asked for me were it possible. These are some of my fondest memories.
I would like to say to the students of the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy that I have no doubt that the practicum created my base as a Shiatsupractor. Now that I've graduated and started to work, I feel it more and more.

Q : Tell us about working at Japan Shiatsu Inc., whose clinics are affiliated with the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy.

The Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy allows students to work at the Japan Shiatsu Clinic, and even win a scholarship. Working there was a great opportunity for me to improve my skill, having to formulate a treatment plan for each client and learning lots of things that go beyond what can be done in the school clinic. I had a client who was suffering from serious arthritis; after treating him three times, he was able to walk without his stick. Another client, who was suffering from frozen shoulder, was able to raise his arm after the treatment. Experiences such as these made me confident as a Shiatsupractor.

Q : Any job-hunting advice?

I started making plans a few months before graduating from the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy. In my opinion, it's important to produce a resume that highlights your personality -- whenever I improved my resume, I was offered an interview. One of my friends even emailed a resume with a musical attachment. I also asked the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy and Japan Shiatsu Clinic to write recommendation letters, and I attached them to my resume.
The Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy also offers the Spa Certificate Course, whose classes we can take individually and receive certificates for each one. I took Reflexology, Aroma Oil Theory, and Hot Stone Massage, doing my best to acquire new knowledge and skills I could add to my resume.
I suggest to students to study all their options and to get as much information as they can. And don't forget to do Shiatsu! The more you practise Shiatsu, the more you are able to feel with your hands and fingers -- and that is how you get ahead.

Q : Tell us what you're doing now.

After graduating from the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy, I worked at the Westin Hotel in Whistler as a spa therapist and Shiatsupractor, doing Shiatsu, reflexology, hot stone massage, aromatherapy massage, and sports massage. That's when I realized how valuable the school clinic had been in terms of gaining skills and experience. Now I work at the absolute spa at Park Royal as a spa therapist and Shiatsupractor, and also at the West Vancouver Acupuncture Clinic as a Shiatsupractor. I'm even more grateful now for my Shiatsu training, as I'm the only person who offers Shiatsu at the absolute spa.

Q : You were able to immigrate to Canada within 2 years of graduating from the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy. What would you say to other students looking to stay in Canada?

Regarding visa applications, you can gather lots of information from your friends, lawyers, and websites. You should also hire a consultant you can trust and who will answer all your questions. Save money, plan for your future, and get as much knowledge and skills as you can. I would like to thank the staff at Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy who always cared about me.