Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

Spring 2026 • 71

Building Community, Building the Future At AMTA, we believe the future of massage therapy begins with strong, thriving learning environments. With the support of Massage Envy and the Massage Schools Grant program, we’re helping schools expand resources, strengthen training and create meaningful opportunities for aspiring massage therapists. The grant helps to create a safe space for schools to communicate their needs, clarify their vision, and demonstrate how funding will benefit their students and communities. Together, we’re proud to invest in the growth, longevity and excellence of the profession. “Building a strong massage therapy profession starts with building and supporting strong massage schools. At Massage Envy, we know how hard massage schools work to attract, train and graduate the future of the profession. We want to help make a difference for both the students you serve directly and the entire profession. With the AMTA Massage Schools Grant program, Massage Envy is proud to be one piece of the puzzle that keeps the massage profession thriving and growing,” says Diane Cooley, Senior Vice President of Brand Experience with Massage Envy. Learn more by visiting amtamassage.org.

The key is remembering that boundaries aren’t meant to block connection—they’re meant to shape it. They clarify what’s possible, what’s off-limits and set the tone for the quality of our interactions. The challenge is that we often swing to extremes: holding boundaries so rigidly that we shut people out or loosening them so much that we (or those we support) end up feeling unsteady. So instead of asking, “How do I choose between authenticity and professionalism?” try asking: • Where might my boundaries be too rigid, keeping me from meaningful moments of connection that could enrich this relationship and my work? • Where might my boundaries be too porous, leading to overwhelm or unclear expectations that make the relationship and my ability to help harder to sustain? At the end of the day, this isn’t a conflict between professional ethics and personal connection—it’s a communication challenge. And the good news is that open communication and healthy boundaries are foundational to both strong friendships and effective working relationships. Q Connections seems essential to whole health. What is one self-care ritual/practice that is essential to your own health and well-being? A I’m an intellectualizer by nature, which means I can spend a lot of time “in my head.” So for me, self-care often looks like intentionally coming back to my body. That includes regular movement, time outdoors and yes—massages whenever I can make them part of my routine (a former clinical supervisor convinced me of their importance and I’ve never looked back!). One of my most cherished rituals is my morning walk on the mountain. Sometimes I’ll invite a friend or call a colleague for a good

“walk-and-talk.” Other times, I know I need that time alone to reset. For me, connection works best when it’s intentional—when we’re not only turning toward others but also tuning in to what we need in that given moment. Q

Anything else you’d like to add? A

I’m so looking forward to connecting with the AMTA community! If you’d like to start the conversation early, you’re welcome to poke around my website at miriamkirmayer.com . I have all sorts of guides, resources and podcast episodes on friendship and connection. And of course, reach out—I’d love to hear from you!

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