Linda Fehrs, LMT

Linda Fehrs, AAS, LMT is a freelance writer and massage therapy professional licensed by the New York State Department of Education. She is a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association and the New York State Society of Medical Massage Therapists. Ms. Fehrs has actively practiced massage therapy in the Mid-Hudson Valley since 2002 with a focus on those with special needs, such as developmental and physical disabilities. She is a graduate of the Hudson Valley School of Massage Therapy as well as a former instructor at the school. Prior to becoming a massage therapist she was former managing editor of a weekly community newspaper and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Ms. Fehrs currently volunteers with the Red Cross, helping to educate others about emergency preparedness and disaster relief.

Here are my most recent posts:

Real Life Stories: When Clients Want Sexual Favors

April 2nd, 2013

“When I first began practicing massage therapy, back in the mid-70s, when legitimate therapeutic massage wasn’t so commonplace as it has become, I had a young male client who assumed he was there to receive more.”

To Touch or Not to Touch – Should That Even Be a Question?

March 29th, 2013

America is a melting pot of various cultures, all of which bring their differences with regard to the appropriateness of touch. Some may be high touch, low touch and even no touch with regard to their tactile communication. Massage therapists who live and work in communities where there are diverse cultural norms need to be sensitive to these differences – by understanding and honoring them.

Real Life Stories: Staying Safe During House Calls

March 6th, 2013

While house calls, or out calls as they are sometimes called, can be convenient for the client, they have the potential for being quite dangerous for the massage therapist.

Beyond PTSD – Helping to Heal the Trauma of Combat Through Massage Therapy

February 27th, 2013

At the end of 2012, tens of thousands of war veterans came back home. They returned to all the mundane aspects of life they left behind when they were called to deploy to combat zones in the Middle East. For many it is a difficult transition and they are not the same person they were when life was more predictable. Learn how massage and other complementary therapies can help ease the stress, trauma and physical injuries so often affecting our war veterans.

Alcohol and Massage: A Dangerous Combination

February 26th, 2013

Is it okay to offer clients wine or champagne before a massage to help them relax? To some it may seem a good marketing ploy…but it could lead to some unpleasant circumstances. Learn about why serving alcohol to clients is a BAD idea.

Real Life Stories: Clients Who Don’t Heal

February 11th, 2013

“One of the most challenging situations for me has been from repeat clients who hurt all the time. As a caregiver, this is disheartening.”

Marketing Couple’s Massage

February 7th, 2013

Whether the occasion is a holiday like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, a special anniversary or someone’s birthday, one way to celebrate the occasion is with a couple’s massage. It is an offering that can help introduce a reluctant first-timer to massage or reinforce the bonding of two people through a shared experience. Learn how introducing and promoting couple’s massage can enhance your practice.

Real Life Stories: Handling Clients Who Are Late

January 23rd, 2013

“I have a client who has been with me for quite a few years. She is a weekly appointment, but she is always late and continually asks for more. I debated how to handle this situation as I did not want to lose such a good client.”

Brain Games: Improving the Mind as Well as the Body

January 23rd, 2013

Just like in doctor’s offices or any waiting room, there are times a client comes early and must wait for his or her appointment. Learn how to improve the health of a client by filling in that time with games.

Real Life Stories: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

January 4th, 2013

“This was a challenging situation that required me to look beyond the money, the hour-long sessions, and the superficial things held in the body. I often wonder where this young man is today and if he and his counselors are more aware of alternative modalities for PTSD type scenarios.”