INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Before you start training, it's a good idea to make sure that you understand how to satisfy your jurisdiction's licensing requirements so you'll know what kind of training will qualify you to be licensed.  In the U.S. most states have some form of licensing, so check with your state's licensing board to get more information. Keep in mind that even if your state does not have licensing requirements, your city or county may. Some jurisdictions require licensing for some types of massage but not for others. There are plenty of massage schools out there. You may have seen their ads or even received advertising materials for some of them. Keep in mind that these schools are businesses that are trying to make money, so be sure to check out all their claims carefully. Look for a program that leads to certification and which satisfies your jurisdiction's licensing requirements, which may include accreditation.  Most massage schools teach basic Swedish massage and allow you to choose other specialties in addition to that. Look for a school that caters to any specialties you are most interested in. You can research schools online, or you can ask massage therapists what schools they went to and what they thought of their experiences. You'll also want to consider your budget. Massage schools can be quite expensive, with tuition ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. Most schools offer some kind of financial assistance, including federal student loans. In the U.S., many states require at least 500-600 hours of training, so you can expect to spend at least that much time in the classroom and practicing. You can find a range of course lengths. How long it takes you to complete the program will depend on how many classes you take at one time; how quickly you complete your "practice" massages, and what your specialty is. Depending on the program you take, you will graduate either with certification in a certain specialty or with a degree. Not all jurisdictions require certification, but becoming board certified can open a lot of doors for you. In the U.S., the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork administers an exam-based certification program. National Certification is not really needed unless it is required by your state for licensing. As mentioned before, you may need to become licensed in your jurisdiction. Your school should be able to assist you in understanding the licensing requirements and obtaining your license. National Certification is required by some states in the U.S., while others do not require it, and others require their own professional licensing exam.  Many states are now accepting another exam offered by the Federation of Massage State Boards, which could lead to National Certification becoming obsolete.  If you plan to start your own business, you will also most likely need to also get a business license from your state or municipality before you can practice.

SUMMARY: Research your jurisdiction's licensing requirements. Find a suitable training program. Complete your training program. Consider Getting certified. Get licensed.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: In all relationships, communication is key. Many fights and misunderstandings stem from a lack of communication. Going forward, it's important to be 100% honest about your actions and feelings in your friendship.  If an issue arises in the future, make it clear that you'd like to resolve those issues by talking with each other instead of talking to other people or doing something that either of you may regret. Bring issues up immediately instead of bottling up your feelings. When we suppress feelings and emotions, we are more likely to boil over and say or do something we regret. If a problem arises, address it right away. It is important to know what you and your friend expect out of a friendship in order for it to work. For example, you may deal with situations differently, or some things may bother you more than others. This is why you must establish expectations.  Tell your friend what you need from them in a friendship. Being honest will help your friend to better meet your needs. Explain to your friend what you need from them using the "I-message" formula: "I feel _____ when you _______ and I need for you to _______." Refrain from assigning blame to your friend, though. Ask your friend what they need from you in a friendship. Again, friendship is a two-way street. Therefore, you need to meet your friends needs as well. Ask them to be honest about how you can be a better friend to them. Be ready to meet both needs. Resolution begins when you start understanding each other and the situation. As you hear similar needs from each other, the differences are put aside and you are able to work things through. It's impossible to move forward if you are unable to forgive. Holding onto anger or grudges isn't healthy for you and will ruin any chance you have of a real friendship. It takes a lot of strength to forgive, but it will help you grow as a person and as a friend.  Tell your friend that you forgive them – it is an important factor in rebuilding trust for both of you. It will mean a lot to your friend to hear that you forgive them, and saying "I forgive you" will help you move on from the situation.  If you cannot forgive this person for their actions, you cannot be friends with him or her. Trying to have a relationship with someone you hold anger towards isn't healthy for you or for them. Life is too short to hold grudges.

SUMMARY:
Improve communication with your friend. Establish expectations for your friendship. Be willing to forgive.