In this episode, I share what’s happening right now in massage therapy — nationwide and here in Washington State — from recent license suspensions tied to felony charges, to human trafficking enforcement discussions, interstate licensure compact updates, and new laws targeting illicit massage businesses.

I also break down Washington House Bill 1093 (Medicaid coverage for massage), substitute bills affecting insurance clawbacks and claim timelines, and ongoing rulemaking under RCW 18.108 and WAC 246-830.

As someone who has practiced for 10 years and has chosen not to take insurance, I share my personal opinion on why I believe many LMTs should reconsider billing insurance. While healthcare recognition is important, the red tape, reimbursement risks, and loss of clinical autonomy are real concerns for small business owners.

This is a policy-heavy update — but from my perspective as a Washington LMT who cares about protecting our profession and helping therapists build stable, ethical practices.

Subscribe on Substack for the full “52 Mistakes of a Massage Therapist Entrepreneur” series delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe here: https://open.substack.com/pub/chelseadesouzanenno?r=1qswzm&utm_medium=ios

🌿 Podcast Sponsor: Hafen Beauty

Hafen Beauty is clean, minimal, organic skincare created for therapists and women who value simple, traditional ingredients. Made with grass-fed tallow and nutrient-dense oils, Hafen Beauty products are designed to support healthy skin without fillers, chemicals, or unnecessary additives.

Created by a Licensed Massage Therapist for real skin and real treatment rooms.

Shop:

https://hafenbeauty.com/pages/hafen-for-lmts?_pos=1&_psq=lmts&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Social Media:

Instagram:

https://instagram.com/hafenbeauty

Facebook:

https://facebook.com/hafenbeauty

Website:

https://hafenbeauty.com

Have your question answered on the podcast - email [email protected] with the title podcast in the subject line.

In this episode, I’m speaking directly to massage therapists about something that has been deeply bothering me: social media trends, provocative content in the massage space, and how it impacts the credibility of our profession.

As a Licensed Massage Therapist in Washington State, I practice under the Department of Health as a healthcare provider, and that comes with a level of accountability, ethics, documentation, and professional boundaries that are often missing from what we see online. From HSA/FSA practices and HIPAA compliance to client care and therapeutic intention, true massage therapy is far more than what viral videos portray.

We also dive into the bigger conversations happening in the industry right now — illicit businesses posing as massage establishments, public perception, regulation debates like fingerprinting, and how these issues affect legitimate therapists.

Plus, I share my honest thoughts on AI, massage robots, and the growing tension between technology and human touch. Can massage ever be replaced by machines? Or is the human connection, emotional response, and therapeutic presence something technology simply cannot replicate?

This episode is a reflective and professional discussion on:

• ​Social media ethics in massage therapy
• ​Healthcare vs service-based perceptions of massage
• ​Advocacy and professional boundaries
• ​AI and robots in the massage industry
• ​The rising value of human touch in a tech-driven world

Whether you are a Licensed Massage Therapist, bodyworker, or wellness seeker who values ethical and therapeutic care, this conversation will help you think more critically about where the profession is headed — and why real human connection still matters in healthcare.

Subscribe on Substack for the full “52 Mistakes of a Massage Therapist Entrepreneur” series delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe here: https://open.substack.com/pub/chelseadesouzanenno?r=1qswzm&utm_medium=ios

🌿 Podcast Sponsor: Hafen Beauty

Hafen Beauty is clean, minimal, organic skincare created for therapists and women who value simple, traditional ingredients. Made with grass-fed tallow and nutrient-dense oils, Hafen Beauty products are designed to support healthy skin without fillers, chemicals, or unnecessary additives.

Created by a Licensed Massage Therapist for real skin and real treatment rooms.

Shop:

https://hafenbeauty.com/pages/hafen-for-lmts?_pos=1&_psq=lmts&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Social Media:

Instagram:

https://instagram.com/hafenbeauty

Facebook:

https://facebook.com/hafenbeauty

Website:

https://hafenbeauty.com

Have your question answered on the podcast - email [email protected] with the title podcast in the subject line.

Why do so many massage therapists quit — marketing campaigns, new programs, social media, even entire business models?

In this episode of Making Self Care, Chelsea DeSouza, Licensed Massage Therapist and LMT advocate, shares one of her biggest entrepreneurial mistakes: quitting. From stopping marketing campaigns after five days… to pivoting too quickly… to watching AI disrupt nutrition and protocol-based services — this is a raw look at what really happens behind the scenes of massage therapy entrepreneurship.

If you’re an LMT, massage therapist business owner, or wellness entrepreneur struggling with marketing, sustainability, or pivoting in the age of AI, this episode is for you.

Topics:

• ​Massage therapy marketing mistakes
• ​Why LMTs pivot too fast
• ​Fear of social media as a massage therapist
• ​Entrepreneurship burnout
• ​AI and its impact on wellness businesses
• ​How to build sustainable massage therapy offers

Subscribe on Substack for the full “52 Mistakes of a Massage Therapist Entrepreneur” series delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe here: https://open.substack.com/pub/chelseadesouzanenno?r=1qswzm&utm_medium=ios

🌿 Podcast Sponsor: Hafen Beauty

Hafen Beauty is clean, minimal, organic skincare created for therapists and women who value simple, traditional ingredients. Made with grass-fed tallow and nutrient-dense oils, Hafen Beauty products are designed to support healthy skin without fillers, chemicals, or unnecessary additives.

Created by a Licensed Massage Therapist for real skin and real treatment rooms.

Shop:

https://hafenbeauty.com/pages/hafen-for-lmts?_pos=1&_psq=lmts&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Social Media:

Instagram:

https://instagram.com/hafenbeauty

Facebook:

https://facebook.com/hafenbeauty

Website:

https://hafenbeauty.com

Have your question answered on the podcast - email [email protected] with the title podcast in the subject line.

I’ve been a Licensed Massage Therapist in Washington State for 10 years, and lately I’ve been asking myself — what’s missing in our profession?

In this episode, I’m sharing my personal perspective on massage therapy in Washington. We talk about being classified as healthcare providers, the Board of Massage, legislation season, insurance vs. cash practices, professional associations like AMTA and WSMTA, and why so few LMTs actually engage in advocacy.

This isn’t a policy breakdown — it’s a real conversation about community, competition, isolation in private practice, and whether we are truly showing up for our profession.

If you’re a Washington LMT (or thinking about becoming one), this episode is for you.

If this conversation resonates with you, go read “52 Mistakes of a Massage Therapist Entrepreneur” on Substack — where I share the real lessons I’ve learned building a clinic over the past 10 years so you don’t have to learn them the hard way.

Host Bio:

Chelsea DeSouza is a Licensed Massage Therapist in Washington State, certified holistic health coach, and trained in Traditional Naturopathy. She is the founder of Hafen Health and creator of The Hafen Way. With over 10 years in practice, Chelsea focuses on stress physiology, female hormones, gut health, and sustainable self-care. She is passionate about supporting massage therapists, educating the public on practical wellness, and helping individuals build health foundations that last.

Podcast Sponsor – Hafen Beauty Skincare:

This podcast is sponsored by Hafen Beauty, a non-toxic skincare line made with minimal, purposeful ingredients. Hafen Beauty features grass-fed, grass-finished tallow sourced from ethical ranchers, along with organic oils designed to support healthy, resilient skin. Products are small-batch, refill-friendly, and created for individuals who value simplicity and sustainability in their skincare routine.

Links:

Hafen Beauty: https://www.hafenbeauty.com

Substack – The Hafen Way: https://open.substack.com/pub/chelseadesouzanenno

Hafen Beauty for LMTS: https://hafenbeauty.com/pages/hafen-for-lmts?_pos=1&_sid=17422e4a8&_ss=r

Welcome back to Making Self-Care! I’m your host, Chelsea De Souza, and today we’re diving into a powerful connection between gut health and intuition. As women, we often say, “I just had a gut feeling,” and more often than not, we’re right. But can we truly trust our gut if our health is imbalanced?

In this episode, we explore how stress, diet, and lifestyle impact our microbiome and intuition. I share my personal journey of postpartum anxiety, burnout, and the realization that poor gut health can distort our internal guidance system. We discuss how God speaks through our bodies, how stress can cloud our judgment, and how healing our gut can restore clarity and confidence in our decisions.

Join me as I outline the Five Dailies—simple yet transformative habits that will help you reclaim your health, energy, and trust in yourself. Plus, I share my sister’s incredible story of overcoming cancer through unwavering commitment to wellness.

If you’re ready to take charge of your health in 2025, this episode is for you. Tune in and let’s embark on the journey to true wellness together!

🔹 Join my Private Care Membership: Get accountability, expert guidance, and exclusive discounts. www.hafenhealth.com

🔹 Schedule a Consultation: Let’s chat about your health goals.

🔹 Subscribe to My Weekly Emails: Stay inspired with practical self-care strategies.

Visit HafenHealth.com to get started!

Donate to Invest in someone’s wellness: www.venmo.com/u/chelsea-nenno

code:4143

#GutHealth #TrustYourIntuition #WomensWellness #MakingSelfCare

Stress is inevitable, but chronic stress doesn’t have to control our lives. In this episode, I dive into what really happens when stress hits—from the hormones involved (hello, cortisol!) to the ways it impacts our bodies, minds, and hearts. We’ll explore how men and women experience stress differently, common everyday stressors, and why the typical solutions might not be enough.

Then, I’ll share my favorite holistic strategies for lowering cortisol and finding real relief, covering mental, spiritual, physical, and even cellular approaches. Whether it’s practical tips you can use right now, a deep dive into how adaptogens like Ashwagandha work, or a simple stress inventory to figure out where your tension is coming from, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Join me to learn how to calm your body, reset your mind, and start nurturing a healthier, more balanced stress response—just in time for the holiday season. And don’t forget to register for our upcoming class on Reducing Cortisol and Balancing Stress for even more support!

For naturopathic care www.hafenhealth.com

Register for our upcoming class: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/classes/165bd491-e085-4931-a357-8413322e7573/80QVDR8MA1W1Z/classes

keywords:

cycle phases, work dynamics, decision fatigue, self-care, team collaboration, energy management, leadership, women empowerment, productivity, emotional intelligence

Summary:

In this conversation, Chelsea discusses the significance of understanding the different phases of the menstrual cycle and how they can impact work dynamics, energy levels, and decision-making. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing when to rest, brainstorm, take action, and reflect, aligning these phases with seasonal metaphors. The discussion also touches on the role of male colleagues in this cycle synchronization and how it can enhance workplace productivity. Additionally, Chelsea and Paige share insights on managing decision fatigue as a leader and the importance of self-care and collaboration within teams.

takeaways

SoundBitesChapters

00:00 Introduction

00:26 Understanding the Red Phase

02:23 Exploring the Yellow Phase

03:49Taking Action in the Green Phase

04:16 Being Task-Oriented in the Blue Phase

09:02 Utilizing the Parking Lot

28:48 Reducing Decision Fatigue and Stress

34:59 Conclusion

In this conversation, Chelsea and Paige discuss the challenges that female CEOs face in taking care of themselves and balancing their work with different demographics. They highlight decision fatigue and the tendency to take on too much as common traps. They also introduce the concept of seasons in business, aligning work schedules with the natural cycles of the body. Paige shares how she has implemented this system in her school, allowing for better productivity and understanding among her team. They plan to continue the discussion in a part two.

(self-care, female CEOs, decision fatigue, balancing work, seasons in business, aligning work schedules, productivity)

Key Take Aways

Next Steps:

Please leave a review! If you like this episode or a previous one, please share with me what it was you specificially enjoyed. This will help me search out the content that brings the most value to you, AND it shows me that you're here. :)

Send me an email with your answers to the questions I asked at the end of todays episode. You can send those to [email protected]. I will respond!

Chelsea and Mclean emphasize the need for community and support, especially for mothers, and the importance of receiving help and nurturing oneself during the postpartum period. The role of a postpartum doula is explained, highlighting the need for rest, warm foods, and emotional support during this time. The conversation touches on the societal expectations and pressures placed on mothers and the need for a reframe in how motherhood is viewed and supported. In this conversation, Chelsea and McLean discuss the importance of living in the present moment and finding joy in everyday life. They emphasize the need for women to prioritize self-care and create daily habits that promote grounding and well-being. They also discuss the importance of setting boundaries and surrounding oneself with positive and supportive people. Chelsea and McLean encourage women to be confident in their worth and to invest in themselves and their businesses. They highlight the power of community and the value of finding like-minded individuals who can provide encouragement and support.

Keywords

working from home, workspace, office space, decluttering, community, support, mothers, postpartum, postpartum doula, rest, warm foods, societal expectations, motherhood, present moment, joy, self-care, grounding, well-being, boundaries, positive relationships, worth, investment, community, support

Takeaways

"These are my kids, this is my time, this is my life. Like I just need to embrace and receive the fact that this is my life."

"We just have to do the little habits because sometimes we only have two minutes a day, maybe to ourselves or five minutes or when your kid's sleeping."

McLean McGown - https://motherthemother.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclean.mcgown/

Summary

In this conversation, I talk with Dr. Chelsea Azarcon or NaturallyDrChelsea on Ig, about self-care for women, focusing on both physical and emotional health. We emphasize the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing sleep and nourishment, and finding joy in movement. I hope you enjoy!

They also discuss the significance of relationships and the need for women to prioritize their own needs. The guest shares practical tips for self-care during the fall and winter seasons, including saying no, scheduling therapy sessions, and finding time for soul care. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of taking care of oneself in order to better care for others.

Keywords

self-care, women, physical health, emotional health, boundaries, sleep, nourishment, movement, relationships, fall, winter, therapy, soul care

Takeaways

- Self-care for women involves setting boundaries, prioritizing sleep and nourishment, and finding joy in movement.

- Women should prioritize their own needs and ask for help when necessary.

- Emotional health is just as important as physical health, and women should prioritize relationships that are bidirectional and fulfilling.

- During the fall and winter seasons, women should focus on saying no, scheduling therapy sessions, and finding time for soul care.

- Taking care of oneself is essential in order to better care for others

BIO

Dr. Chelsea Azarcon is a naturopathic doctor who practices functional medicine in the state of California. She believes "Health happens when you listen to the story your body and heart are telling you and make changes from the inside out." She was voted as one of the Top 3 Best Naturopathic Doctors in 2023 by Style Magazine.

You can connect with Dr. Azarcon below.

Website: https://www.chelseaazarcon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturallydrchelsea/

More Links: https://linktr.ee/Naturallydrchelsea