PRACTITIONER PROFILE
Celebrating 30 + years of ATMS membership
Amanda Dickie
What has kept you practising for 30 + years ? The reward of helping to make a difference in people ’ s lives and wellbeing has definitely been a major factor as to why I ’ m still practising . I also love learning , and the natural therapy training and education I ’ ve embarked on over the 30 + years has given me not only the opportunity to up-skill , but to grow and develop and become more attuned to nature , for that I am truly grateful .
What have been the most important changes to natural medicine you have seen during your career ? Over the years I ’ ve seen the awareness and acceptance of natural therapies in the community grow and having health funds support . With the medical system struggling to keep up with client / patient care , it would be wonderful to see more collaborations which in turn would support the health industry .
What changes in natural medicine would you most like to see ? I would personally love to see more collaboration with Western medicine and natural medicine working alongside each other , with more acceptance of how one can be of benefit to the other at appropriate times , to see more integration for clients care . For example , with cancer care , more working together for the best outcomes and looking at clients holistically .
I would like to see natural therapies become more financially affordable for everyone , so that the therapies we all offer aren ’ t just exclusive to those who can afford it . There is so much trauma out there in the world , it would be wonderful to offer our skills in broader areas to support people in need .
What advice do you have for today ’ s emerging practitioners ? To find what really makes your heart open , what you are passionate about and share those gifts with others as you really can make a difference . Often we don ’ t even know the impact we can have on one ’ s health , wellness journey and life . Keep learning and expanding your knowledge as our clients are our biggest teachers . Always remember to listen - as we all want to feel heard .
Kylie Dobrowolski
What has kept you practising for 30 + years ? Besides needing to earn money like everyone else and supporting my family , the main thing that has kept me practising since 1994 would be the lifestyle I have been able to incorporate and the people I have met and opportunities that have come along the way , the clients I treat and their extended family - massaging generations of clients from pregnancy through to finishing high school , grandparents and parents as well as massaging the dedicated athletes and supporting them in their chosen sporting careers .
What have been the most important changes to natural medicine you have seen during your career ? Health funds have ebbed and flowed along the way , but health funds have not really ever been a problem as most clients are happy to pay without a health fund . The main thing I have noticed over the years is that clients are more informed about their health and wellbeing , so I have not had to educate my clients as much as I had to in the early days . I have enjoyed extra study and like that there is more research available .
What changes in natural medicine would you most like to see ? I would hope that over the next 30 years , more finance is available for research into sustainable living and medicine , allowing the general population to increase their awareness of healthy ways of living and not necessarily thinking massage is an indulgence , rather a healthy way of life and pain management choice . Also , massage is still only available to a particular socioeconomic group , so it would be nice if there was more available funding for womens ’ health clinics etc .
What advice do you have for today ’ s emerging practitioners ? Keep informed and educated . Look after your own health . Be aware of projections , transference and countertransference between the therapist and the client . Keep good boundaries . Have confidence in yourself , also be aware of your limitations and don ' t be afraid to say you don ' t know and to research and refer to a wider network of practitioners .
JATMS | Autumn 2025 | 39