Post car accident April 2021- and several surgeries later it was time for a massage. I like to think of myself as a massage connoisseur I was given JJ name who came highly recommended. I must say , not exaggerating this was the best massage I've ever had in RDU - Research Triangle Park. No seriously the entire experience from the time I walked in the door till leaving was excellent. I learned JJ has 17 years experience as massage therapist and also an instructor at that school. Concerning his knowledge- 5 stars. He is strong but yet not hard and sensitive to trouble spots- he often identified them before I ever said a word. The facility is clean and COVID safe. JJ offers great conversation if you'd like or just relax and sleep. He has great sense of humor which is always disarming. I left this massage feeling better than I have in 5 months. The prices are extremely fair given the service the price is excellent.... I have found my new massage therapist and to be honest - I'm thankful to have been led his way ... You should make an appointment you'll be glad you did read more

Healing Arts & Massage School - Rodney Finch - Massage Schools Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I entered this program genuinely excited to learn massage therapy and open to holistic and alternative healing approaches. I did gain useful anatomy knowledge, hands-on practice hours, connections with classmates, and was able to pass the MBLEx. However, I ultimately cannot recommend this school to students looking for a professional, evidence-informed educational environment with strong instructional support and open academic discussion. One of my biggest concerns was the gap between what was taught in class and accepted industry standards. My class group sought outside instruction after class to learn basic professional draping practices because we did not feel adequately prepared by the towel method we used at school. The style of lymphatic massage taught also differed significantly from both assigned textbook material and standard professional practice outside of the school. There was a repeated emphasis on accepting teachings without questioning them, including statements such as, "I learned this from my teacher. I didn't question it, I just accepted it." For a professional healthcare-adjacent field that requires critical thinking, ethics, and client safety, this approach was deeply concerning. Over time, many students became hesitant to ask questions, request clarification, or express disagreement because classroom feedback and disciplinary conversations could feel personal or emotionally charged rather than educational. The overall environment often felt less focused on open inquiry and more focused on compliance and avoiding conflict. Questions about inconsistencies between instructors, industry standards, or course material was interpreted as disrespect rather than genuine attempts to learn. Although the program claims to emphasize autonomy, healing, and personal growth, in practice there often seemed to be very little room for critical discussion. Clinical supervision was also extremely limited. Student clinic sessions were technically "supervised," but instructors were typically simultaneously teaching class or seeing their own private clients. During hands-on classes, the instructor was often in his office answering emails rather than offering direct supervision, support, or feedback. As a result, students received very little direct observation or constructive feedback on hands-on skills. Most feedback came from short client comment forms rather than meaningful professional guidance from instructors. During disciplinary discussions, school leadership at times utilized psychological or metaphysical interpretations of students' emotions and behavior rather than maintaining a clearly professional and educational focus. In my own case, during a disciplinary meeting, I was told I was "repressing" memories and that my attempts to correct my own behavior were "not me on the inside" and therefore disingenuous. This contributed to confusion regarding professional boundaries, scope of practice, and further discouraged students from openly engaging in the complaint or feedback process. Another challenge was the lack of neutral administrative structure. Because the owner also serves as director and primary instructor, and the office administrator is his wife, it felt difficult to raise concerns safely or seek objective conflict resolution without fear of retaliation or negative consequences. Lectures were frequently long and unfocused, making it difficult to distinguish essential material from personal stories, tangents, or philosophical discussion. This program may work well for students specifically seeking a guru-style learning environment. However, students looking for clear educational standards, evidence-informed instruction, constructive clinical mentorship, professionalism, and an atmosphere that encourages critical thinking may have a very different experience than they expect. I completed the program and am grateful for the classmates and clients I met along the way, but I believe future students deserve a clearer understanding of the educational culture and instructional environment before enrolling. read more

Transparency matters. My experience at The Healing Arts Massage School (THAMS) (Apr 2024-Mar 2025) was deeply disappointing, both financially and personally. After a brief honeymoon period, the program became inconsistent and unsupportive: disengaged instructors, heavy reliance on guest teachers, promised clinical opportunities that never materialized, and a learning environment marked by favoritism, retaliation, and dismissive responses to reasonable concerns and accommodation requests. I invested ~$10,000, over 1,000 hours, and a long commute, yet had no confidence the in-house final would be graded fairly--and that concern proved valid when I failed it so severely it appeared I'd never attended. Meanwhile, other students retook the exam multiple times, leaving some feeling defeated and financially exploited. The contrast was clear after transferring: in a consistent, professional, and supportive program, I passed the MBLEX on my first attempt and am now a licensed LMBT, MLD-C. Future students: ask hard questions about instructor consistency, clinical opportunities, grading transparency, accommodations, and whether the school prioritizes your success--or functions as a gatekeeper. Trust your intuition early. Massage school should be empowering, not demoralizing. read more

This is a one of a kind establishment. The therapists and students are professional and considerate. Prices can't be beat. JJ is the absolute best. Wish I still lived in the area just to become a regular again. Boo hoo read more

Very friendly and respectful staff. And one of the better massage tables I've been on, b/c the read extension was comfortable and at a great angle. My solidly-framed masseuse had just finished his training and is about to begin private practice, so I figured I was in for a treat. But, the massage was definitely the lightest I've ever had. I'm a little unsure as to why -- we discussed pressure before, and he said it would be "light to medium" with "hard" on my neck, since I came in specifically due to a neck spasm. It sounds absurd, but I think my girlfriend's 4 year old would give about the same pressure. It sort of touched + woke up my muscles, but didn't relieve them -- so now they are awake and telling me they are stiff. So, it was sort of a net-negative massage. Where, and how, he worked was excellent. Long, fluid motions in excellent locations. It's just that it was so damned light, it was ultimately a waste. Also, the room was very very cold. I am always hot, but even I was frigid. They had small space heaters, but it didn't help. Apparently their A/C had gone from "not working" to "working too much". He brought in extra towels to warm me upon request, at least. $35 for one hour, and no tipping, so if you have a better experience I did, then it'd be worth it. read more

For years I've struggled with upper back, neck, and shoulder tension due to my computer-oriented job. Despite my best attempts at proper ergonomics and frequent stretching, true relief is sometimes a challenge. I typically prefer female massage therapists but J. J. White came highly recommended. He was very professional and made me feel at ease right from the start. As for the massage itself, I can honestly say it was the best I've ever had. His communication & attention to detail is head and shoulders above what I've experienced in the past. I am so grateful for the care I received and highly recommend The Healing Arts & Massage School. I can't wait to come back! read more

I had a wonderful experience at Healing Arts Massage school. The masseuse was kind and gentle. Maybe a little too gentle but perhaps I am used to a firmer touch. The room was basic and a little chilly but I was given an extra towel. The masseuse was very nice and gave me some paperwork describing the lymphatic treatment I received. She also gave me a paper with recommendations for difference salt baths. I left feeling very relaxed and happy. I would definitely recommend this school due to the excellent price, $35 and no tips allowed. It felt much longer than 50 minutes! read more