Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvie Marie Renault Toussaint.
Hi Sylvie Marie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey in massage therapy began in 1996, when I first trained and became a Certified Massage Therapist in Texas and in 1997 with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Over the years, I’ve continued to expand my knowledge and skills, becoming a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner in 2014. As my passion for teaching and sharing my knowledge, I went on to become a Texas Massage Therapist Instructor in 2020, allowing me to guide the next generation of massage therapists.
I further solidified my commitment to education by becoming a Texas Certified Massage Therapist Continuing Education Provider in 2022, and later that year, I achieved NCBTMB Board Approved Continuing Education Provider Status.
Most recently , in 2024 , I became a NAHA Continuing Education Provider, demonstrating my dedication to staying current and providing education in Aromatherapy.
Throughout my journey, I’ve remained committed to providing massage therapy education and services, and I am proud to share my expertise with others through my Alternative Therapy Clinic School of Continuing Education .
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road ! As a single mom of three, I’ve faced numerous challenges. When I moved back to the US in 2013 after spending 7 years in France. I had to retake the MBLEX exam in 2019 to reinstate my massage therapy license, which was a significant undertaking without the financial means to attend school again. After rebuilding my practice and establishing a successful office, Sylvie’s Holistic Massage & Spa, in Rockwall, I faced another setback when the building was sold and I lost everything. This led me to focus on my online school , Alternative Therapy Clinique.
The Covid-19 Pandemic brought additional struggles, but I adapted by expanding my online classes.
Meanwhile , I pursued my passion for aviation and became an Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor.
Financially, it’s been a rollercoaster. After a recent accident that left me out of work, my saving dwindled, and medical bills piled up. Losing my corporate massage job added to the challenges. However, I’ve since found a new part time job at Rockwall Medical Massage and I am working on rebuilding my practice, including finding a new office location where I can not only practice but also host classes, bringing together my passion for teaching and healing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Alternative Therapy Clinique School of Continuing Education?
Alternative Therapy Clinique School of Continuing Education is a platform I’ve built to provide specialized education for massage therapists and aromatherapists. My focus is on offering in depth courses that enhance their skills and knowledge in various alternative therapies. I specialize in face massage, aromatherapy , Thai Herbal compress, Holistic cupping, Bach Flowers, pregnancy, pediatric, Kansa, river stone, ethics, self care classes and other holistic modalities.
With a strong emphasis on practical application. My courses are designed to be engaging and informative, catering to different learning styles.
What set me apart is the commitment to providing accessible, affordable education that’s relevant to the needs of massage therapists and aromatherapists. I prioritize hands-on learning, and instruction .
My goal is to empower professionals in the field with the best practices, ultimately benefiting their clients and advancing the profession as a whole.
I’m most proud of building a brand that embodies the principles of holistic teaching and learning.
At Alternative Therapy Clinique, it’s not just about imparting knowledge, its about cultivating a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit.
The approach to education is centered around holistic principles where students are encourage to explore the intricacies of the human experience and foster a sense of compassion. I believe that by embracing this holistic approach , massage therapists and aromatherapists can provide more effective, intuitive, and nurturing care to their clients.
I want readers to know that the brand, Alternative Therapy Clinique School offers courses specifically designed for therapists to enhance their skills, knowledge , and practice in massage therapy, aromatherapy and other holistic modalities. The courses are tailored to support therapists in providing exceptional care to their clients, while also promoting their own professional growth and well-being.
In addition to our therapist-focused courses, I also offer live classes that are open to anyone interested in exploring the world of holistic health and wellness. These classes are a great way for individuals to learn techniques, relax and rejuvenate, regardless of their professional background.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Honestly, I am focusing on Rockwall where I work, rather than my current city. I absolutely love Rockwall, its a fantastic place with a wonderful community. What I appreciate most is the open mindedness and education of the people there. As a French native, I’ve been impressed by how welcoming and inclusive Rockwall is to people from different cultures and backgrounds.
It’s a great environment for building connections and growing professionally.
As for what I like least, I’d say it’s the traffic and distance from where I live.
But overall, the positives far outweigh the negatives, and I feel really fortunate to be working in such a great location.
Contact Info:
- Website: alternativetherapyclinique.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/alternativetherapyclinique
Image Credits
Headshot Dallas Mc Neal with Dallas Mc Neal Photography ( number 1) Photo gallery by Abigail Bland Seasons Photography ( work related , number 2 to 11)
