About Bruce Schaefer, Your Massage Therapist
Bruce's Philosophy
Pharmaceutical and surgical approaches are often very appropriate for pain and discomfort. However, many conditions respond just as well or better to massage therapy. Bruce feels that, if effective, a non-invasive approach to pain and other conditions is always preferable. This philosophy is what constantly drives Bruce to seek out, study, and learn additional treatment systems and techniques to give his clients safe, effective alternatives.
Interests
Bruce is a bit of an amateur academic who loves studying the histories of the American Indian Nations of the Southeast and the history of Ireland. (Actually, Bruce finds any kind of history fascinating). He also studies the Cherokee language (and is an intermediate-level speaker) and teaches beginning-level classes.
When Bruce isn't spending time with his family or doesn't have his head stuck in books, he loves growing heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables, and tending the young trees in his emerging, mini-southeastern "native" forest on his family's acre and a half.
Away from the homestead, Bruce enjoys hiking, fishing, birding-watching, native plants, and the Irish national sport of hurling.
Other Biographical Information
Dissatisfied with living in over-developed Southern California and working in the defense industry (as a technical illustrator), Bruce and his young family moved up to Oregon in 1986. Since then, Bruce and his wife, Debbie, have lived in rural Lane County. There, they have enjoyed country life and raising and home-schooling their son and daughter.
Bruce's wife, Debbie, has a successful and long-established pet training business called The Well-Mannered Dog, LLC. Bruce and Debbie's son is in law enforcement. Their daughter is an aspiring artist and manages the children's book department at a local book store.
Before becoming a Massage Therapist, Bruce worked as an illustrator, graphic designer, and prepress technician.
Massage Therapy Education & Training
Bruce started schooling in massage therapy in the autumn of 2003. He completed the Massage Therapy Program at Lane Community College in the spring of 2007. He continues learning new and traditional approaches to pain relief and health. Here's a current list of Bruce's training.
