Discover Our Journey
About English Massage Training
Professional, hands-on massage education designed for the English-speaking community in Berlin – founded by working therapists, built for real-world practice.
Gavin Thomson
English Massage Training was founded by Gavin Thomson, the creator of Northern Holistic, a well-established massage and wellness practice in Berlin. After years of working hands-on with clients and mentoring therapists in a real professional setting, English Massage Training was created to offer something different: practical massage education that prepares students for real work, not just certification.
While the school is founder-led, our vision is collective. As English Massage Training grows, we aim to collaborate with experienced therapists from Northern Holistic and beyond, bringing diverse professional perspectives into the training environment.
MY STORY
From IT to Massage: An Unexpected Career Change
I never planned to become a massage therapist.
I spent years working in IT — the usual office routine, screens, deadlines. Then I stumbled into massage almost by accident. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d love it.
The job satisfaction of actually helping people — feeling the tension release under your hands, seeing someone walk out completely differently to how they walked in — that’s something no spreadsheet ever gave me.
I qualified in 2014 with a VTCT Level 4 in Sports Massage from the Manchester School of Massage, moved to Berlin, and never looked back. Eleven years later, I run two massage businesses and now I’m passing on what I’ve learned.
WHY LEARN FROM ME
It's Technique, Not Strength
Here’s something my clients find surprising: I’m known as one of the deepest massage therapists in Berlin. I’m also very skinny.
That’s not a contradiction – it proves a point. Deep, effective massage isn’t about physical strength. It’s about technique, body mechanics, and knowing exactly where and how to apply pressure.
This is exactly what I teach. You don’t need to be big or strong. You need to understand the method. Get that right, and you’ll deliver professional results from day one.
PROOF IT WORKS
My Therapists Get Outstanding Reviews
Every therapist I work with has trained under me. They started exactly where you are now — learning the fundamentals, practising the techniques, building confidence.
Today, they consistently receive excellent reviews from clients across Berlin. That’s not luck. That’s the result of solid training and the right approach.
When you train with me, you’re learning the same methods they did.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Train With Us. Join Our Network.
This isn’t just a course — it could be the start of your massage career in Berlin.
I run two massage businesses in the city:
Northern Holistic — a massage studio in Schöneberg
The Massage Lab — mobile massage to homes and hotels across Berlin
Graduates who show real ability have the opportunity to join our therapist network. That means potential client referrals, a ready-made customer base, and the chance to build your practice without starting from zero.
We’re always looking for skilled, reliable therapists. If that’s you, this course could open doors.
Start Your Massage Training in Berlin
If you’re ready to learn massage in a practical, supportive, and professional environment, explore our courses or get in touch to find out more.