Arrival and Intake
When you arrive, please make yourself comfortable in the waiting room. Help yourself to tea, or water, and take a minute to bring yourself to the present moment. If you have to use the restroom before the session, it is down the hall past the water fountain and to the left. I will greet you as I am able, a few minutes before your scheduled appointment. Please arrive on time, as I often have several clients in a row and cannot extend the session if we begin late due to a late arrival.
On your first appointment, we will discuss your goals, the current state of your body and mind, your medical history, and address any questions you may have. Once we have decided what to work on, I will leave you in privacy to disrobe to your comfort level (unless a clothed modality is preferred) and position yourself on the massage table. I will knock before re entering.
Pay special attention to your comfort. As this is your time to relax and unwind completely, I invite you to ask for adjustments if they are needed. I will ask you about temperature, positioning, lighting, and music volume.
I will check with you about the pressure of the massage as I begin. At any time please feel free to request more or less pressure as it feels important. Know that different parts of your body may require different pressures. I don't believe in giving painful massages. I think deep massage work is helpful and therapeutic if you are comfortable with the sensations they are producing. People speak of "good pain" and that is fine. If ever you feel that your body is tensing against the pressure, then it is too much. I also highly value light touch and gentle massage if that feels most productive to you. Because I am interested in your growing wisdom about your own body's needs, I encourage you to explore what feels "just right" and I am happy to make adjustments.
Your massage is your time to sink into relaxation. I do not make conversation. I am always happy to answer questions and witness any observations you may have. I sometimes will ask you specific questions about the work that I am doing, but I respect the appointment as your time to relax and balance.
After the Massage
As your session finishes, I will alert you that we are done, and then leave the room, giving you time to come back to the present and slowly move to standing. Please take your time redressing and notice any shifts that have occurred during the massage. When you are ready, please open the door and wait for me to bring you some water. I like to check in with you, see if you have questions, and cover any specific concerns. We may discuss ideas for supporting your wellness and balance. I like to do this in the privacy of the massage room, as there may be clients entering the waiting room.
Payment is expected at the time of service. I accept cash and check, and paypal payments.
I set my fees at a rate that I happily receive for my service. I encourage you to pay that amount only, and not to add a tip. Know that I am satisfied with my fee, and expect nothing more.
Although I believe that massage and awareness of your body/mind connection through massage is a wonderful way to support your wellness, I acknowledge that the journey toward health is personal. I do not pressure you to commit to series of massage or a particular schedule, however, I do invite you to make time for yourself regularly, respecting your body's need to rest and regenerate. If you decide to make another appointment, great! If not, I simply invite you to look for balance in your life that fit your preferences.
As you leave, please allow time in your day to move more slowly. Your mind and body are altered. I invite you to be aware, as you move through the rest of the day, of shifts in your body and/or your mind. It is important to drink plenty of water for several days after a massage. Proper hydration for a day roughly equal to half of your body weight in oz if water.
Body work can be very personal. It requires a great amount of trust and a level of closeness that differs from the everyday world. Know that all aspects of a massage with me are non-sexual in nature, and I respect your level of comfort without question. Any sexual reference or innuendo from a client will result in termination of the session.