The following information is provided in order to ensure that your massage therapy experience is a relaxing and safe one.  Included below are expectations for you as the client and me as the therapist, so that we both know what to expect for your session.

What to expect for your session
The first five minutes of the session will begin with a short intake interview to collect medical history information and to determine the goals for your session.  Sessions occur with the client disrobed to his or her level of comfort- you will be draped with a sheet and blanket for the entire session, with only the area being worked on uncovered.  After the session, please take as much time as you need to get off the table; if you get up too quickly, you can take away from the work that has just been performed.  My goal is that your massage experience will surpass your expectations.

Privacy and draping
The massage will be performed on a table.  You may completely undress, or wear as much clothing as you are comfortable with.  You will be fully draped by a sheet and blanket.  Privacy is of utmost importance, and you will have complete privacy in the massage room to comfortably prepare for your session.

Communication regarding comfort and pain
This massage is for you!  The time that you are paying for is for your benefit, not mine.  Please let me know if any of the techniques used are uncomfortable or seem inefficient for your goals. Please be aware that there is a difference between a “good” hurt and an “Ow!” hurt.  Even deep work should not be painful.  Your participation and communication is welcome in order to make your massage experience the best it can be.  I will check with you a few times, but will limit the interruptions so that it will not interfere with your relaxation.

Confidentiality
When you enter my office, you are entering a therapeutic relationship with me.  Your confidentiality is priority number one.  Anything communicated verbally or in writing within this relationship is guaranteed to remain private and protected.  I find that it is in both our best interests to keep the relationship on a therapeutic level.  If we happen to meet in public, I will only acknowledge you if you acknowledge me first; this is in order to protect your privacy, and is not meant to be rude.

Cancellation / Illness / Lateness
I understand that things in life can cause the need to change a scheduled appointment. I am happy to change the time of the appointment if given sufficient notice.  If you need to cancel the session with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged the full amount for the session.  Appointments cancelled or rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance will not incur any additional charge.  If you are feeling ill, please call as far in advance as possible to reschedule. In the case of illness it is best for both of us to reschedule, and in such an event there will be no charge for rescheduling. Please understand that this policy applies to me as well: rescheduled appointments made in less than 24 hours in advance will be offered 50% off of the full session price. If you realize that you are running late, please give me a courtesy call or a text message works as well.

Hygiene
I respect the close nature of massage, and you can expect me to be clean and free of odor and strong cologne; please do the same for me. The table is cleaned and made up with fresh sheets for each session.  I use lotion that is free of strong scents.  Please let me know in advance if you have any allergies.

Eating
For your comfort, I suggest that you refrain from eating within an hour of the start time of your session. 

Intoxicants
For your safety, I will not perform massage on an intoxicated client.  It is a risk to your health and goes against the goals of therapeutic massage.

Environment
I will provide a safe, comfortable, relaxing environment for your session.  My ultimate concern for the session is to respect your boundaries in order to provide this environment.  I ask the same from you.  If I feel at any time that my boundaries are disrespected, I will stop the session and expect full payment.  Please understand that I provide professional therapeutic massage.

Referrals/Scope of Practice:
In some cases, I may see that it would be best for you to consult another healthcare specialist before I perform a massage.  Also, in some cases, after a massage, I may suggest that you seek consultation with another healthcare specialist.  Should this situation arise, I will fully explain why I recommend any such consultation.