Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.
A. My most common types of massage are for relief of tight muscles in the upper back and shoulders. I do a blend of therapeutic work to relax these areas and help you get range of motion and flexibility back. Lower back tightness is another common area and I like to do a more gentler massage in that area because too much pressure can make the muscles tighten up, which is the opposite result of what you want to achieve. Overall, clients who see me are relieved that their aches and pains go away and they feel the benefits of my work several days after the massage. They know the healing benefits my touch brings them and think of me when they need to get to that place of magical relaxation.
Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A. If you are looking for a massage, trust that you have found me for a reason. I offer the best for the time that you have spent. If you are able to plan your visit with me, I assure you it will be the most complete massage worth booking! Visit my website for testimonials and feel free to contact anyone who has a number listed to verify my skills.
Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?
A. Most therapists work by appointment and it's easy to get caught up in conversation, which can potentially take away from time on the table.
If you are booking at a spa, time spent on intake may be taken off the hands on part of your session so they have time to turn the room over for the next appointment.
When booking with me, I give you your full hands on time and ask that you arrive 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork. That ensures we start on time and you get your full session. It takes clients a little bit to get off the table, change, and pay for their session. If you are seeing me, rest assured you will never have to feel hurried after your session. I believe the value I create is well worth the time and money you spend with me!
Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?
A. 1. I book a minimum of 2 days in advance and require a credit card to hold your appointment.
2. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) are charged a $40 fee. No call/No shows are charged the full fee.
3. You may prepay for your session online or via my communications service with a credit or debit card.
4. Please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork. You may visit my website and fill out forms ahead of time by going to the "services" tab.
5. Outcalls are subject to availability and generally available between 8am and 5pm depending on length of session. Please allow extra time for arrival, setup and completion. If you are booking a 90 minute session, for example, allow 2 hours at your home or hotel.
Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?
A. Have you ever had a massage where the therapist just tells you to get on the table without asking why you are there? This is common for most spa experiences because they only gear sessions towards a general relaxing massage. What makes me stand out is that I take the time to hear why the client is coming for a session and I create a treatment designed to help them alleviate muscle tension, with lasting results, which is more than a superficial massage.
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. I love seeing how relaxed client's feel after their session! It is an honor and a gift to give a massage, and my greatest joy comes from seeing how a client is beyond relaxed after our time together.
Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A. Questions? They usually ask how long they were asleep:)
Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?
A. One of my favorite experiences in bodywork was when I was working at a Spa and a client wanted to have Reiki during his massage session. At the time, I had just learned Reiki, which is a gentle energy healing work which can be combined with bodywork or done alone. This client was very emotional because it was his birthday and he was kind of all over the place. I could sense he wanted to be taken to that place where the mind, body and spirit connect. I started doing Reiki and he immediately felt the work. Since I was new at Reiki, I was so appreciative of his feedback and the benefits he was getting so quickly. In my training, I learned quite a bit of information and he echoed that training without knowing it. That was when I realized the amazing benefits of healing bodywork. This client was so blown away by the work he left a huge tip! I have to say that his belief in my ability was what made it a favorite experience because when learning something new and different, it requires practice and patience and I am glad he could benefit immediately from my work.
Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?
A. My practice is based on QUALITY not QUANTITY. What that means is I do not overbook myself on any given day and do not take same day appointment requests. My reason for this is simply that I want to give you the best possible energy for your session. Rushing around does not promote positive energy and I believe it is extremely important to be present and full of positive energy when giving to a client. I respectfully ask that clients book a minimum of 2 days out because I like to be fully prepared for their visit because your time is important to me. Also, unlike most spas, I give a full hands on session. Say you book a 60 minute massage--you get a FULL 60 minutes hands on! Most spas may do 55 or 50 minutes instead of that full hour to accomodate the next client. I allow myself time in between sessions so that you never feel hurried after your massage.
Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?
A. After graduating from college, I worked in the medical setting for various types of surgeons. I always enjoyed how enthusiastic they were about their work and the variety each day brought. It inspired me to find that level of passion for my own work. I was fortunate to meet a fellow Massage Therapist at one of my jobs and she helped me learn about becoming a Massage Therapist. Since then, I have been honored to work on clients and live the type of life that I have always wanted!
Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?
A. I enjoy going to weekend or evening workshops when available to keep current on my education.
Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.
A. My pricing is essentially $100 for an hour BEFORE any appointments ending at 2:30pm. That means if you are scheduling an hour session, it will have to end by 2:30pm.
Any appointments booked AFTER 2:30pm are at a premium rate, however, it is less than my outcall rate. I prefer to see clients at my office because I have set the ambiance and tone for your session. I do offer Packages for clients wanting to purchase at a discounted rate.
I offer 15, 30, 45, 60 & 90 minute sessions for all clients. I would recommend a 60 minute session for your first time so I can determine the best treatment plan for you. Smaller sessions of 15-45 minutes are great for focused work on a particular area if you need additional and more frequent visits.
Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?
A. I would suggest going to an Open House at a local Massage school to learn more about the program they offer. It is a great way to have any questions answered and to see how a massage is given professionally.
Q. Write your own question and answer it.
A. What is the difference in pressure for a massage?
Generally, most clients who are new to massage should expect a light, overall relaxing type of session. The main reason is because if too much pressure is used and the therapist hasn't worked with you before, you may feel really sore and consider it a bad experience.
For clients who receive massage regularly, they will have a good idea of what level of pressure is comfortable for them. I am trained in Deep Tissue massage as well as Swedish and work with a level that is comfortable for first time clients so they have a good experience.
Q. Write your own question and answer it.
A. Do you get regular bodywork?
Yes! I have been receiving bodywork for over 20 years and enjoy how much it has evolved for me. I started off with 50 minute massages back then and thought it was absolute heaven! I have also had the times where Deep tissue was very effective due to high stress jobs and just overall life. Now, I enjoy a blend of therapeutic and relaxing massage designed to relax me rather than dig into my muscles. I can tell a good massage within 5 minutes and am very picky. The best sessions I have received are ones where I feel a fusion of mind, body and spirit. Hence, this is what I like to offer my clients.
