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In this Post: Eliminating anxiety for your massage clients could be as easy as including a “What to Expect” section on your website and in your intake forms. Getting naked and revealing all one’s physical and emotional vulnerabilities can be a really hard thing for our clients. Even if it is just a normal work day for us! Solve this problem with an easy solution.
Get Naked!
What!
You want me to expose everything and feel good about it?
This may be how our clients are feeling. How can we make sure our clients are able to relax fully into their sessions? Just because we are used to people stripping down to nothing or next to nothing doesn’t mean our clients are. While we may have more in-depth conversations while working on the glutes than actually looking someone in the eyes, this doesn’t mean our clients have this same level of comfort with the naked body. It can be scary!
Getting Naked Can Be Stressful For Our Massage Clients
It can be stressful for some to take off their clothes. They may have poor body image, they may have suffered some type of trauma, or they may just be really modest.
I just received an email from an out of state friend reiterating this point.
“Usually I get a massage in the middle of my workday. During the summer, sometimes my feet get a little sweaty and I’m always worried that they will smell during my massage! Do people clean their feet with wet wipes or something before a massage or just not worry about it?”
This email got me thinking. I’m sure many of our clients have questions such as these. How can we help them feel more at ease before they even enter our establishment? Because how do they know that we are so used to seeing bodies of every shape, size, color, and perspiration level? How do they know that we hardly even notice their unshaved legs?
I think preparation is the best medicine. If we can help our clients know what to expect when they come for their massage, they can stop fretting about the unknown and begin to relax into their massage before ever setting foot in our door.
“If we are prepared, we shall not fear.” – Quentin L Cook
How to Eliminating Anxiety For Your Massage Clients
So how do we help them prepare you might ask? Well, there are some obvious ones like answering any questions they may send via email, or ask over the phone. But even better than this is to include a “What to Expect” section on your website. Having this section allows clients the opportunity to “ask” the questions without having to actually “ask.” Some people may be timid or shy about putting themselves out there. By being as explicit as we can, we eliminate making anyone feel silly for not knowing the answers. We are eliminating the questions that may be plaguing their mind.
Things to Include in your “What to Expect”
- Before – What they should expect before the massage.
- Intake – Let them know they will be filling out an intake form with health history questions.
- Interview – Explain how their therapist will go over the intake form they have filled out and figure out a plan targeted to their specific needs.
- During – Express what they should expect during the massage.
- Draping – Get specific here, so that they know you won’t be exposing any private areas.
- Music – Be clear that if they don’t like the music you have playing or would prefer quiet that this is okay.
- Frequently asked questions – I like to have a frequently asked questions section. You know if one person asks the question, many more are wondering the same thing. This is where I recommend including the questions about hairy legs, sweaty feet, and any other random question you have EVER received. Make the answer to any question a client has ever had crystal clear.
- How to get the most from your massage – Emphasis how important communication is during the massage, that deep breathing helps deepen their relaxation, and that turning off their phones is a good idea!
Now that you have your “What to Expect” section published on your website, don’t forget to direct clients here. This simple step could save you a lot of time explaining yourself, and have the added effect of producing more relaxed clients from the get-go. Help your clients feel comfortable in the nude! Eliminating anxiety for your massage clients is an amazing thing!
Author Profile
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Ali Boehm
- Boulder College of Massage Therapy Graduate
- Nationally Certified through NCBTMB
- Colorado Licensed Massage Therapist
- Certified CranialSacral Level 1 through Upledger
- Certified Herbal Therapist through Nutrition Therapy Institute
- Certified Fujian Massage through Barefoot Masters
- Fort Lewis College - Majored in Art, Minored in Business Administration
- 6 Year Winner of Best Massage Therapist for "Best of The Boat" Competition
- Massage Business Owner Since 2008
