Policies and FAQs
Here’s some things that you may be wondering
“I’m late!”
Text or call me that you’re running behind. Depending on my schedule we can adapt the session (shift a scheduled 90 minute massage to a 60 minute massage) or the time lost may need to come out of the session and paid in full.
“I’m early!”
Great! I may still be finishing up with a client, so rather than knocking, just text me to let me know that you’re here and I’ll open the door when I’m ready for you. If you don’t have a cell phone, just wait for me to open the door or knock at your appointment time.
“I’m sick!”
This is one scenario where I am not worried about my 24 hour cancellation policy. If you’re sick - its likely I’ll get sick because of the nature of the work. Please let me know as soon as you feel like you’ll have to cancel and we’ll reschedule. Please don’t abuse this flexible part of my cancellation policy and know that if you just forgot or didn’t reschedule when you meant to, that half the cost of the session is still owed for the missed appointment.
“I need to reschedule or cancel”
I have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Half the amount of the session is owed if you need to reschedule or cancel within 24 hours of the appointment time (what’s half of a sliding scale? See the Massage page for standard rates and cancellation fees). First time is a freebie, but after I charge the fee. As mentioned above, I want to be flexible with illnesses, but please do all you can to let me know a day or two in advance so I can try and offer the session to another client.
“Do I take all my clothes off?”
Its totally up to you! There will always be a sheet on top of you covering whatever areas of the body I’m not working. I’ll uncover your back while working on your back, uncover one leg while working on that leg, etc. For specific hip or lower back issues, not wearing underwear can allow for some massage techniques that aren’t as accessible with more fabric, but your comfort is most important and that may mean undressing completely or leaving on underwear, leggings, boxers, or a bra.
“Am I supposed to tip?”
I set my rates accordingly so that you don’t have to. If you are feeling flush and generous, I’ll accept the extra coin, but its really not expected. If you are using the sliding scale, pick the rate that works for your budget at the time and simply pay that.
“Do you do FBSM?”
This is an acronym that stands for full body sensual massage. While massage is touch based and therefore sensual, the work I do is not sexual in nature and FBSM tends to be code for seeking sex work. Sex work is real work and if that’s the service you’re looking for, I can offer some referrals, but it isn’t a service I offer. Failure to respect this boundary of mine will result in the session ending early, the cost of session still owed in full, and termination of our therapeutic relationship.
“i Have a gift certificate!”
If you have an e-gift card or paper gift certificate, please let me know at time of booking. If you were given an e-gift card, please show the gift card code at the time of appointment. If you were gifted a paper gift card, please bring it to the appointment. If you have to cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours notice, your gift card will expire. All gift cards expire after one calendar year. The Square website does not name expiration dates, but my policy is that they expire in one year.
“How frequently should I get massage?”
This is also a personal choice that depends on what feels financially accessible and what kind of care you’re looking for for your body. I’ve had clients come see me once a week for one month to receive frequent targeted work with a specific pain and then after that come in once a month or more sporadically. Coming in for a regular massage sets a routine and the work we accomplish together with your healing goals can build. Coming in any less than seasonally or monthly or only when you’re in enough pain to remember to schedule a massage, we won’t be able to build off of your last session. However often you’re able and can afford, I support. Booking your appointment before you’re in acute physical pain or stressed to the max, will nearly always result in a more beneficial bodywork session. I recommend booking monthly or bi-weekly to set a routine, a budget, and put the appointment on your calendar ahead of time. This regularity can result in better sleep, improved range of motion, relief of joint and muscle pain, improved circulation, and stress relief. Who wouldn’t want that regularly?