Most massage therapists have their own way of conducting a massage session. The actual massage will vary based on your individual needs that day, but the overall setup of the session is the same every time. This is what it is like when you have a session with me:

When you schedule your first massage session online, you'll be given a brief health questionnaire to fill out. It's nothing too invasive, and it's mostly to find out if there's anything I should be aware of, like current injuries or sensitivities to lotions or scents. When you arrive in the office we'll have a quick conversation about your goals for the session and future sessions.

If you have never experienced a professional massage, I'll take you through the basics. I'll tell you how to lay on the table (either face up or face down, under the sheet and blanket) and we'll have a discussion about how undressed to get. You can leave your underwear on, or you can be naked. Whatever you choose, you'll always be securely draped. I'll only uncover the areas that I'll be working on, and everything else will remain covered and out of sight.

Once you're on the table, you only have one job: if something hurts, or if you're uncomfortable, I'd like for you to let me know. Don't assume that anything is "supposed to hurt”. No, please speak up! You are always the expert on your own body. If something doesn't feel quite right, I want you to trust your instincts and let me know. The first few massages are a process of us learning about one another, and my intuition can only take me so far.

This is your session, and you can direct everything from the temperature to the lighting to the music played. Don’t want to talk? Absolutely fine. Want to talk about dogs? That’s great too.

One last thing: I don't care about your leg hair. Don't worry about stubble, or cellulite, or moles and freckles, or the noises your belly makes during the massage (this is normal, by the way—part of the relaxation response). I've worked on hundreds of people, and there is nothing wrong with being fully human on my table. If you think that your body is flawed in some way, please know that I thoroughly disagree with you.

After the massage, my main goal is to let you float on out. I may ask about any areas of pain that you had mentioned. Other than that, I'll be collecting my fee, asking if you'd like to schedule your next appointment (optional!), and seeing you on your way. Finally, I don’t accept tips. If you enjoyed your session, please come back!