Anxious about trying a treatment?
- Pauline Henderson
- Jan 13, 2022
- 6 min read
Quite a few of my clients suffer from anxiety and told me they were nervous/anxious about coming for a treatment. I wanted to talk about that in this blog post to put anyone’s mind at rest about what a treatment involves (whether you suffer from anxiety or are just nervous/curious about what’s involved).
I have suffered from anxiety since my teens and have also dealt with close family and friends with anxiety. I know how it feels to live with anxiety, both physically and mentally, and how difficult it can be to handle new situations due to the fear of the unknown. Ironically the treatments I offer are great for helping calm the mind and body, but it’s the getting ourselves there that can be the hard part.
In this blog post I will guide you through each step of the end-to-end process, so you know what to expect at each stage. If you have any questions or I have missed anything, please let me know.
Treatment info and how to book
All of my treatments are listed on my website or on the services tab of my Facebook page:
On my website I have covered as much information about each treatment as I think is relevant, including what the treatment is, how long it will last, any contra-indications, what will happen before and during the treatment, the cost and how to book. Hopefully that will give you all the information you need.
However, if you want to know anything specific that isn’t covered you can contact me. Don’t worry if you don’t like talking on the phone – you can contact me via the ‘contact us’ page of my website, or via email, WhatsApp/text or Facebook messenger. Plenty of options for non-verbal contact!
Attending your appointment
I will always confirm your appointment in writing via the method you contacted me.
The day before your appointment I will send you a reminder about the appointment and will include details of the treatment booked, my address, payment information etc. This will also include an online COVID questionnaire for you to complete and send back to me (this only takes a couple of minutes) and also a link to my website with information you need about attending your appointment https://www.delunawellbeing.com/covid. This tells you what you need to do about wearing a mask, bringing a drink etc.
Treatment room and arrival
My treatment room is in a log cabin in my back garden. There is a gate at the side of my garage for clients to use to access my treatment room, with no need to go through my house. I will always be waiting in the treatment room for you to arrive.
Consultation process
I will ask you to take a seat and complete a consultation form and GDPR form. Once complete, we will talk through any relevant areas, such as medical information or treatment requirements.
It’s important that you divulge all relevant information, particularly around medical conditions and allergies etc. This is to ensure the treatment is carried out safely and that I am aware of any potential issues or contra-indications.
Everything you tell me or provide in writing is completely confidential and will not be shared with anyone else. All paperwork is locked away securely after treatment and stored in accordance with GDPR regulations.
I am not qualified medical professional so I cannot prescribe anything or offer professional medical opinions or diagnosis. However, I have a very keen interest in holistic health and improving health without prescriptive medications where possible. I have tried lots of different things over the years for mental and physical health improvements and I have lots of knowledge I am happy to share if it may help you too.
Preparing for treatment
I will put up a privacy screen for you to be able to change in private. I will tell you beforehand what clothing needs to be removed. Generally this will be:
Full body massage – all clothing removed except underwear
Back, Neck and shoulder massage – all clothing removed from upper part of body only
Indian Head Massage – I will advise you in advance to wear a strapless or thin strapped vest top if possible, which means no clothing needs to be removed. If you don’t have a top like that I will give you privacy to remove your top and a towel to put around you so that only your shoulders are exposed
Reiki – no clothing needs to be removed as this is a fully clothed treatment
A box is provided for you to put all your belongings in (and this is fully sanitised between clients).
Once you have undressed you will get on the massage table or chair as I have advised and can cover yourself with the blankets/towels provided. I will then remove the privacy screen and ensure you are fully comfortable and covered as appropriate.
During treatment
The heater will be on in the treatment room and the window open for ventilation for COVID.
If you are having a treatment on the massage table I have a fleecy heated under-blanket that will be on for treatments during the colder months. There will be towels/blankets placed over your body, which will be adjusted accordingly as I work on the relevant parts of your body during treatment.
Relaxing music will be played during treatment, however, if you prefer this to be off I can switch it off.
I generally do not talk during treatments to clients to fully relax and enjoy the experience. If, however, the silence makes you uncomfortable you are welcome to chat.
If I need you to turn over during treatment (for example from lying on your front to your back) I will hold up the towel/blankets on one side to shield you from my view, and you can turn over out of sight. Once you are sorted you can tell me, and I will gently place the covers back over you. Your privacy and dignity will be respected at all times.
If at any time during treatment, you want a different pressure applied, or you are uncomfortable and want to stop you should let me know. This is your treatment and I want you to be able to enjoy it.
After treatment
Once treatment is complete you can lie/sit for a few minutes before getting up to dress.
I will again put up the privacy screen and allow you to dress in private.
Once you are dressed, if you have any questions or want to discuss any experiences you had, we can do that then. This is not required if you don’t feel comfortable with this.
You can pay for your treatment using Cash, Card or Apple/Google Pay on the day.
Should you wish to book again you can ask to do so before you leave, however, there is no pressure for you to do so. Whilst I would love to see you again for another treatment there is no pressure to rebook with me. I will never put you on the spot to ask for feedback or to rebook.
After you leave I will send you a follow-up message with a link to the aftercare information on my website https://www.delunawellbeing.com/aftercare. This also asks if you could spare a few minutes to leave me a review on Facebook or Google to help my small business. However, please note this is not mandatory.
COVID controls
In line with the Scottish Government guidance, I have carried out a risk assessment of my treatment room and I have controls in place. The current guidance confirms ventilation and hygiene/cleaning are still the best mitigation for this type of environment.
The relevant information is detailed on my website - https://www.delunawellbeing.com/covid
Additional point to note:
There is no judgement in my treatment room! So many people are self-conscious about their bodies but in my treatment room there is no need. I don’t care about your height, weight, lifestyle, fitness levels, whether you have shaved your legs, any tattoos you have, any scars/acne/moles you have, or whether you have washed your hair etc. I care about the whole you as a person, and being able to help you relax/heal and enjoy your treatment.
I hope that has helped you. If you have any questions please get in touch and I'll be happy to chat to you (as mentioned above it doesn't need to be verbally).
If you book a treatment and suffer from anxiety or are feeling anxious on the day please be honest with me so I can help you and make it as enjoyable and comfortable for you as possible.
Pauline
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