What to expect when booking/attending a treatment

I've had a few clients who have come for their very first massage recently and they were anxious/nervous and didn't know what to expect.

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:

• https://www.delunawellbeing.com/treatments

• https://www.facebook.com/Delunawellbeing/services

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’ 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.

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 ready and waiting in the treatment room for your arrival.

First appointment/Consultation process

Upon your arrival, I will meet you at the cabin and welcome you to come in and take a seat. After an initial introduction and chat, I will ask you to 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 your 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 (unless you want to remove trousers for your own comfort)

• 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/Biofield Sound Healing Therapy/KCR – no clothing needs to be removed as these are fully clothed treatments

• Holistic Facial - With this treatment I need access to your décoletté area - so similar to Indian Head massage you can wear a strapless or thin strapped vest top and we can move the straps down, or you can remove all clothing from your top half.

Once you have undressed as required 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

During the colder months, the heater will be on in the treatment room and I have a heated under-blanket on my massage table.

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.

I have a chest pillow for ladies with larger bust, surgery scarring or just prefer the general comfort to take the pressure off the chest area.

Relaxing music will be played during treatment, however, if you prefer this to be switched off it's not a problem.

I generally don't talk to clients during treatments to allow them to fully relax and enjoy the experience. If, however, the silence makes you uncomfortable or you prefer to chat, then 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, a temperature adjustment, or you are uncomfortable and want to stop you should absolutely let me know. This is your treatment and I want you to be able to enjoy it. Don't lie there being uncomfortable or not enjoying your treatment - talk to me and we can make it better!

After treatment

Once treatment is complete you are invited to lie/sit in relaxation for a few minutes before getting up to dress. I will again put up the privacy screen and allow you to dress in private.

I will provide a glass of water for you to drink after your treatment.

Once you are dressed, if you have any questions or want to discuss any experiences you had, we can do that then. Don't worry - 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. Alternatively, you can pay by bank transfer advance of your appointment to save you having to bring your card etc (this is preferred option to save me incurring charges).

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 expected or mandatory.

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, body shape, lifestyle, fitness levels, whether you have shaved your legs or not, 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.

I hope to see you in my treatment room soon.

Pauline x