Hello this is my first post and I am not a therapist of any sort; I am however a user of therapies of the holistic, alternative spectrum.
This thread is about going for a massage and the things that put a customer off coming back a second time.
I hope it might inform some practitioners of the noble art because lets face it you wont usually hear it from the client who will simply not return.
So to start the ball rolling.
Going for a (nice) massage, getting home afterwards and realising that your clothes, bag everything taken into the room now stink of stale cigarette smoke and realising that the 'therapy room' doubles as the masseuse's family smoking room! Gross.
Or that your massage room is a glorified utility room sharing your ambient space with computer, old furniture and bric a brac. Hmmm; quality...not!
This topic/thread isn't meant as an attack on therapists.
It is meant as a chiding way to bring issues experienced by myself or other posters to practitioners attention to improve the quality of your clients experience who are parting with their money for a hopefully great experience
I think you could spread this out to all therapies. In fact it might be worth moving the thread to the Business & Marketing forum and not just making it about massage. I'll leave it here for now but let me know if you want it moving.
I don't go to therapists who work from home for the simple reason the kind of things you list could happen. I'm sure there are plenty of therapists who have a really professional set up at home but the (hopefully) minority who have these horrible set ups put people off all therapists who work from home.
I recently came across a hypnotherapist who actually says on his website that if you arrive early then you might have to sit in the living room with the people he shares his apartment with! No wonder his rates are so low!
I've also had a client report that she went for a "free consultation" with a hypnotherapist who worked from home and during the consultation the therapist's cats kept sitting on her. Now I'm sure that some people would quite like this, however, as someone who has a cat allergy she chose not to pursue therapy with this guy. In fact, my pets are part of the reason I wouldn't dream of seeing clients at home as, even if they are in another part of the house, if the client has a fear or allergy of them then there is no chance of them relaxing and keeping them in another part of the house isn't necessarily a solution as an allergy might still start up and pets such as dogs might bark, making the client aware they are there.
In all due respect that's not the reality for most proper professional therapists. I used to live in Plymouth and Totnes, so know Totnes quite well. (Actually I used to have a joke about Plymouth being Yang and Totnes been Yin - both extremes). What you described sounds quite typical of Totnes and I know what a bunch of air-headed space cadets many of them are. "Picard to Enterprise, three to beam on board"!
A lady I had been to for many treatments in a nice designated home treatment room moved house and next time I went the room was more a utility room with a massage table shoved in it. A few minutes into the massage and wondering what the 'swishing' sound was I saw she had now taken to wearing a disposable white plastic apron tocarry out the massage making me feel like I was in hospital for a medical procedure. I complained and she took it off in a disgruntled way. I did not return.
In all due respect that's not the reality for most proper professional therapists. I used to live in Plymouth and Totnes, so know Totnes quite well. (Actually I used to have a joke about Plymouth being Yang and Totnes been Yin - both extremes). What you described sounds quite typical of Totnes and I know what a bunch of air-headed space cadets many of them are. "Picard to Enterprise, three to beam on board"!
;-)
Best Wishes
RP
Hello Pixie, a bit early in the thread to be getting defensive! I've been around the country it's not just Totnes! I don't know if I have been picking the wrong ones or if it's exceptions not rules, or what. I do however think it's legitimate for users of therapists services to cut through the jargon and sometime false promises to get at the actual experience and delivery of the said services(and have a laugh too because sometimes it's all you get out of it).
I would suggest some some acupuncture ( or similar ) for your liver yang tendency. Also as a NON-Practitioner you will not understand that the treatment comes first before decoration and atmosphere
If you are attending treatments for therapeutic value, then i would agree that most people 'expect' a suitable environment. As many people move into complimentary therapies you will find that they have to work with what they have to begin with.
I have attended treatment with many therapists myself all of which treat at home, and have had no problems. In fact i prefer it because your mind is on the treatment not the surroundings.
IMO the 'ideal' environment that many westerners seek is becoming very 'clinical' and losing the very thing that makes 'most' therapies effective and that is communal, and family orientated settings.
I know of a chinese practitioner who works from home and you just literally walk in off the street into a small room with just a bed on the floor, and he is fully booked and well regarded.
In china the hospital and clinics treat many people side by side in the same room.
Again the approach you mention is very westernised.
I have visited posh spa's and clinics, with all the latest gizmo's and pristine decoration, but find that when you leave you have gained more from the environment than the wishy washy treatments they provide.
You also end up paying the odds too. It would be easy to provide the 'perfect' set up, but this cost money that has to be passed on to the client which defeats the object of why many of us work in this industry.
I work mainly from home, i have a cat which regularly visits during consultations. I also have a 2 year old daughter that can sometimes be heard during treatments, and many of my clients have met her too.
The private school where i did my training was much like this too, The teachers husband would be cooking dinner during our breaks, sometimes the grandchildren would visit the treatment rooms, and you would all get to know each other, leaving you with a feeling of 'how things should be'.
I think you will also find that those who have completed genuine training ( by this i mean reconised, by case studies and clinical practice) this will show in the setting they provide. Some of the short courses only turn out people that need the extra cash, or new hobby to pass the time, will not have the same respect for their chosen therapy.
If a patient had a grievence with the way i did things, this would be talked about, and would only benefit in my diagnosis, as it sounds out of balance to project such a personal preference.
( the smokey environment is a number one NO NO!)
It would be a shame if someone left just because of such minimal problems that have ben suggested, and this would only tell me that they are not ready to be treated as they are seeking 'external' healing and not 'internal' healing.
My additional advice would be keep trying to find someone you can stick with, also give them a chance regardless of the setting. When you have visited someone for a long time the treatments become the focus and this will only benefit YOU in the long run.
I also think as this is only your 3rd post you have decided to 'lay your card on the table' early........ could be good, could be bad!
I would suggest some some acupuncture ( or similar ) for your liver yang tendency. Also as a NON-Practitioner you will not understand that the treatment comes first before decoration and atmosphere
Rather condescending and thanks for the diagnosis, I like to vent my spleen from time to time. I do agree the treatment comes first before decoration and atmosphere (even though I don't understand) however it is possible to reach a tipping point where the treatment becomes negative like a smokey room which you agreed with.
If you are attending treatments for therapeutic value, then i would agree that most people 'expect' a suitable environment. As many people move into complimentary therapies you will find that they have to work with what they have to begin with.
I have attended treatment with many therapists myself all of which treat at home, and have had no problems. In fact i prefer it because your mind is on the treatment not the surroundings.
IMO the 'ideal' environment that many westerners seek is becoming very 'clinical' and losing the very thing that makes 'most' therapies effective and that is communal, and family orientated settings.
I know of a chinese practitioner who works from home and you just literally walk in off the street into a small room with just a bed on the floor, and he is fully booked and well regarded.
In china the hospital and clinics treat many people side by side in the same room.
Again the approach you mention is very westernised.
I have visited posh spa's and clinics, with all the latest gizmo's and pristine decoration, but find that when you leave you have gained more from the environment than the wishy washy treatments they provide.
You also end up paying the odds too. It would be easy to provide the 'perfect' set up, but this cost money that has to be passed on to the client which defeats the object of why many of us work in this industry.
I work mainly from home, i have a cat which regularly visits during consultations. I also have a 2 year old daughter that can sometimes be heard during treatments, and many of my clients have met her too.
I also prefer home based treatments for all the reason's you state above. When they are done right.
The private school where i did my training was much like this too, The teachers husband would be cooking dinner during our breaks, sometimes the grandchildren would visit the treatment rooms, and you would all get to know each other, leaving you with a feeling of 'how things should be'.
I think you will also find that those who have completed genuine training ( by this i mean reconised, by case studies and clinical practice) this will show in the setting they provide. Some of the short courses only turn out people that need the extra cash, or new hobby to pass the time, will not have the same respect for their chosen therapy.
Very true and I have made some poor choices; have also made some very good choices but my liver-yang is getting the better of me today
If a patient had a grievence with the way i did things, this would be talked about, and would only benefit in my diagnosis, as it sounds out of balance to project such a personal preference.
( the smokey environment is a number one NO NO!)
That's what set off my liver-yang!
It would be a shame if someone left just because of such minimal problems that have ben suggested, and this would only tell me that they are not ready to be treated as they are seeking 'external' healing and not 'internal' healing.
It was one example for the purpose of the thread topic not a comprehensive list.
My additional advice would be keep trying to find someone you can stick with, also give them a chance regardless of the setting. When you have visited someone for a long time the treatments become the focus and this will only benefit YOU in the long run.
I also think as this is only your 3rd post you have decided to 'lay your card on the table' early........ could be good, could be bad!
INDO
Thanks for taking the time to post a thoughtful reply. I still want the thread to be about peoples' experiences that may have put them off returning for treatment as what are the reasons therapists would say a client gave? Got a full time job, busy, alright now thanks, will be in touch, can't afford it etc. when it may be that they were so cold in the room that their teeth were chattering; yes that happened to me to!!
As you say only 3 posts, 4 now and I may be a 'vegetarian in a butcher's shop; I will have to wait and see!
hi Luke,
I think you are spot on about not being happy with some of your experiences, and I think if you are having any relaxing treatment and you have kids running around, smoke/food smells, pets etc, it may not be the most relaxing atmophere, unless, like being in my extra large family, having lots of noise is the norm, and wouldnt be the same without it!
That said, ive had lots of treatments, from physiotherapy and osteopathy to reflexology and reiki, in therapists homes, and havent had a bad experience yet.
Possibly the only time that I was a little uncomfortable was when I was lead into a therapists front room and the massage couch was in the middle of the floor, and it did seem strange.....however, when I finally came round from all I can describe as one of the most stress busting massages ive ever had, the surroundings didnt bother me at all, and I went back for a few more massages after that.
I think in the same way as if you are a therapist going working in a clients home, and asking to ensure that the atmosphere is conducive to the therapy, ie no noise, no disturbances, enough space to work etc, then as a client you should also ask the same if you are having treatment in a therapists home.
Hi sportstherapy, thanks for your thoughts. I've had a massage in a therapists front room on a towel on the carpet; must have sold the couch which she had used before! It was a good massage though and that outweighed any other considerations or misgivings. I prefer on a couch though.
One memorable time I was lying on my front and I became aware that the therapist was massaging me one handed whilst making a crafty text on her mobile!! It's amazing the number of ways in which some people will take the mick!
Another pet hate is the therapist who likes to spend ages on the 'consultation' while it soaks up precious minutes within the booked hour of 'massage' and the clockwatchers who can't give a minute away for free.
Then there's the massage booked and the therapist decides you need a different therapy and you fall for it and wish you hadn't because actually you really did want a massage.
I could go on and I probably will, bearing in mind this is the culmination of about 20 years 'research'
1) When you have the consultation and you are asked what areas are giving you issues you tell them this then they don't actually work on those areas.
2) I'm no prude however when the therapist says 'Your modesty will be preserved at all times' then blatantly exposes you, puts you on edge a bit
3) Room to small,its annoying when the couch is being constantly moved because the therapist can't get all the way round
Hi Whitesnake, yes I've had the 'oooh your long aren't you!' (referring to 3 not 2 when they are pinned to the wall trying to get round because my feet are unavoidably over the edge of their couch in a too small room. The 'therapy room' in a private house does tend to be the box room/outhouse.
I had a massage once where the therapist accidentally uncovered me whilst positioning the towel over my genitals. Next time (yes I did go back she was good!) she laid 3 towels over my hips just to make sure it didn't happen again and it felt crushing.
I've really enjoyed this thread it's made me smile. I have a therapyroom / clinic at home and am fortunate to have the space and environment that people want to come back to - it takes alot of effort to keep it that way though.
As a client I've had some interesting experiences - the most notable one being covered with an old curtain that had seen better days during a Reiki session instead of a blanket ! Great session though.
wishing you all healthy and happy environments to work and play in !!!!
I've really enjoyed this thread it's made me smile. I have a therapyroom / clinic at home and am fortunate to have the space and environment that people want to come back to - it takes alot of effort to keep it that way though.
As a client I've had some interesting experiences - the most notable one being covered with an old curtain that had seen better days during a Reiki session instead of a blanket ! Great session though.
wishing you all healthy and happy environments to work and play in !!!!
love Lou xxx
Helou, that's key "keeping it that way". IMO many therapists rest on their laurels and over time they just don't care as much in variance to their profiles. Proof is in the pudding. Repeat rather than new business must be the real signifier that a therapist is 'doing it right'.
Hi this is a great thread - really interesting - thanks for bringing it up.
I have just done my first paid client this afternoon. I was SOOOOO nervous before, but it went really nicely, and she has rebooked (without being asked!) for 2 weeks so I am delighted and I think she was too. I spent a long time thinking about my room and how I wanted it to be a sanctuary and very peaceful so removed all the clutter that had gathered there, cleaned it thoroughly and had plants, candles etc and space, so that she would feel it was fit for purpose. A large spider on the ceiling 10 minutes before she was due was a problem, and I had to overcome my fear to climb up and catch it and chuck it out the window! The things we do! I hoovered the whole house, cleaned the bathrooms, locked the dogs away, and it was lovely and peaceful. I will work hard to make sure its always like that and hope I can achieve it.
Its really good to be reminded like this. I stopped going to treatments because the room she used just got "tired", and cluttered, she answered the phone and door mid treatment, and got lax about the code of ethics giving me privacy and would just stand there whilst I got undressed and onto the couch. Being huge and fat, I just didn't like it and felt so awkward. She was such a lovely lady, and great therapist, but I felt cold often (she was having hot flushes!) and awkward about the nakedness etc and in the end, I stopped going. Shame cos she was a whizz at the aromatherapy oils but there you go. Love Mel xx
You must of have some bad experiences. Being a user as well as a practitioner of CAM, and I have never been through such experiences. Usually the worst experience is a damp toilet to use.
Plastic apons, that's a new one. A lot of therapists I know prefer t-shirt, loose trousers and barefeet. Some prefer baggy purple or blue-green dresses.
Sorry made a mistake in typing, it was Tavistock I lived, not Totnes. Still hold to what I said about Totnes. "Beam me up Scotty".
But I do agree with you about working from home. It can cause problems, so i work in a clinic and do home visits.
Best Wishes and hope you find a therapist that will come up to your high standards.
Hi this is a great thread - really interesting - thanks for bringing it up.
Thanks.
I have just done my first paid client this afternoon. I was SOOOOO nervous before, but it went really nicely, and she has rebooked (without being asked!) for 2 weeks so I am delighted and I think she was too. I spent a long time thinking about my room and how I wanted it to be a sanctuary and very peaceful so removed all the clutter that had gathered there, cleaned it thoroughly and had plants, candles etc and space, so that she would feel it was fit for purpose. A large spider on the ceiling 10 minutes before she was due was a problem, and I had to overcome my fear to climb up and catch it and chuck it out the window! The things we do! I hoovered the whole house, cleaned the bathrooms, locked the dogs away, and it was lovely and peaceful. I will work hard to make sure its always like that and hope I can achieve it.
The key is to maintain your standards/successful formula and you should go from strength to strength.
Its really good to be reminded like this. I stopped going to treatments because the room she used just got "tired", and cluttered, she answered the phone and door mid treatment, and got lax about the code of ethics giving me privacy and would just stand there whilst I got undressed and onto the couch. Being huge and fat, I just didn't like it and felt so awkward. She was such a lovely lady, and great therapist, but I felt cold often (she was having hot flushes!) and awkward about the nakedness etc and in the end, I stopped going. Shame cos she was a whizz at the aromatherapy oils but there you go. Love Mel xx
I share your regret at 'good gone bad' and it is a shame because with few outside influences I think home practitioners may not realise when things are on the slide; unlike their former clients!!
You must of have some bad experiences. Being a user as well as a practitioner of CAM, and I have never been through such experiences. Usually the worst experience is a damp toilet to use.
Plastic apons, that's a new one. A lot of therapists I know prefer t-shirt, loose trousers and barefeet. Some prefer baggy purple or blue-green dresses.
Sorry made a mistake in typing, it was Tavistock I lived, not Totnes. Still hold to what I said about Totnes. "Beam me up Scotty".
But I do agree with you about working from home. It can cause problems, so i work in a clinic and do home visits.
Best Wishes and hope you find a therapist that will come up to your high standards.
;-)
RP
To be honest I enjoy even the bad experiences because they make me laugh later and the only reason I've had so many bad experiences is because I've had more good ones. It's also nice just to be able to move on and try different peoples' treatments. I hate the rigidity of the 'official' type clinic where you feel more like a patient than a client but that's just me!
Here's another anecdote. A therapist spent about 30 minutes on the phone 'bigging herself up' explaining why she was worth more than the 'others' and how if I didn't like a treatment from a therapist I should just 'walk out' (of my own home!!?) Anyway she came round did the massage and I would give her 4 out of 10, very average. Love it when they have such a high opinion of themselves but think they got it out of a book or self actualising course rather than client plaudits.
I think this is a really good thread and hope more people post on it. Before I took on my room in the gym I used to do mainly home visits. I simply don't have the room in my house for a designated room and I wouldn't feel comfortable treating people in my living room, which isn't actually very big either so makes doing postural assessments and some special tests a bit tricky!
I think though, that no matter where you work from, you need to take a step back every now and then and look at your space and make sure it isn't looking tired or dirty or untidy. These little things do make a difference, especially to a new client who's going to be feeling a little apprehensive and maybe out of their comfort zone. If the surroundings aren't welcoming it's not going to be easy for them to relax.
I don't like when therapists don't ask you about the temperature if it is too hot or too cold. I've had times when it is very warm out and the therapist has 3 blankets on me, and times when it is cold outside and I have one thin sheet. I don't like it when the therapist is not thorough and does not address all the problems that I have. Due to my fibromyalgia, I would prefer glutes/abs be included. I don't like when there is a bright light shining in your face. Sometimes, therapists have basically used a fist and pressed deeply on my upper back and neck, even when I asked them to be gentler in those areas.
I think the worst thing though is when the therapist talks about herself and her emotional or physical problems, when you are the one there to be treated! If the therapist is a poor listener, that is one of the worst things....I don't like rooms near gyms or where there is a lot of noise in the background..prefer a peaceful, quiet surrounding. I love it when the therapist says this is your session and I will do as you wish rather than being so stuck on their own routine. Flexibility is the key. Some therapists insist on you being face down first or in a certain routine.
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