There will be some people there who don't drink, and as for contra-indication, although I'm no expert I wouldn't have thought a taster session of the treatments you mention would do any harm.

At least it would get you out there, and you may pick up some genuine new clients.:)

Hi everyone

I am trying to build up a client base as a holistic therapist and have limited experience so far. To get myself 'out there', I'm thinking of doing taster reflexology and seated massage treatments at a pamper evening that is being organised at a cafe-bar. The evening is to help raise money for a charity and I would like to take part. The only thing that is holding me back is that people are obviously going to be drinking and I always thought that alcohol was a contra-indication to treatment.

I'm worried that if I don't treat clients who have had a drink, I will have ruled out most of the people at the event and will risk getting off on the wrong foot with the organiser too, which I don't want to do

What does everyone else do? Any thoughts or advice would be gratefully received:)

Hi Lijay

Are there any other local events that you could attend to get yourself known? I have previously been asked to do pamper evenings at hotels where there has been a bar and I don't attend as for me alchol and treatments don't mix (others will no doubt comment for you). Are there schools or other places near you that are holding pamper events that you might be able to go too? If you are on facebook you might find a group for your county where such events are advertised.

Do let us know what you decide

I started to reply to this on Thursday night, but then the gales across Scotland took out our power supply....

Anyway. I have done loads of 'pamper' nights where alchohol has been available, and to be honest it has never been a problem. They have generally involved Play Group mums, or other organisation's having fund raising events, and people invariably go out to enjoy themselves, but don't go overboard. I only ever offer 15 minute 'tasters', unless I am in someone's home, and there are only half a dozen women, in which case they get 30 minutes each. Treat it as a taster event, not a full blown treatment, and don't get too worried about 'contra-indications' - use the event to get out leaflets and talk to people - best form of advertising there is.