I wondered what precautions mobile female reiki practitioners take?
Up until now I've dealt with female clients or animals but have been caught off guard by a man wanting to book an appointment.
Someone has suggested a chaperone, others taking a deposit beforehand, others hiring a room at a therapy centre for it (but this would eat into any profit). Obviously I don't want to come across anti-men but I'm very aware of being vulnerable.
Any advice much appreciated please!
Instead of a chaperone maybe you could let someone know your whereabouts and check in and out with them via telephone?
or stick to Animals and Women. It's not like they are scarce or an endangered species after all 51% of the population is female 😉
I can understand where you are coming from I am coming from the other side of the coin and I actually sometimes feel vulnerable treating female clients especially if they ask me to visit them at their home, which is highly likely for agoraphobics..
Is it possible to rent a room to treat the male clients? It would reduce profit but at least you'll have peace of mind, knowing that there are others just outside. You could probably have an alarm in your pocket just in case.
Personal alarms? I have been a massage therapist for 30 years, and during that time have done countless home visits to male patients in their own homes. I have always conducted myself in a professional and matter of fact manner, and have never felt threatened. Sure, I have had my suspicions about a a handful of male callers, so made sure that they were aware I was very busy and was unable to offer them appointments for a couple of weeks. One said 'forget it', and the other was pleased I could see him at all.
This subject has been raised on HP alot - put home visits or therapist safety into a search and see what has been discussed before. If you are truly not happy treating male clients, then stick to ladies only, at least until your confidence in therapy work increases.
As mentioned by others, you should only do what you feel comfortable with. I personally will only do home visits for female clients but would treat a male client at the clinic I rent a room in one day a week as other people are around.
Always a good idea if you are going somewhere new/you don't know to let a friend/family memeber know where you are going and arrange to ring them when you leave so they know you are safe whether it is a female or male client you are visiting - better safe than sorry.
Good luck.
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I personally will only do home visits for female clients but would treat a male client at the clinic I rent a room in one day a week as other people are around
Thanks for all of your replies - I've decided to do this - that way I'll feel more comfortable when undertaking treatments for men.