When it comes to communicating with your massage therapist, esthetician (and budding herbalist) it’s important to remember there are boundaries and limitations to the relationship and some things should be considered.
Therapist may be in the title, but MASSAGE is there first!
As we know, individuals seek out therapeutic massage & other holistic wellness services for many reasons. Stress is one of the biggest reasons people flock to our tables week to week. The scope of massage therapy is only to address the physical component to stress relief and healing.
You may have a strong, trusting relationship with your massage therapist but they don’t have the training to address the mental and psychological things you may process while receiving body work. Massage can include a lot of talking or ‘venting’ - an emotional release that happens, and is totally normal. However, we want to provide a comforting place for you to leave that behind for a time.
Just because the client is nude, doesn’t mean they are the only one in a vulnerable position.
Your provider also can feel just as vulnerable during your treatment.
Before you speak, ask yourself if what you are about to say is something that you would say to your child, spouse, parent, or friend. Or if you would be able to openly say to your co-worker or neighbor.
No? Then why would you say it to your massage therapist?
True story, your massage therapist and other practitioners are here to help you feel better. However, it is inappropriate to flirt, touch them back, or make sexual advances. Along with that it is also important to avoid discussions pertaining to sexual organs or any type of romantic intimacy. Even if it is intended as a joke or passing comment, it can make the session uncomfortable and awkward.
Off-handed remarks shouldn’t be tolerated.
Places often have policies against this sort of behavior and the practitioner has the right to terminate the service at any time if they feel uncomfortable.
Please be mindful of their boundaries, just as they are of yours.
While we are on the topic of inappropriate conversations and in light of events that have happened over the last year and a half, I feel it is important to address the discussion of politics & religion.
I don’t think one would assume that every person in their life has the same stance, beliefs and values as them.
Please don’t assume that your practitioner does either.
We are all TIRED of the same discussions, so let our treatment spaces remain a neutral zone not only for you but for us. Your wellness service is the place to let all that fall away. This is a time and space for you to heal, progress towards your goals of stress relief and pain management without anything weighing you down.
For both our wellness and yours The Pushy Goat has a zero-tolerance policy for comments pertaining not only to the aforementioned items but also towards racist & hateful commentary concerning any other living being.
Love others as you love yourself.