Your First Session


I would like to know what your experience of massage/body work has been, if any, and what
you are hoping to receive from your session with me. I will gather some health history
information from you and discuss what I can offer that addresses your needs. I will also
provide you with information about myself and answer any questions you may have.

Before going to the massage table, we may or may not explore some movements to deepen
your experience of your body, what feels most comfortable, and how to achieve that comfort
on your own.

Depending upon what kind of work I will be doing with you, you may or may not be undressed
while on the massage table. If you do undress, I ask that you undress only as much as you are
comfortable doing so. I will give you privacy to disrobe, and only return to the room when you
are comfortably situated on the massage table under a sheet, and have given me permission
to re-enter. However, I am also able to help you if you need assistance with undressing,
dressing, and/or getting on and off the table.

Together we will find a position that is comfortable for you. I provide pillows, bolsters, and
other supports as well as blankets for you comfort.
If I am working directly on your skin, I use a massage cream that does not have fragrance or
parabins. I may sometimes offer to add an essential oil to the cream. If you do not like
massage cream, I may offer to use olive oil. If you have a particular oil that you like, you are
welcome to bring it to your session for me to use with you.

I do not use music during the session. Touching and being touched is an intimate experience.
Being able to share silence with another individual during such an experience is a rare
opportunity. Often silence allows for greater peace and calm. I like to offer this opportunity
to my clients. If you find silence uncomfortable during the session, I will be glad to provide
music during subsequent sessions.

I often have a fairly accurate sense of what my client is experiencing during the session, but I
am not a mind reader. Periodically throughout the session, I will check in with you to see how
you are doing. I want you to feel free to speak up at any time during the session. Although I
tend to move into a nonverbal state, I remain receptive to whatever you may have to say.

Sometimes people want to report thoughts, memories, insights, images, emotions or physical
sensations that feel important, interesting, or puzzling. Sometimes people have questions.
Sometimes people fall asleep or stay on the edge of consciousness. Experiences can be quite
varied from person to person and also within each session. Whatever the experience is, it is
uniquely yours and has the potential to be rich. Before getting up from the table, I ask that
you notice what your experience is and what you want to be able to return to later on your
own. We briefly explore ways you for you to do that.

I assist you into a sitting position on the table. When your body has adjusted to being upright,
I leave the room for you to dress or I assist you with what help you may need.
Before we part company, I address any questions, comments or concerns you may have. I then
invite you to set up your next appointment.

For those individuals whom I am seeing at their home or in a hospital or other health care
setting, I will talk on the phone with you or your designated care giver about your health
history and what you want and what I can provide. If we anticipate a good fit, then we set up
a time for me to come to you. I tailor the session to your needs and the environment we will
be in.

I like to brainstorm and am very creative, so don’t feel discouraged if you think there is
nothing that can be done to help you.