What to Expect at your
Massage and Me Appointment

This page has been created to help Autistic People and the Neurodivergent Community who are thinking of booking in and would like to know what to expect from your treatment…

I hope it’s clear by now that I very much welcome neurodivergent people at Massage and Me, but if I’ve not made that clear enough, then I really hope you feel very welcome here in my safe treatment room!

I’d also like to say that this page will always be a work in progress, as I will continue to learn from my ASD clients and contacts for the rest of my working life. The aim is always to make you feel more comfortable, encourage you to be your authentic self without feeling the need to mask; ultimately with the hope that you will feel more relaxed and enjoy your treatment as a result.

If there is something you feel is missing, or an area you feel is unique for you and needs discussing more, please let me know. I am always approachable and open to learning about you and how to make you as comfortable as possible during your visit. Here are some things I thought would be worth mentioning before you book in:

• Booking Your Appointment: There are a number of ways you can book in with me, most of which are online if you find that easier. You can either book straight in to my diary, text/WhatsApp me (07810093508), email me, or finally call me. There is never any need to speak to me on the phone if you prefer not to.
  

• Safe Space: During your visit with me, the treatment room is your safe space. This means that if you need a break, you need some water, you need to go to the toilet, you need to take a minute before we start, please go right ahead. There is no judgement with me and I hope you won’t feel the need to mask or hide your needs. The more honest we are, the more I hope you can enjoy your treatment.
  

• Smells: If there are certain smells you have an aversion to, please just let me know in advance and I can make sure they are not in the room. As I mention below, we will briefly discuss essential oils when you arrive so if there are also certain scents that you particularly like, again please say I will make sure to include those in your treatment as much as possible.
  

• Consultation Form: I will send you a consultation form before your appointment to capture information such as medical background and massage preferences - e.g. pressure required and how you’d like to feel after your treatment. When you arrive I may have a question or two about your form just to seek further clarity, otherwise I will just ask you about your preferred choice of oils - I have some pre-blended organic oils that you may want me to use during your treatment. I will let you smell a couple and let you know their properties, then you can choose one before we start. Everything else can be discussed in advance.
  

• Lights: I have a number of lights in the room with varying levels of brightness. I always prepare the room to a level of what I would call relaxing and ambient lighting, but again I am very flexible about this. Please let me know if you need the lighting levels changed and I will simply adjust accordingly.
  

• Noises: I will always have a playlist of what I consider to be relaxing music playing when you arrive. If you would prefer this music off, or have a special playlist you’d like to request, please do let me know. I love hearing my clients’ music choices and I would encourage you to request this if it will enhance your relaxation. I consider the treatment room to be the quietest room in my house, however if you can hear any other distracting noises that I am not aware of during your visit, please do say and I will do my best to stop them where possible.
  

• Water and Jewellery: I will leave some water for you (please feel free to bring your own if you prefer), a bowl for jewellery (please take necklaces off in particular) and you can leave your clothes on the side.
  

• Clothing: Knickers are always kept on, your bra can be kept on if you prefer but I recommend for it to be removed if possible. I recommend loose clothing so that it’s easier and more comfortable for you to re-dress after your treatment. I always duck out of the room for a few minutes to give you some privacy to get changed.
  

• Toilet: My bathroom is the room next door to the treatment room, so very close by. If you need to use this at any time during your appointment, please feel free. It’s there for you to use at all times.
  

• Eye Contact and Conversation: You will never be required to make eye contact with me during your treatment. During your massage, I will leave you to have some quiet time anyway, but before and after chats can be kept to a minimum if you would like, and small talk only there if you initiate it.
  

• Moving Your Body: I will tell you whether to go face down or face up at the start (this will depend on the treatment you’re having) and show you which blankets to go under. Sometimes people forget this and it’s no problem - I will sort it all out when I come back into the room. If I feel your arms (for example) need to be moved during your treatment so that I can release more tension, I will move them and let you know. Try to make your body as relaxed as possible for this and know that if something needs moving then I will initiate this. I will also let you know when to roll over and which way to roll while I cover you with blankets.
  

• Temperature: In the treatment room there is a radiator, a heater, a heated blanket, a fan and a window; all of which are there to make you comfortable, rather than me. Whatever your preferred temperature, please let me know. I will check with you how you’re feeling but please let me know if this changes at any time. There is no adjustment you can ask me that will be too much trouble.
  

• Paying for your Treatment: No payment will be taken before your appointment, so you can pay on your way out when I meet you downstairs. You can pay for your treatment either by cash, card machine (I have a Square payment machine which is very easy to use and can generate e-receipts if you’d like one) or bank transfer.
  

• Access and Photos: My treatment room is on the first floor of my house, so up a flight of stairs when you arrive in. I’ve provided some photos below of the treatment room so that you know what to expect when you arrive. Please ask me if you’d like some more, it’s absolutely no trouble.

Comments and Suggestions…