(These are all questions I have been asked by clients or other enquirers)

 

 

This is for a number of reasons. First, to ensure that I have the correct details of any ailments, past and current injuries etc so that I can offer you the treatment which, based on your details, will be the most beneficial. Second, I have to ensure that there are no conditions a client has that will prevent or restrict treatment. (Sessions for hypnotherapy also require form filling to help me in deciding what therapy may be best for you) On rare occasions I may not be able to treat someone without permission from their doctor. Third, if any problems arise I have a record of what treatment someone received - one reason why it is so important to ensure that therapists are fully insured for the treatments they offer. As such you will  need to allow at least an extra 10 minutes or so to your first appointment time. Only I have access to this information and it is never used for any other purpose, as such, the forms, as well as any aspect of the treatments carried out are strictly confidential.

 

 

If the treatment requires a mobile couch then you should imagine the size of a single bed being set up in your room, plus room for me to walk around the couch. This could be your living area, a bedroom or anywhere where you will have peace and quiet without interruption from other household members. 

 

 

This depends on why you want the treatment. If it is to wake you up and invigorate you then a Swedish Massage in the morning or beginning of week is best. If you want to chill out then an Aromatherapy Massage at the end of the day or week is best. Evenings and weekends seem to be the most popular for those who want a relaxing treatment.

 

 

Not really. As you can see on other pages I offer infant massage, massage in schools, youth clubs and adults - so there is no age restriction. The only requirement is that those who are under the age of 16 require parent/guardian permission and/or their  presence whilst treatment is carried out (the latter applies to hypnotherapy also). The eldest client to date is 91.

 

 

Some treatments such as Indian Head Massage can be carried out fully clothed (though some oil/cream may need to be added to your neck area). Others such as Reflexology  only require your feet and ankles to be bare. If you only require your back and shoulders to be treated then you need to allow access to the whole of that area, including the base of the spine. Full body treatments such as Swedish, or Aromatherapy are best carried out with as few clothes on as possible. Naturally the choice is yours but the most benefit is derived when you are fully undressed - though only areas to be treated are exposed at any one time. In other words you are covered up with towels most of the time. These are only guidelines, everyone is different. Ultimately it is your treatment - and you can decide on the day what you are comfortable with.

 

 

I can only speak for myself, but many other therapists have no doubt been asked this question in one way or another. It would be silly to pretend we don't get asked such questions, so it deserves an answer, short as it may be. I simply offer what is listed on my website - and that is that! I could expand but do not feel I need to - for the majority of people seeking my services will know exactly what I mean.

 

 

This is often referred to as a 'healing crisis'. Everyone's experiences are different, but a small number may feel 'strange' for a day or so after treatment. This is fairly normal, and in my experience clients who have been very tense or stressed can feel this the most. Suddenly, perhaps for the first time in a long while the tension has been released. Some laugh, some cry, some feel 'strange' - but in most cases this is because they have at least made a start on releasing the tension that has built up sometimes over many years.

 

 

Certainly not! I adapt treatments to suit the needs of the individual, regardless of their size, mobility or any other reason they feel may restrict treatment. Although not ideal I have offered treatments on client's beds, chairs, and even on the floor. It depends on what the client feels comfortable with. Similarly, some clients, for whatever reason may only want certain areas of their arms, legs, backs etc treated. That is their choice. There is no fixed method of treatment.

 

 

Although I have worked in retail and would love to suggest that everyone receives weekly treatments that is not my style. Especially with the economic climate as it is I will only suggest the bare minimum number of treatments I believe is necessary. A lot of clients call me when they are desperate which is usually when their shoulder, back or sciatica is playing up. Quite often I never see them again. Many do attend regularly, and if they can afford to do so they are very welcome to attend on a regular basis. If clients take my advice on stretching/exercises etc then many are 'sorted' in one treatment, though I do suggest that clients should not only call me when they 'have a problem'. I often refer to follow up sessions as 'maintenance treatments': they have received a treatment and feel well, but would benefit from a follow up session to 'maintain' the benefits. Some simply attend every week to 'chill out'. There are discounts for multiple bookings paid in advance.

 

 

Yes, though you should be aware that sometimes clients may feel lightheaded. In this case clients are able to sit down a while before leaving. As with any aftercare advice it is the client's responsibility whether they heed to it or not.

 

 

Although not ideal, I have treated clients with their child in the therapy room. If the treatment is not necessarily for relaxation then it is up to the client. If the client wishes to be de-stressed then it would be more advantageous waiting until someone can look after the child/baby. The same would apply at my therapy room or at the client's home.

 

 

It is not recommended to have various 'full' treatments in one day as it may not be obvious which therapy helped which ailment.  The 'mix and match' on offer does not involve full treatments as such but is rather a range of various massage movements moulded into one treatment, adapted to the client's needs.

 

 

Whilst some therapists would do so I do not charge. I believe that if someone genuinely cannot make an appointment or indeed changes their mind then they are free to do so. One of the main reasons I offer treatments is to help people deal with their stress; adding to their stress by charging them for not turning up is not going to aid recovery or indeed make them feel like re-booking their appointment.  I am interested in clients as real people - not only as paying customers. I believe this adds to the trust needed for therapies to be fully effective.

 

 

Yes, and even though I know my limitations this question has another angle. I am surprised how many people only think of a massage as a last option, or a 'lesser' option. Many have said they have seen a range of other professionals without thinking, or knowing that a good masseur/masseuse may be the first person they could have seen. The vast majority of my clients have muscular problems due to bad posture and/or stress - and with a series of deep massages and advice on posture, stress, stretching and exercises they are as good as new.

 

 

The short answer is no! 'Success' depends on a number of issues. The source of the pain or discomfort may not at first be obvious and the actual problems may only be eased after careful examination (probing and manipulating) of surrounding areas. Sometimes the initial issue may be sorted only to find another issue which may not have been noticed before. I use the analogy of painting a wall or ceiling only to realise that the rest of the room looks 'tired' and needs decorating also. Therefore in one session 'all' of the issues may not be dealt with, but usually does with additional treatments. On rare occasions nothing that I can offer helps the situation. This is usually because there are underlying longstanding issues which need a lot of work before attempting to deal with the issue that is presented at first visit. If the client continues to accept treatment then the issue may be dealt with but some think I am a mystic healer and everything should be 'sorted' in one visit. If only! Also 'success' can be hampered when clients do not follow advice on stretching/exercises etc.

 

 

This is for two reasons really. The first is that 'smoothe' is an old fashioned way of spelling 'smooth' - much like my old-fashioned ways of working which I feel comfortable with. Secondly I like to keep 'e' central to what I am i.e I am a 'complementary ' therapist - not a 'complimentary' therapist. I wish other therapists checked their spelling!

 

 

1. Will you make me run round like a chicken?

 

If you want me to, though I'm not sure why! Such comments come from those who have seen or been to stage hypnosis shows. I personally do not want to follow such a path and that is why I offer clinical hypnotherapy, the sole purpose of which is to help the client, not make a fool of them.

 

2. Will you control my mind?

 

Never! All hypnosis is self hypnosis. I only facilitate the sessions, for you are in control at all times. Hypnosis does not control or take charge of your mind and as such does not (as I have heard some say) 'mess around with your head'! During a session you can cough, laugh, cry, blow your nose, scratch your head, or simply get up and walk away.

 

3. Will I go to sleep?

 

Hopefully not as hypnosis in most instances does not require you to sleep for the therapy works by talking to you and in some cases I want you to talk back to me which can be very difficult if you are asleep!

 

4. Will there be any physical contact?

 

Apart from an initial hand shake the majority of treatments do not involve any form of contact - except in a technique called Emotional Freedom Therapy which involves holding one hand whilst 'tapping' various points of your face, shoulder, arm and hand.

 

5. Will I remember everything?

 

There are very few instances I can think of where a session would want you to forget a certain issue. You are not sleeping and therefore will remember everything.

 

6. Will you make me say or do something I don't want to?

 

Simply put, no. You are in control at all times and as such you will only say or do whatever you want to say or do.

 

7. How many sessions will I need?

 

In some cases just the one, in others it depends on what the issue is you want help with. This will be discussed when you first contact and/or preferably after the initial consultation.