What you might like to know
How do I book with you?
You can either click on my online availability or you can message me directly to arrange. I can often be flexible with the times you see up to +/- 30 mins. Please note that I work part-time as I also work as a hospice nurse so do get in touch as soon as you think you may like a treatment or 1:1 small business mentorship.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes I do, please read it here. Please only book with me if you are prepared to pay in full for your treatment if you need to cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice (and half fee if cancelling with 24-48 hours’ notice). Whilst an appointment is only chargeable with less than 48 hours’ notice, as a small independent business I would appreciate as much notice as possible if you need to reschedule so that I can re-offer your slot and try to get it filled. The shorter the notice, the less likely I am to replace the booking. All first time clients will be asked to pay on booking and their chosen slot is open for others to book until payment has been received.
How will I know where to find you?
On booking you will be asked for your email address so that I can send you a booking confirmation. This email will contain the date and time of your session, my address, directions, a consultation form, and details of how to pay.
How long will I be with you for?
As a general rule, add 20 mins onto your booked time. If your 60 min massage is scheduled for 1pm, you’ll likely be ready to leave by 2.20pm. This extra time is added for getting undressed and dressed again. Please help me to see my next client on time and allow me to have a quick cuppa by dressing promptly (you don’t have to rush though!) so I can return to the room to freshen it up and change the sheets.
Why do I need to complete a consultation form before I attend?
There have been a few occasions where I’ve had to send a client home without their massage due to a contraindication i.e. undiagnosed pain/swelling or bladder infection in pregnancy. This has resulted in the client not getting what they were hoping for and me losing income, both rubbish! For the last 3 years I have made it a stipulation that consultation forms are completed by new clients 48 hours or more prior to massage to enable issues to be flagged early. If you then need to rearrange, I can release your slot and hopefully replace the booking. Many therapists take consultation time out of massage time (this is very standard in spas) and so I do ask that to ensure that you get your full time on the couch that the form is done prior to enable me to review it before you arrive. If you are unable to do this, the form will need to be completed on the day which will slightly reduce your treatment time.
ALLERGIES
This is flagged on the consultation form, another reason for doing it before your session to ensure your safety. If you have a NUT allergy I can massage with coconut or grapeseed oil instead. Please let me know if this is acceptable before you attend.
As indicated on the consultation form, I have two cats. Neither goes into the therapy room and I use a clean uniform each day which has not come into contact with cats. My room is usually fine even for the most problematic cat allergy sufferers but please consider whether this space is suitable for you if you have pet allergies.
What can I expect on the day of my treatment?
You can expect a very warm welcome. You’ll know where you’re coming to once you have a read of your booking email but if you get closer to my address and can’t find me just give me a ring, if I don’t answer then I may still be with a client, send me a text and I will be with you soon as I can.
Please knock my front door if you are on time or less than 5 mins early. If you are more than 5 minutes early, please wait outside until your treatment time. I cannot accommodate early clients as I am likely to be engaged in finishing off with another client, getting the room ready for you, doing client admin or consultation calls, or having a rest/refreshment break. If you end up being really early, send me a text and if I can see you any earlier I will.
You’ll be guided to take off your coat and shoes and I will take you up to my attic therapy room. There will be water up there for you. Once we’ve confirmed your consultation form is all ok and your treatment has been explained, you will be invited to sign the disclaimer form.
I will step out of the room whilst you undress leaving your knickers/pants on. You will get onto the warmed therapy couch, cover yourself with the sheet and wait for me to come back into the room. I will check you are really comfy and warm before starting. I will check in with you a couple of times whether the pressure I am using is ok and whether you’re warm enough. Please do not hesitate to tell me if something requires adjusting. When your treatment is finished, I will let you know I am stepping out of the room. You can then dress, have a glass of water and then come down to where you entered my house. If you would like to make another appointment you are welcome to do that.
Do you have parking?
Yes, on my drive. If there is a black Volvo or red Mini on the driveway you can park behind them. If you arrive very early and there is a different car then this may be a client, please do not block them in.
What should I wear to my treatment?
Anything you like but think about the fact you’ll be really relaxed afterwards and probably won’t want to deal with any complicated items of clothing. Before you get onto the couch, you will be asked to take everything off except your knickers/pants. You will always be covered except for the part being worked on.
What about make-up?
If you’re having a facial do not apply fresh make-up. If you’re coming after work and still have some on then that’s fine as I will cleanse it off. Just don’t put make-up on if all you’re doing is coming to me! I offer facial massage as part of a full body massage so there really is no point wearing any unless it makes you feel better.
How do I pay for my treatment?
Unless you are booking on a voucher, a Monzo payment link will be included in your booking confirmation email. If this link doesn’t work for you, I will provide my payment details. Payment is due on booking for new clients or at least 48 hours before a treatment. I no longer accept clients paying afterwards by BACS as this tends to result in increased admin time and frustration.
Do you accept cash?
Yes. I do accept cash payments however if you need to cancel your treatment with less than 24 hours’ notice, as per my cancellation policy, the full payment is due and I will request that this is paid via BACS within 3 days.
How accessible is your therapy room?
My room is on the second floor of my home. This may be difficult to access if a client has poor mobility as there is no lift.
Does Mahra Massage have a toilet and handwashing facilities?
Yes.
I dislike certain parts of my body being massaged (feet, face etc), do I have to grin and bear it?
Of course not! This is YOUR session, to make YOU feel amazing. Every treatment is individual just like you, so before you get on the therapy bed we’ll have a chat about what you like and dislike and what you wish to get out of your session.
I’m not exactly ‘body confident’ – will I feel exposed during my session?
Your dignity and comfort are my highest priorities when you are here. Your body will be kept covered at all times except the part I am massaging. I massage glutes through the sheets. You will feel totally relaxed and respected here. I have every type of body shape here too, I have seen them all and no, you don’t have to shave your legs either! I only see female clients.
Do you chit chat during a treatment?
No. I will respond to your questions but I will not initiate conversation after you have settled on the couch unless you specifically want me to. I will be led by you but my default will be silence so you can fully switch off and relax.
Why does my voucher have an expiry date?
The clearly marked expiry date is to protect me if I have a change in circumstances and am no longer able to provide massage therapy or my hours significantly change. Once the expiry time has arrived, I will cancel the unused voucher and release the held funds into my bank account. Before cancelling a voucher, I will contact the contact the buyer once to ask them to remind the recipient.
If you have received a voucher and know you cannot use it because our schedules do not fit or you do not enjoy massage therapy, please contact me well before the expiry date and you will be able to redeem it in products from my Neal’s Yard Remedies shop.
Is it worth me asking for a discount - especially during these difficult times?
I only see clients who appreciate my very fair prices and understand that I have a family to support and bills to pay too. For my skills and experience my prices are extremely low and I won’t compromise quality by working for a lower price.
What if I need the loo partway through my massage?
Just tell me and I will step out of the room and give you 5 mins, it’s not a problem!
What happens once my massage is finished?
I will give you a spritz of facial mist to end the treatment and I will then top up your water glass and leave the room. You can then get dressed and come down and I will meet you downstairs.
I’ve got a question which isn’t covered here…
Just call or text me on 07944 953 171, it is my aim that you feel happy and comfortable before, during and after your session at Mahra Massage so please just ask.