Creating a Safe Space
Walking into a well known spa will inherently be different from walking into an individual massage office. However, the goal remains the same. Setting up a clean safe place to leave all your troubles behind.
Creating a safe space begins with intention. This will be a place of healing and connection to the self. Bringing peace to those aches that have settled in the body for days, weeks, months or even years. Knowing you are in an environment to let go is crucial.
Once you have an intention for the space it must be clear of clutter, dust and bacteria. The best way to avoid contamination is to limit exposure. I use stainless steel ramekins for bulk lotions and oils that are cleared of product and disinfected before reuse. Larger items such as the massage table, headrest, bolsters, essential oils and hard surfaces such as benches and door knobs that cannot be replaced between every client are disinfected with Botanical Decon30 and thoroughly wiped clean. Once surfaces are cleaned fresh linens are put back on the table to set the space for the next treatment. Along with visually seeing a space is clean it is important to verbalize this with your client. Let them know while you are changing (before and after a service) I will be washing my hands. This is a subtle reminder that I care about your health and making sure my hands are clean is an important piece of that.
There are noises in any treatment setting that cannot be avoided. I’ve worked in high end spas where a neighboring treatment room is having an enthusiastic conversation you can’t get away from to noises of neighboring businesses intruding on the experience. Although these things are not planned and are impossible to avoid there are options to drown out any unwanted audible assault. Create a blur to any unwanted noise with sound machines setting a consistent background tone. I use these White Noise Brown Noise Machine in my office. On top of background noise should be calming instrumental music. As much as I love listening to waves crashing it’s best to avoid the sound of water when using the restroom would limit services.
Address the clients safety when doing an intake. Let them know it is important to you that they feel safe and secure. Giving them the option of being clothed or undressed, but asserting that they will be fully covered and properly draped the entire session. Walk through what the session will look like, repeat problem areas and confirm an extra amount of time will be spent here or there. Verbalize that you are going to wash your hands when you step out and explain that you will knock before you reenter. An important aspect of feeling safe comes from knowing what is coming. It is such a gift to have a client that goes from a ball of stress to completely relaxed just by lying on your table.