Your First Session
Before your first session:
​
Please
1. Read the policies and procedures information
2. Read the Covid-19 specific procedures information
3. Fill out the intake form and sign consent for your massage and that you have read and agree to all of the policies and procedures.
4. Fill out the Covid-19 screening the day of your appointment and sign it.
5. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to go over your forms to make sure I give you the safest massage for your individual health needs and to give you the most effective massage based on your needs.
What to expect during your session:
After we go over your forms we will make a plan to give you the massage you've been dreaming of.
Then I will leave the room and have you get undressed to your comfort level. Many people fully undress and many people leave their underwear on. Some clients prefer a session completely dressed. Some who prefer sitting on the table or sitting in a chair for their session. Whatever is comfortable for you is perfect. If you choose to undress, I will have you get under the sheet completely covered. During the massage I will un-drape the specific body part I am working on while leaving the rest of your body covered. It is very important that you let me know if you do not wish to be massaged in a particular area. If you have any discomfort: pain or just a feeling like you want me not to touch you somewhere- please speak up. It is YOUR body. I will honor what feels right for you. Communication is key. I will check in periodically to make sure the pressure is working for you but ALWAYS should speak up if you're bothered by anything. I offer non-sexual therapeutic massage therapy. Please make sure to read through the policies and procedures listed below as I'll go more into all of this for you! If you have any questions before your first appointment ( or any time) please do not hesitate to call or email me.
​
​
Eileen Dickinson, Licensed Massage Therapist
Policies, Procedures, and Informed Consent
Business Policies and Practices
You may book a 30-minute ($50), 60-minute ($90) and, 90-minute ($130) session. I accept cash, personal checks, and credit cards. The first session usually requires a longer intake process so please arrive 10-15 minutes early. After your initial appointment, please plan to arrive about 5 minutes early to update your paperwork and discuss any changes to your conditions with your massage therapist. You can expect about 5-7 minutes after the session for getting dressed, following up, payment (if not done ahead of time), and rebooking. Clients arriving late will be charged for the full session and the session will end promptly at the scheduled time. Clients must cancel sessions with 24 hours notice or pay for the missed session in full. Returned checks will be charged a $20 processing fee. I do not take walk- in appointments. Children and teens are welcome, but an adult guardian must be present with the minor in the treatment room for the entire session.
Expectations and Rights
The client is expected to demonstrate good hygiene and not use illegal drugs or alcohol before the session (the use of drugs and alcohol make it unsafe for a client to receive massage). Clients and therapists are expected to refrain from any behavior of a sexual nature, including sexual jokes, nicknames, or immodest conduct. Sexual behavior from a massage therapist toward a client is completely unethical and may lead to a formal complaint filed with the state board of massage which may lead to the loss of the therapist’s license. Sexual behavior from the client toward the therapist is inappropriate and will lead to the termination of the session and refusal of further service.
The client has a right to prompt, professional service in an environment that is clean, private, and safe. Client information is not shared with any members of the public or other health-care providers unless the client releases the information in writing. A court of law may order the client’s health-care records released to the court as part of a legal proceeding. Therapists are obligated to report information about the abuse of a child, elderly person, or mentally or physically challenged person in the event that such information is related during the session. Therapists are obligated to report threats of self-harm, or threats that the client plans to harm another person, to authorities.
The client has the right to end the session at any time should they feel dissatisfied or uncomfortable with the session in any way.
Your Massage Session
When you arrive, you’ll complete your intake form if it wasn’t completed online. We will review the intake form and discuss your goals for the session. I will customize a massage plan to meet your specific needs within the limits of my training and scope of practice. I will then leave the room while you undress and position yourself under the drape on the massage table. Only the area being massaged at the time is undraped as the session proceeds. The breasts, genitals, and anus are never undraped during a session, and every effort is made to respect and protect both the client’s and therapist’s modesty. You may leave on your underclothing if you prefer. While the therapist will ask you a few questions—for instance, about the comfort of the stroke pressure, you should let the therapist know immediately if you are not comfortable at any point during your session. I have additional information on my website for information about your first session.
​
-
Please fill out the Covid-19 screening on the day of your appointment. Please reschedule your appointment if you’ve been sick within the last 14 days ( cough, fever, congestion, chest pain, or really just sick in general) or if you’ve been in contact with someone within 14 days of a known Covid-19 case.
Massage Defined
Massage can be defined as structured, professional touch. Massage techniques manually manipulate the muscles, tendons, and fascia of the body to promote health and wellness. Benefits of massage include stress reduction, increased relaxation, and relief from muscular tension, soreness, and pain.
Limitations of Massage
Massage therapists do not diagnose medical diseases or musculoskeletal conditions and massage is not a substitute for medical examination and treatment. Massage therapists do not prescribe herbs or drugs, including aspirin or ibuprofen, or medical treatments. They do not perform spinal adjustments and they cannot counsel clients about emotional or spiritual issues as would be provided by a mental health professional or spiritual leader. If you experience symptoms that lead you to believe you may have a medical condition, it is recommended that you visit a physician for diagnosis and treatment. I am happy to do my best to refer you to someone if the need be. For a detailed description of the massage scope of practice in this state, please visit the Board of Massage website at www.anyboard.com.
Adverse Reactions to Massage
Massage may lead to adverse reactions in certain situations or when used with certain conditions or medications. I will evaluate your health-history intake and ask you questions to make sure it is safe for you to receive massage. In the event that I am uncertain that massage will be of benefit to you, I may ask you to provide a note from your physician stating that it is safe for you to receive massage. Please provide complete details of medical conditions and medications to me during the health-intake interview. Failure to inform the massage therapist of all medical conditions and medications may place you at increased risk for adverse reactions.
Therapist Training and Experience
I have completed 500 hours of massage training from Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy, a state-approved school and passed the state licensing requirements.
​
Informed Consent
I have read and understand the disclosures, policies, and procedures, and I would like to receive a massage session or request a session for my child or dependent. I understand the benefits and limits of massage therapy and understand massage may cause adverse reactions in certain situations. If I experience any discomfort during the session, I will immediately inform my therapist so he or she can modify the massage strokes. I understand massage therapists do not diagnose diseases or conditions, prescribe medications or treatments, or perform spinal adjustments. I recognize massage is not a substitute for medical treatment and should I need medical treatment, I will seek out the appropriate health-care professional (physician, psychotherapist, chiropractor, etc.). I understand that it is my responsibility to keep the massage therapist informed of changes in my (or my child’s or dependent’s) health status, diagnosed medical conditions, and medication. I understand that failure to inform the therapist of these changes may place me (or my child or dependent) at greater risk of adverse. I understand that I can end the session at any time. I understand that if my massage therapist will end the session at anytime if she believes the client is not adhering to the signed policies and procedures. I release the massage therapist of any liability if I fail to disclose the appropriate health-related information.
Covid-19 Specific Updates
​
When you arrive for your appointment, please send Eileen a text when you arrive to let her know you’re there and she’ll let you know when she's all set for you to come in. 860-805-6020
New Address: 660 Prospect Ave, Floor 2, Hartford, CT. It will say “The Enlightenment Counseling Center.” There is a parking lot with usually plenty of space. If for some reason there isn’t a spot available, there is parking on the street. Then once you enter the building through either glass door, you’ll walk in through the big wooden door, and then head up the steps and I will be on the second floor of the building.
COVID- 19 Specific New Policies: ( Note: all of my regular policies are listed above)
Please reschedule your session if you have been sick at all in the last two weeks including but not limited to cough, fever, congestion, vomiting, etc. I would much rather we have last minute cancellations and be as safe as possible right now.
Please reschedule your appointment if you’ve been tested positive for COVID 19 within the last two weeks or you’ve been in direct contact with someone who has been tested positive in the last two weeks.
I will be holding myself to the same standard. I will be rescheduling appointments at any sign of illness from myself.
Please let me know before your appointment if you’ve had any changes to your medical history since your last appointment. Of course, if you forget or something changes between the time you let me know and your appointment, please let me know if there have been any changes at the beginning of your session.
Only one client in the office at a time.
The waiting room is currently closed.
Clients must properly wear a mask on the way into the building, throughout the entire session, and while exiting the building.
There will be hand sanitizer for your use on the way in and out of the office.
Therapist will wear a mask and an eye shield or goggles throughout the entire session.
Therapist will increase cleaning procedures and times in between sessions in order to maximize ventilation and cleaning. I have been keeping the windows open for all who are okay with that or if it isn’t too freezing otherwise I am using an air purifier and airing out the room in between sessions and at the end of the day.
I cannot offer water after a session at this time so if you tend to get thirsty after a session- please bring your own bottle.
Before you arrive for your session please fill out the Covid-19 Health Declaration Form listed below.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, comments, etc.