MY RETREAT IS THE HOME OF SELF-CARE and SERENITY

I’ve been going for therapies and to spas all my life, so I feel very comfortable with what’s going to happen and know how to ask for what I want. But often when I visit other places, they do neglect to consider that not everyone is familiar or comfortable in those settings for a wide range of reasons. So, if you haven’t been for a therapy before or often and don’t know what to expect, or you are a little underconfident about asking questions, or perhaps just want to be reassured that you are in safe hands, please read on. This article walks you through what happens at My Retreat when you come for a therapy. It may be different in other places, but I want to make you feel as safe and relaxed as possible. This is what you can expect. First is to say that I have a sign on my door that asks you not to knock. That may seem strange, but it’s to avoid disturbing other people who may still be enjoying their therapy or relaxation time. Please don’t arrive too early as the door may still be locked, or someone is enjoying their relaxation time. I do try to leave ample time between clients to avoid this but please be aware. If the door is open, and you’re not too early then do please just come in. That will feel a little odd the first time you do it, walking into someone’s home that you don’t know. But I will be there to welcome you and hopefully put you at ease as soon as possible. We will sit in the relaxation lounge and do your consultation. You will already have completed some online forms, but we will chat through your therapy, and I can answer any questions you may have. I’ll talk you through everything that will be happening and make sure I know all your preferences. For example, some people don’t like their feet touched or their scalp massaged, or I will ask about your preferred massage pressure or aromas. After that, I’ll take you upstairs where I’ll ask you to wash your hands and then come into the therapy room. It’s a large, beautiful space, with subtle lighting and candles. I’ll leave you alone to get undressed, while I wash my hands, having explained exactly what I’d like you to do to get comfortable on the massage table and cover yourself. I will knock before re-entering to ensure you are ready – and then the magic will begin. I give physical cues to help you feel what’s coming next and will keep my verbal instructions or questions to a minimum to allow you to switch off, unless you’ve told me you’d prefer me to explain as I go along. If I need you to turn over, I will hold the covers so you can do this easily and privately. At the end of your therapy I will tidy the room and leave you to relax a moment, before ringing my singing bowl to signify that it is concluded. I will remove any towels or wrappings necessary before I speak to you so that your return to reality is as gentle as possible. I will then give you a hot cloth and a cold glass of water before leaving you to get up slowly and get dressed. There really is no need to rush here, just come back downstairs when you are ready. I will have prepared you a hot water, and you’ll have a choice of herbal teas. You can also use my foot massage machine if you’d like. I’ll leave you alone with your thoughts, or a magazine for 5-10 minutes before coming back to chat through your experience. I hope that helps you to visualise how a therapy at My Retreat is organised. If you have any further questions prior to coming, please do send them to me here at julia@my-retreat.co.uk . Julia x

CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS – now where did that idea come from?