Comments on: Please Tell Me: how do I tell a therapist there’s a problem?

By: Eileen

Eileen — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 05:03:37 +0000

Soapbox away, NJ!

Actually, I did end up writing her and the doctor who recommended her a letter. Although I have, unsurprisingly, had no response, I feel better.

So my question is: what do you say when you realize that is going to be one of Those Sessions?

Thanks again for your enthusiasm and desire to better the healing arts community.

All my best,
Eileen

By: NJHands

NJHands — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:53:43 +0000

Dear Eileen, Yes, I like your idea about a suggestion box labelled something like “How may we/I serve you better?” or something of that nature. Honestly, I’ve had more ‘bad/poor’ massages than I’ve had good ones and because I’m paying for a service, I honestly ‘demand/expect’ that a therapist should be responding to what I’m telling them. For me, a bad massage implies that a therapist has disregarded whatever I’ve asked them to focus on and/or not being professional(a perfect example of lack of professionalism would be a talkative therapist)or, worst case scenario, they just don’t have essential bodywork skills (ugh!). Unfortunately, it seems that either the educational requirements aren’t stringent enough in regards to include a client-focused level of professionalism which I believe to be so crucial in the service of clientele.
Well, I’ve gotten a bit off track here but I would like to try and empower anyone who is receiving a massage (from myself or anyone else) that this is their space in time that they are spending money on and this in itself justifies their right to speak up about what has not worked for them. Honestly, this therapist will go on and on and possibly be oblivious to what her issues are–ick~!
This wasn’t a right fit and though I can’t comment on the skills of your therapist…from my perspective, the environment; attitude; demeanor as well as the actual massage itself are ALL features of whether or not the session was a good one for you. Guess I’m just saying that this kind of thing irks me as well and its distressing to share also that I’ve had more than my share of ‘talkative’ therapists–typically, after I’ve shared with them that I also am a therapist. To me, this does not give them carte blanche to go off on whatever topic suits them…its still my time on the table and gosh, when you’re laying there (naked or almost naked under the blanket), you most certainly feel vulnerable and this to me, is utter lack of respect on the part of the therapist towards their client, to be talking throughout the session. (k, I’m off my soapbox now

By: Eileen

Eileen — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:08:55 +0000

Yes, I was very high school about it and I’m terribly embarrassed. I’m in the process of writing her a letter and I’m stuck. I need the advice of professionals.

Eileen

By: Tooocharoo

Tooocharoo — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:03:30 +0000

I’m 100% positive that the MT is in it to make money and would really appreciate knowing why she won’t be making any money with you. I think you can say, “I canceled the rest of my appointments with you because I got creeped out thinking about whether the foam on your face rest could be washed or not and I prefer silent massages and you don’t.”

It will relieve her from going into dreadful fantasies about why you don’t like her.