Policies
Assessment and Intake
Withholding information can compromise your safety and limit the effectiveness of your massage treatment.
I reserve the right to refuse or modify treatment based on undisclosed information or conditions not suitable for massage therapy.
If undisclosed information requires a different treatment approach, your appointment may be rescheduled to allow for proper planning.
Cancellation Policy
I ask that you cancel your appointment at least 24 hours before the scheduled time to avoid penalties. Your card on file will be automatically billed the full price of service at the time of the scheduled appointment unless the reason for the cancellation, no-show, or late show is under acceptable exceptions (inclement weather, illness, infection, or medical emergencies). I reserve the right to determine whether your situation is an acceptable exception. If you know you must cancel, please do so as soon as you can.
Arrivals 20 minutes or later than the scheduled appointment time will be considered a missed appointment and will be subject to the cancellation policy. Appointments begin and end at the scheduled time. If you arrive late, your session may be shortened to accommodate the next scheduled appointment. Please call if you anticipate being late. I will do my best to accommodate late arrivals within the 20-minute mark, however, it may be necessary to reschedule your appointment.
Scheduling and Contact
Scheduled appointments are required. Book your appointment at thrivingradiance.com, or contact me via email at thrivingradiancemassage@gmail.com or phone at (360)-460-4436. You can expect me to respond to any emails or voicemails within 3 business days. If you need to reschedule, please call, email, or cancel through my website.
Social Media and Advertising
I utilize social media for advertising and education purposes. Follow me @thriving_radiance on Instagram and ThrivingRadiance on YouTube for yoga videos, self-care, and other information regarding health and wellness. Please note that social media is not a place for confidential health discussions. For any health-related questions, reach out via phone or email for a more private response.
Client Interaction in Public Spaces
I don't greet clients I encounter in a public space unless they greet me first. This allows for client privacy and avoids any potential discomfort or confidentiality issues. If you initiate a greeting, I will respond with a friendly and professional acknowledgment. Conversations with my clients in public spaces will be kept brief and professional. I avoid discussing personal information or specifics about any massage sessions. However, if there is a safety concern, I will act accordingly.
Notice of Privacy Practices
I may collect contact information such as name, address, phone number, and email address so for scheduling purposes and regarding your treatment needs. Health information must be provided to ensure safe and effective services.
I will not disclose your personal information to any third party without your written consent, except in the following situations:
I may be required to disclose your personal information in response to a court order, subpoena, or other legal process.
In rare cases, I may need to disclose your personal information to a healthcare provider if I believe it is necessary to protect your health or the health of others.
I will obtain your written consent before disclosing your personal information for any other purpose such as with another practitioner. In these cases, a HIPPA release form will be utilized (see HIPPA Policy).
You have the right to access your personal information that I maintain.
You have the right to request that I correct any inaccurate or incomplete personal information.
You have the right to restrict the use of your personal information.
I take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. This includes storing your information in a locked safe, shredding paper documents containing your information when they are no longer needed (after 3 years of last treatment), and keeping any electronic information secured with a passkey.
HIPPA and Referrals
To comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), I will protect the privacy of your protected health information (PHI). This includes information collected during intake forms, conversations, and treatment notes. I will only use and disclose your PHI for treatment purposes, payment purposes, and healthcare operations as permitted by law. You will be provided with a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices which outlines these details in full (see section above). If it is necessary to communicate with another practitioner or about your health care information, you will be provided a HIPPA compliant release of information form.
In some cases, a physician's referral may be required before commencing massage services. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on the nature of your condition. If you have a recent injury, chronic pain, or any pre-existing medical conditions, a referral from your doctor will help ensure a safe and effective treatment plan. I am happy to work collaboratively with your physician to provide the most comprehensive care possible. Please note that while a referral may be necessary, it is not required for all clients. If you are unsure whether a referral is needed, please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss your specific situation. If you have or I suspect a condition that is outside my scope of practice, I may recommend consulting another practitioner for further assessment and treatment.
Termination Policy
I reserve the right to terminate service with a client for the following reasons:
Disruptive behavior, inappropriate language, or actions that make the therapist or other clients feel uncomfortable.
Arriving with a contagious illness, presenting symptoms requiring medical attention, or failing to disclose relevant medical information during the intake process. I may recommend seeking medical advice.
Requesting inappropriate techniques and/or pressure levels.
Consistently violating policies of my practice.
Finally, the therapeutic relationship may not be a good fit. If you don’t think we are a good fit, you reserve the right to terminate the session or therapeutic relationship at any time for any reason by simply choosing to not book another appointment. Please know that I respect your choice and it will not be taken personally. In such cases, I may refer to another therapist or practitioner.
I reserve the right to refuse service for any reason except discrimination.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes any behavior that could be construed as suggestive such as harassment, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. If you experience any behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable with me or another client, please do not hesitate to inform me immediately. All incidents will be taken seriously and addressed confidentially.
Sexual Arousal During Massage
Massage Therapy may trigger arousal, even without intent. It can be a physiological reaction to touch and relaxation.
If I notice, I will adjust the pressure and focus on a less sensitive area of the body. I will acknowledge it and check in with you to ensure that you are still comfortable. You may choose to end the session if you do not wish to continue.
If you experience arousal and I do not notice, you may choose to either let me know, or request that I alter my technique or move to another area.
Unacceptable Behavior: There is zero tolerance for any behavior that is sexually suggestive or harassing. This includes inappropriate comments and requests for sexual favors. In such cases, the session will be terminated immediately. Depending on the nature of the behavior and my comfort level, I may terminate the therapeutic relationship.
Falling Asleep
If you fall asleep during your session, it's perfectly fine! It's a sign that you're letting go of tension and relaxing. I will continue with the massage as planned. If there are certain areas you'd prefer me not to work on while you're asleep, or if you have any concerns about falling asleep, please let me know before the massage begins. When the massage is complete, I will gently wake you up.
Draping
I am legally required to keep breast and genital areas fully draped for all genders at all times. If you desire more coverage at any time, please don't hesitate to let me know. I will always make sure to receive your verbal consent before undraping any sensitive areas including the glutes and abdomen. My goal is to create a safe and professional environment where you can fully relax in a safe environment and receive the full therapeutic benefits of massage. You are welcome to undress to your comfort level, just keep in mind that the clothes you choose to keep on may get in the way of my work.
Disinfection and Cleaning
Between clients, I properly disinfect and manage linens, equipment, and tools used, massage table, face cradles, door handles, bolsters, oil/lotion bottles, and of course, I practice effective hand-washing.
Scents and Personal Hygiene
For the most beneficial massage experience and to ensure the comfort of all, I kindly ask that clients arrive for their appointments with proper hygiene. This includes wearing clean clothes, avoiding the use of strong scents or fragrances, and refraining from consuming foods with strong or lingering odors. You can expect me to maintain the same standards of hygiene to ensure a mutually positive environment.
I use natural and minimally scented massage oils, creams, lotions, soaps, and hygiene products. I supply a variety of applicants, so if you have an allergy or sensitivity, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate. I also carry a variety of essential oils that you may choose from to be diffused in the room during treatment.
If you ever experience sensitivity to any of the products I am using or any other unpleasant odors that may arise in the session, please bring it to my attention and I will do my best to make adjustments within my control.
Sounds
Please remember to silence your phone before the beginning of our session.
I ask that you keep conversation during our session about your treatment. If you talk about anything that is not pertinent to your therapy, don’t expect me to respond, as I will be engaged in your treatment as it relates to my scope of practice. Anything discussed during our time together in the treatment session will be kept private
I play soothing sounds and music, but feel free to ask if you prefer silence or listening to something else during the session.
Jewelry and Tattoos
For your comfort and safety during the massage, I suggest removing any jewelry that may interfere with the massage treatment including necklaces, bracelets, large earrings, and rings. Please know that if you choose to wear any jewelry throughout the massage, I will do my best to work around the area but I may not be able to work fully and will not be responsible for any damage. I am not responsible for any lost items.
Please inform me of tattoos that are not fully healed and I will ensure that they will not be touched. Please let me know if any tattoos are sensitive to touch or pressure, so I can adjust my techniques accordingly.
Illness and Open-Wounds
I ask that you reschedule your appointment if you are experiencing any of the following: fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, or other contagious illness symptoms. Please provide at least 24 hours notice if possible.
Please arrive at your appointment with all open wounds properly covered and protected. If you have any concerns about a specific wound, please don't hesitate to contact me before your appointment or express your concerns before our session begins.
Sobriety Policy
To ensure your safety and the safety of others, I require all clients to be free from the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs at the time of treatment. If I suspect you are under the influence at the time of our session, it will be canceled and subject to the cancellation policy.
Terminating the Session
You and I both reserve the right to end the session for any reason at any time. You will only have to pay for the number of minutes ($1.70 per minute, derived from the $100 per hour rate) of treatment that were provided.
Refunds
No refunds are provided for services rendered, however, with 24 hours' notice you can reschedule your appointment.
Payment
Cash, check, credit, or debit card is accepted for payment. Cash is preferred if possible. Payment is due in full at the time of service.
Returned checks require a $25 fee.
Gratuities are not expected, but always appreciated. You may tip with any payment method above.
Non-discrimination Policy
I do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability in the provision of services.
Children and Teens
Anyone under 18 needs a signed consent form from a parent or legal guardian before receiving treatment.
A parent or guardian is welcome to stay in the room throughout the massage for clients aged 17 and under. This creates a safe and familiar environment for you and your child but is always up to you and your child’s comfort.
My massages for young clients typically range from 30-60 minutes and with lighter pressure. I focus on techniques that can address growing pains, sports recovery, and relaxation.
Mandated Reporting
The safety and proper support for my clients is vital. Licensed massage therapists are mandatory reporters This means we are legally obligated to report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities. Please reference RCW 26.44.030(wa.gov) to learn more about the relevant laws.
Scope of Practice
As a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Yoga Instructor, and Reiki Practitioner, my practice focuses on promoting relaxation, stress reduction, improved circulation, and pain management through manual soft tissue manipulation. I utilize various massage techniques tailored to your needs, but I cannot diagnose medical conditions or perform procedures outside the scope of massage therapy. This includes mental health counseling, diagnosis, and prescriptions. However, I may give recommendations based on my education and experience, but you are not required or expected to follow them. If your situation requires medical attention or another practitioner's expertise I will gladly provide referrals to appropriate healthcare professionals.
Informed Consent
While massage therapy is generally considered safe, there are potential risks:
- Pain or discomfort: Some people may experience soreness or discomfort during or after a massage.
- Aggravation of conditions: Certain underlying conditions may be aggravated by massage.
- Allergic reactions: In rare cases, people may be allergic to massage oils or lotions.