Believe Massage Therapy

Active Myofascial therapy first meeting

2012-08-17T23:27:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

Today we started the first session of Active Myofascial Therapy~ The Diamond Method. I am planning on re-opening my business in South Florida. I took the Fresh Start program with Irene, and she just opened my eyes on a different aspect of running my massage practice. I registered for the Active Myofascial Therapy class because I wanted to bring something unique to my clients. I am trying to gear my practice toward a clinical setting instead of just pampering.

My flights and hotels are booked are booked for the seminar. I will be in San Francisco, California with my mother and my four month daughter. Since my husband is a diamond member, we will be staying at the Hilton on Fisherman's wharf for 4 days. I recommend everyone starting a new business to bring something unique.

Today, I basically cut up a few things that I would like to order, I read a couple of old Massage magazines, and to my surprise, I found an article by Irene Diamond on how to get referrals from physicians. The reason I admire Irene so much is the fact that she doesn't tell you to go do this or do that. She shows you how to do it, most of the time she does the work for you. How easy is that???

Starting up my day spa with my 4 months old daughter

2012-08-17T23:15:00.001-04:00

Starting up my business with my daughter.

I hate the idea of leaving my daughter with a family member to work for someone else. I believe the very first year of a baby's life is crucial to their success. It is a challenge because I am exclusively breastfeeding my daughter and she's a newborn. My life revolves around her schedule.

As we are get along, you'll get to partake in my journey of starting my day spa business from scratch.
I took a six months coaching program with Irene Diamond during my pregnancy. I would be listening to Irene's recording, and my baby would kick and jump around with so much excitement. I believe coaching is absolutely necessary. I thought I could read all the books about massage, and set up my practice. I was so wrong! I believe someone with experience in the industry is the best investment ever. It saves you time, money, and heartache. I truly mean it when I say heartache because when I opened my office last year on January 1st 2011, I only had a few clients that would come back. I was also doing my internship at a nursing home full time, I was pregnant, and working as an IC at another spa on the weekend to help me sustain the business. I hated the idea of doing Groupon and living social. I did not want all that stress.

There God gave me my heart's desire, but I was still sad. I was very sad because I was working very hard just to pay off my rent and my massage therapists. I knew I was good! The problem was Location...Most of my clients were tourists, so they were not rebooking. I only had a few that would rebook on a monthly basis, just a few like three. It was quiet an experience! I also felt so disorganized because I did not have any system in place. I would read books and articles, but then I would forget about them. Therefore it was not productive.

With the coaching program, you get the essential. You get to have a calling system, gift card system, marketing system. The system keeps everything organized in case someone has to step up for you. I have absolutely no regrets about that venture. By the way my daughter turns four months today.

My princess is four months old today. She has given birth to my soul. I have never been so happy in my life. Annie, mommy loves you so much... It's indescribable! I have so many plans for you baby girl, for now, I will just cherish you as you grow.

Fresh Start Massage Practice with my daughter

2012-08-15T19:40:00.002-04:00

Well, this is truly going to be a challenge. I am already juggling several things at once, and now I am adding blogging to it. My daughter will be four months old tomorrow, so she is very demanding. If I am not breastfeeding, I am burping her or putting her to sleep.

Today I manage to use a notebook to drop down a few notes. There is a spa supplier company that I use, and they mailed me a catalogue, so I was looking at some jars to put in my delicious body scrubs that I will be using on my clients, and sell in the boutique side. It is all organic! I am planning on making different types: Lavender, Chocolate cake, Lemongrass, Honey & Cinnamon, Lime/Lemon Citrus, Ylang Ylang, Ginger, and rosemary.
I also plan on making a Body Mist Cocktail to spray after a facial: It's quiet easy to make!

Now, my daughter is crying she wants mommy's attention. I am back! The next thing that I worked on today is to look at some other day spas menu. I get some great ideas for my signature massage by adding some creative touch up.

My day is very unpredictable. Some day I wake up very energetic, and some day I wake up tired and not in the mood of doing anything. As you can see, my schedule revolves around my daughter. She is spoiled.

Active Myofascial Therapy ~ The Diamond Method

2012-08-13T06:22:00.001-04:00

Active Myofascial Therapy Advanced Certification Seminar ~ for Massage Therapists, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists and healers who want to provide stellar rehabilitation therapy to patients and clients

If you want something to change, you have to do something different… That's why I signed up for Irene Diamond's seminar. I look forward to taking my massage practice to the next level.

Irene has been teaching Active Myofascial Therapy ~ The Diamond Method across the
United States since 1989.
Many therapists have said this AMT Practice-Success System
has changed their practice monumentally!

Diamond Tip:

Because the pain relief and structural improvement results you will provide as an Active Myofascial Therapist will be so valuable to your clients and patients, once you have learned the Diamond Method, Irene encourages you to up-your-rates AT LEAST $20 more per AMT session, so you can begin to earn back your investment as soon as you begin practicing AMT.

(So, if you work with 5 clients a day, and you charge $20 more per session — you earn an extra $100/ day in your pocket!)

Because, you took time off to study, learn and improve your clinical skills, AND, you will now provide life-altering relief for your clients, You do deserve to increase your rates.
(and we’ll support you in doing so.)\

RETRIEVED FROM: http://thediamondmethod.com/learn-amt/certification/

High Risk Pregnancy

2012-08-02T04:56:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone,

One of the reason I love working with pregnant women is because I have been through it with great success. I had a very high risk pregnancy, to keep the stress down, I get weekly massages. Not only it helped me to relax, decreased pain, but also I my hormones were more in synced.

I was admitted to the hospital due to lack of Amniotic fluid. I spent 30 weeks on bedrest, weekly progesterone shots starting at 16 weeks gestation. I had to have 2 cerclages to keep the cervix close. I was also dealing with Gestational Diabetes.
I was having intense contraction on that Sunday. My daughter was born the following day at 1:45am, a healthy and beautiful baby girl.

Protocol for Couples Massage

2012-03-14T19:37:00.000-04:00

Seasoned spa-goers are not generally the ones who book couples massages. Guests who book couples massages view it as an afternoon activity to spend time together much like going to dinner or a movie. They are not likely to make spa-going a habit. A couple’s massage is more like an event for them.

You and your massage therapy colleague need to keep this in mind when servicing both partners. Your approach should be straight forward: greet the guests, show them to the couple’s suite and indicate which massage table you and the guest will be working.

Allow them to take a sensory journey and smell the aromatic oil blends. Let them decide which scent appeals to them. Let them know if they choose different scents, the aromas will not clash while they are receiving their massages. Have a consultation with the guest and find out if this is their first massage. Instruct them how you would like them to lie on the table. If they kept under garments on, draping should be modest around these areas. The wife does not want to look over at her husband whose briefs have been pushed down exposing his rear end when he purposely kept them on for a reason.

Remember, this is not a competition between you and the other massage therapist as to who can become the diva of the treatment room. It is not a contest as to who can elicit more sounds of relief (moans) coming from one partner or the other. I performed a couples massage with a massage therapist who had never done a couples massage. She clearly went overboard on the husband who was new to massage. She was performing Thai massage and stretching him into a pretzel to the point where his gasps and moans were embarrassing for both his wife and I. The wife did not enjoy her massage and scowled the entire time. The movements you perform should be on the same wave length as the other massage therapist so as not to cause distractions while the guests are trying to relax.

The techniques used should be standard Swedish or Deep Tissue with the added benefit of aromatherapy. Hot stone massage is another favorite but I do not schedule them in the same room as it becomes too hot and uncomfortable for the massage therapists who are working. It can also be disruptive to each guest if a massage therapist is retrieving stones from the heater.

You and the other massage therapist need to coordinate the couples massage so that each partner feels as though they received the same quality service as the other. Warm towels, tapotement, and the ability to address all areas of concern both supine and prone will be discussed by the couple after the treatment. The treatments do not have to be synchronized but you should take notice of anything that stands out from the other services provider’s technique and your own. Communicate. Tapotement is loud and can be heard by the guest at the adjacent massage table. They may wonder why they weren’t “chopped” like their partner was.

Conversation should be kept to a minimum and all communication with the guest should be in a whisper tone. Couples massage may be someone’s first introduction to massage. It may be something they have always wanted to experience but parts of it may be foreign to them. It is your responsibility to give a safe and comfortable treatment as you are the voice of this profession and your touch will influence this guest as to whether they will return.

by Cara Solomon

Make each clients feel Special

2012-03-02T21:27:00.001-05:00

Each client deserves to feel special. Always create a welcoming atmosphere for them, they will truly appreciate it. It adds value to your service! Unlike Chiropractor's office, my clients are seeking relaxation in a clean and beautiful setting. I trust all of you to create that atmosphere for them. Clean sheets, scented candles, rose petals, just be creative. Guess what??? next time they are booking an appointment, they will ask for you by name. You also look more professional!

That was my massage room from my 1 bedroom apartment 3 years ago. I turned my dining room into a massage room LOL. I can be creative!!!

My office at Southpoint (super clean)

Performing Chair Massage At UNF

Sharing how I used Facebook to market my business

I am grateful for all of you!

2012-03-02T21:09:00.001-05:00

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.
-- Cicero

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
-- Albert Schweitzer

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.
-- Oprah Winfrey

Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.
-- Author Unknown

Difficulties are opportunities to better things; they are stepping stones to greater experience. Perhaps someday you will be thankful for some temporary failure in a particular direction. When one door closes, another always opens.
-- Author Unknown

Gratitude is something of which none of us can give too much. For on the smiles, the thanks we give, our little gestures of appreciation, our neighbors build their philosophy of life.
-- A. J. Cronin

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.
-- Melody Beattie

Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.
-- Author Unknown

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.
-- Brian Tracy

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.
-- Christiane Northrup

Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.
-- Eileen Caddy

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
-- Epictetus

I am grateful for all of my problems. After each one was overcome, I became stronger and more able to meet those that were still to come. I grew in all my difficulties.
-- James Cash Penney

If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.
-- Meister Eckhardt

If you can't be content with what you have received, be thankful for what you have escaped.
-- Author Unknown

If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.
-- Rabbi Harold Kushner

If you haven’t all the things you want, be grateful for the things you don’t have that you wouldn’t want.
-- Author Unknown

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.
-- Albert Schweitzer

In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.
-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

It is impossible to feel grateful and depressed in the same moment.
-- Naomi Williams

It isn't what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart.
-- Author Unknown

Just a "thank you" is a mighty powerful prayer. Says it all.
-- Rosie Cash

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
-- Marcel Proust

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.
-- Buddha

Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.
-- Ralph Marston

No one who achieves success does so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.
-- Alfred North Whitehead

None is more impoverished than the one who has no gratitude. Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of Bankruptcy.
-- Fred De Witt Van Amburgh

People who live the most fulfilling lives are the ones who are always rejoicing at what they have.
-- Richard Carlson

So often we dwell on the things that seem impossible rather than on the things that are possible. So often we are depressed by what remains to be done and forget to be thankful for all that has been done.
-- Marian Wright Edelman

The grateful mind is constantly fixed upon the best. Therefore it tends to become the best. It takes the form or character of the best, and will receive the best.
-- Wallace D. Wattles

The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.
-- William Blake

The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.
-- Henry Ward Beecher

There is a calmness to a life lived in Gratitude, a quiet joy.
-- Ralph H. Blum

There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.
-- Author Unknown

Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.
-- John Wooden

To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude.
-- Albert Schweitzer

To live a life of gratitude is to open our eyes to the countless ways in which we are supported by the world around us.Such a life provides less space for our suffering because our attention is more balanced. We are more often occupiedwith noticing what we are given, thanking those who have helped us, and repaying the world in some concrete wayfor what we are receiving.
-- Gregg Krech

What if you gave someone a gift, and they neglected to thank you for it--would you be likely to give them another? Life is the same way. In order to attract more of the blessings that life has to offer, you must truly appreciate what you already have.
-- Ralph Marston

When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.
-- Willie Nelson

You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

You won't be happy with more until you're happy with what you've got.
-- Viki King

Independent Contractor Form

2012-02-17T11:02:00.001-05:00

Believe Day Spa & Boutique Massage Therapy Independent Contractor Agreement

This agreement, dated February 1st, 2012, is between Believe Day Spa ("clinic") and ____________________ ("contractor")

Status as Independent Contractor

Contractor is an independent contractor and not an employee of the Clinic. As an independent contractor, Clinic and Contractor agree to the following:

Contractor has control of the means, manner and method by which services are provided.
Contractor furnishes all necessary supplies and materials used in the performance of services (e.g., oils, lotions, linens and music).
Contractor has the right to perform services for others during the term of this Agreement. Contractor shall not solicit or provide services to Clinic's clients for private practice during the term of this Agreement or for one year after termination. Upon termination of Agreement, Contractor and Clinic shall discuss which clients, under what conditions and with what compensation Contractor may maintain continuity of service. All client records shall remain the property of the Clinic unless otherwise agreed.
Contractor shall indemnify and hold Clinic harmless from any loss or liability arising from services provided under this agreement.
Contractor is responsible for maintaining appropriate certification and licensure (including all costs thereof).

Services to Be Provided by Contractor

Contractor agrees to provide massage therapy services within the scope of licensure. Contractor agrees to dress in a style consistent with the Clinic's image. Contractor shall maintain client records in a mutually agreed manner.

Services to Be Provided by Clinic

Clinic shall provide the following: a safe, clean environment; a room furnished with a massage table appointment scheduling according to Contractor's stipulated hours; and marketing.

Other Provisions

All Contractor's marketing materials which include any information about Clinic must be approved in advance.

Fees, Terms of Payment and Fringe Benefits

Contractor agrees to keep $25 for in clinic service and $40 for mobile service (New Massage Therapists $17 for in clinic service and $30 for mobile service). Clinic shall retain the remaining fees collected on behalf of contractor to cover operating expenses, room rental, equipment usage and marketing (see Other Provisions). Contractor acknowledges that Contractor is not eligible to receive any employee benefits.

Local, State and Federal Taxes

Contractor is responsible for paying and filing all applicable local, state and federal withholding, social security and Medicare taxes.

Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Insurance

Clinic is not responsible for payment of Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Insurance. If Clinic is a corporation, Contractor must provide Clinic with a certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance prior to performing services.

Insurance

During the term of this agreement, Contractor shall maintain a malpractice insurance policy of at least $2,000,000 aggregate annual and $1,000,000 per incident.

Term of Agreement

Either party may terminate this agreement, given reasonable cause, as provided below, or by giving 30 days written notice to the other party of the intention to terminate this Agreement:

Material violation of the provisions of this Agreement.
Action by either party exposing the other to liability for property damage or personal injury.
Violation of ethical standards as defined by local, state and/or national associations and governing bodies.
Loss of licensure for services provided.
Contractor engages in any pattern or course of conduct on a continuing basis which adversely affects Contractor's ability to perform services.
Contractor engages in any pattern or course of conduct on a continuing basis which adversely affects Clinic's or Clinic's associates' ability to perform services.
It is agreed that any unresolved disputes will be settled by arbritration, including costs thereof.

This constitutes the entire agreement between Contractor and Clinic and supersedes any and all prior written or verbal agreements. Should any part of this agreement be deemed unenforceable, the remainder of the agreement continues in effect. This agreement is governed by the laws of the District of Columbia.

Signatures

Contractor:	Date:
Clinic:	Date:
Witness:	Date:

Welcome Massage Therapist

2012-02-17T10:25:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to make sure that we are all on the same page. Listed are a few tips that have helped in growing and rebooking my client's list. My business has a great reputation, and I have worked very hard to get there, so please be mindful of that.

1- Dress professionally & Smile :-) No flip flops/ No Jeans!

Create a lasting first impression...

2- Clean sheets (Nice Twin sheets can be purchased at goodwill for $1.99)

(Make sure there is no rancid smell on your sheets for those of you who use oil)

I use organic sheets, if anyone is interested, I have about 6 left, and they cost me $20 (reg. $44) for 2 sheets. They look more professional and softer on client's skin. Great investment!

3- Please do not try to have a conversation during the session (unless clients initiate the talking). The clients are there to relax, so create a relaxing environment for them.

4- Tailor made session for client (We should take 5 min to listen to client's need, and figure out the best treatment for them). They must consent to receiving treatment as well (liability issue). Please do not perform deep tissue on a client when they ask for a relaxation massage (they will not come back). ASK FOR ALLERGIES!!!

You may add your suggestions to upgrade ONLY if you think that would benefit the client's need. There is a $10 upgrade for any additional modalities, $5 extra for each additional upgrades (HOT STONE + $15 ).

Please make sure you communicate that ahead of time with the client to see if they are willing to pay for the extra service. (Stone massage is a great way to make some extra cash). Everyone should have their own stones, and a small crockpot (Crockpot $ 2.99 @ Goodwill and stone can be purchased on ebay). I have had clients requesting hot stone massage, but could not find any therapists to perform the service.

Intake form must be filled out before each session (No exception). Please cross out the space for their personal information, they only need to put their initial and date of service to be sure we are in compliance with the "Health Insurance Portability and Acountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)." We need client's consent before performing any service due to liability issue. I need a copy of these intake forms to be either mailed or faxed to me right after the session, so that it can be added to their progress notes.

5- Please provide us with the following items:

*Resume

*W9

*Independent Contractor Form

*Copy of your liability insurance policy page.

*Copy of your license

*Copy of your Driver's license

*JPEG photo- (a recent photograph that I will post on the website for identification purposes*)--- It helps the client know which therapist will be working on them. I trust you all, but this identification process also helps the client connect to you prior to their session. Please click on this link for an example -->> (Massage Therapy)

*Please let me know about your criminal background or anything illegal on your record. I am sending some of you to client's home, so I need to know if there is anything in your past record.

Due to the high volume of interest in working with Believe Day Spa, we must give priority to therapists who send their information to us in a timely manner.

6- Payment (Compensation)

*For in spa services, you will get paid $25 (New Graduate Therapist $17) + 50% of any upgrades

*For mobiles services, you will get paid $40 (New Graduate Therapist $30) + 50% of any upgrades

*For our new therapists, we understand that you are getting hands on experience. We start you at a lower rate because if anything goes wrong, we have to pay an experienced therapist to make up for your service. After 3 months of performing outstanding services and getting great feedbacks from clients, you will be upgraded to senior therapists.

* It is very convenient to me if you have a Bank of America account. As soon as I get a confirmation from the client that the session has ended, I will transfer the money to your account. You'll get paid the same day :-)

* If you don't have a Bank of America account, I will have to mail you a check the next business day. It usually takes 3 to 4 business days.

7- If you have any suggestions, please feel free to call, text, or email me.

8- I will try my best to give you all more time to prepare for your appointment.

* Please locate the address before your appointment

* Be on time for your appointment

9- Our clients list belongs to Believe Day Spa. It is unprofessional to share your contact info with clients. This is not acceptable!

10- Rebooking clients after each session. By taking the time to interview each client, and understand the reason for their massage, it will make it easier for us to rebook them. Relaxation is a process, not a one time thing. If they are looking for relaxation, then suggest that they come back to see you in 2 weeks or once a month. Same thing with pain relief, they need more than one session to solve their issue. If we could have each client come back and see us, we will have more business. Bringing one client is extremely expensive to the business owner. We are not the only massage place in Jacksonville. We are competing against many others. We need to make sure that we go beyond their expectations.
"ASK CLIENTS TO REBOOK - Probably the easiest and most effective way I have found to keep my schedule not just full but overflowing is by consistently rebooking existing clients, rather than merely bringing in a steady flow of new clients. Clearly, the best time to get a client to schedule another appointment with you is while they are still in your office. They have just experienced your wonderful work and are sure to be enthusiastic about coming back. Not only that, but you are face-to-face, and able to discuss all the appointment possibilities in person rather than through voicemail or answering machines." (Retrieved from www.Spalutions.com/)

Tips for mobile services

- Dress professionally

- Bring a small radio to create a spa setting to those clients (They must experience the value in what they are paying). Being a great LMT is not good enough.

- Call me before you go in, and call me after you leave. I try my best to screen each caller, but I cannot guarantee their behavior once they meet you face to face. Stand firm and stay in control of the situation (don't be rude). If anyone is acting inappropriately "Ask them if they would like you to terminate the session, and inform them you are not comfortable with their behavior". If it gets worse, grab your belongings and leave the session. We are not responsible for any damage caused by our clients. That's why we strongly encourage you to carry your liability insurance. Doing mobile massage services can be risky, it's always a good thing to have someone along with you or let them know your whereabouts.

12- We are a Christian based business, therefore any sensual/sexual services requests are not acceptable. We will notify the authority and investigate any massage therapists messing up our reputation and policy.

13- During the session, find a way to stimulate your client's five senses (Tips)

Sight: Clean sheets, rose petals on the table

Smell: Aromatherapy (lavender preferred)

Hearing: Relaxation music

Touch: massage or use hot stone

Taste: I give them a bottle of water at the end of the session (That's less than $1). They appreciate the gesture!

14- We need their feedback. At the end of the session ask them if they would fill out your feedback form. Those are great marketing tools that we can post on the website and keep for your portfolio as well. For privacy reason, they can just put their initials. Another benefit to this is the opportunity to better serve the client the next time they schedule a massage.

15- Availability. Please provide me with a schedule of your availability on a weekly basis by either text or email. In order to run the business smoothly we need massage therapists who are dependable, reliable, and professional.

16- If you fail to provide us with the Intake form and Feedback form, we will no longer use you as an independent contractor.