Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68173
'ROUND THE TABLE My welcome begins well before clients enter my office. They approach through a sheltered courtyard filled with plants, into an open area where lawn, gardenias, dogwood, and birch trees lead them to a large overhang sheltering the office. The door is usually open, inviting them into a tranquil space with no overhead lighting—natural and soft area lighting complement uncluttered indoor plants, with fresh flowers in both rooms. In the massage area, natural light and soft music surround the heated massage table. Both rooms are carpeted for coziness, with walls painted soothing light sage green and warm white. Hanging art, some of which is my own glasswork, provides color. I make a point to display some of the gifts clients have given me in plain view. My prize piece of furniture is a cabinet my husband built, on which I display hearts from around the world given to me by clients, which they are free to touch, hold, and rearrange. I sit behind a simple country-style desk and greet them with a smile. BJ PITTS SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA The office entrance needed to be welcoming. With only a limited budget, my partner added plants in various sizes and varieties, which was accepted really well by the clients. The walls are painted pale green in the main area. The overhead lights have covered panels with clouds, which dims the stark effect of the fluorescent lighting. We used the Japanese screens to make a sitting area with magazines/books and dimmer lighting with bamboo shelving. It is not the typical corporate massage setting, but a local beach place that feels and looks very welcoming. We have massage chairs set up in the front of the office that welcome clients in. Yoga mats and exercise balls are available UPCOMING TOPICS DEADLINE PUBLICATION DATE How have you benefited from participating in volunteer or outreach work? What can the profession do to attract more male clients? How do you ease potential clients' insecurities about receiving massage? April 15 June 15 July/Aug 2010 Sept/Oct 2010 August 15 Nov/Dec 2010 Please email your 'Round the Table submissions (200 words or less) to darren@abmp.com. Submission does not guarantee inclusion. Also, due to space constraints, your material may be edited. for clients to stretch and unwind pre/ post massage—emphasis on self-help. Each massage room is a different color to make them have a more individual feel. We have had very good feedback on the colors, considering the clients have their eyes closed for most of the time! I say, "Be different/be welcoming and use your imagination—not all massage clinics are created equal." JEANETTE AND KATIE REVELL SOLANA BEACH, CALIFORNIA I have an office in an adult community facility. The majority of my clients are over 65. The room is painted in a soft yellow, and the furnishings are in quiet green tones with dark wood accents. I designed my room with space between furnishings to accommodate walkers. I have bright overhead lighting that I leave on for scheduling appointments, doing intakes, and entering or exiting the room and dimmed lighting while the client is on the table. Music speakers are situated on a small table near the head of the massage bed to make the music easier to hear. Additional pillows are placed under the table so I have easy access to them when needed. My chairs are upholstered with wooden handles for easy gripping. My space includes an antique dresser for sheets and a round table with chairs for an at-home feel. I have an extra chair for clothing. I try to eliminate any unnecessary clutter. MARY LAMBERT HALLOWELL, MAINE connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 31