Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68013
HEART OF BODYWORK SCREENING CLIENTS BY PHONE Clients who are looking for more than just a massage may not always say so in the first phone call. However, there are red flags that signal the kind of call it really is. Someone calling on Friday around 5 p.m. may be more likely to be facing a weekend alone and looking for "companionship." Such callers often don't want to make an appointment unless you can see them immediately, within an hour or two. Also, look out for callers who initially don't give their full name or who give no name at all. Following are some other ways to screen clients who are calling for the wrong reason. ASK FOR INFORMATION Ask for a caller's full name and a callback number. If they refuse, don't make the appointment. Also, you can ask about their previous experience with massage. If the client has been to a massage therapist you know is legitimate or if they seem to be familiar with professional bodywork, that's a good sign. CLARIFY YOUR BOUNDARIES When in doubt, you can say, "I'd like to make it clear to all new clients that I offer only a nonsexual, therapeutic massage." This is not always convincing, however, because sex workers who call themselves masseuses will say the same thing in case the caller is from the vice squad. TRUST YOUR INTUITION If you have an uneasy feeling about someone, don't make the appointment. It is better to lose a session fee than to put yourself in danger. (For more information on telephone screening tactics, read "Screening New Clients" by MiMi Zannino on page 46.) STAYING SAFE DURING THE SESSION Usually, the worst a client interested in sexual services does is injure your professional dignity and pride. In rare cases, however, massage therapists have been assaulted by such clients. As long as there's even a slight danger, there's no need to take risks. Here are some ways to stay safe. WORK IN A SAFE SETTING Working in an office building is usually safer and appears more professional to prospective clients than working out of your home. Leading a client through your home to where the 120 massage & bodywork may/june 2009