Bodywork Policies

As a dual practitioner in social work and massage therapy, my work centers environment just as much as application. Put differently, the way I've selected my shared studio space and how our interactions unfold before and during sessions matter in equal measure to the techniques I apply during hands-on work. While healthy, consensual touch is a human need, the experience of receiving it can often feel complicated, and trauma-informed care practices offer necessary support. The Five Guiding Principles of Trauma-Informed Care include safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4884. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014.).

You can expect trauma-informed care practices to show up in countless (all intentional!) ways, from intake form organization, to sharing names of muscles for you to research and learn about later, to reminders of your ability to undress to your comfort level for sessions, to my sharing observations during session that may indicate rising distress (fluttering eyelids, change in breath pattern). Because trauma-informed care also involves expansive space for trauma recovery, you will find that I also inquire as to when you notice yourself feeling best in your body (or if this is an area of embodiment you'd like to focus on together). Being trauma-informed, to me, necessarily involves being strengths-based in the ways we work together. 

I work closely with local therapists, counselors and medical providers who refer clients for bodywork as a supplement to other treatments and therapies. Those referrals can include (through use of a Release of Information) or exclude ongoing communication between the referring provider and myself, depending on your preference. My practice also follows HIPAA guidelines fully and I am happy to share the ways that your privacy and confidentiality are protected during our work together. 

For full disclosure, the following consent for treatment statement must be signed during the e-intake process for all bodywork clients: 

"If I experience any pain or discomfort during my sessions, I will immediately inform the practitioner so that the pressure and/or strokes may be adjusted to my level of comfort. I further understand that massage/bodywork should not be construed as a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment and that I should see a physician, chiropractor, or other qualified medical specialist for any physical ailment of which I am aware. I understand that massage/bodywork practitioners are not qualified to perform spinal or skeletal adjustments, diagnose, prescribe, or treat any physical illness, and that nothing said in the course of the session given should be construed as such. Because massage/bodywork should not be performed under certain medical conditions, I affirm that I have stated all my known medical conditions and answered all questions above honestly. I agree to keep the practitioner updated as to any changes in my medical profile and understand that there shall be no liability on the practitioner’s part should I fail to do so. I also understand that any sexually suggestive remarks or advances made by me will result in immediate termination of the session and, at the discretion of the practitioner, the therapeutic relationship. I understand that I am to remain draped by the table linens for the duration of my session. Understanding all of this, I give my consent to receive care."

Sweetgrass is, first and foremost, a private practice designed to support the unique experiences and needs of underserved and marginalized populations, among them women, members of non-white communities, the LGBTQIA+ community, survivors of domestic violence/intimate partner violence, individuals who have experienced housing insecurity and individuals in helping professions. As such, I do ask that any cisgender men who are seeking to work with me in massage therapy first receive a referral from a community provider/organization or an established Sweetgrass client. If I am unable to work with you for any reason, I will provide you contact information for other massage therapists with whom I am in community. 

If you feel unwell or are actively symptomatic with respiratory or gastrointestinal illness (fever, chills, sore throat, diarrhea. vomiting, nausea, sneezing or coughing) or unfamiliar skin rashes, I kindly ask you to contact me by text before coming to the studio. It is in the best interest of both client and therapist that we reschedule. In the same courtesy, I will reach out to you to reschedule if I am feeling unwell or am actively symptomatic. My common practice is to mask throughout the duration of our session. Clients are welcome to also mask if they so desire and I am continuing to ask that individuals who are not vaccinated against Covid-19 be willing to mask throughout their session as well. I am fully vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19 and will maintain full vaccination in the interest of the health and safety of our communities. 

I request that sessions are paid for at the time of booking during our email-based e-intake process. You will receive a payment link from me in your appointment confirmation email. I will also accept Zelle payments and, in rare instances, will accept in-person cash payments from established clients.

I am happy to discuss ethical bartering-for-services during your intake process. This trade arrangement will be mutually determined in writing prior to your first session and is subject to change by either party on a session-by-session basis.

If you are receiving a session paid for by the Community Care Fund, please know that any no show appointments will result in your being placed back on the wait list until funding allows for a reschedule.

***Note: I am happy to provide a receipt to submit for FSA + HSA needs but do not bill insurance at this time.

Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with a notice of 24 hours or more will have the pre-payment applied to the new session date. I kindly request a small courtesy donation of $5.00 to the Community Care Fund for all appointments cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours of the original appointment time. No show appointments result in a forfeiture of your session pre-payment.

 If you are running late for your session, please text me. Every effort will be made to maintain the full length of your session as much as the day's schedule allows.