Hummingbird Healing Arts Agreements and Values :
Safety is my number one priority as a massage therapist. As a client you have the right to express any discomfort or unease while in the office, on the table or in my care.
Everyone is welcomed in my practice: My practice works to uplift and celebrate fat bodies, BIPOC bodies, queer/trans bodies, disabled bodies. What isn’t welcomed in my practice is : racism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, classism, sexism, ageism, fat-phobia.
Normalizing being human: It’s all welcome on my table; body hair, body smell/odor, bleeding/moon-time, passing gas, post-surgery scars, stretch marks, trans body needs.
Confidentiality + Ethics:
No information shared leaves the table or the session.
As massage therapist, I practice non-sexual professional therapeutic massage, and expect that my clients honor my work as a professional NYS Licensed Massage Therapist.
Let’s meet each other where we’re at : In my practice, I don’t make assumptions about my clients and their bodies. You’re here, and we can start anywhere. I consider myself a lifelong student, and welcome feedback from your experience in my care.
There is no embarrassing question: If you’ve never had a massage before you can communicate with me on the table about the pressure (light/deep). Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have, especially if this is your first massage.
No unsolicited lifestyle or wellness advice while in session: I don’t identify as a healer, I see myself as a skilled space holder and massage therapist working to support your healing process. Feel free to ask me questions if you do have curiosities about massage and or your body, and I will do my best to answer within the scope of my practice and with respect to my experience working with you.
Emotions: It’s 100% okay for you to fall apart on the table. All emotions and all feels are completely welcomed.
Sound and Smell Needs: Please communicate with me your needs so that I can best support your experience. In my practice I use unscented raw coconut oil as my medium, but feel free to bring your own oil if you have a particular need. You have the right to have silence during your massage but there is no binary on how you self-determine what's most relaxing for you. If you feel like talking helps relax you, please let me know.
Let’s Respect Each Other's Time: Please show up on time, and communicate with me if you’re going to be late, as it can impact the flow of my schedule. Occasionally I can offer flexibility for lateness but it isn’t always possible. Please see cancellation policy for more information.
Payment and Gratuity: Payment is due at the end of the session unless we have agreed upon something else. I prefer Cash/Check. I’d rather not use the payment apps if possible.
Safety Practices: In an effort to be transparent about how I am operating my massage practice, here are some of my safety practices. Every sheet is clean and unused that goes on the massage table. The table, surfaces, doorknobs, light switches are all sanitized between each massage. I currently have a mask optional policy for clients. I provide masks in the waiting room if you want one. My office building is no longer uniformly wearing masks so you may see people without them on in he building.
*A part of my work is normalizing that chronic pain and/or discomfort in our bodies is often a daily experience for many people, our work together doesn’t have to be goal-oriented.
These agreements and values were compiled with the support of Mandana Boushee, Wild Gather School of Herbal studies and Woke Without the Work. These resources are listed on the resources page of my website.