Reflexology for men

[My Business Plan]

Hi,
Yesterday I had my first reflexology session. I found the experience great for relieving stress.
I thought that I got along reasonably well with the reflexologist but at the end of the session she did not ask if I wanted another appointment. Could this be because she didn't like me particularly or because she felt uncomfortable with a man? I am gay but didn't mention this.
I would like to try reflexology again but wonder if I should try the same therapist or perhaps look for someone else.

James

 

[Ro .]

Hello James

Goodness, I couldn't begin to guess why your reflexologist didn't ask you if you wanted another appointment. It could be for any number of reasons. I myself don't 'ask' new clients when they want another appointment. I usually keep it open-ended and say something like 'let me know how you get on'? However reflexology is supplementary to my main source of income, so I don't *have* to maximise my repeat appointments.

I find that there is no difference in treating men other than that they have larger feet, which means that reflexologists may have to work hard to finish all the areas within the hour. If one has back to back appointments then they may have to rush a wee bit. I like to schedule my male clients longer sessions for this reason. Oh, and men tend to relax more quickly.

As I said above I have no idea why your reflexologist didn't ask you for another appointment. Perhaps she didn't like you, perhaps she doesn't like working on men, perhaps she is ill, perhaps it slipped her mind, perhaps she leaves it to the client to suggest an appointment, perhaps she plans to put her fees up. Who knows?

If you liked her, and the treatment she gave you then the sensible thing to do would be to give her a call and ask for another appointment. If she says no, then fine, there are plenty of other reflexologists out there just waiting for new clients!

Good luck James.

Ava

 

[SnackeyG]

Hi James and welcome to HP.

Glad you really enjoyed your reflexology session. I usually explain to my clients that one treatment is a wonderful treat, but for long term health benefits I recommend regular treatments - after all any stress or health problems didn't develop overnight, so are unlikely to be relieved in such a short time.

I then take my cue from the client. If they express an interest in further treatments, I ask them if they want to book now or telephone at a later date. The last thing I want is to appear to be pushy and after repeat business.

Please don't take it personally. The fact that the therapist didn't ask you if you wanted another treatment was nothing to do with your gender or sexuality, just that as you are the paying customer, she would leave that for you to decide.

If you feel you benefitted from the treatment and felt comfortable with this therapist, by all means rebook and don't worry about what the therapist thinks of you - she is just there to help you.

Take some time to introduce yourself on the new members forum.

Lesley

 

[smartgirl06010]

HIya

I "do" lots of men and generally leave it open ended and say if you want to book you can......if you think she may be uneasy this will reflect how you feel so maybe look for another one in the area, let us know where you are and maybe one of us could point you in the right direction....


T
x

 

[answer]

Hi James,

Welcome to the forums.

I, too, tend not to press clients for another appointment because, similarly to Ava, it supplements my main income. But I might ask if they enjoyed it and leave it to them to book again in the future if they want too.

Despite my efforts there are those who insist on returning for more treatments .

If YOU liked the treatment and the therapist then book with her again. If she doesn't like you (and I can't really see why she shouldn't because you were only together for about an hour - unless you had dirty or smelly feet or are a smoker and entered her inner sanctum with smoke on your clothes - or perhaps your after shave offended [&:][&:] - confusing ain't it[&o]) she will find some very good reason not to accept your booking. If she does that then find another therapist. There are lots of us about.

I wish you the very best in your endeavour. Please let us know the next exciting episode.

 

[samra]

agreed agreed agreed!

i dont push for next appointment, unless they already came back once and then i might say about booking next one.

i tend to tell people on the first one, as lesley does, that one is good but weekly sessions (as most people could do with weekly's to start with) for 3 - 6 times is most beneficial... then take their cue at the end of the session.

i also sometimes say, would you like to book another appointment, or perhaps give me a ring. so far i have not had any really offensive feet/ people and as paul says, IF she didnt take to you for some reason, she will make some excuse or make booking an appointment difficult, so just find another therapist... lol are you near me? ;o)

 

[SamMarie]

Dear James

Welcome to HP! I am a reflexologist who treats men and women clients on pretty much a 50:50 ratio, and I enjoy my work very much. I know there are reflexologists who prefer to treat women only (for example), but if this had been the case with your therapist she'd have made that clear when you contacted her to book your appointment. It's clear that you enjoyed your session, so why don't you just give her a call and ask to book another one? She may be waiting for your call . If she refuses for any reason, one of us here may know another therapist in your area. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[Leg Danger]

Agree with all said. I bet you she will be chuffed when you re-book.

Really a lot of therapists don't like to embarass clients into another appointment, though I think that this is not always a good idea!

A lot of clients do rely upon the theapist to bring the subject up. I know this because as people approach the reception they sometimes hesitantly ask 'how often do you think I should come back, if at all?' This made me realise that I should take the lead and reading your post I now have another view on it! I never thought for a minute they might think I didn't like them.

Pick up the phone and if she is off with you then thank her for the treatment which you really enjoyed and then call another therapist. Good luck!

 

[Bloatedtoad]

I agree with all the above. I never thought for one minute that my clients would think I didn't like them because I didn't ask them if they would like another appointment. This is something that I need to rectify. Thank you for bringing it up! As the others do I usually inform my male and female clients that treatments are usually best as a course rather than a one off treatment and have hoped that they will decide whether they have liked the treatment or not to book another appointment.

Now I'll ask them if they would like to book another appointment or give me a ring.

Thanks for highlighting this for us:

 

[Momof2]

I think I'm gonna have to be less shy too, and ask clients in a non pushy way if they want to re-book. Good job you raised this James because it gives another perspective on things. It's funny how complicated communication can be!

 

[SMACK]

I think there are ways round it if you are shy.

Chatting to them at the begining of the treatment and explaining about continuing treatments and saying something like 'it's entirley up to you but I feel you would benefit from regular treaments if you can manage it' might help.

I use that one a lot!!! It usually works.