Crafting your Healing space

How do you effectively create a space that will promote healing and relaxation? If only we could all just depend on the magic of our hands!

The impression that your treatment room has on your guest is paramount to them receiving an optimal experience with you. There are very simple ways beyond the obvious to enforce that your treatment room is a place for healing and relaxation. There are two areas of perception that the guest will have upon entering your space. I refer to these as the two environments of healing space. The first is the physical environment. What does it look like in here, how is it decorated, is it clean, aesthetically pleasing? The second is the energetic environment. What does it feel like, what is the energy of the therapist, what does the scent remind me of? By addressing these two areas with equal importance, you can enhance the healing potential of your treatment room.

Take a look at the picture below. What is the room, or the physical environment communicating to you? Does this make you feel comfortable? Does this make you feel safe? Does this room make you feel special or important?

Notice the way the table has been prepared. Notice the lighting. Notice the white noise machine in the corner. Each of your clients wants to feel important, they want to feel special, they want to be understood, and they want to feel safe. Even if the massage therapist is fantastic and provides an incredible treatment, the physical environment of this treatment room is not setting the therapist up for success.

Understanding that each guest has a subliminal reaction upon entering your treatment space will help you see things through the guest's perspective. Creating a physical environment that communicates to the guest, "you are safe, you can trust me, and you are important" will assist in the guest obtaining better results from their treatment.

Take a look at the next picture. What is this picture communicating? Notice how the tables are prepared. Notice the lighting. Notice the botanicals in the corner.

This room tells your guest, "I have prepared for you, you are important." This room communicates safety and professionalism. This room assists in preparing your guest for the treatment. Upon entering the room, the guest may even let out a sigh. The muscles of the guest begin to relax, and your work as a therapist becomes easier. This is the same treatment room from the first picture.

The physical environment of a treatment room has a profound effect on the experience of your guest. The physical environment has a profound effect on the energetic environment of the space.

There is no need to go hire a design firm to help you make these changes. Start with this simple checklist.

Physical:

* Is the lighting ambient? Are there candles?
* Is the table prepared in a way that communicates trust and importance to the guest?
* Is there a blanket, soft matching sheets, and a bolster available?
* Is the music playing and on repeat when they walk in?
* Is the oil/cream displayed and available for them to touch/smell prior to treatment?
* Are there hooks on the wall for their clothes?
* Is the treatment room insulated so as not to hear what is going on in the next room?
* Are there any electrical cords showing on the floor?
* Is the light in the ceiling dusty?
* How is my appearance?
o Do I look disheveled?
o Does my breath stink?
o Does my body stink?

Energetic:

* What does the room smell like?
* Have I centered myself before picking up the guest?
* Am I positive and ready for this guest?
* Have I welcomed the guest in a caring manner?
* Do I anticipate the needs of the guest?

By enhancing the quality of your treatment space, you are able to build faster trust and credibility with your guests, increase your client retention, and charge a premium for your services. I challenge you to look at your space and prepare it appropriately for your guest. Remember, upon entering a room that communicates to the guest that they are "special" they will start to relax. Build upon what you already have and create an environment that compliments what you are trying to achieve. For example, if you work in a medical office, your room will feel more clinical, but that doesn't mean is cannot communicate a prepared physical and energetic environment. Use crisp clean sheets, framed anatomy charts, and bolsters instead of satin sheets, art, and plush pillows for bolsters. No matter where you practice, you have the power to craft a healing environment. Your guest will appreciate it and you will benefit with higher retention, higher pricing options, and a more relaxed guest to work on!

Author: Ilana Craig Alberico is the Founding Partner of Innovative Spa Management (ISM), NCBTMB Approved Provider # 450614-08, a spa management, consulting, and design firm that owns and operates day, resort, and medical spas. ISM offers advanced training through Privai Academy. Ilana is a licensed massage therapist and former spa director; she understands firsthand the multiple moving parts of spa operations. Her expertise in developing spas that seamlessly weave the spa concept throughout the design, spa operations, employee training programs, product selection, and menu design have created environments where superior spa experiences are commonplace. High quality continuing education calendar at www.privaiacademy.com. Email ilana@ismspa.com or call her at 828-713-5240.