Policies

At Blue Heron Bodywork, I want every client to feel comfortable knowing exactly what to expect. These policies help create clear boundaries, protect my time and business, and ensure that the care I provide is sustainable.

Tipping

Tipping Policy

No tips! Yes, really!

Massage here is 100% all-inclusive. That means the price you see on my list is the price you pay — nothing extra at checkout, no awkward moments fumbling for cash, and no need to wonder what’s “appropriate.”

I’ve chosen not to accept tips because I want to do away with the uncertainty that often surrounds massage pricing. Too often, clients leave a session unsure if they paid “enough” or worried they might have under-tipped. On the flip side, massage therapists sometimes rely on tips to supplement wages because base rates are set too low. I don’t want either of us in that position.

Instead, I’ve carefully set my session rates to reflect the true value of the care I provide and to ensure that I am paying myself a living wage. This allows me to show up fully for you, with my energy and focus where they belong — on your healing, not on gratuity.

But what if I still want to give more?
If you feel moved to offer above and beyond, I invite you to contribute to the Blue Heron Scholarship Fund (coming soon). Every dollar placed into this fund goes directly toward covering a massage session for someone in our community who otherwise couldn’t afford care. Think of it as a way to “pay it forward” rather than tipping me directly.

So truly: no tips needed, no tips expected, and no tips accepted. Your presence here is enough, and your session is already fully valued.

Cancellation

Cancellation Policy

When you book an appointment, that time is reserved just for you. I do not double-book, and I prepare my space, my energy, and my day around your scheduled session. When a cancellation happens at the last minute, it leaves a gap in the schedule that I cannot fill and impacts the sustainability of my practice.

For this reason, cancellations made within 36 hours of your appointment — or failure to show up — will result in a fee of 30% of the scheduled service.

That said, I also recognize that life, especially during the perinatal period, can be wildly unpredictable. Medical emergencies, the sudden onset of labor, or other truly unforeseen situations will always be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis. My goal is not to punish, but to balance flexibility with fairness.

For the safety of myself, my clients, and my coworkers, I ask that you do not come to your appointment if you are ill—this includes fever, flu-like symptoms, stomach viruses, or anything contagious (including the common cold). Massage can sometimes worsen illness, and the close-contact nature of bodywork puts others at risk. Please contact me as soon as you realize you’re not feeling well, and I’ll be happy to reschedule you for when you’re fully recovered.

If you do need to cancel, I simply ask that you notify me as soon as possible. The more time I have, the better the chance that someone else who needs care can step into that appointment. This policy allows me to continue holding space for all my clients while respecting both your needs and the value of my time.

Refund

Refund Policy

To keep things clear and simple, I do not offer refunds.

For new clients, I require a 50% deposit at the time of booking. This helps ensure that your appointment time is secured and that I can prepare for your first visit with confidence.

If you need to cancel your appointment before the 36-hour cutoff, your deposit is not lost. Instead, it can be applied to a future appointment of your choosing. Think of it less like money disappearing, and more like credit waiting for you when you’re ready to rebook.

This approach protects the integrity of my schedule, discourages no-shows, and still offers you flexibility if life shifts unexpectedly.

New Clients

New Client Policy

Blue Heron Bodywork is built on the values of inclusivity and safety. I am committed to serving clients of many different identities and lived experiences, while also setting boundaries that allow me to feel secure as a solo practitioner.

I warmly welcome new clients who identify as:

Women

Trans (male or female)

Non-binary

For cisgender men, I require a referral from a current client, colleague, or trusted community member. This policy is in place for my safety, as I often work one-on-one in a private space. It is not a reflection of disinterest in working with cisgender men, but rather a boundary that allows me to practice responsibly.

Many cisgender men are already regular clients of mine, and I deeply value those therapeutic relationships. For new cisgender men without a referral, I am happy to provide recommendations for other excellent massage therapists in our community who may be a good fit.

This boundary helps me ensure that Blue Heron Bodywork remains a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment for all who enter.

Have Questions?

Reach out to me here or through email or text!