Almost everyone arrives a bit nervous
That's the most consistent thing I've seen in fifteen years of running The Workshop. The setting is unfamiliar, the imagination fills in the blanks, and the build-up tends to be much bigger than the reality. Within a few minutes of being in the room the unease usually drops away on its own.
What happens, step by step
Most people say it helped to know the shape of the visit before arriving. Here is how a first session usually runs.
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1
You arrive and we have a short chat
A few minutes to ask anything you want and walk through what's about to happen. No paperwork, no formalities.
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2
Private time to shower and settle in
You have the room to yourself. Take as long as you need; nobody is on a clock.
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3
The massage itself
Unhurried, fully explained as it goes. Your therapist sets the pace; you don't need to do anything but lie there.
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4
A few quiet minutes to come round
When the session ends, you have the room back to yourself for a short while before getting dressed.
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5
Leave at your own pace
No rushed goodbyes. Most people feel calmer leaving than they did arriving.
What's provided
You don't need to bring anything. Towels for the table, the shower, and afterwards are all here. The sauna and showers are yours to use before or after the massage if you'd like, and there's a hot drink at either end of the visit.
We don't supply robes. If you'd rather not walk barefoot between the room and the shower, bring flip-flops.
The two worries we hear most
If there's an awkward moment, it's usually in the first few minutes, while you're still settling in and wondering how the rest will feel. It tends to fade on its own. The two worries that come up most often are these:
Almost no-one feels exposed once the session is underway. The therapists are warm and entirely unfazed, which settles the room more than anything written here can.
You don't need to know anything. Each step is explained as it happens, and there's nothing expected of you beyond being there and letting the session unfold.
Who'll be doing your massage
There's a daily rota of seven therapists: Jessica, Roxanne, Sophia, Maria, Cindy, Scarlett and Lilly. When you call, we'll tell you who's working that day so you can choose. The rota page has a short note on each of them if you'd rather read first.
I'm not on the daily rota myself, but I do see clients by request, usually with a day or two's notice. That includes couples who'd like a male and female therapist together.
How to prepare
There's not much to do, but a few small things help. Arrive a few minutes early so you're not rushing in. Eat something light beforehand and skip alcohol on the day. You don't need any previous experience.
If you're coming as a couple
If you're booking together, each of you is guided through your own session even though you'll share the same space. One of you might settle straight away while the other takes longer to relax, and either is fine. There's no pressure to feel a particular way and no comparing notes afterwards.
If you'd rather not share a room, separate rooms are also an option. Just mention it when you call. There's a longer page on couples naturist massage if it's useful.
If you'd rather ask first
Some people prefer to speak to a person before they book, and that's probably sensible. Call 01763 258002 and you'll get either me or one of the therapists. You don't have to commit to anything on the call.