Client stuck on a fence.

[Christopher S]

Had a new client today.

She told me she sees another MT (on a regular basis) in my town who I know of. This client was referred to me by a hair dresser in my building.

She liked her massage from me a lot. So much, that she booked again in about 2 weeks. She felt bad though, because she had been seeing this other MT for a looong time. She was a bit besides herself because she had been loyal to this other MT for so long. I could see her point, she liked her session from me and wanted to come back, but doesnt want to hurt her other MT's feelings. I could tell she needed some encouragement. So, I told her I know of other clients of mine who go back and forth between me and other Mt's in the area. She knew I knew who the other MT was. I told her though I knew who her other MT was, I do not tell others who my clients are.

Anyone else have this happen? What have you done?

 

[anuja]

I tell them the same thing. In the intake form I state that their privacy is protected, I follow all HIPAA requirements. I cannot ever tell who my clients are without that clients direct written permission. I do give "permission" to float between me and another (or several others, if they want??) MT. Some of them land, some keep floating, but whatever they do, I won't be offended and they are free to talk to me about it.

By the way, great title. No way could I resist checking to be sure your poor client isn't stuck on a literal fence. It is COLD out there!

 

[canmad7]

I don't know, I usually don't worry about this kind of stuff. I go to several different MTs myself- it just depends on what kind of work I feel is best for me at that time. Likewise, I often refer clients to other MTs who specialize in kinds of work that I do not do or if I cannot see them at a convenient time, etc.

Sounds like she is a bit torn, however, with the loyalty to one MT thing. I think telling her that it is OK to see different MTs may ease some of her anxiety (seems like you did that, though).

The fact is, it is her issue, and she has to figure it out herself, though you can certianly offer to listen to her concerns and be a source of support in whatever decision she feels is best for her (switching MTs, going back and forth, whatever)

I would be curious to hear what happens.

 

[Lootomenuoups]

I go to different MT's as well, and I know my clients do too. If I feel I'm not getting results for someone I refer them to MT's who have different training, etc. I've never completely lost a client doing this.

wellnessgarden

 

[HOE is a sick Kitty]

well how looong is a long time thats she'd been seeing the other therapist,ans how did she know you knoew the other?

 

[livie]

well how looong is a long time thats she'd been seeing the other therapist,ans how did she know you knoew the other?

At least 5 years at most 7.

 

[countryjohn]

I'm glad that the client isn't literally stuck on a fence. That sounded painful!

Anyway, I think that the client will feel good knowing that you are okay with her floating back and forth, but my guess is that she is more concerned with this long relationship she's had with the other MT and is more afraid of hurting her feelings. Quite honestly, if I had a client who had been with me for 5-7 years who all of a sudden stopped coming, I would be quite concerned. I would wonder if I had done anything to offend them in any way. If the client still wants to see the other MT, she can just start tapering things off. If she wants to stop seeing her completely, she might want to taper off little by little and then stop going altogether. Do you offer any different technique that the other MT does not offer? I think it's good for people to "mix it up' a little. Who knows if this other MT has the same feelings. She might very well be very upset if she found out the client was seeing another MT. It's a hard call for this loyal client.

I had a client who I saw every 2 weeks for a little over a year. She followed me from one place to another, but soon stopped coming. I think it was because the prices were quite a bit higher and the facility was not all that much nicer to warrant the pricing. She never explained anything to me. Just stopped coming. When i opened my own office, I sent her information and every once in a while I would send her mail. Out of the blue, she called and made an appointment. Never explained why she hadn't called any sooner. She's been coming faithfully every other week for 2 years now. Never any mention of the absent period. I'm assuming she found an MT back at my original facility that she was happy with and then called me when that person moved on or something. I'm just happy she's back!

I had another client who had been coming every week for close to 2 years and then announced that she had discovered some exercise program that seemed to be working for her and she was going to stop the massage and chiropractic on a regular basis and only use it "when needed". Since she had been coming every week and praising the work so much, I assumed she would come at least once a month or so. Didn't hear from her for at least 6 months. I thought I must have done something to offend her or something. Not even an e-mail to say hello or anything. This was a client who would stay and chat for at least 30 minutes after every session too. It was so odd. Then, out of the blue, she called me when she was "hurting" and came for some work. I was a little upset and puzzled why she had waited 3 weeks in discomfort before calling for the massage. Haven't heard from her in a few months. It's a puzzle. If she has been seeing another MT, I would have liked to have known, so that at least I didn't feel as if I had done something wrong though. I don't think that's the case. Didn't seem to be when she came in a few months ago.

I wouldn't get too involved in it though. All you can do is let her know that you are okay with her seeing someone else and let her deal with the other MT in a way that she is comfortable.

 

[???]

Sometimes it helps to make a comparison. Assuming your clients enjoys eating out, remind her that she doesn't worry if she goes to Prime Quarter Steakhouse one week, but then chooses the Brandywine the next time she goes out. She can even run to Arby's when she is hungry for some curly fries - and never thinks twice about offending the owner of one or the other!

Needs vary, desires vary - and MT's vary! It's okay! I love my regulars and appreciate that they are loyal to me, but I have NO problem with people who like to get a variety of massage experiences and don't want to pick one.

 

[bytchass]

Do you offer any different technique that the other MT does not offer? I think it's good for people to "mix it up' a little. Who knows if this other MT has the same feelings. She might very well be very upset if she found out the client was seeing another MT. It's a hard call for this loyal client.

Different technique?? Not sure, as I have never had a session from the other MT. The client had a 90 minute session with me, and she did mention she loved the 90 minute session. Perhaps the other MT doesnt do 90 minute sessions? I am not sure. I know of other MT's in the area who will not do 90 minute sessions, but I dont now about this particular one.

I suspect you are correct in assuming she doesnt want any hurt feelings. I have no idea what her massage frequency was with the other MT, but like I said, she did rebook with me in two weeks.