After the summer break, on the first day back to Unit 4, we started with Project Six: Hotroom. I had the opportunity to share my project with my classmates as well as my tutor, Georges, and Cecilia, who were also part of that tutorial session. After I presented my project, Cecilia offered some suggestions about creating a safe space, not only through the environment—such as sound and scent—but also through consent forms and agreements before receiving service. This would ensure that the space is safe for both the masseuse and the clients.
Before the term started, I had already thought about using forms that clients sign before receiving massage services, but I never considered that these forms could contribute to creating a safe space. When I was working, I saw these forms as primarily for collecting medical information, such as any existing injuries or pregnancies, as well as for marketing purposes to help improve business strategies. It never crossed my mind that these forms could play a role in establishing a safe space.
In most forms, clients are only asked to provide basic personal information and indicate any areas that require special attention or should be avoided due to past injuries. But now, reflecting on it, I realize that these forms might help create a safe space without the need for verbal communication. Some clients may feel uncomfortable discussing certain details aloud with someone they don’t know well. Writing these things on paper might be a way for them to communicate what they need to feel relaxed and comfortable during their session.
This idea reminded me of one of my early interviews, specifically Interview 7, where I spoke with a male client. I asked him why he chose to go to a Thai massage parlour instead of a Chinese one, given that he is Chinese and might find communication easier there. He explained that there were several reasons, but one was that he had tried both and personally preferred Thai massages. Beyond that, he mentioned that not having to communicate with the masseuse during the session (he wasn’t sure whether it was due to the masseuse’s limited English or the nature of Thai massage) made him feel more relaxed and comfortable. It was like paying for both physical and mental relaxation, and that’s why he kept returning to Thai massage.
Read more about interview 7 : https://20027988.myblog.arts.ac.uk/wp-admin/post.php?post=48&action=edit
Aside from the interview, another observation I recently analyzed is from my time working at the massage parlour. Every week, there were regular clients who would return to the same masseuse—at least three of them consistently. They weren’t just returning because of the masseuse’s skills, but because they felt comfortable with that particular person. The masseuse understood their needs without having to be told again and again. I could see it in how they were welcomed when they arrived.
For example, there was one male masseuse who had a regular client every Sunday morning. Their conversations were very relaxed and casual compared to when he had new clients. It wasn’t just the masseuse who seemed more at ease; the regular client did too. Every time she arrived, she was cheerful, chatting and smiling with him (she also smiled at me, the receptionist, but only spoke as much as was necessary until the masseuse came to take her to the massage room). I believe this was a skill that the masseuse developed, and it took time to build that rapport with clients.