
Here you’ll find answers to many of the questions I’ve received throughout my years of practice. Over time, I’ve learned that clear communication creates the best experience for both client and therapist. I try to be as detailed as possible — and occasionally a bit repetitive — to ensure we share a mutual understanding of what you can expect from me as your practitioner, and what I expect from my clients in return.
Do You Have a Studio or Physical Space?
No — I don’t have a physical studio. Homebody Massage is a mobile practice only, offering massage and CranioSacral Therapy sessions in the comfort of your own space. I bring everything needed to create a calming, restorative experience right to your door.
What Kind of Space Do You Work In, and What Wo You Need?
I can adapt to a variety of spaces — homes, apartments, or Airbnbs—as long as there’s enough room to set up and move comfortably around the massage table.
Please make sure the space is clean, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. To ensure the best experience, a small amount of soft light, such as a salt lamp or dim lamp, helps me see clearly while maintaining a relaxing atmosphere. Complete darkness doesn’t allow me to work safely, so a bit of gentle light is ideal.
I also ask that there be access to a bathroom or private space where I can briefly wash my hands and wait while you change and prepare for the session. This small courtesy helps maintain professional boundaries and ensures a clean, respectful start for both of us.
If you have pets, I recommend keeping them in another room during the session to ensure a peaceful experience for both of us.
If your space requires carrying my massage table upstairs, there’s a $10 stair fee to account for extra setup time and the added physical effort.
What Do You Bring?
I provide:
– A professional massage table– Clean sheets and a light blanket
– Massage oil or cream
– Relaxing music
You’re welcome to provide an extra blanket if you’d like additional warmth or comfort. All you need to do is make sure your space is ready and you’re open to receive.What to Expect During Our First Session?
During our first session together, we’ll begin by taking a few minutes to go over your intake form. You can print it out HERE , or I’ll bring a copy with me.
Although digital forms are convenient, I prefer a tangible, paper intake — it allows me to slow down, listen fully, and connect more personally with your body’s story without the distraction of screens. My hope is that our time together feels like a complete break from technology — just space to breathe, rest, and be present.
We’ll also take a moment to review my Client Conduct & Boundaries and Cancellation & Late Policies so we both have a clear, mutual understanding of what to expect from each other.
Please note: The paperwork and discussion time will not cut into your scheduled massage time — I always reserve extra time for this during our first visit.
After that, we’ll begin your session — relaxed, grounded, and ready to focus entirely on your body’s natural rhythms.
What Are Your Hours?
I’m currently available Monday–Thursday from 9 AM to 8 PM and Friday–Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
These hours are flexible as I find the rhythm that works best for both my clients and my own schedule. For now, my books are open throughout the week, though this may shift as I establish regular days off.
I’m currently available Monday–Thursday from 9 AM – 8 PM and Friday–Sunday from 9 AM – 5 PM.
These hours are flexible as I find the rhythm that works best for both my clients and my own schedule. For now, my books are open throughout the week, though this may shift as I establish regular days off.
If you’d like to stay updated on schedule changes, seasonal specials, and simple wellbeing tips, you can SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER. I only send messages with genuine value—never spam or salesy emails.
How Far Will You Travel?
Currently, I’m based in Florence, Alabama, and serve The Shoals area — Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia.
I’m not currently serving Huntsville, but I’m open to traveling there if we can negotiate a custom rate to account for the extra distance and time.
Do You Accept Tips?
My pricing is set to cover the value of my work and travel. However, tips are always appreciated and reflect your experience of the session.
I’ve written a blog post sharing my personal perspective on tipping and how I approach gratitude and energy exchange in massage. You can read it → Tipping Etiquette for Independent Massage Therapists
Why is CranioSacral Therapy Priced Lower Than Massage?
I’ve been practicing massage therapy for over 12 years, while CranioSacral Therapy is something I’ve been developing more recently. Although I’ve studied it extensively and continue to deepen my training, I haven’t yet had the same amount of hands-on experience as I do with massage.
Because of that, I’ve chosen to keep my CranioSacral sessions at a lower rate for now. With time — as my skill, sensitivity, and experience continue to grow — I may adjust my pricing to reflect the evolution of my work.
At this stage, I do not currently offer CranioSacral Therapy for infants, children, individuals with autism, or during pregnancy. I’m very excited to branch into these specialized areas as my studies progress, but until further training is complete, my focus remains on adult sessions.
Do You Offer Couples Massage?
While I can’t massage two people at the same time, I can absolutely schedule back-to-back sessions — and to be honest, I love them. It’s efficient and relaxing for everyone involved, and I don’t have to pack up or reset between sessions. The more, the merrier!
If you’re thinking about making it a group experience or small gathering, you can read my post → Massage Parties: Bringing Relaxation to Your Home or Event to learn more about how it works.
Do You Offer Prenatal Massage?
Yes! I’m certified in Pre- and Postnatal Massage through Carol Osborne’s program. While it’s not my current specialty, it was once a major focus in my massage career, and I still love supporting expecting mothers.
If you’d like to learn more about my approach, safety considerations, and what to expect during a prenatal session, you can read my article → The Art of Rest: How Prenatal Massage Supports Mother and Baby
Do You Work With Minors?
Yes, I do — and I have extensive experience working with children and teens from my years at a chiropractor’s office. However, a few important guidelines apply to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.
A parent or legal guardian must remain on the premises for the entire session and may not leave. They are also required to sign a separate intake and consent form before the session begins.
At this time, I do not offer CranioSacral Therapy for minors. I also reserve the right to decline or modify a session if I feel it’s not suitable for the client.
If you’d like to learn more about my approach and policies when working with younger clients, you can read my article → Massage for Minors: Creating Safe and Supportive Sessions for Youth
Do You Offer Reiki?
I’ve been certified in Level 1 Reiki since 2014, but I do not offer it as a service. While Reiki and CranioSacral Therapy share a similar sense of stillness and energetic awareness, my focus is on CranioSacral Therapy, which works directly with the body’s physical and physiological rhythms to support deep healing and nervous system balance.
That said, Reiki remains close to my heart, and it’s something I’m interested in integrating into my offerings in the future.
If you’d like to learn more about how these two modalities differ, you can read my blog post → CranioSacral Therapy vs. Reiki: What’s the Difference?
Do You Offer End-of-Life or Hospice Massage?
I’ve had experience providing massage for individuals in hospice and end-of-life care, and it remains something close to my heart. While I don’t currently specialize in this work, I’m always open to supporting clients and families navigating this sacred stage of life when the opportunity feels right.
This type of massage is less about technique and more about presence — offering comfort, grounding, and a sense of peace through gentle, mindful touch.
In the future, I plan to continue deepening this path, possibly through death doula training and additional hospice-specific education, to better serve those in transition with the care and respect they deserve.
Do You Offer Add-ons of Other Modalities
The only add-on I currently offer is hot stones — I bring a portable stone warmer, and the add-on is $15.
I do not offer CBD products, as there are varying regulations around their use, and I prefer to avoid anything that could risk my license or compromise professionalism.
Over the years, I’ve trained in a variety of modalities, including Thai Massage, Ashiatsu, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Zero-Balancing, Tul’ix Indigenous Arts (Arvigo Maya Abdomiinal Therapy)and Reiki (Level 1).
While these trainings have deeply influenced and enriched my work, I choose to focus only on the techniques I’m most passionate and skilled in — traditional massage and CranioSacral Therapy.
I believe a well-curated menu allows for deeper mastery, not more options.
If you’re interested in seeing the courses I’ve completed and the continuing education I’m pursuing to deepen my craft, you can visit → My Credentials & Continuing Education
Can I Pay For Someone’s Massage or Do You Offer Gift Certificates?
No, I don’t offer gift certificates.
However, if you’d like to pay for a session on behalf of someone else, we can absolutely arrange that directly. This ensures the recipient fully understands what the session entails and that it’s the right fit for them.
If you really want to gift someone a massage and hand them something tangible, we can arrange something!
If you’d like to learn more about why I’ve chosen not to offer gift certificates, you can read my post → A Gift of Intention: Why I No Longer Offer Gift Certificates
Do I Have to Book Online?
No — you’re always welcome to text me directly at 256-284-2631, and I’ll be happy to get you on the schedule. Whatever makes it easiest for you works for me.
Online booking is simply there for your convenience — it allows you to see my availability in real time and reserve your preferred spot without having to wait for a reply.
Do You Offer Any Discounts?
Yes! I offer $20 off your next massage when you leave a Google Review after your session.
You can also receive $5 off if you provide your own clean sheets. Please ensure the sheets are clean, hygienic, and appropriate for professional use. For everyone’s comfort, I’m unable to use bedding that appears soiled or unsanitary.
You can also SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER if you’d like to stay updated on schedule changes, seasonal specials, and simple wellbeing. I only send messages with genuine value – never spam of salesly emails.Do Setup or Cleanup Take Away From Massage Time?
Not at all. The 60, 90, or 120 minutes you schedule are pure hands-on time. I build in plenty of time before and after each session to set up and pack up, so your time on the table is never shortened.
What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?
I accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. I also accept Venmo, Zelle, and PayPal. Digital wallet, Venmo, and Zelle are my preferred payment methods, as they carry smaller transaction fees and help support small businesses like mine. Payment is processed after the session, once everything is wrapped up
Do You Accept Health Insurance?
No, I do not accept insurance. My practice is intentionally independent, allowing me to focus entirely on quality care instead of administrative or billing requirements.
Do you comply with HIPAA?
Yes. I take client confidentiality very seriously and comply with all HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations. Your personal information, health history, and session notes are securely stored and never shared without your written consent.
What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
Life happens! If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know at least 24 hours in advance.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of your appointment will incur a $50 fee, as that time could have been offered to another client. I appreciate your understanding and respect for my time.
Life also happens for me — and I hold myself to the same standard. If I ever need to cancel or reschedule within 24 hours, I’ll offer 20% off your next session as a gesture of appreciation for your understanding.
What If I’m Running Late?
Being late happens — traffic, weather, unexpected delays — and I’ll always do my best to be flexible. If you’re running late, please let me know as soon as possible.
When my schedule allows, I may be able to extend your session so you still receive your full time. However, if I have another appointment afterward, I may need to end at the originally scheduled time to respect my next client and account for setup and travel.
If I’m ever running late, you will always receive your full session time — I build extra time between clients to allow for setup, travel, and a calm transition. Clear communication helps keep the experience smooth and relaxing for both of us.
Client Conduct & Boundaries
This is the most important policy I uphold in my practice. My work is built on trust, safety, and respect — without these, true healing cannot occur.
I hold a zero-tolerance policy for any sexual or inappropriate behavior or remarks. Unfortunately, over the years, I’ve experienced boundary violations from male clients, which led me to stop accepting male clientele for a time while I was in Texas.
Here in Alabama, I’ve reopened my doors to all clients, but I must be very clear: any suspicious or inappropriate behavior will immediately end the session, and I am obligated to contact the authorities if necessary.
For everyone’s safety, clients must not arrive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Working with the body in an altered state is unsafe and compromises the integrity of the session. If I believe a client is inebriated, the session will be canceled and payment forfeited.
This policy exists for my safety and peace of mind, not from judgment. My goal is to create a space of trust and respect where real healing can take place.
I’ve written a personal blog post about these experiences and the importance of boundaries in this profession, which you can read Client Conduct & Boundaries if you’d like to understand my stance more deeply.
Despite the seriousness of this topic, to be blunt: just don’t be a creep, and everything will be fine. I’m a pretty level-headed person, and I value honesty, comfort, and clear communication above all.
Contact
If you have any other questions or special requests, please feel free to email me directly at contact@homebodybyjulie.com or text 256-284-2631.