We believe that every massage session should begin with mutual clarity and respect. This page outlines the policies, boundaries, and professional standards that guide your experience with Hands of Hope On-Site Therapeutic Massage. Please review the sections below before booking to ensure a smooth and ethical exchange.
session logistics & expectations:
All clients are professionally draped throughout each session in accordance with Tennessee law and national massage ethics. Only the area actively being worked on is undraped—and always with clear client consent.
Gluteal region:
- In accordance with Tennessee Code § 39-17-918, skin-to-skin contact with the gluteal region is prohibited.
- Therapeutic work on this area is performed through the sheet or towel using standard compression and friction techniques.
Breast tissue:
- Never massaged unless medically indicated and authorized with written consent.
- Pectoral massage on male clients may be performed without a drape, provided clear verbal consent and professional boundaries are maintained.
Drapes are designed to feel secure, breathable, and modest, providing emotional safety and physical comfort. Clients may decline treatment of any area at any time, without question.
Sessions are conducted in the client’s space (home, office, or hotel) within the approved service area. Therapist provides all supplies and handles setup and breakdown.
Client responsibilities:
- Offer a safe, clean space (minimum approx. 6×8 ft) with adequate lighting and temperature control.
- Be available during the scheduled arrival window.
Timing:
- Therapist may arrive early for setup. If permitted, the massage may begin early—offering additional hands-on time within the scheduled duration.
- Each session includes 5 minutes for setup and 5 minutes for closing—this is part of the appointment time.
- If the client is not home or unreachable upon arrival, the therapist will wait up to 15 minutes before the appointment is marked as forfeited and non-refundable.
Note: Ideal room temperature is between 70–75°F (21–24°C), and soft ambient lighting—such as filtered natural light or dim lamps—is preferred. Adjustments can be made to support your comfort.
Full payment is required at the time of booking to confirm your appointment.
Refund tiers:
- More than 24 hours in advance → 100% refund
- Between 3 and 24 hours before session → 50% refund
- Within 3 hours of session start time → non-refundable
- Missed appointments due to unavailability → non-refundable
If the client is late, the session will begin as soon as possible but will still end at the scheduled time. Late arrivals reduce hands-on time and do not affect the therapist’s schedule. Clients may reschedule without penalty if done before the cancellation cutoff.
Privacy:
- All client information—including health history, intake forms, and session notes—is held in strict confidence.
- No personal data is shared or disclosed without written consent.
- Session conversations and disclosures are kept private.
Licensing:
- Hands of Hope On-Site Therapeutic Massage is fully licensed in the State of Tennessee.
- Services comply with:
- Massage Licensure Act of 1995
- Tennessee Massage Licensure Board ethics and guidelines
- Jurisprudence and professional conduct standards
[View Tennessee Massage Statutes & Rules]
client conduct & Therapist Safety
Massage therapy is a non-sexual health and wellness service. Clients are expected to respect the therapist’s personal space, verbal directives, and professional scope of practice.
Hands of Hope On-Site Therapeutic Massage maintains clear therapeutic boundaries at all times. The therapist does not offer or engage in:
- Diagnosis or medical advice
- Personal relationships or off-duty communication
- Any behavior outside the bounds of licensed massage therapy
Clients may communicate their needs, request adjustments, or decline treatment of any area without explanation. Respectful communication fosters the safe, collaborative experience we aim to provide.
Hands of Hope On-Site Therapeutic Massage maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any behavior that violates ethical boundaries or endangers the therapist’s physical or emotional safety.
The following actions are strictly prohibited:
- Sexualized language, gestures, or physical contact
- Requests for undraped treatment in prohibited regions (gluteals, breast tissue, etc.)
- Attempts to initiate romantic or personal relationships during or between sessions
- Invasive questioning or commentary unrelated to therapeutic care
- Refusal to respect verbal or physical boundaries set by the therapist
- Use of drugs, alcohol, or disruptive substances immediately before or during the session
- Discriminatory or threatening language, whether explicit or implied
Immediate termination of the session will occur if any of these behaviors are displayed. Refunds will not be issued in such cases, and the client may be barred from booking future appointments.
If a client engages in any prohibited behavior or violates the therapist’s ethical boundaries, the following protocols will be followed:
1. Immediate Session Termination
The therapist reserves the right to end the session without refund. The client will be asked to leave or, in mobile settings, the therapist will safely exit the premises.
2. Documentation & Incident Report
Details of the incident—including time, behavior, and outcome—will be documented internally and may be shared with legal authorities or licensing bodies if necessary.
3. Booking Restrictions
The client will be barred from future sessions indefinitely. Attempts to rebook or contact the therapist may be flagged and ignored.
4. Legal Action if Necessary
In cases of harassment, stalking, or threats, legal action may be pursued. This includes notifying local authorities and the Tennessee Massage Licensure Board.
5. Referral to Emergency Services (if applicable)
If the client appears to be in crisis or acting under the influence of substances, the therapist may recommend emergency services instead of continuing massage care.
These protocols are enforced to ensure the safety and ethical protection of both client and practitioner.
Your therapist is committed to maintaining a professional, safe, and respectful environment at all times. Services are delivered with care, clinical neutrality, and full adherence to the legal and ethical standards set forth by the Tennessee Massage Licensure Board.
Clients can expect:
- Honest communication and clear consent at every stage
- Boundaries that protect physical, emotional, and relational safety
- Ethical draping and techniques consistent with industry regulations
- Confidential treatment of any shared information
- A non-judgmental presence focused exclusively on therapeutic care
Hands of Hope On-Site Therapeutic Massage does not offer any services outside the scope of licensed massage therapy. No personal relationships, solicitations, or dual roles will ever be initiated by the practitioner. The priority is your well-being and the integrity of the therapeutic relationship.