The Massage and Spa Success Podcast

Red Flags in Massage Texts + Alexandra’s Burnout Recovery Story


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💡 Episode Overview

We’re back after a summer break! In this episode, Gael dives into three red flags in massage text communications that every massage therapist should watch for — and shares exactly how she handles them in her practice. Plus, stay tuned for a Success Spotlight with Alexandra Paroulek-Bergbauer, a massage therapist who rediscovered her passion after burnout, a tough review, and chronic pain.

🧠 What You’ll Learn
  • The 3 most common red flags in client text messages
  • How to use Gael’s simple screening reply template
  • Why it’s okay to say no — and how to do it with confidence
  • Real talk: burnout, bad reviews, and bouncing back stronger
  • How Mayan Abdominal Therapy helped one therapist fall back in love with her career

  • 🔑 Episode Highlights
    💬 Red Flags in Massage Texting
    1. Short, vague texts:
      Examples: “Are you available?”, “Massage tonight?”
      • Why these are a potential issue
      • How to set boundaries before checking availability
      • Early mention of “full body” massage:
        • When it’s totally normal vs. when it raises concerns
        • How the phrase is sometimes used by seekers of non-legit services
        • Late-night or last-minute inquiries:
          • What separates a respectful same-day request from a red flag
          • What to say when you don’t want to book someone immediately

          • 📌 Pro Tip: Use a standard screening message that protects your boundaries while inviting legit clients to move forward.

            Gael’s Screening Template:

            "Hi! Before I confirm appointments, I have a quick check-in process to make sure I’m the right fit for you. Please let me know your full name, what type of massage you’re looking for, and whether you’ve received a professional massage before. (If requesting a house call: your general location as well.) I’ll need this info before I can check availability. Thanks!"

            ✨ Success Spotlight: Alexandra Paroulek-Bergbauer, L.M.T.

            From Burned Out to Reignited

            • Background: 14 years in practice, prenatal/postpartum focus, based in Boca Raton, FL.
            • Challenge: Chronic back pain, imposter syndrome, and a scathing review had Alexandra questioning her career.
            • Breakthrough: She switched chiropractors, reduced her schedule, and found new inspiration in fascia work and Mayan Abdominal Therapy.
            • Advice to Therapists:
              • Take burnout seriously — it may not be your career, it might be your current setup.
              • Invest in CE that reignites your passion.
              • Reflect on your original “why.”
              • Don’t let one bad review define your worth.
              • “It wasn’t just about massage burnout. I was a parent of two young kids and feeling burnt out from life. But once I reconnected with what I love — helping women through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond — I got excited about massage again.”

                🔗 Resources & Mentions
                • Massage Marketing System: Includes Gael’s client screening templates, replies, and done-for-you content
                • 💬 Gael’s Facebook thread on “full body” massage red flags (linked in the episode description)
                • 🎓 Mayan Abdominal Therapy CE courses — check your area for upcoming offerings!
                • 🙌 Be Featured!

                  Do you have a story, a service, or a fresh idea you’d love to share with our community of massage and spa pros? Gael is now booking Success Spotlight segments!
                  👉 Send her a message at [email protected]

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                  • 🎁 Free downloads + business tools: massageandspasuccess.com 

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                    The Massage and Spa Success PodcastBy Gael Wood