💡 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 templateWhy 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
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
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]
🎧 Subscribe & Connect
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🎁 Free downloads + business tools: massageandspasuccess.com
