What to expect at Pause
If you are new to Pause, or new to massage, reflexology, facials or wellbeing treatments, it is natural to have questions before you book.
Pause is a calm, women-centred treatment space in rural West Norfolk, created for women who want professional support without feeling rushed, judged or unsure what to expect.
This page explains how appointments work, what happens before your first treatment and the practical details that help your visit feel easier.
Helpful information for your first appointment, from booking and consultation forms to arrival, treatment time and what happens during your visit.
WELCOME TO PAUSE
Before your first appointment
All new clients are asked to complete a consultation form before their first appointment. This is usually sent out in the day or two before your treatment.
The form helps me understand your health, lifestyle, current wellbeing and any areas that may need adapting or avoiding during treatment.
At your first appointment, please allow around 20 minutes for consultation before your treatment begins. This gives us time to talk through your form, discuss what you need from your appointment and make sure the treatment is suitable and comfortable for you.
At future appointments, I will carry out a shorter verbal consultation update. Please let me know about any changes to your health, medication, pregnancy status or wellbeing before attending.
Small note
Your treatment is tailored around you. Some clients want to talk through how they are feeling, while others simply want to arrive, breathe out and have quiet time. Both are welcome.
NEW CLIENT INFORMATION
Arriving for your appointment
Pause is based in a private treatment space in rural West Norfolk, near Brandon, Thetford, Downham Market and Swaffham.
Please aim to arrive at your appointment time, or no more than five minutes early. There is no waiting area, and I may still be with another client or preparing the treatment space.
If the gate is closed when you arrive, please wait outside and I will open it for you. We have dogs, so the gate may be kept closed until I am ready to welcome you in. I will usually open it shortly before your appointment time.
The treatment space is small and private, so please attend your appointment alone unless you have arranged support in advance for mobility, care or accessibility reasons.
Practical points
* Parking is available on site
* Please do not arrive too early
* There is no waiting area
* Please come alone unless support has been agreed in advance
* Children cannot attend appointments
* The gate may be closed because of the dogs
* If the gate is closed, please wait and I will open it for you
WHAT TO EXPECT
During your treatment
Your treatment will be adapted around your needs, comfort and preferences. If you are having massage, aromatherapy, reflexology or a facial, we will talk through what you would like from your appointment and any areas that need additional care or adjustment.
You will always be appropriately covered or draped during hands-on treatments, with only the area being worked on exposed.
Many clients prefer silence and rest, while some clients like to have a conversation during treatment. There is no right or wrong way to receive your treatment, however I would always recommend taking the opportunity for quiet so your mind can settle and allow your body to relax more.
If you would like a quiet appointment, you are welcome to say so, however, if you choose to be quiet I will not speak with you unless you speak to me once treatment has commenced.
If you are new to massage or unsure what to expect, I will explain anything you need to know before the treatment begins. Remember, you can ask anything that pops into your head as I work.
New to massage?
Many women book massage or body treatments for the first time feeling unsure about what will happen, what to wear or whether they will feel comfortable.
You will be given privacy to undress to the required level, and you will be covered with towels or blankets throughout the treatment. You are always able to ask questions, request changes to pressure or positioning, or stop the treatment if something does not feel right. The aim is for you to feel safe, comfortable and supported.
Body comfort and feeling self-conscious
Many women feel a little self-conscious before their first massage or body treatment. That can be true whatever your body shape, size or age.
You will not be judged at Pause. Your body does not need to look a certain way to deserve care, rest or professional treatment.
Your comfort and safety matter throughout the appointment. Towels and blankets are used carefully, only the area being worked on is uncovered, and positioning can be adapted to help you feel more at ease.
If you have a larger bust, shoulder tension, sensitivity, mobility issues or simply feel more comfortable with extra support, pillows or props can be used to help you lie more comfortably.
The treatment couch has a maximum working weight of 25 stone. This is a safety limit set by the equipment, not a judgement. If you are unsure whether a treatment will be comfortable or suitable for you, please get in touch before booking.
You are always welcome to say what would help you feel safer, warmer, more covered or better supported.
Who I work with
Pause is a women-centred wellbeing space. I work with women seeking restorative treatments, aromatherapy, reflexology, natural nail care, facial treatments, hormonal wellbeing support, menopause support and Mind & Confidence work.
I only work with male clients where there is a personal referral from an existing client or a prior personal connection. This boundary helps maintain a safe, professional and comfortable treatment environment.
Online and in-person support
All body-based treatments take place in person in the Pause treatment space. This includes massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, facials, natural nail care and pregnancy massage.
Online appointments are available for menopause wellbeing consultations and Mind & Confidence support.
Mind & Confidence consultations can be booked online and if we continue to work together your programme will be booked at the end of your consultation session. Depending on the support you choose, appointments can take place in person, online or as a blend of both.
Health, pregnancy and treatment suitability
Some treatments may need to be adapted or postponed depending on your health, medication, pregnancy status, recent surgery, cancer treatment, allergies or other medical considerations.
This is why consultation forms and health questions are part of the booking process. They are there to keep your treatment safe, appropriate and comfortable.
If you are pregnant and considering pregnancy massage, please contact your midwife or healthcare professional if you have any concerns before booking.
If you are unsure whether a treatment is suitable for you, you are welcome to message before booking.
Booking, changes and cancellations
Appointments are booked online through my website/booking page.
If you have questions before booking, you are welcome to message first, especially if you are pregnant, unsure which treatment to choose or have a health consideration that may affect your appointment.
Please arrive on time for your appointment. Late arrival may result in reduced treatment time or the need to reschedule.
Cancellation policy
More than 24 hours’ notice: no charge.
Less than 24 hours’ notice: 50% of the appointment value may be charged.
Failure to attend without notice: 100% of the appointment value will be charged.
If I need to rearrange your appointment due to circumstances outside my control, I will offer an alternative appointment as soon as possible.
Payments
Payments can be made by cash or card for in-person appointments. When booking online you are able to make payment in advance for your treatment if you choose to.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Quick Questions
Some answers before you visit
Do I need to know exactly what to book?
No. If you are unsure, start with the treatment page that feels closest to what you need. You are also welcome to message before booking if you need help choosing.
I am new to massage. Is that okay?
Yes. Many clients are new to massage or have not had a treatment for a long time. I will explain anything you need to know and make sure you feel comfortable before your treatment begins.
Can I bring someone with me?
Please attend alone unless support has been arranged in advance for mobility, care or accessibility reasons. The treatment space is small and there is no waiting area.
Can I bring my child?
No. Children cannot attend appointments. If childcare becomes difficult, please contact me to rearrange your booking.
Do I have to talk during my treatment?
No. Some clients like to chat and others prefer quiet. You are welcome to ask for a quiet treatment.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing. For reflexology, trousers that can be comfortably rolled up are helpful. For massage or facials, you will be given privacy to prepare and will be appropriately covered throughout.
Should I eat before my appointment?
Avoid heavy meals immediately before your appointment and avoid alcohol before treatment. Drinking water during the day is helpful.
Can I book if I am pregnant or recently delivered?
Pregnancy massage and reflexology is available, but please check with your midwife or healthcare professional if you have any concerns. You are welcome to message before booking if you are unsure. Please only book once you are beyond 12 weeks and treatments are possible up to due date. Post partum treatments can recommence after your clinical sign off of 6 weeks or 12 weeks depending on delivery type.
Can I book online support?
Yes. Menopause wellbeing consultations and Mind & Confidence support can be provided online. Body treatments take place in person.
What if I am nervous?
That is completely okay. You do not need to arrive feeling relaxed. Many clients come to Pause because they do not feel relaxed and need somewhere they can gently land.
What do I do with my hair before arriving for treatment?
If you have hair that can be tied up, please bring a hairband. I do have bands but often it's easier to have your own clip or band. If you're having a full body treatment you'll need to tie in a top knot so you can comfortably lay on your back. Also, do bear in mind that with massage oil may go into your hair unless you specifically request adaptation.
Can I have massage treatments if I have hair extensions?
Depending on the type of hair extensions you have it is likely that oil would mean that massage around the head cannot be carried out. Please check with your hairdresser and let me know prior to treatment so we can adapt the treatment and avoid the area.
Ask my clients
Always a warm welcome. Relaxing atmosphere and amazing reflexology. Last night I slept through the night for the first time in weeks. I can't recommend Sue enough 🙂💆♀️✨
MICHELLE M
READY TO WELCOME YOU
Know enough to book your first appointment?
Choose the treatment that feels right for you, or start by exploring the main treatment areas.
If you have a question before booking, you are welcome to get in touch.