When It’s Time to Say Goodbye: Letting Clients Go (Yep, It Happens)
There’s something most people don’t talk about when it comes to massage — but we think it deserves to be said out loud:
Sometimes we have to let clients go.
At Stress Less Massage, our mission is to create a space that feels calm, safe, and restorative — not just for the person on the table, but for the person working the table too. We’ll always do our best to accommodate schedules, preferences, and special requests… but when it comes to how our therapists are treated, we draw a clear line.
Yes — We’ve Let Clients Go Before
Over the past 10+ years, there’ve been a few times when we’ve had to part ways with a client. It’s rare, but it happens — and for good reason. Here are just a few real examples:
Someone who repeatedly argued their way out of cancellation fees.
A client who pushed every policy boundary (and then pushed some more).
A person who responded to our inclusive intake form with hate speech.
Someone whose constant negativity left their therapist emotionally drained.
Clients who were rude, aggressive, or just flat-out inappropriate.
Each of these moments crossed a line — and we stood by our team, as we always will.
Respect Creates Better Sessions
Massage is meant to be a reset. A place to let go, recharge, and reconnect with your body.
But that can only happen when everyone in the room feels respected — including the therapist.
Therapists aren’t machines. They’re humans with hearts, families, stories, and a deep desire to help others. And when someone makes their job feel unsafe or disheartening, it affects everything.
If a therapist walks into a session feeling anxious, disrespected, or burned out — they can’t offer the kind of care our clients deserve.
What We Won’t Allow
Verbal abuse or rude behavior
Pushing boundaries after they’ve been clearly stated
Hate speech, discriminatory language, or microaggressions
Policy manipulation
The kind of chronic negativity that drains the entire room
What We Always Welcome
Open, honest communication
Respect for time, space, and personal boundaries
Kindness (it goes a long way)
An understanding that we’re all just doing our best — as humans
This Isn’t About Punishment — It’s About Protection
Letting a client go is never our first step. We always try to address concerns and communicate clearly first. But when the space no longer feels emotionally safe, we take action. Because everyone deserves to feel secure — not just the paying client.
We’re not here to scare anyone. We’re here to be transparent.
At Stress Less Massage, we believe that healing only happens in a space where everyone feels valued. That’s what keeps this work sustainable. That’s what keeps it meaningful.
And that’s what makes it worth showing up for — on both sides of the table.
