If you’ve been considering a therapy, it can be a bit of a scary idea given our current global situation. Look for a therapist who is part of a membership body, as the therapist will be taking guidance from them. During this time, membership bodies have been advising on how to ensure our business is as covid secure as possible. While we can’t completely guarantee there is no risk, we will try our hardest to make the risk as minimal as we can.

Having been back at work since July, I’ve found a new groove. I’ll be honest, the first few weeks back I really didn’t enjoy my job and it was stressful trying to remember everything and wondering if everything had been cleaned sufficiently. While we’ve always changed towels and cleaned the couch between clients, this has been a whole new level. Having learnt a new cleaning routine and seeing how other professional companies have been doing it, I’m reassured I’m doing the best I can.

So, what have I learnt?

• Half an hour is needed between appointments to get the cleaning done and to make sure we have properly aired the space. As soon as you leave, the door is left open and we don the marigolds. The whole couch is stripped to the waterproof cover, which is disinfected before spraying everything in the clinic which you may have touched or brushed against. Once done, the visor is cleaned, the marigolds removed and the hands washed before beginning to set everything ready for the next client.
• My clients are trusting and loyal – and for that I am grateful. I have to trust them to tell me the truth that they’re not presenting any symptoms, while they have to trust I’m cleaning sufficiently between people.
• I need to be aware of wider implications. On several occasions we have driven to a location and gone somewhere else, as it appeared too busy. My children are each part of a year bubble at their school and inevitably there’s already been a requirement for their year group to self-isolate. In these instances the whole year group needs to isolate, while others in their household can continue with their usual routines. When this happened, I chose to contact every person 
• who had an appointment booked to advise them of the situation. I believe people should be able to make an informed choice about the level of risk you may be exposing yourself to.
• Clients are happy to lie face down into a pillowcase, even though it can be a bit hot when its over 30 degrees outside! They’re also happy to whip a facemask on when they turn onto their back.
• While we were unable to carry out any work to the neck and face, I discovered people are happy to stay on their front for most of the session. Even if they’re having a back, neck and shoulder massage, people were happy to have their feet massaged instead of their neck and face. We can usually find a work around for any arising issues!

I’m sure we’ll continue to learn more over the next few months. I know we have to stay on top of everything, to ensure we remain compliant, follow the latest government advice and health updates. We’ve already advised you now need to wear face coverings, updated our premises with a QR code, and updated our signs about track and trace.

While it can be unnerving enough to book a therapy session, we are still trying to make it less daunting for you and we will still keep you at the centre of everything we do. Booking a therapy, especially at this time when we are being asked to socially distance, can be a great way to experience positive touch and relax you.

Louise is an holistic therapist who owns Therapy Centre, BS14 9HB, a clinic offering a range of holistic and beauty therapies. Louise offers aromatherapy, reflexology, holistic massage, baby massage, reiki and story massage. She is a mum of two boys and when she is not working she enjoys getting outdoors with her family. For further information, visit her website louise-morgan.co.uk