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

💡 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
  
2. 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
  
3. 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