I have just started out in Bowen Therapy and was wondering what would be a reasonable number of clients to see in a day.
I have allocated 1 hour for each client.
I am only working one day a week with Bowen and limiting the number to five, but because of the number of bookings I am getting these fill up pretty quickly. Would I be overdoing it by doing treatments from say 9am to 6pm. So with meal breaks I could potentially see 9?
🙂
You could, but wouldn't you feel that you are working a bit of a conveyor belt? I went for treatment with a Bowen practitioner a few years ago, who had 3 treatment rooms on the go - each with a client on the couch. I felt very uncomfortable about his apparent lack of 'interest' in me - he even wrote my name in large letters on a piece of paper on his desk - he had to glance at it each time he returned to the room before he spoke to me. I have to say that I did not go back.
Good Morning Frangipangi,
I have to agree with Jabba - nothing worse than feeling like you're on a conveyer belt... think that's about the number one reason so many people are despondent with the NHS; one in, one out... where's the personal touch???
I loved Bowen so much & the practioner I saw was gentle, patient and extremely attentive, we chatted each week before and after the treatment & I felt valued and cared for as a client & as a human being - important to me when I'm paying hard earned money for treatments, I saw him for six or so treatments (whatever it was can't remember exactly now) & have recommended him to friends and clients alike.
I have to say though - I'm pretty impressed that you've got back-to-back treatments booked in when just starting out, good for you! Where are you working from?
Good luck on this exciting journey!
Smiles
R, x
Thank you for your replies.
I am very counscious of giving my clients quality time and was really looking at it from the Therapist angle. i.e I don't want to burn myself out by doing too many treatments in 1 day.
I am from Australia, the 'Home of Bowen!'
I'm a massage therapist and I generally allocate 2 hours to every client that books for an hour! to cover consulations, changing time, cleaning time, refreshing afterwards, my own break and so on.
Maybe thats something a Bowen therapist can work on? :);)
Hi there
I don't like doing two clients at a time - if it was me receiving the treatment, I would feel it odd that the person next door was also receiving therapy - in my time!? What if the therapist was longer next door than she / he was with me - would I feel cheated?
The only time I do that is if I have a family coming - or sometimes two friends travel a great distance together to get to me. Then, they know who's in the next door treatment room and they are happy to let me take as much time as I need for each of them.
If that is the case and it takes me a shorter time to see both e.g. 1 1/2 hours instead of two then I will offer a small discount - say £10 off. This is totally personal and many therapists say that you shouldn't discount at all - but that's up to each of us.
I guess, in the end that you have to decide how many people you want to treat every day - it will be down to how you feel after doing a treatment session / how much your costs are etc. You will likely be more productive over a longer period of time if you are kind to yourself than if you try to see as many people as you can possible cram in to one day!
Remember, people like to think they are seeing a therapist who is busy - it must mean that they are good!
Good luck with your venture and enjoy it. Bowen is a wonderful therapy and can have spectacular results.
JJ
Go with what feels right for you - I always like to think 'do as you would be done by' as a guide to how I set up my business.
I don't do Bowen but do other therapies and, for me, to do more than five people a day is too much. I once did seven and was done in by the end...never again.
I also like time to turn my room around and to have my other client "leave" not in the physical sense but psychologically. Then I can focus on whoever is coming in next.
That said our Bowen therapist sees 4 people in a four hour period and it seems to suit her.
Patchouli
Thank you for your replies.
I am very counscious of giving my clients quality time and was really looking at it from the Therapist angle. i.e I don't want to burn myself out by doing too many treatments in 1 day.
I am from Australia, the 'Home of Bowen!'
Hey frangipani - another Aussie here! 😀 I too allow lots of time for my clients before and after a session. Some clients like to come and go quietly but others love to have a chat, especially when they get to know you. Sometimes this can help you decide which moves to do as well! I find the Respiratory move is great for calming people right down. Wonderful for anyone uptight, bereaved, hyperactive or nervous.
With Massage I only allow myself about 5 a day but with Bowen I am happy to do up to 7 a day as Bowen is not as taxing on your body. It is a very individual/personal thing, but do remember to look after yourself too!
By the way, does anyone here do Bowen on themselves?? I do and find it a great way to keep on top of aches and pains! 🙂