BREATHE
Good advice for life, I find! Seriously, though, from the moment you are on the massage couch, concentrate on your breathing.  Concentrate on inhaling and exhaling, slowing your breathing down and allowing yourself to drift off and relax.  Let yourself sink into that couch!

FEEL
Listen to your body.  Concentrate on the areas being massaged and feel how that area, and the rest of your body, is responding.  This is your massage, you deserve to enjoy it, so don’t be afraid to communicate with me.  If you want more or less pressure, if something feels good or not so good, feel free to say so.

RELEASE
Once you have noticed where your body is holding tension, give yourself permission to let it go.  In some cases, this can be an emotional experience.  Don’t worry; this is normal and you are in a safe place.