Consultation
Consultation:
With any new client a full and thorough consultation must take place before any treatment can go ahead. It is important to make a good impression on the client and to create an air of confidence. This gives the client the reassurance that you are a professional therapist. Clients are often unsure of the treatment’s they actually need, so often ask the advice of their therapist, enforcing how vitality important it is that they trust you, your skill set and knowledge within your qualifications. Consultation is the first stage where the client can see your expertise.
During the consultation there are a number of areas which must be covered, firstly consultation allows us to establish whether the treatment can go ahead or whether it is contra indicated.
Consultation is carried out in a private place where it cannot be overhead, seated next to our client is the most appropriate. All the information obtained should be recorded on the client’s consultation card.
If you suspect the client has a condition that you are unsure of always refer her to a GP and where necessary, ask for a doctor’s note confirming if treatment can go ahead
The client must be given the opportunity to ask any questions regarding what the treatment involves, every effort must be made to accommodate the client needs however awkward they may seem.
The client should be made aware of any additional treatment costs involved so they are not surprised at the end.
Once you have discussed the client’s expectations, agreed a treatment plan and explained the possible reactions the consultation card can be updated accordingly. Obtain, signed and written informed consent from the client prior to carrying out the treatment. This ensures the client has no contraindications to a facial treatment, which including massage and that they are the legal age of consent for treatment
Obtaining signed, written & informed consent
Ensure you client carefully checks, signs and dates the record at the end of the consultation, stating that all the information is true and to the best of their knowledge. It is imperative that the therapist also dates and signs the entry on every client visit, this is also a legal requirement. It is advisable to ask the client to sign and date the statement that they have been given aftercare advice and that they will follow the advice. For example, I agree to follow the written and verbal aftercare advice which has been given. Some insurance companies stipulate this as a legal requirement of your policy and in the event of a claim being made against you, if this wasn’t completed it would invalidate your insurance.
Failure to keep up to date, accurate, complete, legible and signed records could result in an unsafe treatment and possibly legal action being taken against you and or the salon.
The information on the clients card should be rechecked every time they visit the salon to ensure record are up to date and there are no changes, for example if a client has stated medication it may affect their skin and make it hyper sensitive to products.
Areas to discuss and/or inspection for a facial treatment:
- Personal details, such as, Name, address, DOB, email address, contact number
- Date, time and cost of the treatment
- Skin type
- Hair type
- Skin conditions
- Allergies
- Medical History
- Medication
- Contraindications
- Equipment
- Aftercare advice
Timings:
A facial should last 60 minutes.