Policies

Safe Space

SVNCTUM is gay-owned and operated. It is a safe space for all who walk through its doors with no discrimination. While it prioritizes queer folks, allies and the general public are still welcome. There is no tolerance for racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, verbal, physical, or sexual harassment of any kind. Our therapists reserve the right to end the treatment without a refund should this policy be broken. For multiple and/or serious violations, we reserve the right to end the therapeutic relationship and remove access to our services entirely. Please help us keep this space safe by being respectful and kind.

Privacy

Any information collected through intake forms or shared within treatments is 100% confidential. All regulated health professions in Ontario are bound by the Personal Health Information Privacy Act (PHIPA) and Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and are obligated to keep all patient information private. Your information will not be shared without your written consent unless required by law.

Cancellations

If you are unable to make an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. Failure to let us know at least 24 hours before your appointment will result in a 50% charge of the booked service and will be charged to the card on file. This is to protect our therapists’ time as well as other clients that could have booked that slot.

Note that this charge is not covered by insurance.

Punctuality

All clients are encouraged to arrive a few minutes before their appointment and sit in the waiting area so that they get the maximum amount of time for treatment. We cannot be responsible for TTC delays, parking issues or traffic. If you are late to your appointment, your appointment time will not be extended and that time will come out of your session.

No Shows

Not showing up to your appointment will result in you being charged 100% of the booked service to the card on file. If we are given prior notice, you will be charged the cancellation fee of 50% of the booked service. This is to protect our therapists’ time as well as other clients that could have booked that slot.

Note that this charge is not covered by insurance.

Scents

Our studio is not a scent-free environment. We incorporate essential oils and aromatherapy into our treatments. If you are sensitive to smells and require a scent-free environment, please let your therapist know prior to your appointment and they will be happy to accommodate.

Payment

When booking your appointment online, we require a credit card to be put on file — it will not be charged during booking. Payment will occur at the end of your treatment and it will be charged to your credit card on file. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Amex. Unfortunately, cash is not accepted as we do not keep spare cash on-site for change.

Tipping

Tips are not required or expected. We would prefer you put that money towards your next treatment instead! Alternative ways of showing your appreciation are by telling your friends and family about our services or by leaving a Google Review.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • While we strive our best to provide a safe space that prioritizes and caters to this community, our doors are still open to anyone drawn to our services and seeking care. Allies and anyone seeking care are always welcome.

  • Yes, you will receive a receipt after each treatment which can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement.

  • Unfortunately, Registered Massage Therapy still isn’t considered a health care service under the Canadian tax system. The federal government is taking steps to remove HST for Registered Massage Therapy, but it will still be charged for the foreseeable future.

  • Yes, generally we emphasize monthly maintenance massages as part of a healthy routine. Although when there are specific acute injuries that require special attention, we will create a specific treatment plan for you and walk you through it step by step and explain the recommended number of treatments, type of treatment and frequency as well as the goals and expected outcomes.

  • We have an intake chat prior to the beginning of the massage, but after that, we usually only check in regarding pressure and comfort from time to time. We stay quiet unless you want to chat. It is totally up to you and your therapist is happy to chat if that is what you’d like. Your time on our table is fully yours to decide.

  • You can get undressed to your comfort level. This means you can be nude or keep some underwear on. You will always be fully draped under the sheets and your therapist can work around any piece of clothing. It is totally up to you.

  • I use fractionated coconut oil. It has a light scent and won’t stain any clothing. It can easily be washed out with regular laundry detergent if need be.

  • If you need to cry or let some emotions out, that is 100% okay. It’s called an emotional release and it’s a completely normal response. It happens to people more often than you think. Pain and trauma can be stored within the body which can sometimes come out when certain areas of tension are touched and worked on.

    I will hold space for you in those moments and make sure that you always feel safe and comfortable. We can pause or stop the treatment if that is what you need. I will always work within your comfort zone.

  • There is parking on-site. Enter the parkade at the back of the building off of Wood St. Rates start at $4.50 per 30 minutes.