Terms & conditions
Please read the following carefully. By booking an appointment with Starling Holistic you agree to the following terms and conditions. Starling Holistic reserves the right to cancel bookings and end sessions if these terms are breached.
Treatments
All treatments shown on the website are subject to availability and the images and/or descriptions of the treatments on the website are for illustrative purposes only. Actual treatments may vary from those images and/or descriptions. It is the responsibility of Starling Holistic to ensure that all services listed on the website are accurately described.
Prices and hours of work
All prices quoted on the website are full and final, with no hidden fees. Treatments are available between 11am and 8pm Tuesdays to Fridays and 11am to 2pm on Saturdays.
For more information, please see our FAQs.
Timings and punctuality
Clients should plan to arrive five minutes early for their appointment. This will allow time to agree the focus of the treatment. New clients will have an extra 15 to 30 minutes built in for an initial, free consultation. Their first treatment will follow this consultation.
Late arrivals
If a client arrives after their scheduled appointment time, the session will still finish at the scheduled end time in consideration of the next client. If a client is over 30 minutes late for their appointment, the appointment will be cancelled and full payment will still be required.
Valuables
Clients are requested to leave their valuables at home. Starling Holistic will not be held responsible for lost items. Before a treatment begins, clients can place their belongings in a lidded container under the massage couch for safekeeping. At no time will the therapist be alone in the treatment room without the client.
Minimum age requirements
All clients must be over 18 and give written consent to any treatment and understand fully what the treatment will involve. If a client is aged between 16-18, their parent or guardian will be required to sign a consent form and be present during the entire treatment.
It is important to establish that the young person wants the treatment on a voluntary basis. If they give any indication that they do not wish to have a treatment, then the therapist will not treat them under any circumstances. It will be made clear to the young person that they are entitled to change their mind at any point during the treatment. Where a child lacks the capacity to consent, consent can be given on their behalf by a person with parental responsibility.
Client health
When a client makes a booking, they will receive a link by email to the following forms for online completion:
If a client thinks they may have a condition that might affect their ability to receive their treatment (including pregnancy, chronic illness or high blood pressure), they must advise Starling Holistic prior to booking a treatment. This is to avoid disappointment on arrival.
If a client has an ongoing medical condition, they are advised to consult a doctor before booking a treatment. Massage should not be performed under certain medical conditions. By booking a treatment, clients affirm that they have checked with appropriate medical professionals regarding the suitability of a massage, and that they have disclosed on their questionnaire any medical or other allergy/health information before their appointment. The therapist will re-confirm this on the day of their treatment.
During a client’s initial consultation and subsequent follow-up appointments, the therapist will ask questions about their health and overall wellbeing. They will re-confirm with the client that there are no conditions that are considered ‘contraindications’ which could restrict them from having a treatment. A contraindication is a condition that serves as a reason not to take a certain treatment due to the harm that it would cause a person. Some treatments may cause unwanted or dangerous reactions in people with allergies, high blood pressure or pregnancy.
The client confirms their understanding and agreement that Starling Holistic shall not bear any liability should they fail to seek and follow independent and appropriate medical advice in relation to their proposed treatment.
The client confirms their understanding that their massage therapist will not provide a service to diagnose illness, disease or any other physical or mental disorder.
The client acknowledges that massage is not a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis or treatment, and that it is recommended that they see their own doctor for any such advice.
Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol and/or drugs are contraindications and do not mix with massage. You agree to refrain from alcohol and/or drug use for at least 12 hours prior to your treatment. If you are taking or have taken prescription drugs for pain management or anti-inflammatory purposes in the past 12 hours, please disclose this on your questionnaire.
Client comfort
The therapist will check during the client’s treatment that the level of pressure being applied is just right. If a client experiences any pain or discomfort at any point, they agree they will immediately inform the therapist so that appropriate adjustments can be made to their level of comfort.
Starling Holistic aims to help improve client health and wellbeing and to not under any circumstances cause a deterioration in any existing conditions.
Client orders with Starling Holistic
There are two types of order clients can make:
(a) Orders for treatments;
(b) Orders for gift cards.
There are three ways a client can place and amend their order: online, via email or phone.
The order process online allows clients to check and amend any errors before submitting their order to Starling Holistic.
A contract will be formed when Starling Holistic sends a written confirmation (usually by email) for treatments and gift cards. The order confirmation is your receipt from Starling Holistic.
Payment
Clients can choose to pay a 50% deposit upon booking, with the balance due on completion of the treatment, or the full amount of the treatment in advance.
Payment methods currently available are credit card, debit card, or bank transfer.
All payments are via a third party payment platform. Clients will be redirected to their site to process their payment and will be subject to their terms and conditions, privacy policy and other terms of use. Any currency conversion costs or other charges incurred by the client in making a payment will be borne by the client in addition to the price due to Starling Holistic. Access to the third party payment platform may be occasionally restricted to allow for repairs, maintenance or the introduction of new facilities or services.
Confirmation emails and texts
As a courtesy, clients will receive an email reminder of their appointment two business days prior to their appointment date. They will also receive a text reminder 24 hours beforehand. However, if Starling Holistic is unable to reach the client, please understand that it is the client’s responsibility to remember their appointment dates and times to avoid late arrivals, missed appointments, and the cancellation fee.
Cancellation policy
The terms for cancellation vary depending on whether a client has booked an appointment or purchased a gift card.
Cancelling or rescheduling an appointment
Clients must make every effort to make the appointment. The slot will have been reserved. When a client gives limited notice to cancel an appointment, Starling Holistic misses the opportunity to offer other clients that space.
Starling Holistic understands that on occasion it may be necessary for a client to cancel or reschedule an appointment. As a courtesy, clients are asked to provide a minimum of 48 hours' notice. The client can cancel their booking at any time, however Starling Holistic charges a fee if the client gives them less than 24 hours’ notice. A 100% refund is given for cancellations/amendments with more than 24 hours’ notice. A 50% refund is offered if the booking is cancelled or re-scheduled within 24 hours of the appointment. Please note: a £5 administration fee is charged for each cancellation. If a client does not show up for the appointment this will be considered a cancellation with the full amount payable.
Notice period /refund amount
More than 24 hours: 100% less a £5 cancellation fee.
Within 24 hours of the appointment: 50% less a £5 cancellation fee.
Starling Holistic recommends that all cancellations are made online via the booking confirmation email link, or by phone rather than email - please call 07766 050837.
If a client wants to reschedule or cancel an appointment (and provided that rescheduling or cancellation (as applicable) is not prohibited by these Terms and Conditions this can be requested and completed by either:
• following the link in the booking confirmation email;
• directly via email to [email protected] or 07766 050837;
• making contact via the contact form
It is very important that clients read the cancellation terms made available on the website and during the booking process before booking any treatments.
When clients give limited notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment, it’s unlikely Starling Holistic will be able to fill that appointment at short notice. Starling Holistic understands that unexpected events happen to all of us, and in rare circumstances, Starling Holistic has the discretion to make exceptions to the above terms.
Cancellation of gift cards
If permitted by these Terms and Conditions, cancellations of gift cards must be made via the contact form.
Clients may cancel a gift card within 14 business days of receiving the order confirmation. Starling Holistic can offer a full refund unless the client has already used it to book an appointment or has redeemed it against another purchase.
Treatments
All treatments shown on the website are subject to availability and the images and/or descriptions of the treatments on the website are for illustrative purposes only. Actual treatments may vary from those images and/or descriptions. It is the responsibility of Starling Holistic to ensure that all services listed on the website are accurately described.
Prices and hours of work
All prices quoted on the website are full and final, with no hidden fees. Treatments are available between 11am and 8pm Tuesdays to Fridays and 11am to 2pm on Saturdays.
For more information, please see our FAQs.
Timings and punctuality
Clients should plan to arrive five minutes early for their appointment. This will allow time to agree the focus of the treatment. New clients will have an extra 15 to 30 minutes built in for an initial, free consultation. Their first treatment will follow this consultation.
Late arrivals
If a client arrives after their scheduled appointment time, the session will still finish at the scheduled end time in consideration of the next client. If a client is over 30 minutes late for their appointment, the appointment will be cancelled and full payment will still be required.
Valuables
Clients are requested to leave their valuables at home. Starling Holistic will not be held responsible for lost items. Before a treatment begins, clients can place their belongings in a lidded container under the massage couch for safekeeping. At no time will the therapist be alone in the treatment room without the client.
Minimum age requirements
All clients must be over 18 and give written consent to any treatment and understand fully what the treatment will involve. If a client is aged between 16-18, their parent or guardian will be required to sign a consent form and be present during the entire treatment.
It is important to establish that the young person wants the treatment on a voluntary basis. If they give any indication that they do not wish to have a treatment, then the therapist will not treat them under any circumstances. It will be made clear to the young person that they are entitled to change their mind at any point during the treatment. Where a child lacks the capacity to consent, consent can be given on their behalf by a person with parental responsibility.
Client health
When a client makes a booking, they will receive a link by email to the following forms for online completion:
- Client record form
- COVID-19 consent form
- COVID-19 safety measures form
If a client thinks they may have a condition that might affect their ability to receive their treatment (including pregnancy, chronic illness or high blood pressure), they must advise Starling Holistic prior to booking a treatment. This is to avoid disappointment on arrival.
If a client has an ongoing medical condition, they are advised to consult a doctor before booking a treatment. Massage should not be performed under certain medical conditions. By booking a treatment, clients affirm that they have checked with appropriate medical professionals regarding the suitability of a massage, and that they have disclosed on their questionnaire any medical or other allergy/health information before their appointment. The therapist will re-confirm this on the day of their treatment.
During a client’s initial consultation and subsequent follow-up appointments, the therapist will ask questions about their health and overall wellbeing. They will re-confirm with the client that there are no conditions that are considered ‘contraindications’ which could restrict them from having a treatment. A contraindication is a condition that serves as a reason not to take a certain treatment due to the harm that it would cause a person. Some treatments may cause unwanted or dangerous reactions in people with allergies, high blood pressure or pregnancy.
The client confirms their understanding and agreement that Starling Holistic shall not bear any liability should they fail to seek and follow independent and appropriate medical advice in relation to their proposed treatment.
The client confirms their understanding that their massage therapist will not provide a service to diagnose illness, disease or any other physical or mental disorder.
The client acknowledges that massage is not a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis or treatment, and that it is recommended that they see their own doctor for any such advice.
Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol and/or drugs are contraindications and do not mix with massage. You agree to refrain from alcohol and/or drug use for at least 12 hours prior to your treatment. If you are taking or have taken prescription drugs for pain management or anti-inflammatory purposes in the past 12 hours, please disclose this on your questionnaire.
Client comfort
The therapist will check during the client’s treatment that the level of pressure being applied is just right. If a client experiences any pain or discomfort at any point, they agree they will immediately inform the therapist so that appropriate adjustments can be made to their level of comfort.
Starling Holistic aims to help improve client health and wellbeing and to not under any circumstances cause a deterioration in any existing conditions.
Client orders with Starling Holistic
There are two types of order clients can make:
(a) Orders for treatments;
(b) Orders for gift cards.
There are three ways a client can place and amend their order: online, via email or phone.
The order process online allows clients to check and amend any errors before submitting their order to Starling Holistic.
A contract will be formed when Starling Holistic sends a written confirmation (usually by email) for treatments and gift cards. The order confirmation is your receipt from Starling Holistic.
Payment
Clients can choose to pay a 50% deposit upon booking, with the balance due on completion of the treatment, or the full amount of the treatment in advance.
Payment methods currently available are credit card, debit card, or bank transfer.
All payments are via a third party payment platform. Clients will be redirected to their site to process their payment and will be subject to their terms and conditions, privacy policy and other terms of use. Any currency conversion costs or other charges incurred by the client in making a payment will be borne by the client in addition to the price due to Starling Holistic. Access to the third party payment platform may be occasionally restricted to allow for repairs, maintenance or the introduction of new facilities or services.
Confirmation emails and texts
As a courtesy, clients will receive an email reminder of their appointment two business days prior to their appointment date. They will also receive a text reminder 24 hours beforehand. However, if Starling Holistic is unable to reach the client, please understand that it is the client’s responsibility to remember their appointment dates and times to avoid late arrivals, missed appointments, and the cancellation fee.
Cancellation policy
The terms for cancellation vary depending on whether a client has booked an appointment or purchased a gift card.
Cancelling or rescheduling an appointment
Clients must make every effort to make the appointment. The slot will have been reserved. When a client gives limited notice to cancel an appointment, Starling Holistic misses the opportunity to offer other clients that space.
Starling Holistic understands that on occasion it may be necessary for a client to cancel or reschedule an appointment. As a courtesy, clients are asked to provide a minimum of 48 hours' notice. The client can cancel their booking at any time, however Starling Holistic charges a fee if the client gives them less than 24 hours’ notice. A 100% refund is given for cancellations/amendments with more than 24 hours’ notice. A 50% refund is offered if the booking is cancelled or re-scheduled within 24 hours of the appointment. Please note: a £5 administration fee is charged for each cancellation. If a client does not show up for the appointment this will be considered a cancellation with the full amount payable.
Notice period /refund amount
More than 24 hours: 100% less a £5 cancellation fee.
Within 24 hours of the appointment: 50% less a £5 cancellation fee.
Starling Holistic recommends that all cancellations are made online via the booking confirmation email link, or by phone rather than email - please call 07766 050837.
If a client wants to reschedule or cancel an appointment (and provided that rescheduling or cancellation (as applicable) is not prohibited by these Terms and Conditions this can be requested and completed by either:
• following the link in the booking confirmation email;
• directly via email to [email protected] or 07766 050837;
• making contact via the contact form
It is very important that clients read the cancellation terms made available on the website and during the booking process before booking any treatments.
When clients give limited notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment, it’s unlikely Starling Holistic will be able to fill that appointment at short notice. Starling Holistic understands that unexpected events happen to all of us, and in rare circumstances, Starling Holistic has the discretion to make exceptions to the above terms.
Cancellation of gift cards
If permitted by these Terms and Conditions, cancellations of gift cards must be made via the contact form.
Clients may cancel a gift card within 14 business days of receiving the order confirmation. Starling Holistic can offer a full refund unless the client has already used it to book an appointment or has redeemed it against another purchase.
Terms and conditions for Starling Holistic gift cards
Starling Holistic gift cards can be purchased via the website. These may be redeemed on the website against a treatment.
Gift cards are available for specific treatments ranging from 45 minutes (£50) to 120 minutes (£107), or for purchase in the following denominations: £50, £65, £85, £100, and £150.
Gift cards are valid for the period of twelve months after the date of their purchase. The expiry date of the gift card will be printed on the accompanying gift message e-card which will be delivered in digital format only.
Gift cards will be delivered to the purchaser via email, to be shared directly with the gift recipient, via email.
The gift recipient is responsible for keeping their Starling Holistic gift card code safe and Starling Holistic does not accept liability for gift cards that are used without authority. If the client is aware that a gift card has been lost, they should contact Starling Holistic immediately via this web form or via email at [email protected] and, provided the gift card has not already been redeemed, Starling Holistic will re-send the gift email notification to the purchaser or gift recipient.
All payments are via a third party payment platform. The client will be redirected to their site to process their payment and will be subject to their terms and conditions, privacy policy and other terms of use. The client is required to check those carefully before proceeding. Any currency conversion costs or other charges incurred by the client in making a payment will be borne by them in addition to the price due to Starling Holistic. Access to the third party payment platform may be occasionally restricted to allow for repairs, maintenance or the introduction of new facilities or services. Starling Holistic will attempt to provide reasonable notice of any scheduled interruptions to such a payment platform and will do what they can to restore the facility as soon as reasonably possible.
Starling Holistic takes reasonable care to ensure that the third party payment platform is available and working at all times, but cannot guarantee continuous, uninterrupted or secure access at all times.
Liability
Starling Holistic does not accept any liability for the following types of loss, whether caused by breach of contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise, even if the loss is foreseeable: loss of income or revenue; loss of business; loss of profits; loss of anticipated savings; or waste of management or office time.
Starling Holistic does not exclude or limit their liability for death or personal injury arising from its negligence, or for any other liability which cannot be excluded or limited under English law.
It is the sole responsibility of the client to communicate in advance any medical or health-related conditions and/or special needs to Starling Holistic that might affect or be affected by any treatments (for example without limitation, allergy information and health issues). Failure to disclose any such information to Starling Holistic means that Starling Holistic shall not be liable to the client (or the recipient of the treatment) for any injury, loss or damages resulting from the treatment that could reasonably have been avoided if the client (or the recipient of the treatment) had disclosed that information prior to receiving the treatment.
General
This website is operated by Starling Holistic whose office is at 15 Attwood Drive, Arborfield, Berks, RG2 9FE ("us", "we" or "our" for short).
All communications and notices from you must be sent to [email protected], via this web form, or by post to Starling Holistic, 15 Attwood Drive, Arborfield, Berks, RG2 9FE.
Starling Holistic reserves the right to change terms, conditions, hours of work, or pricing at any time by providing reasonable notice of such a change.
When a client purchases a treatment or gift cards, it will create a binding legal contract between them and Starling Holistic in relation to the provision of services which the client books through the website. That contract is subject to certain provisions of these Terms and Conditions including the cancellation period which Starling Holistic will notify the client of before they make a booking.
Starling Holistic amends these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Every time a client wishes to book an appointment on the website, they are encouraged to check these Terms and Conditions to ensure they understand the terms which will apply at that time
If any of these Terms and Conditions are determined by a competent authority to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable to any extent, such term, condition or provision will to that extent be severed from the remaining terms, conditions and provisions which will continue to be valid to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Governing law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Non-sexual massage therapy
All treatments provided by Starling Holistic are entirely therapeutic and non-sexual. The private practice in Arborfield is for women and non-binary people only. Men are very welcome by referral from existing clients, or from within my network.
Service etiquette
Starling Holistic reserves the right to refuse or discontinue our massages for any reason. The therapeutic relationship with any client will be immediately terminated if they:
Personal hygiene
Massage therapy involves the use of touch and oils in a confined space. It is imperative for the health and safety of the client and therapist that both have a shower or bath on the day of a treatment. Should either part fail to uphold their hygiene responsibilities, services for that session will be postponed.
If you have any questions or concerns, or wish to book a treatment, please email [email protected] or use the contact form.
Starling Holistic gift cards can be purchased via the website. These may be redeemed on the website against a treatment.
Gift cards are available for specific treatments ranging from 45 minutes (£50) to 120 minutes (£107), or for purchase in the following denominations: £50, £65, £85, £100, and £150.
Gift cards are valid for the period of twelve months after the date of their purchase. The expiry date of the gift card will be printed on the accompanying gift message e-card which will be delivered in digital format only.
Gift cards will be delivered to the purchaser via email, to be shared directly with the gift recipient, via email.
The gift recipient is responsible for keeping their Starling Holistic gift card code safe and Starling Holistic does not accept liability for gift cards that are used without authority. If the client is aware that a gift card has been lost, they should contact Starling Holistic immediately via this web form or via email at [email protected] and, provided the gift card has not already been redeemed, Starling Holistic will re-send the gift email notification to the purchaser or gift recipient.
All payments are via a third party payment platform. The client will be redirected to their site to process their payment and will be subject to their terms and conditions, privacy policy and other terms of use. The client is required to check those carefully before proceeding. Any currency conversion costs or other charges incurred by the client in making a payment will be borne by them in addition to the price due to Starling Holistic. Access to the third party payment platform may be occasionally restricted to allow for repairs, maintenance or the introduction of new facilities or services. Starling Holistic will attempt to provide reasonable notice of any scheduled interruptions to such a payment platform and will do what they can to restore the facility as soon as reasonably possible.
Starling Holistic takes reasonable care to ensure that the third party payment platform is available and working at all times, but cannot guarantee continuous, uninterrupted or secure access at all times.
Liability
Starling Holistic does not accept any liability for the following types of loss, whether caused by breach of contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise, even if the loss is foreseeable: loss of income or revenue; loss of business; loss of profits; loss of anticipated savings; or waste of management or office time.
Starling Holistic does not exclude or limit their liability for death or personal injury arising from its negligence, or for any other liability which cannot be excluded or limited under English law.
It is the sole responsibility of the client to communicate in advance any medical or health-related conditions and/or special needs to Starling Holistic that might affect or be affected by any treatments (for example without limitation, allergy information and health issues). Failure to disclose any such information to Starling Holistic means that Starling Holistic shall not be liable to the client (or the recipient of the treatment) for any injury, loss or damages resulting from the treatment that could reasonably have been avoided if the client (or the recipient of the treatment) had disclosed that information prior to receiving the treatment.
General
This website is operated by Starling Holistic whose office is at 15 Attwood Drive, Arborfield, Berks, RG2 9FE ("us", "we" or "our" for short).
All communications and notices from you must be sent to [email protected], via this web form, or by post to Starling Holistic, 15 Attwood Drive, Arborfield, Berks, RG2 9FE.
Starling Holistic reserves the right to change terms, conditions, hours of work, or pricing at any time by providing reasonable notice of such a change.
When a client purchases a treatment or gift cards, it will create a binding legal contract between them and Starling Holistic in relation to the provision of services which the client books through the website. That contract is subject to certain provisions of these Terms and Conditions including the cancellation period which Starling Holistic will notify the client of before they make a booking.
Starling Holistic amends these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Every time a client wishes to book an appointment on the website, they are encouraged to check these Terms and Conditions to ensure they understand the terms which will apply at that time
If any of these Terms and Conditions are determined by a competent authority to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable to any extent, such term, condition or provision will to that extent be severed from the remaining terms, conditions and provisions which will continue to be valid to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Governing law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Non-sexual massage therapy
All treatments provided by Starling Holistic are entirely therapeutic and non-sexual. The private practice in Arborfield is for women and non-binary people only. Men are very welcome by referral from existing clients, or from within my network.
Service etiquette
Starling Holistic reserves the right to refuse or discontinue our massages for any reason. The therapeutic relationship with any client will be immediately terminated if they:
- Sexualise or attempt to sexualise the treatment or environment, or
- Threaten or otherwise endanger the therapist, or
- Act in a way that is inappropriate or otherwise unacceptable in communications via phone or email, or in person
Personal hygiene
Massage therapy involves the use of touch and oils in a confined space. It is imperative for the health and safety of the client and therapist that both have a shower or bath on the day of a treatment. Should either part fail to uphold their hygiene responsibilities, services for that session will be postponed.
If you have any questions or concerns, or wish to book a treatment, please email [email protected] or use the contact form.
