I rarely write reviews, but after my horrific experience at The Bodywise Massage Inc. (1435 4th…read moreStreet Suite F, San Rafael, CA), owned by Tobi Lessem, I feel compelled to warn others. If you're seeking a place for relaxation, healing, or even basic professionalism, steer clear of this establishment. Tobi's incompetence, condescension, and outright dismissal of customer needs turned what should have been a restorative birthday treat into an emotional disaster. I'll detail exactly what happened so you can see why no one should ever trust her or her business with their well-being. In February, I texted Tobi to book a 2-hour massage for my birthday, which I treat myself to annually as a form of self-care. This year was particularly tough; I'd lost two incredibly close women in my life, leaving me in deep mourning, emotionally heavy, and profoundly vulnerable. I was counting on this session to help process that grief through therapeutic touch. Tobi confirmed the 2-hour booking via text, so I arrived excited for some much needed relief. The masseuse was a bit late, but she got me settled quickly, and we began. About an hour in, while I was face down, fully immersed in the massage, feeling those pent-up emotions finally starting to release, there was a sudden knock at the door. The masseuse stepped out, spoke briefly with Tobi, and returned to inform me that my session was over because the next client had arrived. Stunned, I reminded her of my 2-hour booking and offered to show proof from my texts. She stepped out again to relay this to Tobi, only to come back insisting it was just a 1-hour slot and I had to leave immediately. I was furious. Being yanked out of that vulnerable, healing state mid-session felt like a violent interruption to my emotional process. I got dressed and confronted Tobi in the lobby. I explained the booking error and showed her our text exchange proving the 2-hour booking. Even the other client, a gentleman who'd been double-booked over my time, overheard our conversation and graciously offered to reschedule, saying, "I'm sorry, it's your birthday, I don't want to interrupt that." But it was too late; Tobi had already forced me off the table and out of the room. Tobi acknowledged her mistake in booking me for only 1 hour instead of 2, but her response was shockingly condescending. She dismissed my concerns, saying she "had to make the call" and would prioritize the other client, essentially telling me to she didn't care. When I expressed how deeply disappointed and hurt I was, especially given my personal circumstances, she had the audacity to retort, "If this is the worst thing that's ever happened to you, you're lucky." Appalling doesn't begin to describe it. Here I was, raw and exposed, and she minimized my pain with a flippant remark that showed zero empathy. Later, Tobi sent a follow-up email that only compounded the insult. I've attached a copy here so you can see her mindset in her own words. Read that again: "We are not interested in good customer service." She openly admits her business prioritizes some vague "community" notion over basic respect for paying clients. She assumed the other client's "medical massage" needs trumped mine without knowing anything about my own emotional and physical state, as if grief and vulnerability aren't valid reasons for care. I paid for the full hour I received, but the damage was done: my birthday self-care ritual was ruined, and I left feeling more broken than when I arrived. This isn't just a simple scheduling mix-up; it's a glaring display of arrogance, poor management, and a complete lack of accountability. Tobi's actions show she values her own judgment over evidence (like text proof) and client feelings. In a field like massage therapy, where trust and sensitivity are paramount, this level of disregard is dangerous. Psychologically, interrupting a session mid-flow can exacerbate emotional distress, turning a healing space into a traumatic one. If she treats vulnerable clients this way, imagine how she'd handle yours. Do not give Tobi Lessem or The Bodywise Massage Inc. your time, money, or trust. There are plenty of compassionate, competent massage therapists in San Rafael who actually care about their clients. Save yourself the heartbreak, avoid this place entirely. 1 star, and that's generous.

Had the best massage w/Ariana - she is amazing! The space is quaint and professional and the Owner…read moreis so nice as well. I highly recommend Bodywise!

This pace has the best Thai massage therapists, affordable, and availability in Marin…read more I've been going for the past six months to work on some sciatica and hip mobility issues. I've received top notch massages from their team that have improved my mobility significantly and very thankful for them.

This place has terrific Thai deep tissue massage therapists. Maximum pressure yet knowing when to…read moreease up. I walk out with a changed mood - body, mind and feeling. Attentive, professional and engaging.

I have been to this Asian massage place for years. Judy sits in the front who is always warm and…read morewelcoming, and the female masseuses like YoYo Laura, along with male therapists Tom, Jason, and Ken are absolutely amazing. Once you get to know them, even though their English isn't perfect, they're really helpful, and they pay close attention to your needs. They really get to know your body, and they've helped me so much with my sports injuries.

Masseur Andy at Golden Island Acupressure has been a VIP in my life for about 5 years now. I book…read morea massage with him at least two times a month, and it is always a pleasant, relaxing, and rejuvenating experience for me. The pressure is as strong or gentle as I want, he is caring in response to my particular needs, and he has a knack for finding the muscles in my body that are needing the most attention. Judy at the front desk is consistently warm and welcoming, and supports me to get a massage as soon as I need one. The massages are affordable, the foot massage routine is brilliant really, and they have a knack for finding good people to work for them, and being able to get a massage on the same day as desired is a great blessing, thank you to the owners!

Elizabeth's massages are deeply healing for me. I've been going to her for massage for about 1 year…read morenow. I love that I can call on her anytime my back starts to act up and be treated within the week. Her energy is both playful and nurturing which I really appreciate. I always feel relieved after a massage with her. Thank you!

Elizabeth is so generous with her time, knowledge, and energy. I've been seeing her for a while now…read morefor various health issues. After a shoulder surgery with some complications and a difficult recovery, Elizabeth is the ONLY person I trust for bodywork. What she provides is definitely not just a massage. She is incredibly intuitive and trained in a broad range of various techniques and modalities. This is a person with tremendous talent, skill, knowledge about the body. Elizabeth has also been my Wellness Coach for a couple of months now. She always gives me tailored, concrete, and helpful actions I can take for every symptom and concern. I feel like I have a much better handle on life and my body since I started seeing her!

I went to college with Krista years ago. While in class, I'd get migraines from the lights nearly…read moreEVERY single class. She would work on acupressure points in my hand to help ease the headache so I could focus. She's very talented at what she does. I wish I hadn't moved out of state, or I would be seeing her still for my chronic pain.

I had such hip pain when I went to Krista, I was walking around like an old woman! Her approach to…read moreworking on pain points is magical. She also uses body movements that really got my hip joints to loosen so that I could actually stretch! Such a relief! Whether you're just looking for a relaxing massage or you need healing, she's got the perfect touch! Highly recommend!

I accidentally purchased a gift certificate for this place a year ago. Reluctant they would take…read moreit, I made an appointment. This place was fabulous! I love foot and body combos! For $55 I got a foot and body combo. This could become my second home. No need to sell the family farm for a decent massage. There were big puffy chairs and I got my feet soaked while my masseuse gave me a scalp massage. The style is Chinese and the pressure was perfect. I love a massage that doesn't require you to undress. This was absolutely amazing. They do have some back rooms with tables for an oil massage, but honestly, this was great. They had 4 masseuses working. All of them looked good. They all seemed solid. I can't wait to return with my husband. Lisa was my masseuse and Kathy the woman at the front desk were both wonderful!

Clean and nice , they don't speak English but if you find the right masseuse it's well worth it …read more Been going there for a few years and some weak ones and a some good ones . My I probably is they charge you 10% to use a credit card , I can see 2 or 3 % but 10 is a rip off . The tables are old and not that comfortable compared to a few that I've been.to . Had 1 problem the Massage was poor so I tip was smaller than I usually give . And got attitude from masseuse. Have not seen her since .

I have been going here for years and it's always been a great massage and very relaxing!…read more I usually do the Thai aroma oil massage

Kind, warm and very professional. Thai managed in a traditional setting. Spotlessly clean…read more Competitive pricing and worth every penny, Go once and you will go again. Tom

Maria asked me what level of pressure I wanted at the beginning, and gave me one of the best…read moremassages I've ever received.

"A coworker recommended this spot to me. I was a little nervous since I've only had massages at…read moreresorts before. Maria, who is also the owner, gave me the massage. She was very professional, asking the right questions and putting my nervousness at ease. I felt comfortable right away. I mentioned my shoulder tension and upper back stiffness, and chose a 60-minute sports massage. I left feeling completely relaxed, and all the tension in my shoulders and upper back was gone. I would definitely return and recommend this place to anyone. Now I see why my friend recommended it to me!"

This place is great! Parking is available right out front (metered parking or pay for the lot…read moreacross the street). There is also a convenient bodega across the street (corner market store). Its nice because I get some refreshments for the long ride home for me. Oh, also 4th street has many restaurants you can drop in for to-go food also. Anyways back to Sunflower: their location is very easy and discreet. You walk down a hallway thats covered away from the street so nobody can see you. Oh, by the way the do require you to call ahead. Their doors are locked when they get busy nobody can answer the door, just FYI in case you wanted to just drop in. Its kind of pot luck so its better to call. And so I booked for an hour. And I got Sophia and she was recommended to me by a friend who go's there a lot. Man, this place is nice and clean as you walk in. Unlike a lot of other cheaper massage places this is an upgrade. I paid 80 up front for the hour. Sophia led me to a private room, it was nice and big and clean once again. The walls go all the way up so there is privacy in there. After I disrobed she came back and escorted me to the private shower down the hall. Wow, its nice and clean and had all the shower stuff in there like shampoo's and liquid soaps! Nice! The hot water was calming and I stayed there for a bit and then headed back to the room. I told Sophia that I preferred oil rather than lotion for the massage and she complied. The only thing I have to mention is that I thought the hour was shortened because she had another customer that rolled in. Oh well, I will call ahead next time and I did tip her another 60 because the overall experience was nice. Be nice, and oh yeah she offered me a bottled water and some candy treats at the door on my way out. Thanks Sunflower!!!

I paid for an hour. I got 30 mins. 15 mins in I am getting hit up for $120 for a hand job…read more I only wanted a massage. She started telling me she didn't make any money today. Nobody wanted. She tried to end my massage there. I said I paid for an hour. She gave me 15 mins more. worst experience

I had Colleen for a fusion massage. This combines east and west modalities with elements of shiatsu…read morecombined with elements of DT and swedish massage. She is proficient at neuromuscular therapy and helped release my lower back through my adductors. Amazing massage I definitely recommend this MT and this business.

I had an amazing deep tissue massage from Colleen. I felt so relaxed and well cared for. Lovely…read morefacility as well.