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.

Thank you so much for doing the great job on my husband. My therapist Kimmy is the best top five I…read moreever had Massage. Kimmy knows the healing area that I really needed help.

A wonderful massage, so relaxing and affordable. Everyone there is lovely. I went with my son for a…read morefoot massage and we both felt completely rejuvenated afterwards.

This review is going to sound terrible, but please stay until the end…read more I could not wait for my massage to end. My masseuse had THE STRONGEST hands I have ever encountered in a masseuse. I've been getting massages for 15+ years. He dug so deep that he hit places I didn't even know were in pain. It was delightfully and surprisingly uncomfortable in the best way possible. He asked if I was okay and if I needed less pressure, but I told him to keep doing his thing. I walked in with a body that felt 10 years older than it is and left with a body that felt like it was 20 years younger. He released so much tension I actually hugged him. I could have cried (not from the pain haha). Not only was the massage great, the prices were some of the best I've seen in a while. I don't live close, but I will return.

I was in the area and have been ignoring a lower back pain for a week. I decided to drop in for a…read morequick massage. There are flyers with prices as soon as you walk in so there are no surprises. By the way, the prices can't be beat! I was welcomed at the front door and was asked to call a number to secure an appointment. I suggest calling the number if you have questions or need to communicate accommodations since the person on-site was not fluent in English. You can book massages, Accupuncture, and cupping. I ended up booking a therapeutic massage for 90 minutes at $160. This is a great price considering local places can charge upwards of $300. I knew this was going to be a simple and no frills experience. There is no sauna, relaxation room, or fancy spa additions. The credit card machine was broken so cash was requested. I booked by appointment using the phone number, hit the atm, and then made it back for my appointment. There are three tables sectioned off by walls and a sliding door. There was no one in the space besides the two of us. If there were others, you would probably hear them. The towel laid out on the table was very old. That is my only complaint. The massage was great and I had every knot worked out during this session. This masseuse worked diligently to get into my muscles. If you need a deep tissue massage, this is the spot. The time flew by quickly. Again, this is a simple place to get a massage and be on your way. I'll be back again! Pro tip: I suggest bringing headphones if you want to listen to music. Otherwise, you'll hear the restaurant noise next door.

Angela is terrific. She goes deep & gentle as needed. I see her regularly & always leave deeply…read morerelaxed.

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 .

been going to this place for years, I will always come back for their massages. Ask for pen she's…read morethe best.

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

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