Review WARNING: Traumatic Experience at Crystal and Friends – Nightmare Became Reality
I'm writing this review to warn others about a deeply upsetting and traumatic incident I experienced at Crystal and Friends on Dominion Road.
I had previously visited this place twice before and had positive experiences with a therapist named Sammara. Because of that, I decided to book a third session, expecting the same respectful and professional service.
I arrived for a 45-minute sensual massage, was welcomed by the receptionist, and directed to shower. The therapist entered the room around 7:43 PM, and the massage began. Just five minutes into the session, she asked to leave the room to get a drink. I agreed, though it seemed odd. She returned a few minutes later and rushed through the massage, ending it by 7:58 PM — giving me just 15 minutes of service, even though I had paid for 45.
What happened next left me shaken.
After showering, I returned to the room, where the therapist confronted me aggressively, claiming I had received "extra services" and that touching any part of her body was an "extra" requiring additional payment. I was stunned. This was a sensual massage, and any contact that occurred was appropriate and within the scope of the service. I did not touch her private areas, nor did I ask for or expect anything beyond what was agreed upon.
Despite my calm explanation, she demanded $50 for these fabricated “extras.” When I refused, she lowered her demand to $20, then became verbally abusive, saying:
To de-escalate the situation, I gave her the $20 just so I could leave peacefully. But as I was walking out, she suddenly changed her tone again and said:
At that point, I said: “Hold on — give me my $20 back and I’ll call the manager.”
When I attempted to leave to call the manager, she grabbed me by the forearm to stop me. In doing so, she scratched my arm, leaving a deep visible mark.
I immediately left the room and called for help. Thankfully, the receptionist arrived. The therapist, now in front of the receptionist, completely changed her story and started shouting that I had received ‘full service’ and was refusing to pay.
The receptionist stayed calm, removed the therapist from their, and came back to speak with me privately. She told me that Sammara was now claiming I had used full service. I was horrified.
To verify the claim, the receptionist inspected the room for any used condoms (which would be standard evidence for full service) — and found nothing, because nothing like that ever occurred.
She then listened to my side of the story and apologized, saying:
I showed her the scratch injury on my arm. She took a photo of it, gave me a hug, and expressed that the manager would return the next day and follow up.
But by that time, the emotional and mental damage had already been done.
This incident has affected me far more than I ever expected. I never thought I would have to defend myself against false accusations, be coerced into paying extra, or be physically harmed during a session that was supposed to provide comfort and relaxation.
I am sharing this so others can be informed and make safe, informed choices. What happened to me wasn’t just unprofessional — it was manipulative, aggressive, and traumatic.
Disclaimer:
I want to make it clear that I am not blaming Crystal and Friends as a whole for this incident. My previous visits were positive, and I understand that not every experience reflects the business as a whole.
However, I strongly believe that management needs to implement stricter oversight — especially when it comes to ensuring that staff are not under the influence of alcohol and are mentally and emotionally fit to work.
Allowing therapists to work while impaired, burnt out, or emotionally unstable puts both the staff and clients at risk.
I had previously visited this place twice before and had positive experiences with a therapist named Sammara. Because of that, I decided to book a third session, expecting the same respectful and professional service.
I arrived for a 45-minute sensual massage, was welcomed by the receptionist, and directed to shower. The therapist entered the room around 7:43 PM, and the massage began. Just five minutes into the session, she asked to leave the room to get a drink. I agreed, though it seemed odd. She returned a few minutes later and rushed through the massage, ending it by 7:58 PM — giving me just 15 minutes of service, even though I had paid for 45.
What happened next left me shaken.
After showering, I returned to the room, where the therapist confronted me aggressively, claiming I had received "extra services" and that touching any part of her body was an "extra" requiring additional payment. I was stunned. This was a sensual massage, and any contact that occurred was appropriate and within the scope of the service. I did not touch her private areas, nor did I ask for or expect anything beyond what was agreed upon.
Despite my calm explanation, she demanded $50 for these fabricated “extras.” When I refused, she lowered her demand to $20, then became verbally abusive, saying:
To de-escalate the situation, I gave her the $20 just so I could leave peacefully. But as I was walking out, she suddenly changed her tone again and said:
At that point, I said: “Hold on — give me my $20 back and I’ll call the manager.”
When I attempted to leave to call the manager, she grabbed me by the forearm to stop me. In doing so, she scratched my arm, leaving a deep visible mark.
I immediately left the room and called for help. Thankfully, the receptionist arrived. The therapist, now in front of the receptionist, completely changed her story and started shouting that I had received ‘full service’ and was refusing to pay.
The receptionist stayed calm, removed the therapist from their, and came back to speak with me privately. She told me that Sammara was now claiming I had used full service. I was horrified.
To verify the claim, the receptionist inspected the room for any used condoms (which would be standard evidence for full service) — and found nothing, because nothing like that ever occurred.
She then listened to my side of the story and apologized, saying:
I showed her the scratch injury on my arm. She took a photo of it, gave me a hug, and expressed that the manager would return the next day and follow up.
But by that time, the emotional and mental damage had already been done.
I walked in expecting a peaceful, respectful experience.
I walked out feeling humiliated, threatened, and deeply disturbed.
This incident has affected me far more than I ever expected. I never thought I would have to defend myself against false accusations, be coerced into paying extra, or be physically harmed during a session that was supposed to provide comfort and relaxation.
I am sharing this so others can be informed and make safe, informed choices. What happened to me wasn’t just unprofessional — it was manipulative, aggressive, and traumatic.
Disclaimer:
I want to make it clear that I am not blaming Crystal and Friends as a whole for this incident. My previous visits were positive, and I understand that not every experience reflects the business as a whole.
However, I strongly believe that management needs to implement stricter oversight — especially when it comes to ensuring that staff are not under the influence of alcohol and are mentally and emotionally fit to work.
Allowing therapists to work while impaired, burnt out, or emotionally unstable puts both the staff and clients at risk.
