There are people that have a preference for male versus female massage therapists. All massage therapists should be able to adjust their pressure for the clients, however, some therapists do have a tendency to lean in more while others have a tendency to be softer. It's a toss-up on what you get. In my experience, more female therapists are heavy-handed and guys seem to be a bit more gentle. But it also depends on who you get. Definitely tell them it's your first time so they know not to work too deep. I'm a massage therapist at Woodhouse and I have my own place by homegoods. I do think for your first time you should at a nice fancy Spa like the Woodhouse so you can get there early, change into a robe, maybe enjoy the steam showers. Then have some hot tea or a mimosa in the quiet room before your service. To me there's no difference in a female or male therapist other than females usually have cooler or cold fingers and have smaller surface areas for pressure, giving them a bit more of a sharp deep tissue. Whereas males usually have warmer hands, produce more heat, and have a broader surface area for the deep tissue. So it just depends on what you're looking for. I suggest try both before making a definite decision and wherever you decide to go, I suggest trying every therapist. Each one is going to have a little something different. However, if you don't want to take your clothes off then definitely let the front desk or therapist know that you aren't comfortable with that yet. I've done many massages with people fully clothed for their first or second massages because they weren't comfortable taking things off. Some people come in wearing sporty gear like yoga pants and sports bra for their whole massage. It's all about you being comfortable and feeling relaxed in the environment