How do you help your clients be limp on the table?

I am a very new massage therapist, and my least favorite part of the job so far is that most of my clients struggle to truly, deeply relax their bodies during our session.

I believe it is important for recipients of massage to be limp, dead weight, a puddle, etc. in order to activate their parasympathetic nervous system and allow for deep relaxation, but most of my clients—especially my female clients—really struggle with this. I can feel the stiffness throughout their bodies, and whenever I move their limbs or head, they instinctively try to help. I remind them to relax and let me do the work, but that doesn’t always do the trick.

I suspect it takes time, trust, and experience for many individuals to acclimate to the idea of fully letting go. I know that I used to be stiff on the table, but now when I get a massage a MT could toss me around like a rag doll and I wouldn’t flinch! I wish I knew what it was that sparked that changed within me so I could help my clients get there sooner…

Besides the obvious (have a relaxing environment, be a calming presence, give a good massage, etc.), how do you help your clients melt into the table? I want to hear your tips and tricks!