Seeing a natural therapist is quite a personal process – and not every one will suit you, and vice versa. So how do you know if you’ve chosen the right natural therapist? And what should you do if you want to seek help from someone else?
How to choose the right natural therapist
Let’s say you’ve decided to consult an osteopath, life coach, counsellor, acupuncturist, naturopath, or another natural therapist. Maybe you have an existing condition that you want to treat naturally. Or perhaps you just want advice on your health and wellness.
Your search begins and soon you’ve narrowed it down to three therapists. Question is – how do you know who to book for the first consultation? How do you know if they are on the same page as you, and understand your health needs and expectations?
Here are 4 questions to ask
1. Are they governed by an industry association or register? If so, your therapist will adhere to strict qualification requirements, a code of ethics, and you’ll have a third party to contact in case you need to lodge a complaint or get outside advice.
1. Are they qualified to offer this service? It may seem like a tricky task, but it won’t take too long to check out the therapist’s qualifications. Find out where they gained their expertise, and whether the course is accredited by an industry body.
1. Do they have experience with my situation? Have they treated similar symptoms or health issues before? Do they understand what I need to improve my health and wellness?
1. Can I afford the treatment? Depending on the natural therapy you’re seeking, you may need to invest in several sessions to see results. Ensure you understand the practitioner’s fee schedule and discuss payment options and costs before signing on.
5 questions to ask about your natural therapist
Now let’s imagine you’ve seen your natural therapist for one or a few sessions. How do you know if you should continue with the treatment?
Here are 4 questions to ask:
1. Do they take the time to understand me? Your therapist should spend the initial consultation understanding your health concerns, goals, history and treatment expectations. Then they can tailor a solution to suit you, and not just offer a cookie-cutter treatment.
2. Am I on track? Do you feel your health and wellness is improving in line with your goals? Is your therapist tracking your progress to keep you on the right path?
3. How do they respond to my questions? If you’re unsure about your treatment and whether it’s working, your first step is to talk to your therapist about it. Let them know your concerns and ask them to re-evaluate your progress. A professional practitioner will be only too happy to talk with you – and refer you on if they’re unable to help further.
1. Would I recommend them? Be honest – would you tell the people you care about to seek treatment from your therapist? This is a good way of gauging your satisfaction levels.
Just remember, you are seeking a practitioner’s expertise to improve your personal health and wellness. If you’re not happy, talk to them about it. Remember, your practitioner is human too and wants to help find the best outcome for you.
Of course, if you have a serious concern about your treatment, contact the association with which the therapist is registered. Then you can rest assured your health is in the right hands.
