Mental Health, Emotional Health, Holistic Psychology

How to Find and Pick the Perfect Holistic Health Practitioner

by Doris Jeanette, Psy.D

Holistic health therapists, physicians, psychologists, massage therapists, body workers and energy workers need to be interviewed and checked out just like your roofer! I don't know about you, but finding a good roofer is might- near- impossible.

Psychological outcome research has shown for any years that half of the therapists make you better and the other half make you worse. This means you need to choose wisely. You do not need to continue to pay someone if you are not making dynamic progress toward your goals. If the roofer does not fix the roof, do you continue to pay him money?

The outcome psychological research also shows that the technique does not matter. The therapist is the important factor.  It is your relationship with your therapist that heals you and empowers you. I am sure this also applies to all the other professions.

For example, if your physician is open, loving, caring then she can help you feel better. If she is uptight and nervous, she will make you uptight and nervous.

As a sensitive person you definitely need to feel safe and secure with any person you are working with. You have a responsibility and right to check therapists, physicians, massage therapists, body workers and energy workers out very carefully before you put your body, heart and mind in their care.

It is your responsibility to pick and choose holistic health MD's, holistic psychologists and massage therapists based on your needs and desires.

Even if you get a good recommendation about a person, check them out by calling them up and interviewing them.

Here is a check list to use when you interview them.

1. What does his or her voice sound like? It is inviting, warm, loving? Anxious?

2. How accepting are they toward you? Are they open, cool or judgmental? Are they emotionally safe?

3. How long have they been in practice? Do they have the skill set you need?

4. Do they relate equally to you? If not, keep checking around until you find someone  that respects you and acknowledges your strengths.

5. How do you feel after talking with them on the phone? Do you feel comfortable? Did they rush you? If so, then they are anxious, keep looking.

If they pass the phone test. Then set up an appointment and continue to check for the above things in person. If they pass the first session test then it is up to you to be open and trust them enough to let them help you.

Therapists and physicians are not perfect, we make mistakes, just like everyone else. The best ones don't pretend to be perfect, we know we are human.

Here is another list of things to look for during your sessions with professionals.

1. How present are they? Do they really listen to you and receive you?

2. How relaxed are they are in their body? Are they breathing?

3. How secure do they seem to be when you get scared, frightened or anxious?

4. Do they have the information and knowledge to help you calm down your nervous system?

5. Do they know what they are doing?

6. Do you usually feel better and more hopeful after each session?

7. Do they let you express your deepest desires and fears with comfort and acceptance?

Remember, it is up to you, the client, to pick and choose someone who is competent and loving. Do not stay with anyone who does not care about you and love you.

When you decide that someone is not good for you, you can leave at any time for any reason.

You do not need to feel guilty. If you do experience guilt, then you are taking care of the therapist. Guilt reveals that the relationship is unhealthy and you definitely need to get out. Or at least discuss with the therapist to see if he can help you stop taking care of him.

If you really want to change and grow, pick a therapist who relates equally to you. Then he will not let you take care of him.

Remember you do not owe your physician or therapist anything. They need to help you grow and become healthy or you need to find someone who can. Be assertive and take care of yourself.

A good therapist will teach you how to relax and be assertive.

If you need help in being assertive sign up for the telecourse "Stop the World From Pushing You Around: Six Weeks to Solid Self-Confidence," an Assertiveness Training Telecourse starting Jan. 18th, 2011 http://www.drjeanette.com/assertivenesstraining.html

If you like this psychology article read in the free library about Guilt Free Living.

Doris Jeanette, Psy.D. is author of "Opening the Heart," an emotional health guide into your own heart. 3 hour audio or ebook teaches you how to feel your emotions and feelings and open your solar plexus and heart. Audio was highly praised by the late Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, MD.

Copyrighted, March, 2005 Doris Jeanette, drjeanette@drjeanette.com

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