Let's say I'm wanting to try some new holistic health alternatives. How do I find out what is out there? How do I find out
who is out there? How do I evaluate services and practitioners? A spiritual massage therapist can refer me to maybe one or
two other practitioners or I can do some research on the Internet where there are tons of sites, lots of practitioners, but
how do I pick or know who is good, who can I trust?
Why is it so hard to find mind, body, spirit providers?
The Holistic community and mind, body, spirit ministries/healers are typically small proprietorships. They don't have
advertising budgets to become household names like Coca Cola. And for the consumer, selecting a practitioner is a very personal
choice. In the end, it' all about relationship. It is about who YOU feel comfortable spending time with in what is really
a unique relationship.
Therapists, physicians, acupuncturists, spiritual massage therapists, body workers and energy workers need to be interviewed
and checked out just like other professional people who provide services.
Research has shown that half of the therapists make us better and the other half makes us worse.
Choose Your Therapist Wisely
This means we need to choose wisely.
Do not continue to pay someone if you are not making dynamic progress toward your goals.
Holistic healing research shows that the technique does not matter, the therapist is the important factor. If he or she
is open, loving, caring then he or she can help you feel better. If they are uptight and nervous, they will make you uptight
and nervous.
As sensitive people we definitely need to feel safe and secure with any person we are working with. We have a responsibility
and right to check therapists, physicians, massage therapists, acupuncturists, body workers and energy workers out very carefully
before we put ourselves in their care.
It is each persons responsibility to pick and choose based on their own needs and desires.
Even if you get a good recommendation about a person, check them out by calling them up and interviewing them.
Healer Interview Checklist
* What does his or her voice sound like? It is inviting, warm, loving?
* How accepting are they toward you? Are they open or judgmental?
* Do they relate equally to you? If not, keep checking around until you find someone that respects you and acknowledges
your strengths.
* How do you feel after talking with them on the phone? Do you feel comfortable? Do you feel hopeful? Did they rush
you? If so, then they are anxious, forget them.
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 holistic practitioners session test then it is up to you to be open and trust them enough to let them help
you.
Therapists and practitioners are not perfect, they make mistakes, just like everyone else. The best ones don't pretend
to be perfect, they know they are human.
What To Look for During Your Healing Sessions
* How present are they? Do they really listen to you and receive you?
* How relaxed are they are in their body? Are they breathing?
* How secure do they seem to be when you get scared, frightened or anxious? If you scare them, they cannot help you.
* Do they have the information and knowledge to help you calm down your nervous system or improve your health?
* Do they know what they are doing?
* Do you usually feel better and more hopeful after each session?
* Do they let you express your deepest desires and fears without questioning you?
Remember, it is up to you to pick and choose someone who is capable and loving.
It is Okay to Fire Your Therapist!
If you decide that someone is not good for you, you can leave at any time for any reason. Do not feel guilty. You are
paying them for a service and they need to deliver.
Remember you do not owe your therapist anything. They need to help you grow and become healthy or you need to find someone
who can.
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