How To Choose A Complementary / Holistic Therapist

Finding And Choosing a Therapist

Once you have made the decision to use a complimentary therapy, you will have to find a therapist. There are many ways to do this, including the Holistic Listings Directory. On finding a practitioner there are a few things to consider.

Training & Qualifications

Always be sure that the therapist is appropriately trained and qualified, especially if the therapy is classified by the BMA (British Medical Association) as a 'discrete clinical discipline'. This includes therapies such as massage, acupuncture, herbal medicine, chiropractic, osteopathy etc. Training for the various therapies can vary in length, from a weekend to years. Indeed, some therapists may be qualified medical doctors. Some questions to ask are as follows:

  • What are the practitioners qualifications?
  • How long have they practised?
  • Do they belong to a professional or governing body?
  • Does the organisation or body have a professional code of conduct?

Cost Of Treatment

Some therapies, especiallly if they are long term, may cost more than others.

  • What is the cost  (long and short term) of the treatment......
  • ......and how many treatments would the therapist expect you to need?
  • Treatment may be available at little or no cost to you, by referral from a GP or specialist, in particular, therapies such as Chiropractic, Osteopathy and Acupuncture. As these are becoming more accepted to mainstream medicine, some practices and hospitals are offering them in addition to conventional techniques.
  • Could you claim the cost of treatment through medical insurance?
  • Does the practitioner have insurance to cover you in the event of negligence?

Therapist - Client Relationship

Trust and empathy are important in any form of medicine or therapy and an integral part of many Complementary therapies. It is important to find a therapist that you can feel relaxed and secure with. Treatment is often conducted on a 1 to 1 basis and may involve removing clothing, expressing emotions or other personal things.

  • Do you feel secure with the therapist - especially important with therapies such as Hypnotherapy etc
  • Have you been given an in-depth explanation of what the therapy involves?
  • Can the therapist answer any questions that you may have?
  • Has the therapist checked if you are on any conventionally prescribed medication?

Footnote

Although some of these poins may sound alarmist, it is important to remember that every year, many thousands of people find that complementary therapies benefit them greatly. It is a form of healthcare that is growing in popularity daily, for good reason! As with everything, there are always the unscrupulous that are in it purely for financial gain, but with a few common sense checks the risks can be greatly minimised.