To fully benefit from holistic health therapies, it's important to find a practitioner who is right for you. The below information may be helpful to consider when looking for a provider.
Questions to Consider When Choosing a Practitioner
- Has the practitioner previously helped clients with similar needs to yours?
- Does the practitioner have sufficient education/experience to provide the therapy you are interested in safely? (e.g. do they have certification or education, or are they registered with a professional organization such as the NHPC?)
Questions to Consider When Choosing a Holistic Health Practice
- Is the practice covered by your health insurance? If not, is there another way to pay, such as through a wellness spending account or other employee benefits?
- How long does each individual session take?
- How many follow up visits are usually required for this type of practice?
- Are there risks associated with this practice?
- Are there any other practices that can address your specific needs? If so, what are the pros and cons of each practice?
- What level of dress/undress is required for this type of therapy?
- What follow-up care (e.g., at home stretches) will be required to benefit from these practices?
The Client's Role
- Be an active participant in your health and the therapy you receive
- Tell your practitioner what issues you are experiencing (e.g., pain, headache, trouble sleeping, poor range of motion, etc.)
- Tell your practitioner what outcomes you would like from the session
- Answer all of your practitioner's questions honestly, as this will affect your therapy outcomes
- Disclose pre-existing conditions and all medications you are currently taking
- Give your therapist honest, frequent feedback, including any concerns you have
Your NHPC Practitioner's Role
- Conduct an initial assessment that involves a question component, and determine the course of treatment based on that assessment
- Inform the client of the focus of the session, techniques to be used, and the symptoms being addressed
- Record notes on each session
- Develop a treatment plan with the client and determine if there should be additional sessions
- Treat the client with respect, dignity, and compassion at all times
- Facilitate the health and well-being of the client
- Adjust the therapy according to the client's needs
- Accept feedback and respond appropriately to concerns
- Obtain informed, ongoing consent from the client for any therapy they receive
