Many naturopaths will offer a free 15-minute meet-and-greet session where they will listen to you about your health concerns and give you an idea if they think they could be of help. While we can’t diagnose or treat in these meetings, we can get an impression of your situation and communicate whether we can be of service.
This meeting also gives you a chance to recognise whether or not you feel comfortable with the naturopath. It lets you assess how well they have listened to you and understand where you are coming from. This feeling is very important to the therapeutic relationship that builds throughout your work with the naturopath as it is very much a team effort. The naturopath strives to create a treatment plan and aims to guide you towards a healthier path. In turn, you need to feel comfortable enough to ask questions and also to let the naturopath know if you don’t agree with part of the treatment plan. I always thank my patients for their honesty if I suggest something and they tell me they won’t be able to or don’t want to do it. My job then is to figure out a way for them to achieve their health goals that is doable for them. It may take longer, but we can get there.
It’s true that there can be quick fixes to some problems, but usually working with a naturopathic doctor is more of a long-term relationship. Depending on what your health concern is, the naturopath may be able to tell you approximately how long treatment will take, given their experience. There are many people I see monthly, every few months or a few times a year as check-ins for health maintenance and disease prevention.
Whomever you choose to work with, trust your instinct as it usually leads you the correct way. And make sure you feel ready to work with this type of medicine. I often have people wanting to bring in their spouse, friends or family members. Though I welcome this, I am quick to point out that the person must be willing to be trying this type of medicine. If they don’t want to be there on their own volition, it can be tough to convince them otherwise. And if I think another therapist would be a better fit, I let the person know immediately.
If you have any questions about naturopathic medicine and if it would fit with you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. I’d be more than happy to take the time to meet and listen to you.