10 Tips to Find the Right Practitioner for you

Because I have tried many different therapies, people often ask me how to find a "good practitioner" for whatever sought after treatment. As a practitioner myself, I do my best to make sure I keep up to date, seek treatment regularly, do fantastic work for my niche (families), talk to people, give public presentations and make house calls. Before I book an appointment with someone I have a few guidelines to share from a client stand point.

1. Referral from a trusted friend who has worked with that person before. Birds of a feather flock together. If my sister enjoyed a treatment enough to tell me about it, I'll trust her judgment to at least try it out.

2. Find out if the practitioner lectures publicly. You can get a great feel for a practitioner's passion and knowledge about her subject when you see her in front of other people. Normally, there's time afterwards for questions and if you're lucky you can talk 1 on 1 as she is packing up.

3. Talking to practitioners whether by phone, e-mail or in person is a great way to see if they are a good fit for your concerns. In the consult ask if they seek treatment from their peers, especially if they work in a center, because the more the practitioners understand their own shortcomings the better your treatment will be. Energy work is personal on many different levels, so make sure you're comfortable with whom you are working.

4. Trust yourself! If you've met the therapist and you don't think it's a good fit for you at that time then communicate it clearly. You can still keep her in mind for a later date, join her newsletter or facebook page until you're ready. Feel free to ask if there's someone else the therapist would recommend.

5. Explore the training the practitioner has. While I don't always agree with certificates as different people will take different things away from the same course, I feel better knowing that this person is supported by a healthy organization. Natural Health Practitioners of Canada members have to have standard first aid as well as commit to continued education in order to be a member.

6. Think about cultural context of the modality. Acupuncture originates from China , so personally, I'd seek a Chinese medicine doctor to treat me and when I take Yoga classes, since Yoga is an East Indian activity, I see a Hindu priest who studied Yoga under other East Indian priests/swamis. This doesn't mean practitioners of other ethnicities aren't as good, but as a guideline when you're looking for someone, this is my thought process.

7. Will your insurance cover the treatment? While incredibly helpful, holistic treatments can add up quickly, especially in Canada where doctor appointments and many drugs are covered by government plans. Always check to see if your extended coverage applies since you're paying for it anyway. If not it helps to ask why it's not covered.

8. What will your budget allow? While some think this tip should be higher up on the list, most holistic therapists charge about the same, around the $100 mark. Consider why you're seeking complementary care. In many cases traditional systems have failed to address your concerns. How much is good health worth to you?

9. If money is an issue, but you need the help, holistic therapists are often open to trading skills. Once per month I get a massage and my colleague receives Body Talk. Even if you don't have a healing skill, therapists often need help promoting themselves. If two of your friends book, most therapists would give you a price break. Also, check their facebook pages, blogs, newsletters and twitter accounts, because they might be offering discounts to their followers. If they aren't and you have the social media know-how offer to set up the contest for them. Food works too. Well, at least for me :)

10. Does the practitioner do home visits? If you're constantly in a lot of pain coming to a clinic might not be possible but certain therapists pay house calls. Also, if you're interested in having more than one family member treated, house calls are worth the price.

I hope this helps you to find the perfect practitioner for your specific issues.

~ S