What to Look For

As a consumer it is important to ask about qualifications, membership to an appropriate association, this information should be clearly stated on the literature.  Please explore and discover the relevance or attraction of a particular therapy.  It is up to you to research if the particular therapy is safe, effective, and held in high regard?  Please ensure that the therapist you choose has Professional Indemnity Insurance, is qualified and has the knowledge and experience required to practice their skills.  When making a decision it is also important to draw on a tool that we all have – our intuition.  Often referred to as a “gut feeling”.   Our intuition allows us to make decisions that require the processing of large amounts of data, the wisdom of recognizing that there are larger forces at play in our lives beyond human will and logic.  Take your time, ask the questions that you need to ask, but trust your intuition. 

You need someone who will supportively challenge you and help you to move farther along your path.  

Most people do not come into therapy until they are in a fair amount of pain be it physical or emotional.  In general, people do not like pain.  Consequently, they want something in their life to be different.  If the therapist you are considering is unable to clearly and simply articulate how they will bring about this change, and what they will do to support this change, then you may want to consider looking for another therapist.  

It has been said: “When the student is ready the teacher will come” and so it is with therapy. 

Therapy by definition is something ‘you do’ not something ‘you take’.  In the past the ‘general practitioner’ was called upon to treat everything from ingrown toenails to heart disease, a monumental task considering the extent of knowledge required.  So to ease this burden the GP was forced into a position of studying pharmaceutical concoctions to best treat and alleviate pain for the many patients they saw.

Therapy today is a partnership of client and therapist

The therapist has the knowledge and skills to bring us back to good health.  Whether working with a kinesiologist, a psychotherapist or undertaking nutritional therapy it is up to the individual to do the work.  Holistic care empowers us as individuals, and enables us to be supported through each experience so that there can be a sense of recognition, empathy and understanding of our unique circumstance, leading to emotional wellbeing.   Also today as never before, we can tap into so many therapies that will support us and provide us with a connection through sensory awareness, by utilizing the healing powers of touch, relaxation/meditation, aromatherapy, music, diet and nutritional support.  These are just some of the many choices available to us to nurture, explore and utilise for our health’s benefit.

Everything is energy

It was Einstein who first discovered that “every thing is energy…including our bodies”. 

This synergy of mind: body: spirit has been recognised for quite some time now, hence the current awareness and effectiveness of Complementary therapies.  If you are unwell in the body so too are you unwell in the mind and vice versa, which naturally influences your spiritual connection.

Although it may seem obvious to you, considering your condition, that you should see a counsellor or a naturopath this may not be as straight forward as you might think and the possibility exists that you may, in fact, need to see neither or both!

Perhaps you are tired and depressed and have lost interest in food and consequently don’t bother to prepare a proper meal.  Does this lethargy extend to exercise making it difficult or non-existent?  What influences brought about these circumstances?  Was it an injury? Or a disappointment in life?  What caused you to no longer care for yourself?  Are you depressed or malnourished or both?  Perhaps you are in pain, is this a result of stress? An overload of toxins? Or unresolved grief or perhaps loss of love has manifested itself as pain in the body??

Is there a connection, does the one go hand in hand with the other, or does the one lead to the other?

Therapy is about getting to the root/cause

Recognising that many conditions may have an emotional and a physical component enables you to consider the possibility of seeking out therapists who may compliment each other and in combination enable you to discover your own individual path to health.

Perhaps to decide what is missing for you is a good way to begin your search 

So before deciding on a course of action, give some thought to examining how you have arrived at your present state of health.  Take time to examine the many influences in your life and how these influences make you feel.   Careful reflection on ‘what’s eating at my soul’  may be just as effective as the treatments offered.

        "The real act of discovery is not finding new lands, but in seeing with new eyes."

        Marcel Proust

As with any endeavour and so too your journey back to wholeness “you get out what you put in.”  The following story illustrates this point and may give you some insight into your readiness to seek knowledge.

Long ago and far away in Japan, there lived a great Emperor.  This Emperor was seeking a teacher who could teach the Emperor about the Way of Zen.  After searching far and wide, the Emperor’s advisors found two Zen masters who they believed could fit the bill as Imperial Zen Master to the Emperor.

The advisors brought the first Zen master into the Emperor’s presence in the royal audience room.  The first Zen Master bowed before the Emperor and the interview began.  At the end of the interview, the Emperor asked the master what he thought.  “Oh wise Emperor,” the Zen master said, “You are already most knowledgeable about the ways and teachings of Zen.  You will be an excellent pupil who learns quickly!”

The Emperor dismissed the first Zen Master.  The advisors gathered around the Emperor and one advisor spoke for them all when he said to the Emperor, “Surely this Zen Master is worthy of the position of advisor to your exalted Eminence.”  The Emperor looked thoughtful but said nothing.

The second Zen Master was called for and the interview proceeded in a fashion similar to that of the first.  At the conclusion of this interview, the Emperor asked the opinion of the second Zen master.  The second master replied, “Your highness, you know little of the ways of Zen and you would need to study hard.  I do not think you are willing to make the commitment that would be required.  I do not think I can help you.  Good day.”  And without a further word, the second Zen master turned, and walked out of the royal audience room without a further word.

To walk out on the Emperor without his leave was punishable by death.  In shocked silence, the advisors turned to the Emperor.    The Emperor sat very still, with a very red face.

The Emperor slowly exhaled, and the advisors awaited the command for the death of the Second Zen Master.

“I want,” said the Emperor slowly, “that man (indicating the second Zen Master) to be the Imperial Zen Master.  Please go and command – no – ask him if he would be willing to accept this position.  Please tell him that I will work hard as a student.”

Aghast, his advisors wondered among themselves.  Summoning his courage, one advisor stepped forward and asked, “Your Eminence, Why,” he began,” would the Emperor want a teacher who was so rude?”

The Emperor responded: “The first master did nothing but flatter me.  I cannot learn about the Way of things from someone who flatters me.  The second master was not interested in gaining my favour and therefore he is the one who will make a better teacher.”

At these words, the Emperor’s advisors bowed as one, acknowledging the wisdom of the Emperors choice.

Please spend some time and consider the advantages of the therapies outlined on this website - through experiencing these therapies it may help you to find your way.