Finders Keepers! Finding the right homeopath for you/your loved ones.

Finding the right homeopath for the needs of you and your family can be a challenge. I receive a dozen or more emails and phone calls every month from people who want help finding a homeopath. Let me help you!

How to find the right homeopath – for you and your family
Thank goodness for the internet – it’s a great search tool for finding a homeopathic practitioner in your locality. The internet does not, however, take into account the specific needs of the person searching which can make finding the right homeopath a bit of a challenge.

Remote consultations
Many homeopaths now offer phone or remote consultations (telehealth). While this is a great option for those without a local practitioner, it is always best to see someone in person if you can. Some homeopaths will work by phone if we have seen in person for the first appointment.

An initial investment
It’s your health, your body, your time and your money and so it’s worth investing some time to choose the right homeopath for you. Do some background research to find out about the homeopaths who are practicing in your area or the ones you are drawn to. Continue investigating and researching until you find a practitioner you can think you will be a fit for you.

Where to start

• Word of mouth referrals: These are the very best way of finding a homeopath. Ask those you know and trust for their personal recommendations. Ask why they like them and if they have any reservations.
• Directories: Online directories are the way most people find a homeopath in their area (see below).
• Local businesses: Health centers, natural food stores and libraries are another great source for finding the right homeopath. You will often find business cards, leaflets or flyers announcing introductory talks at these places.
• Free Papers: Many cities have free papers dedicated to health and healing with articles and advertisements from local healers, including homeopaths.
• NCH Affiliated Study Groups: These groups are a brilliant resource. Attend a meeting if you can and if you cannot then call the study group leader and ask for their advice. If there isn’t a study group in your area, call a local NCH member in the NCH Directory and ask whether they have had any experience with local homeopaths (see below).

Information gathering
Once you have a name and a number, you will want to call to gather some basic information before you make that first appointment. A receptionist may be able to answer all or at least some of your questions. A friendly and informative receptionist is a good reflection on the practitioner they work for. It is perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) to ask for a brief conversation with the homeopath themselves. You’ll find out how accessible they are from this request alone. Many offer these conversations at no charge.

Checklist

• Where did you train?
• How long have you been in practice?
• Are you certified and with which organization or organizations?
• Are you registered and with which organization or organizations?
• Are you licensed?
• What kind of homeopathy do you practice?
• What percentage of your practice is homeopathic?
• Do you have background or training in any other healthcare or healing discipline?
• Have you treated people with my complaint?
• What results did you get?
• Do you think you can help me?
• How often will I need to see you and how long for?
• What do you charge and will insurance cover my visits?

Some complementary practitioners work from home, and their fees are often lower than those working from a clinic. Although their office may be a bit “homely,” it  should be ‘spick and span’ but at the end of the day it is the quality of the practitioner’s work that counts.

Some homeopaths offer a sliding scale of fees or a payment plan for full time students, low-income clients or retirees.

You won’t need to see a homeopath as often as, say, an acupuncturist or chiropractor. Homeopaths typically see patients every 4-8 weeks for ongoing situations or as needed if symptoms resolve.

Finally
Listen to your gut feelings and remember that all relationships involve some give and take, some compromise. Take into account your personal preferences and your priorities. Some people want a warm, personal approach, while others prefer a slightly distant practitioner who won’t get too close and personal.

It’s good to remember that healing is a process. You have hired your chosen practitioner to work with you and your body as a team player in your healing. Don’t give up after a visit or two if you don’t get immediate results, especially if you have been ill for a while. Having chosen the right homeopath you may need to persevere with them to fully benefit. Communicate your feelings in order to give them a chance to dialog with you about how they perceive what’s going on with you and your healing process.

Are you searching for the right homeopath for you and your family? Maybe I can help. Please feel free to contact me with your questions.

Resources

US:
Council for Homeopathic Certification (Certification organization for classical homeopaths)
North American Society of Homeopaths (Professional homeopaths)
American Institute for Homeopathy (Medical Doctors who practice homeopathy)
Homeopathic Nurses Association (Nurses who practice homeopathy)
Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians (Naturopaths who practice homeopathy)
Steve Waldstein’s personal referral site (This website, maintained by Steve Waldstein, lists serious classical homeopath. These listings do not constitute a referral from a certifying body)
National Center for Homeopathy (Grassroots Organization. The NCH is not a certifying body and all practitioners listed are simply members who have identified themselves as practitioners. Limit your search to ‘study groups’ to find groups in your area.)

A guide to the letters after practitioners names

UK:
Society of Homeopaths (professional homeopaths)
Faculty of Homeopathy (homeopathic doctors)
Joint Register of all UK homeopaths

Copyright ©2018 Miranda Castro