Let the clients finish their sentences and thoughts before speaking oneself...

...I believe it is the client's right, if not responsibility, to become informed of the various aspects of my practice.

As a homeopath I must keep myself open to all the nuances, turns, and especially the feelings, which this story portrays.

We know, while the mouth narrates one hundred words, the body speaks 1000 messages.

I usually begin a first consultation with a brief question as to whether the person has had experience with homeopathy or natural health in any way.

Generally, I will resort to the aid of books... only towards the end of the initial consultation.

As homeopaths we are not psychotherapists, unless trained as such!

from p.1

Creating an atmosphere for communication

There are a variety of factors that contribute to a smooth and efficient homeopathic consultation, and those that inhibit the flow of communication in the consultation room. One, as any good Homeopath knows, is described in a German saying that goes: "Talking is silver — silence is gold." This is especially valid for any practitioner, who potentially will be listening to other people's emotional suffering.

Aside from the factual information, which we offer to explain homeopathic principles and to support the client's understanding of the therapeutic process of homeopathic practice, communication on the part of the homeopath is to a large extent a matter of choosing words and gestures that will create a calm and emotionally neutral and non-judgmental atmosphere in the consulting room. Any client certainly needs and deserves to be provided with understanding, compassion, respect and the safety of a non-threatening environment.

If there is to be a basis for good communication between client and homeopath, there are several factors to consider:

Politeness. Let the clients finish their sentences and thoughts before speaking oneself; make encouraging gestures like a little nod of the head or a short move of the hands, for the client to speak first, in case both start talking at the same time. Apart from being a basic rule of case taking, it also gives the client a sense of security that what he or she says is indeed of importance to the homeopath. It avoids any potential verbal power play. I have many times kept my mouth shut and not tried to stop what seemed to be a flow of unimportant thoughts of the client, and it was just then that the person said something of value to the case.

Respect for the client's desire or need for privacy. Close the office door, or leave it open if the client is anxious in a closed space.

Devote the entire consultation time with full attention to the client. Limit interruptions during the consultation, acknowledging and accepting everything the client says, no matter how unusual, surprising, or morally, ethically, mentally or logically contrary to your own belief. Appreciate the fact that this client, a stranger, entrusts you with private information, and validate every feeling, every story, and every symptom any client may tell you.

Information. Personally, I believe it is the client's right, if not responsibility, to become informed of the various aspects of my practice. These include logistic information, such as fees, my scope of practice (including the limitations), telephone numbers where and when I can be reached, when they may call (any time and rather call twice too often than once too few), as well as my approach to health and healing, the name of the remedy given, the reason for any other recommendations such as vitamins, nutritional and so forth. For basic information about homeopathic principles, and in general educating towards self-responsibility in lifestyle, nutritional habits, and health issues, I recommend providing resources for further information: book titles, inexpensive health magazines, locations of local health food stores, and sources for other therapies that may be beneficial.

Generally, these aspects are all addressed by the third or fourth visit, and as the need or desire of the client arises. All of the above information is best given right then and there when the client asks for it, and without any hesitation. Otherwise, it may be sensed as insecurity, or unwillingness to provide the client with answers, and certainly not as a basis for trust. It is a simple: "The client asks, I answer." Of course the tone of voice and the means used to give information may vary. It is helpful to have some simple brochures and handouts on the various and frequently asked topics. This can save much time. Making a simple drawing or a diagram can be very effective to help explain homeopathic principles or your approach to the case.

Every client has a story to tell. Some stories are short and relate to recent occurrences and experiences, other are extensive, and again others are life stories in a nutshell. At the core of a homeopathic consultation lies the ability to listen, not simply to, but into the story which the client reveals. As a homeopath I must keep myself open to all the nuances, turns, and especially the feelings, which this story portrays. I must, so to speak, let myself be immersed in the story of the client: unexpecting, without evaluation, naive.

Take, for example, the woman who complains, amongst other things, about not knowing what to do about her chocolate cravings. The homeopath may easily have the impression that it now is the time to explain how constitutional homeopathy can help her rid herself of these craving binges, whereas she really only has the desire and need to be understood in her emotional turmoil, from whatever cause, never mind the chocolate craving! If the homeopath gives in to the urge to explain away the feeling of the woman, on her way home, this woman may feel the consultation somehow did not address her reason for coming; and even though she may have received a proper remedy, she is less likely to develop a fully proficient relationship with her practitioner.

A man who presents a sensitive and emotional impression, who talks about needing to change his behavioral patterns in his relationship, may only be paying lip service to his promise to his wife — after much pressure — to come and see a homeopath. In fact, if it were for him, he wouldn't even be there for a consultation. Rather than addressing his wife's concerns about his health, it may be appropriate to find some common issue first, which he can relate to, and from there gradually guide him to see a connection to his health or illness.

The practitioner is not just a deliverer of medicines or remedies.

We know, while the mouth narrates one hundred words, the body speaks 1000 messages. It is this body language that reveals our true intentions and feelings. Homeopaths beware! I have seen both women and men, on entering the consultation room with me, giving subtle clues to make sure the door is closed (as maybe a Natrum muriaticum personality could do). As a practitioner, I had better clue in to these subtle signs and respond to them, if some kind of mutual rapport is to be established.

Here are some habits, tips and ideas regarding various aspects of communication, which, in principle apply not only to homeopathy but to many areas of daily life.

• Meet the client in the waiting room yourself. We all know how this may provide important first clues to their personality.
  
• Always give agreeable first responses to what the person says, even if you do not agree with the person. Afterward you can add your own opinion — only, of course if it is not simply to serve your own gratification.
  
• Use a calm tone of voice, not louder than necessary to be heard properly. Be natural. I usually begin a first consultation with a brief question as to whether the person has had experience with homeopathy or natural health in any way. It is a rather neutral topic. Spend two or three sentences on the homeopathic/holistic health approach. Perceive whether the person is open to further explanations; this gives both client and practitioner a few minutes time to get accustomed to one another.
  
• It is honest practice, I believe, never to make any promises as to the outcome or result of treatment. Be objectively encouraging, yes, but make no statements as to the ultimate 'cure-all.'
  
• During the consultation, when the subject turns to emotional issues, the practitioner may find him or herself asking a delicate question. It is well to be perceptive of any subtle signs of discomfort from the client. In such a case, I may turn slightly sideways. Rather than face the client directly, I may focus on my repertory to give the impression I am not staring at the client waiting for the reaction to this delicate emotional question. This gives the person a feeling of space, of being given the time and freedom to think about and form the response without being pressured and analyzed.
  
  A Nat.-m personality may feel very uncomfortable if the homeopath were to look straight into his face after asking a question regarding emotions and feelings. A Phosphorus or a Lachesis in contrast may desire your attention and draw it away from the repertory or the materia medica at which you are trying to catch a glimpse. So you may have to hold the book in front of you, on your lap, and face the client all times, in order not to seem rude by turning away. Generally, I will resort to the aid of books (while still in exchange with the client, of course) only towards the end of the initial consultation. This means that for at least 60 to 75 minutes the client has had my full attention and space to express herself without any interruption.
  
• Keep a box of tissues in easy reach for the client. Should the client show increasing emotional humidity in the eyes, I may gently point to the box of tissues and maybe say calmly and encouragingly "That's all right, there are lots of them." This will usually bring a wisp of a smile to the face, and will relax any tension. It will also (more through body-language than through the words) send a message that I, the practitioner, am comfortable with the emotional expression of the client.
  
• No matter how peculiar and unusual a symptom or story, show no emotional reaction other than frequently nodding your head, and making appreciative noises, such as "Aha," "Hmmm," "Oh yes," "Good," "Right," "I see." Just nod your head in understanding interest and write it down with casual sincerity. Especially avoid "Oh really!?", "Is that so!", "Wow!", "My gosh!", "That must have been terrible!", "You're right, he shouldn't have done that!", "No, you don't have to feel angry about that."

As homeopaths we are not psychotherapists, unless trained as such! We listen to, appreciate, acknowledge whatever the client reports. We always encourage that whatever the client experiences is all right and is not wrong; and it certainly is not up to us to make any kind of judgment.

Oh, and one last thought: This is a game I play once in a while. I come into the office, putting myself into a new client's perspective. I sit down on various chairs in the waiting room and let myself feel what impressions the office makes from there. I walk to my office imagining myself in front of me saying and doing what I usually say and do. I sit down in my own office in the client's chair and look at my office from this perspective. Sometimes this will provoke new ideas and new questions I could ask during a consultation. I may realize that some little movement I frequently do or the placement of some item could seem distracting to the client. Even if it is only the disorganized-looking bookshelf that catches attention, it will have served the purpose of improvement.

And last but not least, a real life version of this game is to actually go and see another practitioner, of whichever therapy, to get my own treatments and experience as a client. Besides, the best contribution we can make towards relieving the suffering of humanity is to improve our own health, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Thus a well balanced spiritual outlook on life will manifest itself in all we think, in all we say, and in all we do. In short, it will pave the way for worthwhile communication.