How to have confidence in your choice of practitioner

Please bear in mind that in this country it is against the law for any therapist who is not also a trained as a doctor to claim that any condition can be improved, helped or cured. It is also illegal to treat epilepsy, cancer or diabetes. It is not however illegal to use techniques in an attempt to support or maintain the whole body

Does the person belong to an association for their therapy?

For instance, mine is the Association of Systematic Kinesiology or ASK for short. If so, the person has reached a certain level of training that can be confirmed by the association. It also means that the member likely participates in an ongoing education scheme known as the CPD (Continual Professional Development) throughout each year. This is usually obligatory to improve/update their knowledge in order to maintain their membership

Does the person have public liability and professional indemnity insurance cover?

These cover the therapist in the unlikely event of an accident that is something to do with their property, or a sueable complaint about their treatment. Therapist associations often have what is called a 'block' scheme, where each member who wishes to charge for their service is covered by insurance protection that is standard for the group. This also tells you that the person has reached a certain level in their training, so is qualified to have such cover. For instance, in my case, I am a DipASK, which is the highest professional level of training for my group and I therefore can and do belong to ASK's 'block' scheme. This, incidentally, is run by Balens of Malvern, who specialize in natural therapist insurance schemes

Are there things on the practitioner's website that appeal to you?

Does the website give you any idea of the therapist's approach to health care? If so, does what is displayed 'speak' to you?

Ring the practitioner for a chat

Ask if they are familiar with what you wish to have advice on and what would be their approach to it. See if what they say appeals to you. Every practitioner will do things differently, even if trained under the same person. We all use our knowledge in a way that suits us. We develop our own 'style', if you like

If you don't get an immediate answer to your call don't give up

My policy is not to allow consultations to be interrupted by phone calls, as it is disruptive to my train of thought and irritating to the client who naturally wishes for my undivided attention. But do leave a message explaining why you rang and leave your name and telephone number, so that the practitioner can get back to you. If there is a time most convenient, or not at all convenient, on any day, for this to occur, mention this in your message

Does the therapist take an interest in your, and your family's, health history?

This is not entirely necessary but, particularly in the nutritional field, this knowledge can aid in assessing why your body is in the position it is. Some practitioners will send out a questionnaire to be filled out before your consultation. If you take the time to do this, it may save discussion time in the appointment time, which can be used more profitably in treating your body. In particular, note the names of any drugs that you have been prescribed