How To Choose A Complementary Therapy That’s Right For You

There are many complementary and alternative therapies available and, if it’s an area of healthcare that you’re unfamiliar with, the choice can be daunting.

A recommendation from somebody you trust can be helpful but remember that their needs are different to yours, even if the issue you are seeking help for is the same as theirs.

Here are some questions to ask yourself which will help you choose the complementary therapy that’s right for you.

What do I want help with?

Is it a specific physical or mental health condition? Is it an issue like stress and its related effects? Is it a relationship issue? Is it a particular situation? Or is it a general, non-specific malaise of something "just not right”?

Are you recovering from illness or an experience and want to regain health and wellbeing? Or are you well and wanting to stay that way? Have you just received a diagnosis? Are on a waiting list for treatment and want care and  support while you wait?

Do you want a relatively “quick fix” e.g. a massage to relieve muscular tension or are you looking to change a long-standing issue, habits or behaviour? 

What kind of experience suits me?

The treatment methods that complementary therapies use vary a lot. Some are based on physical touch and close contact, some require removing items of clothing, some involve different levels of physical movement, some require periods of stillness, some focus on thinking and talking, some involve taking a treatment orally and many use a combination of these methods.

Also think about the kind of relationship you want with your practitioner. How involved do you want to be  in your treatment? Do you like to ask questions and be informed? Do you want to have a say in your treatment? Do you want to do any exercises or work in between your sessions? Or are you the type of person who wants to be told what to do, when to do it and doesn’t want to know any more than that?

Think about your spiritual and cultural values too and how a particular complementary therapy may compromise or support those values.

Will it work alongside my allopathic/conventional medical treatment?

Alternative therapies, as the name suggests, are used instead of conventional medical treatment.

Complementary therapies work safely alongside conventional medical treatment.

If you have a diagnosis, are pregnant, taking prescription medication or waiting for treatment/investigations, it’s important you tell your practitioner. A professionally trained practitioner will know the limitations of their practice and refer you back to your GP when appropriate. No professional practitioner will tell you to stop prescribed treatment.

Here are some questions to ask yourself which will help you choose the right practitioner for you.

Is the practitioner professionally trained, insured and registered?

Feel free to ask questions such as, “Where did you train?”,  “What qualifications do you have?”, “Are you fully insured?”,  “Are you registered with a recognised professional body?”

Registration with a professional body ensures that the practitioner has recognised qualifications, has appropriate insurance, a proper complaints procedure is in place and that they adhere to a professional Code of Practice.

You can also check the practitioner’s credentials on their professional body’s register.

Do I feel comfortable with this person?

You probably know what it’s like to have a particular GP you get on with and the difference that makes to you. You may not always be able to choose your preferred GP but you can choose your practitioner. 

The client-practitioner relationship is a hugely important part of your therapy. You need to feel respected and listened to and to trust your practitioner.  It's a really good idea to speak with the practitioner before you book an appointment so you get a feel of whether they’d be a good fit for you. Trust your instincts!

What evidence is there to back up the particular therapy and is the practitioner honest about it?

An excellent practitioner will be able to answer this, be open about what the therapy can and cannot do and will never promise miracles or guaranteed cures.

What are the practicalities and can I commit to them?

Answering the following questions will help you decide. “How many sessions will I need and over what time period?”,  “Are there concessions/sliding scales of fees/packages?”,  “Is the practitioner local or are sessions available online?”,  “What happens if I need to cancel?”. 

Now you know how to find the right complementary therapy and the right practitioner for you. Remember, you are in control, you can pick and choose and you can stop seeing a practitioner any time you want to.

I hope you find the perfect combination which can be both life changing and life affirming.

Artwork: Laura Hughes