What to look for in a good doctor or therapist

      

By Katie Beecher MS, LPC

As a medical intuitive and mental health counselor, my clients often share stories of negative interactions with one, or many, of their healthcare providers.  Harmful comments from doctors, therapists, and others who provide medical care, can range from uneducated to malicious.  For instance, I have heard of doctors who criticize and shame patients for their weight, despite the patient reporting unrelated symptoms or has a history of disordered eating and body image issues.   It is unfortunately difficult to find emotional and physical healthcare professions you can trust, feel comfortable with, and can effectively progress your healing journey.  It’s important to remember that they are ultimately there to assist you – you do not have to work with them if they are not helping you.  Never be afraid of asking questions or getting second opinions.   Here are qualities of good practitioners:   1. If they do not know what is wrong with you, they tell you and are willing to do research or consult with colleagues to find answers. 2. They look for root causes, not band-aids. 3. They listen to your concerns and take your opinions into consideration. 4. They treat you with respect and look you in the eye. 5. They explain treatments, diagnoses, and conditions thoroughly. 6. They are knowledgeable about and explain possible side effects of medications and procedures. 7. They explain costs upfront and have no hidden charges. 8. They are conservative and start with the least invasive treatment options and the lowest doses of medications, homeopathic remedies, or supplements. 9. They make you a partner in your own treatment. 10. They respect your time and don’t make you wait unnecessarily.  They also apologize when appropriate. 11. They are willing to look outside the box, rather than summarily dismissing approaches, treatments, and therapies they are not familiar with. 12. They are licensed and board certified in the area they practice.  For example, dentists should not be doing fillers and Botox without proper certification.   No one should give medical diagnoses except licensed professionals.  Psychics and mediums should not tell anyone that they have physical or mental conditions (that includes medical intuitives). This is different from pointing out symptoms that can be confirmed. It important to note that it is illegal and unethical to claim to be able to heal or cure, unless there is extensive, documented evidence backing up the claim, such as scientific studies.  -- Katie Beecher, MS, LPC Medical and Emotional Intuitive, Licensed Professional Counselor Featured in Gwyneth Paltrow's wellness magazine GOOP     https://katiebeecher.com/goop-a-roadmap-to-your-intuition My book, Heal From Within: A Guide to Intuitive Wellness is published by St. Martin's Press.  AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE AND WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD.   https://www.katiebeecher.com https://www.facebook.com/beechermedicalintuitive - Over 150 five star reviews https://www.instagram.com/katiebeecher_medical_intuitive/?hl=en