complimentary care

Tips for Choosing a Practitioner

By Susan Kirk, RMT and Bonnie Crosier, RMT, IARP
he steps you take in choosing a new lawyer, doctor, or accountant are the same steps you should take in choosing a complimentary care practitioner. Most of us first ask our friends if they recommend someone locally, and then we get down to a little research. There are some obvious and not so obvious bases you will want to cover before making your choice. Education and Experience Many healing modalities have designations or certifications that are earned with study and/or testing. By doing a little research or asking prospective practitioners, you can see if the practitioner is qualified, and, if so, at what level. Many practitioners and facilities have several techniques or modalities to offer their clients. Ask what other specialties they offer and dont be shy in asking for explanations and educational materials. In the practice of Reiki, there are at least three levels of education known as Level 1, Level 2, and Master. Do not hesitate in asking what level of training a practitioner has achieved.

It is often most helpful to know what experience your practitioner has had in their technique. Years of practice in their field is often an indicator of confidence and knowledge. If you have a particular reason for which you are seeking help, ask the practitioner if they have worked with people with similar issues. Common areas of experience include issues with pain relief, stress relief, post-operative recovery, chemotherapy side-effects, insomnia, and muscle tension. You do not need confidential details of others therapy but a sense that your practitioner has worked in your area of concern is reassuring. Make sure to use Internet searches on the topic, Facebook, and LinkedIn to gain as much knowledge as you need. Research is easy these days but keep in mind that not all you read online is true! Business Practice Complimentary care providers are usually small business owners and will be handling their clients with the ethics and best practices of their field. To get a feel for all the categories with which to evaluate

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Page 38 Healthy Cells Magazine Bloomington September 2013

their services, most fields have associations to which a practitioner belongs and subscribes. As with Reiki, many practitioners are members of the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT) or the International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP). Both of these associations have codes of ethics that their members endorse. They can be reviewed at www.Reiki.org or www.IARP.org, respectively. These codes of ethics include categories such as honesty and integrity, confidentiality, professional education, and professional conduct. It is also recommended that your practitioner has a professional liability insurance policy. This is recommended as a sign of a conscientious business person rather than any increased level of need. All good business owners need to evaluate their business risk management position. Having a current policy is proof of that effort. Facility When looking for a new practitioner, the location and condition of the facility should also be considered. If the facility is in an area of town that is hard to get to, feels unsafe to you, or has parking challenges, then this might be a deciding factor for you. The first and foremost consideration should be the cleanliness, quiet, and security of the treatment areas and rooms. If the facility is pleasant and welcoming, it is much more conducive to a peaceful and effective treatment. Noise and interruption can be quite stressful when seeking help, so a visit to the facility before you book a session is very appropriate.

Make sure that if there are standards of care necessary, as in OSHA regulations, they are met, and that all sanitary measures are followed (i.e., change of linens or pillow cases, clean restrooms). Rapport and Comfort With Your Practitioner Just as you need to feel comfortable with your other professionals, it is equally important that you use the same measuring stick with your complimentary care practitioner. If you feel guarded or ill at ease, then most likely you will not be able to relax with the caregiver, and may unintentionally be less open to treatment. Whether you prefer someone with a similar background as yourself, an active listener, or someone involved in continuing education, look for a feeling of connection or rapport with your choice. Just as with a new lawyer, doctor, or hair stylist, you are the consumer and need to feel you are in good, respectful care. We dont always find the right professional the first time around, and a complimentary care practitioner is no different. Most good practitioners will meet with you for a brief consultation to explain their work and show you their facility; allowing you to decide if it will be a good fit for you. By being an educated consumer, you will find someone qualified and heart-centered to walk the healing path with you! If you are experiencing pain or a challenging medical situation and would like to see how Reiki can work for you, call 309-268-9304 or 309-824-9600 for an appointment for consultation. Bonnie Crosier and Susan Kirk are Reiki Masters. For more information visit their websites, www.eta-ci.com or www.SusanKirkReiki.com.

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September 2013 Bloomington Healthy Cells Magazine Page 39