Before we even meet in the office I like for us to talk by phone for 15-20 minutes. This gives you a chance to ask me questions and determine if I am a good doctor for you to work with. Naturopathic Doctors are by our nature very unique individuals, if i am not the right fit I am happy to give you referrals to other NDs in your area.
Our first visit will last from 1 ½ to 2 hours and involves a lot of talking on both of our parts. I want to make sure you understand how Naturopathic Medicine may be different from the going to the doctor that you are used to. It absolutely requires your participation in your own health. I will also be doing a lot of listening while you talk. I want to hear all about your story, what brought you here, what significant past and current life experiences are impacting your health. I want to be clear on what your health goals are, and check in with you if I perceive other health concerns I feel should be a priority.
It is my preference to get your intake forms and any recent labwork before the first visit, but this is not yet a requirement for scheduling. I may also request we perform additional labwork if there are areas that haven’t been explored or exposed.
Within the first or second visit I will perform a physical exam which may include checking blood pressure, palpating the pulses, listening to your lungs, heart and abdomen, checking reflexes, observing you and gathering as much information as I am able to. Even if it’s just listening to the pulses, I am learning about you and your unique state of being. After the visit you will get a customized treatment plan based on the priorities we have identified. Included in the price of the first visit is a follow up by phone or email to make sure the suggestions make sense and that you will be able to comply with the recommendations I have made.
A significant part of what I do as a doctor is to educate my patients to a new way of viewing health care, which is in fact a very old way of viewing responsibility for health. It is absolutely our own responsibility how we feel and what we choose to do about it. For those with chronic disease or chronic pain this may sound unreasonable, but we can help mitigate pain, we can reduce future health risks, we can deeply address the imbalance that resulted in the current situation. I cannot and will not try and do your healing work for you or fix you. I will absolutely provide you with clear instruction and answer questions as best I can. I will offer patience, love, encouragement, solutions and choices, and you will remember, or learn, what it is to take good care of yourself.
I look forward to working with you!