Information for patients
What happens in a consultation?
Consultations are informal, relaxed and conducted in a safe and confidential space. Ideally this takes place face to face but we can also consult via video link. The key is to allow you the time you need to describe in detail your reasons for wanting treatment. Treating the whole person requires time to achieve an understanding of you and your history before a medicine is prescribed for you. Homeopathic treatment needs to understand the wider context of illnesses, linking physical pathology to inherited traits, childhood development and emotional states.
The first consultation can last for up to 2 hours. All aspects of your physical, mental and emotional state will be explored, as well as you and your family’s medical history. The aim is to achieve as complete a picture of you and your symptoms as possible. You will be asked many questions such as, when did you first experience this symptom? What makes it feel better or worse? Is it worse at a particular time of the day? Do you have any particular likes or dislikes or things that make you feel worse generally e.g. heat or cold, salty/sweet foods, hot or cold drinks. How is your sleep? What makes you angry or sad? How are the relationships in your life? Treating the whole person requires time and patience to understand you and your history in a lot of detail before a medicine is prescribed for you. Each of us is unique and we each react uniquely to things, so each treatment needs to be unique too.
In some cases we may need to ask other people who know you well to tell us things that you may not be able to notice about yourself. If we need to do this we will always ask you first.
What happens next?
After your consultation your homoeopath will use the information to find a homeopathic medicine specifically matched to your individual needs. It may be that more questions will need to be asked, this is usually done by email. Once a medicine is found that best covers the totality of you and your symptoms it will then be sent to you with clear instructions on how and when to take it. You will be asked to send regular written reports so that your homeopath can keep a close eye on how your treatment is progressing.
How often do I need to consult?
That depends on you and your treatment and also on the nature of your illness. Sending reports and remaining in touch allows the homeopath to observe the progress of treatment and to advise when the next prescription may be required. It will be dependent upon whether your treatment is for a chronic or acute self limiting condition. It can vary from one month to 6 months or longer.
What support do you offer in-between consultations?
It helps to provide reports as regularly as requested after taking your remedy. We also encourage people to contact if you have a question or concern in between visits either by email or phone. If we are not available straight away we will always get back to you as soon as we can. It is worth noting we do not operate like the NHS and may not be able to respond like an emergency service, in any emergency please call 999.
Can I take the medicines that my doctor has prescribed while taking homeopathic treatment?
Yes certainly. Homeopathic medicines work in a different way to conventional medicine so can be taken alongside each other.
How much does it cost?
The consultation, medicine and support through until your next consultation is £120.00. We want to emphasise that we don’t want the fee to be a barrier to treatment. If this may cause you difficulties please speak with your homeopath before making any decision.