Establishing a Trusting Client and Practitioner Relationship | Your Healing Journey
It's important to have a trusting client-practitioner relationship. Practitioners should be able to trust their clients and understand what they are going through, and clients need to know that their practitioner is there for them. Trusting relationships can help with healing, but they also require work from both sides. Here are some points to consider for how we can establish and nurture a trusting relationship while you visit the Homestead Nutrition clinic:
While in the clinic, the main thing is that your health concerns and goals are addressed first and foremost. This means that the sessions are tailored to your individual needs, and there is no set agenda decided by the practitioner that you must follow.
A code of rights for practitioners and clients
New Zealand has legislation that protects all clients and patients that are receiving a health care service. That means that the natural health industry is awarded no exceptions to these rules, and a complaint about the service you have received can be made to the Code of Health and Disability Rights Commissioner for experiences that have caused you harm.
Conflict resolution process
While there are many different ways to deal with conflict, the most effective way is for you and your practitioner to agree on a plan. If you have ever been in a situation where the other person's behavior was causing you stress or discomfort, it's important that both of you are on the same page about what could be done moving forward. This will allow one/both parties an opportunity to learn from their mistakes, without compromising continuity of care.
I find that having this conversation at the beginning of our work together helps prevent any misunderstandings later down the road, because I've already held space for you to articulate any expectations beforehand. It also allows room for disagreements to occur with the aim of coming to a resolution in a reasonable time period, and in a predictable, less stressful way that builds trust.
Practitioner burn out
Practitioner burn out is real, and it’s something that you should be aware of as a client. The first trick I use to preventing burnout is simply recognising when I am feeling overwhelmed or stressed out by my work load. If you’re seeing the signs in a practitioner, ask yourself:
Do I feel like my practitioner has been getting more distracted/unorganised with me lately?
Does he/she have more work than usual piled up on his/her desk? (This can be especially evident if they have fewer sessions available.)
Is there an increase in complaints from previous clients who do not seem satisfied with the results they received from their appointments with him/her?
Fair prices
If you feel like the costs are too high, here’s what you can do:
Contact Homestead Nutrition and ask for the low income prices. A price that works for both parties can be arranged, ensuring you can return as often as needed.
Arrange a payment plan. This is usually sent out as an invoice, where you make regular payments to gain credit on your account with Homestead Nutrition. Payment must however be paid in full prior to your appointment. Homestead Nutrition does not accept payment plans after your appointment.
Ask for a WINZ quote, and take this into your local service centre. This can be a hit and miss, so you will be offered extra support with this if required to apply for a review of decision.
Your rights as a client
Your rights as a client are important. You have the right to choose your practitioner, and you can ask questions about the treatment options that are available. You should also feel free to express negative feelings about anything that happens during treatment or at any time afterward.
Your trust in your practitioner is critical for success—you need to feel comfortable with them so that they can help you achieve your goals and improve your quality of life. In order to maintain this trust, it's important that your practitioner treats all clients with respect, while working toward achieving positive results in their respective treatments programs (such as wellness planning).
Trauma sensitive care and understanding how to deal with trauma in sessions
If you are a client who has experienced trauma, it is important to recognise the signs and how this can occur during a session. This may include:
Becoming agitated or confused
Difficulty in concentrating or making decisions
Crying after a massage/mirimiri
Becoming tense when discussing sensitive issues
If you notice any of these, understand that support is available to you through the process of recovery from trauma, and your wishes for privacy about certain topics or extra care around some issues are accepted.
Care and support when needed the most
In summary, you can use the trust and respect you have built to help feel at ease while discussing what is on your mind, and means you can relax during sessions knowing you are in safe hands.
Interested in learning how you can take your health and wellness to the next level? Book an appointment today!
Contact Homestead Nutrition for more details.