Problem solving is one of the most enjoyable parts of being a homeopath. Taking the case, looking at the symptoms, the aetiology, then working out which remedies will help clear the problem, whilst also considering any lifestyle changes and suggested dietary changes that may help the patient. It’s like sitting down with a big ball of knotted yarn, then unravelling it, with immense satisfaction once that wool is placed neatly back in its place. I love thinking it through, mulling it over and if I’m honest with you, I do tend to think about cases in quite some depth!
Coaching however is a completing different dynamic because the emphasis on problem solving shifts to the client. The coach is a mere facilitator, asks pertinent and ‘big’ questions so that the client can solve their own problems. Coaching is all about impactful conversations; leaving the client with solution-based and actionable tasks so that they feel like they are the problem-solver. This is empowering! Life-changing, even!
This is why I chose to integrate coaching in to my practice, because I could see that once remedies had taken hold and shifted ailments, the underlying issues that may have been part of the causation need to be tackled if changes to behaviours are to take place.
Here is an example (name changed). Greg is a therapist, he used to love his work but recently he has lost his passion and as a result is in a dilemma about whether to quit and go back to more stable employment. As a result, he continually got colds and respiratory issues over the autumn/winter season and is fed up. As a homeopath I started by taking a case of how he is feeling both physically and mentally and prescribe remedies to help with the colds, asthma and boost immunity. The remedies then cleared both physical and emotional symptoms, in which Greg was then able to think that he wanted to make changes to the way he worked, but was unsure where to start. Coaching then allowed for exploratory discussion and solution-focused conversations, during which he felt that there were changes that needed to be made to his work. He felt inspired and able to tackle making these changes and implemented them in a time-scale that suited him and his family.
Supporting patients through the transition from being helped to facilitated is a wonderful and empowering part of personal development work and this really is beautiful to watch.
So ask yourself do you want someone to help you solve your problems or do you want to be one in the driving seat? Or perhaps you would like a balance of both? Now there’s a problem for you…..!
