There is always an aspect of pathology and purpose in every symptom/problem. You do your part for purpose (observing your body, what makes it better or worse, to inherit your body's wisdom, and actively modulate your impact on symptoms i.e. positive thinking, etc) and I will keep looking for aspects of a "golden key" (the "fix") as well as coaching you towards empowerment (purpose).

There is always an aspect of this being out of your control and this being in your control. Oftentimes, patients are so invested in the "fix-it" model that they do not have enough power to heal. Rarely can someone engage in a "fix-it" conversation and lose their power. Can someone tell you a diagnosis and you don't automatically feel like something is wrong? What happens in you when you hear Diabetes, Hypertension, Autism, Depression? Are these wrong? Can you accept something or look at the positive while working through it? Are you on the defensive right now? Is it important to have a diagnosis if you have symptoms? Could you let them go and live beyond them: you as solely you? Are you aware of how much you rely on professionals to fix things? Are you aware of your trade-off to "give" your problems to someone or something else or your investment in the explanation (another way to "blame")? Are you aware of your boundaries/borders in regards to those professional services (in other words, do you have a clear understanding of the "deal" you have with them?) Are you open to playing with all of these concepts?

This is so important because there is alot out there that is unknown. In doing complementary alternative medicine and being on the cutting edge, there is experimentation. Something may or may not work for you or your loved one. How will you deal with this? There will be a point that I explain possible pathophysiology (i.e. how things went wrong) and give a diagnosis. How will you deal with this? And is your relationship with the symptom actually making the symptom worse? If we put a "band-aid" on it and loose the message the body is sending, the body will just speak louder in some other more detrimental way.

You probably want to know if there are things that can help you, and you probably have something on the physiologic level in mind (i.e. herbs, diet, supplements, exercise, allergies, infections, toxins). First, remember that there is more going on here than these external things. All of your thoughts are physiologic: how you think about things and how you feel in your life matters immensely. These are internal factors. This is what the above questions were all about.

Yes, there are always things that you can do. Most likely, there is not a quick fix or one seemingly magic "thing to do" that's missing. And often, if you embrace one external and internal recommendation fully, it will lead you to the other things that are "missing". For example, when you are attentively exercising, you become more cognizant of what you choose to put into your body for nourishment. When you meditate regularly, you become more observant of your body and learn whats "good for you."

So, now, if you fill in all the "missing" pieces, where will you be? What is your notion of ideal health? Do you know you will never feel perfect until you choose it? Until you accept yourself as perfect?

What does it mean to your body-mind-spirit when you say you will settle for just having symptom X gone?

How do you feel right now reading this? Does it bring you up or down? Do you feel bigger or smaller, lighter or heavier? Start asking these questions about other things. Then begin to actively choose.

This is a huge part of my "deal" with you. I devote a huge portion of my time and energy towards you, both during and outside of the appointment. I expect you to do the same for yourself.

These lists were inspired by Dr. Denice Moffatt's website, who received the exercise from the book Attracting Perfect Customers by Stacy Hall and Jan Brogniez


Works in concert with me, understanding that the nature of the relationship is a partnership

Takes Responsibility, understanding that ultimately change and progress is up to them

Understands and respects that I am human

Understands and respects that I am a wife, daughter, sister, etc. and have personal boundaries

Appreciates the time that I devote to them (both during and outside of the appointment)

Gladly pays on time for services rendered

Asks or interrupts when something is unclear or misunderstood

Lets me know if any aspect of their care or experience in the office was below their expectations

Is open with me, and feels comfortable sharing pertinent information, including expectations

Enhances my practice by referring others when they are well tended.

To be a caring and supportive partner in the journey to “ease” (as opposed to dis-ease)

To be always readily available (I handle all of my own “calls” outside of personal vacation; if any concerns arise that cannot wait until office hours, you should feel comfortable that I can be reached)

To devote my full attention to their well-being during the appointment, and devote my time and energy as necessary beyond the appointment

To respect their time by doing my utmost to be on time for my appointments

To listen to them and truly care about them

To fully apply myself towards their well-being and our partnership

To have their best interest at heart (I believe if I tend my clients to the best of my ability, business will naturally follow; therefore I do not and cannot have any ulterior motives or concerns when caring for my patients)

To do my best so that my clients understand and feel fully comfortable regarding the health-care they receive

To share and be open with them (I believe part of being a physician does hark back to one interpretation of the word: teacher)

To consult with a team of competent professionals when necessary

To continue to learn and always be engaged in self-improvement

To practice what I preach