Welcome to The Herbarium’s intensive on Introduction to Clinical Practice with Lindsey Feldpausch, RH(AHG) and Shona Richter MacDougall, RH(AHG). Thank you for joining us! There are four video sessions in this intensive.
The herbal practitioner plays a supportive and educational role in the client’s life. While the path to becoming a clinical herbal practitioner looks different for everyone, there are fundamental best practices that are critical for anyone considering herbal practice to be aware of. From learning about the legalities of clinical herbal practice to defining one’s own role as a practitioner to hosting the intake and client follow-ups, clinical practice encompasses so many aspects.
In this intensive, we examine the foundations of clinical practice as an herbalist, from how to become a clinical practitioner, to what language to use, to the art of records and documentation. Addressing necessary considerations such as scope of practice, rate setting, and professional boundaries, we cover what you need to understand about the ins and outs of clinical practice.
In this four-part Clinical Practice Intensive, seasoned practitioners Lindsey Feldpausch and Shona Richter MacDougall offer wisdom from their own practices, guiding you through the process of starting your journey towards clinical practice and what it means to be an effective practitioner enriching your client’s journeys.
Session 1—Essentials of Clinical Herbal Practice
In this session, we’ll explore key aspects of clinical herbal practice from the ground up. What exactly does it mean to be and call oneself an herbal clinician? What is the role of a clinical practitioner, and what falls inside and outside one’s scope of practice? What terms can be used and what should be avoided? What professional standards must be upheld and why? We will set the stage in this session for the herbal consultation itself.
Session 2—Introduction to Herbal Consultation
Discover the basics of herbal practice from a clinical perspective, including considerations for gathering clientele, what the pre-consultation process involves, and how to manage logistics. Learn from experienced practitioners how to best prepare for the consultation, maximize the information that you glean from the intake form, and facilitate a positive experience for your clients.
Session 3—Conducting a Consultation
The art of conducting an herbal consultation involves so many considerations from the moment your client walks in the door (or joins your virtual session). There are key questions to ask and practices to adopt that will help you get the most out of your initial consultation (and subsequent follow-ups) with a client. You’ll learn tips and tricks for enhancing your experience as a practitioner while also holding space for your client during the interview and assessment.
Session 4–Creating a Client Plan
What can you do post-consult to ensure that you are able to take the information that your client shared with you and create a plan that best suits their needs and goals? Plenty. Learn how to use documentation, planning, and coaching skills to create and present your client plan in a way that encourages client empowerment, compliance, and results.
Let’s get started!
