Psychology and Homeopathy
I was interviewed by Paul Brennan on RCR homeopathy about the NZ Homeopaths Demographics Survey, and we got off topic and started talking about homeopathy in general. (You can listen here: https://test.rcr.media/episodes/health-hacks-barbara-roberts-inside-new-zealands-homeopathy-shake-up). One thing he commented was with the holistic model there must be some psychology involved. Of course, in homeopathy the mental emotional aspect is so important- it can help us differentiate between different remedies, and even the way you describe things or react will indicate different remedies. But I also thought about all the other little things that take part in a homeopathic consultation, that can be likened to psychology.
I’ve had many clients say that their consultation is like therapy. This is because you have my complete attention, and there is something validating and healing about the active listening relationship, which has been shown in studies in coaching and psychotherapy, and even shows up in the brain (1).
It’s not just the active listening though, it is getting back into the emotions and the history. If appropriate, discussing trauma and not only what the effect was at the time but also any lingering effects. I do make a lot of people cry in my consultations as we talk about things that are really important. I’ve also been told that they’re sharing something they have never told anyone before – and being able to address that bottled up trauma and emotion is so important.
In the homeopathic consultation we look for patterns- not just in behaviour and emotions, but also linking physical illness to events or emotions. This can create insights into what is actually happening, which also empowers you to make changes, come up with strategies to deal with triggers, and recognise what is happening before you fall off the cliff. This, even without a remedy to support change can be life changing.
Homeopathic philosophy underlines the importance of being non biased and non judgmental. I always say to kids I see that it is not about whether behaviour is ‘good’ or ‘bad’, I just need to know what is happening, and what is going on for you in how it feels. Empathy and a lack of judgement is also healing.
Lastly, as well as giving a remedy I do share techniques that will help. Sometimes this is about how to talk to or deal with difficult people, and sometimes it is something like journaling or practicing gratitude. But always this is individualised as much as the remedy.
Homeopaths have such varied skills, my friend Jess likes to say it is like finding a hairdresser- you need to find someone who suits you. But whether or not your homeopath has experience or qualifications in coaching, counselling or psychology, the consultation itself should still be healing- with the possible exception of my last point, all homeopaths will practice using the points above. And the best thing is, the right remedy will help you continue along that healing path, stimulating healing physically, emotionally and spiritually.
If you haven’t experienced a homeopathic consultation then consider whether this is the time for you to be actively and deeply heard, to take a look at your life through another pair of eyes, and get support not just for your physical but also emotional and spiritual health.
(1) Kawamichi H, Yoshihara K, Sasaki AT, Sugawara SK, Tanabe HC, Shinohara R, Sugisawa Y, Tokutake K, Mochizuki Y, Anme T, Sadato N. Perceiving active listening activates the reward system and improves the impression of relevant experiences. Soc Neurosci. 2015;10(1):16-26. doi: 10.1080/17470919.2014.954732. Epub 2014 Sep 4. PMID: 25188354; PMCID: PMC4270393.