Most Irish people coming to me have a medical condition that they are looking to have treated. This will be something that is impacting on their quality of life and they want it brought under control as quickly as possible.

After carrying out my diagnosis I will recommend a treatment program constituting the number of sessions that I believe will make a difference, either resolving the condition or reducing its impact to a manageable level.

While patients are going through their treatment program I ask them to do some “homework” between sessions that will expedite healing. This may be to take some herbs or supplements, make dietary or lifestyle adjustments, do some exercises or even reading.

Over the course or the treatment program I try to give the patient the tools they need to be able to keep well when it is over. This is based on the “homework” and how effective it proves. For example, a patient presenting with pain might use a portable TENS machine for relief between sessions and stay with this after the program, or a patient coming with anxiety might carry over cold water swimming as an aid to boosting their serotonin (often referred to as the “feel good hormone”).

Where needed, and to give patients the reassurance that what they presented with will not come back, I will also recommend follow-up sessions. For example, a patient presenting with anxiety might come back for a monthly top-up.

While it is very common for patients in the East to come to therapists like me to maintain wellness, this is something that is not really in our genes just yet in the West.  This is a growing area for me and a very important part of my clinic development. Prevention is truly better than a cure!