When I first launched courses about intuition I received several not-so-nice, crinkled nose, nasty-gram emails and comments from skeptics. I was a bit surprised at the un-boundaried responses from fellow licensed mental health professionals who apparently do not approve of such course offerings as evidenced by comments such as “Seriously??” and “WTF??”
The Impact of Therapist Bias regarding Intuition
As I read the less than savory comments and emails I thought to myself, “I wonder how these professionals would react to a client who sat before them and said one of the following?”
- “I had a reiki session yesterday at the hospital following chemotherapy.”
- “I have been taking aromatherapy classes.”
- “I am re-decorating my home and incorporating elements of Feng Shui.”
- “I read this book that really helped. I think I am an empath.”
- “Since I have been doing body work I have been having memories of abuse.”
- “My prayers have been answered.”
Imagine having had an epiphany and telling your therapist or coach about your revelation and being dismissed, questioned or even insulted at believing in or participating in such “nonsense.”
Even as evidence abounds at the use and efficacy of many CAM approaches, a lot of people are still skeptics but here are a couple of reliable sources.
In the US the government offers The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).
In the UK the NHS offers Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).
Courses about Intuition
My courses are available to anyone who uses (or plans to use) alternative forms of healing and facilitation. My courses are not about how to become more intuitive- but about using our innate intuition in the healing and helping professions, whether we use pendulums and crystals or combine intuition and psychic abilities with evidence-based psychotherapy. I recognize that many people seek out alternatives to traditional medicine and traditional mental health interventions. I also realize that traditional counseling and psychotherapy is not the only path to healing and personal growth. I certainly know that many trained and licensed mental health professionals and certified coaches integrate alternative, spiritual and healing methods into their practices.
Working Ethically as a CAM Practitioner
I embrace anyone who reaches out for healing, understanding, self-actualization- and there are many paths to take. Everyone’s journey is different. My aim is to teach the seasoned and the new alternative healing professionals how to work ethically, including proper informed consent, respect for the laws of a particular jurisdiction, issues of liability, (yes- coverage is available) working within one’s scope of practice and utilizing technology appropriately to protect client confidentiality.
It is not my goal or mission to validate the various methods practitioners use. I will leave that to research and science. I speak to the healing arts and those within the healing arts who identify with being an empath, using intuition, energy psychology and/or distant healing. I cast a wide net to anyone who wants to learn. Intuitive Wellness blends mind, body and soul and is an approach that can be used by many practitioners.
I am a seasoned Nutbag and proud of it!
I have come to this conclusion. People in the healing and helping professions seem to fall into one of three categories regarding intuition:
- If you use your intuition, you should have a license to do so.
- If you use your intuition and you don’t have a license, you are a nutbag.*
- If you use your intuition, licensed or not, you are a nutbag.
The fact of the matter is, there are many complimentary treatment modalities that don’t require a license or even a certification. The credential I offer only requires a high school diploma, an assumption that one has intuition, and the willingness to learn. I am guessing some mental health professionals who received the announcement of my Intuitive Wellness Coach Specialist Certificate or my Essential Soul Care® psychospiritual protocol or my books on Spiritual Coaching and Intuitive Aromatherapy, were insulted to have been lumped in with the likes of “that bunch.”
Yes, even doctors use their intuition!
If you are reading this and feel validated, I am delighted. If you are reading this and scratching your head, I encourage you to google the word “intuitive” and your favorite licensed discipline – Medical Doctor, Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Nurse…
Countless examples exist of people in the helping professions who incorporate intuition into their work. To name a few, Judith Orloff, M.D., Carolyn Coleridge, LCSW, Frances E. Vaughan, Psychologist, Marie Manuchehri, R.N.
*nutbag
someone who is a little bit crazy, a little bit squirrelly~ Urban Dictionary
