One of the things I do regularly - at least every year or two - is revisit my statements about what I do and who I serve/my "ideal clients."

I find that this is a helpful practice, but it's not quite enough.

It's also important to think about the WAY you do what you do. I find that this stems from your core values: the things that are most important to you as a person and a practitioner.

It can be tricky to identify these, but once you do it is extremely helpful in writing and speaking about what you do.

When you're clear about this, you can more easily help your clients identify whether you'd be a good fit for them.

In this episode, I share a reflection question that helped me identify my core values.

I hope it helps you as well.

Learn more about the Roots course if you're just getting started. It will help you get your ducks in a row before opening your doors (website, insurance, business banking, etc). Start anytime 💚

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One of the first steps is to name your practice. For some people, this can be a real stumbling block. It feels like a huge decision. Don't let this hold you up! I've included a few things to consider below, with more in the podcast episode. It's also helpful to know that it's pretty easy (from a business/legal perspective) to change your name later. For example, if you file as an LLC you can pay a small, one-time fee and add a "Doing Business As" name to your registration. 

• Consider including the name of your city, state, region if you'll be primarily working locally

If you're looking for a guided process as you work through getting your practice up and running, come join me in the 10-week Roots: Foundations of Clinical Practice online course. Each week you'll have a few simple tasks to complete, and by the end of the course you'll be ready to open your doors. Start anytime 💚

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As a clinician, you're probably used to speaking or writing in a particular way. It's helpful to evaluate your language periodically to make sure you're choosing words and phrases that create a welcoming and inclusive environment. While I know most of us have good intentions, we also have a lot of room for improvement (and I include myself here!).

• List your pronouns on your website, in your bio, and in other marketing/promotional materials
  

• "Died from suicide" rather than "committed suicide"

"Pregnant person" or "person who is nursing" rather than "pregnant mother" or "nursing mother”

• Northwestern University Counseling Inclusive Language Guide

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I think we've all been there. 

It's easy to feel like you're not good enough, you don't know enough, and you'll never be able to help this person.

You are not the only one who's felt this way.

In this episode, I share a few tips for staying calm, trusting yourself, and getting help when you need it.

Many times, it comes back to your underlying philosophy. What kind of work do you do? If you think your job is to fix, to take charge, or to know it all, then that may be feeding your anxiety.

Have a listen, and share your thoughts below. 

Don't forget, you don't have to do this alone! Here are a few resources:

• Herbal Observation Groups
  

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When I was doing research for my recent webinar on how to find clients without using social media, I kept running across the recommendation to use testimonials.

Sometimes known as "social proof," they can reassure potential clients that you're a legitimate practitioner and that others have benefited from working with you. 

Almost all online marketing/business-building courses and gurus will tell you to include testimonials on your sales pages and in your marketing materials if you have them.

When clients are singing your praises, it does seem like a good idea to build on that enthusiasm so that future clients can see they'd be in good hands.

As healthcare practitioners, we are automatically in an uneven relationship with our clients in terms of power dynamics.

Their care is our first priority.

We have to ask ourselves if there are any possible risks to our clients or to our relationship with our clients when we ask for or use a testimonial or review for self-promotion.

Could doing so affect your work together? Might the client feel compelled to oblige? Are there any risks to the client if their testimonial is published online or in other marketing materials?

Most organizations for counselors and therapists prohibit the solicitation of testimonials for these reasons. Rob Reinhardt (2015) has written about the Ethical pitfalls of online testimonials and reviews from a counseling perspective, but I think these are relevant considerations for integrative practitioners as well.

What about if your work with a client is complete? What if they sent you an unsolicited testimonial? Thes are mitigating factors that may change your willingness to use them. 

There isn't a single correct answer here. 

I urge you to think about these issues and decide what feels comfortable and right for you. I share what I've decided for myself at the end of the episode.

I hope you find it helpful.

• Give your client the option to stay anonymous, use a pseudonym, or use initials only

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Image by Camille Freeman

I don't have a cute name for this, but I'm open to ideas!

Pour all ingredients over ice, stir or shake, and enjoy. 

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If you're moving away from face-to-face consultations due to the coronavirus, here are some quick tips for working with clients from a distance.

Resources mentioned:

• How to set up a Google Voice number

Have a question or need help getting started with your virtual clinic? Please reach out.

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Welcome to episode 1! Today, I discussed whether fennel is safe to use during pregnancy & some of the evidence that informs my opinion. For a list of references, please visit www.intheclinic.com/1  

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Look for the first episode in March, 2020. Until then, check out this short trailer to find out what you can expect from this podcast. My hope is that the podcast will provide support, encouragement, food for thought, and ongoing education for herbalists and nutritionists. If you have feedback, topic requests, or questions, please submit them: https://intheclinic.com 

Sign up for Camille's Practitioner Notes Newsletter: https://www.camillefreeman.com/newsletter