Module 11 – Practice Concepts

Please Let the Supplements Work!

The Question of Dosing Supplements

Supplement Perspectives

The Motivated Client

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Lesson 1 Takeaways

  • Practitioners often rely too much on supplements, hoping supplements will fix symptoms so they don’t have to figure things out.
  • This comes from a fear of responsibility to “fix” the client and not knowing what to do if a supplement doesn’t work.
  • Remember, you are not responsible for how a supplement works in a client’s body. Suggest, don’t prescribe.
  • Explain a supplement’s potential benefits but clarify you do not know how their unique body will respond. Let them report back.
  • View positive or negative responses as clues, not pass/fail. The client’s experience provides information to guide next steps.
  • Avoid assumptions that a supplement will relieve a symptom. Symptom resolution shows the true connections.
  • Teach clients how their choices and lifestyle affect their health. Empower them to listen to their bodies, and not rely on you to “fix” them.
  • It takes time to shift from a conventional medicine mindset to an empowerment coaching mindset. Be patient with yourself.
  • When stuck, avoid quick symptom relief. Return focus to foundations such as diet, hydration, and digestion that support the healing environment.
Lesson 2 Takeaways

  • Don’t focus on whether a supplement will reduce a symptom, but rather how it helps balance body function.
  • Treating symptoms only masks them temporarily. Removing the supplement brings the symptoms back.
  • It’s natural to want to quickly relieve client symptoms however be cautious about assumptions. Work to find root causes.
  • For foundational issues such as diet, hydration, and digestion, there are no supplements that can “fix” the client – the habits themselves must change.
  • Targeted supplements such as HCL and antimicrobials have a purpose in supporting specific functions when used properly.
  • Be patient. It takes time to shift perspective from quick symptom relief to empowering foundations for healing.
  • Sleep is very complex with many potential factors. Don’t assume a supplement will resolve sleep issues long-term.
  • Prioritize teaching clients to understand their bodies’ signals and make lifestyle changes for health. Don’t rely on supplements.
  • View client experiences with supplements as information guiding next steps, not pass/fail. Honor their individuality.
  • Help clients feel relief when needed (e.g. constipation) but avoid assumptions. Let their journey reveal connections and needs.
Lesson 3 Takeaways

  • Every client’s case is different – progress will vary. Give the process 3-6 months before changing course.
  • The client shouldn’t feel urgency but know you take their case seriously. Communicate you are partners on the journey.
  • You guide the process efficiently, suggest the “tools” to help them heal. But their biology and capabilities determine progress.
  • Get baseline improvement first. Then see if they can maintain it with fewer protocols/supplements. Discover their needs.
  • Describe it truthfully – you don’t control their biology. Take client out of “victim” mindset into self-responsibility.
  • Supplements support the foundations. They aren’t for long-term use. Exceptions might include digestive enzymes, or electrolytes.
  • Consider whole food sources like organ meats and herbal infusions before supplements. Empower food as medicine.
  • Progress is gradual. Destructive processes like poor diet or lifestyle take years to manifest symptoms. Corrections don’t take years to repair but they do take time.
  • Avoid assumptions. Let the client’s unique journey reveal their needs and capabilities. You discover together what’s required.
Lesson 4 Takeaways

  • Creating a safe and comfortable environment for clients is important to build trust and help them open up. Use strategies like context, choice, and connection.
  • Explain your functional/integrative approach upfront so clients understand how you work and why.
  • Ask clients questions and get permission to make suggestions rather than telling them what to do. Make recommendations that encourage self-discovery.
  • Move at the client’s pace when making changes. Help them understand their own healing journey.
  • Start with foundational changes like diet, hydration, and digestive support. Remove problematic foods like dairy/gluten so the client can learn if the removal of these foods is a factor in their healing.
  • Monitor changes in symptoms through journaling – energy, bowel movements, sleep, etc. This helps identify connections.
  • Address nervous system, provide calming strategies. Simple exercises can help regulate the vagus nerve and calm the nervous system.
  • Set expectations upfront about the process and potential outcomes. Avoid overpromising.
  • Create safe space for openness and vulnerability. Build trust and compassion.
  • Listen fully to client’s emotions but maintain boundaries. Not responsible for their feelings. Reframe if directed negatively.
  • Follow client’s lead each session on what they want to discuss rather than rigid agenda.
  • Give digestible chunks of dietary or lifestyle changes rather than overwhelming all at once.
  • Be patient through ups and downs. Healing takes time. Focus on progress.

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