How to choose a holistic therapist in Ireland

Holistic therapy in Ireland is largely unregulated, which means the responsibility for choosing well lands with you. That sounds daunting. In practice, a handful of questions will get you a long way.

Ask about their training

Ask where they trained, how long the course was, and whether they belong to a professional body. A weekend certificate and a three year diploma are not the same thing, and a good therapist will tell you plainly which they hold.

Ask about insurance

Every practising therapist should carry professional indemnity insurance. Asking is normal and nobody reputable will be offended.

Read how they write about their work

Someone who promises to cure, heal or fix a named condition is a warning sign. Someone who talks about support, relaxation and working alongside your medical care is on solid ground.

Notice how the first contact feels

Do they answer your questions directly? Do they explain what a session involves? Do they check whether the therapy is suitable for you at all? A therapist who tries to talk you into a package of ten sessions before they have met you is not putting you first.

And trust your own read of it. You are going to lie down in a quiet room with this person. If something feels off on the phone, it will not feel better on the couch. There is no shortage of good therapists in Ireland.

Two things to walk away from

Anyone who tells you to stop taking prescribed medication. And anyone who guarantees a result.

Every practitioner listed in the Holistic Ireland directory has had their qualifications, accreditation and insurance checked by hand before going live. It does not replace your own judgement, but it means you are starting from a shortlist worth trusting.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.