Most practitioners build trust and rapport with patients through a tried-and-true display of trust and understanding. Discussing natural supplements can provide just that, with a range of options for clinical conditions that are both evidence based and safe. Most of our patients are already using CAM modalities on their own without guidance. If the practitioner is able to incorporate these options into his or her treatment plan for the patient with a holistic or natural perspective, it increases the likelihood of positive rapport, good compliance, and open communication.
Dr. Shannon is an associate clinical professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of Colorado at Denver. He also is author of the textbook titled, Mental Health for the Whole Child (New York: Norton, 2013). He is past president of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine.