The Mission of The Forager’s Path
The primary role of our school is to educate and empower people so they can use herbs as part of a broad approach to a healthier lifestyle. This is usually done in a group setting during classes and workshops.
Purpose of Herb Consultations
There are times when a more focused, private setting is needed to gain a better understanding of a specific health issue, on a personal level. This is where herbal consultations are helpful.
I think of consultations as a type of private class, where the topic is determined by the student, connected to a personal health issue. Past consultations covered topics such as digestion, sleep, headaches, blood sugar imbalances, lingering coughs, boosting immunity, PMS, hot flashes and low energy.
The consultation involves a time set aside for the client and herbalist to look at what the imbalance is, what caused it and ways to use herbs, diet and lifestyle to return to a healthier, more balanced state.
Some people come to a consultation seeking relief from a specific pain or discomfort. Others come for more detailed information regarding health from the Ayurvedic or Chinese perspectives. Depending on one’s priorities, consultations can address either or both of these approaches.
What is Involved
First, we talk on the phone. Clients share general information about their health condition and what they would like to accomplish. Next, a questionnaire is sent that provides me with more details about health history, diet, stress levels and the specific health concern. After this is returned, a meeting time is set for the consultation. The initial meeting is usually 60-90 minutes in length, although I prefer not to set a specific time limit. The goal is to go home with specific ideas on changes that can be made to improve health. This usually, but not always, involves recommendations for herbs or supplements.
Follow up visits are scheduled as needed. For some people, one visit is sufficient and I never hear from them again. Other clients have been in periodic contact with me for 15+ years.
Consultation Fee
The standard fee is $60 per hour of consult time. Consult time includes time devoted to any of the various parts of the consult whether by phone, email or during the in-person portion of the consult. If the standard fee is not affordable, some payment flexibility is possible. This is decided on a case by case basis.
Herbs and supplements are sold separately from the consult fee.
Client Expectations
A consultation is not a substitute for medical care as I am not a doctor. See a doctor if you have a serious or specific disease. There are no claims or guarantees made regarding cures, diagnosis, prevention or treatments. Quick and easy fixes are neither promised nor should they be expected.
The effectiveness of a consult is determined by the depth and quality of communication between the client and herbalist and the client’s willingness to make changes in one’s life. While herbal therapy has been helpful to many people, herbs alone are limited in how much they can accomplish. To achieve truly deep and long lasting benefits, one must take a sincere look at the cause of the imbalance and be willing to make the necessary changes in either diet or lifestyle. My role as an herbalist is to provide both the information and support to make those changes.
For people who are sincere and committed to improving their health, I look forward to working with you. Please contact me today to schedule your Herbal Consultation.