How to Navigate a Non-Compliant Client

Every now and again, homeopaths will have a client that is non-compliant. They will not follow recommendations and even some will want to seemingly do battle with you. Here are a few pointers to handle this type of client.

First and foremost, recognize that non-compliance is a part of the client's case. It is a statement of their vital force and how they are responding to their world. For example, refusing to follow recommendations about avoiding coffee is probably the most common form of non-compliance. But there can be other ways that the client can be non-compliant that may be much more serious.

Sometimes your client will refuse to take the remedy. I see this most often when a client is following doctors' recommendations and taking drugs. They will take their drug religiously but to them, the remedy seems to be a novelty or, worse yet, something to blame for changes that are happening. Sometimes this may be correct but to blame the remedy without understanding that it is their own vital force expressing stems from ignorance. This is where education becomes very important.

I tend to find that there are two major categories of non-compliance.

In the first category are the clients that are not invested in their healing process and believe that homeopathy is a novelty. They simply do not take it seriously. And honestly, there is not much that can be done for this. If they are not interested, then let them go. I do not "fire" a client but instead, encourage them to seek something that is more conducive to what they are wanting. This is where having a conversation that does not defend homeopathy but really tries to understand what they are needing and wanting is necessary. I will then help them find what they are really looking for and wish them well on their healing journey.

Clients in the second category are those that take it very seriously but are misguided about homeopathy and the healing process. These clients are non-compliant but invested in their healing and will require basic education into homeopathy. It is best to explain how the remedies are made and that they are safe. Then, show them the process of how a remedy is found. It will bring relevance to their sufferings and how the remedy is homeopathic. Next, explain to them ideas of what healing looks like. Many times, a person is already healing and does not know it. If you can educate them about their own healing process, then they have a better ability to choose whether homeopathy is right for themselves.

In the end, the client has the freedom to choose what is best for themselves, even if we do not agree. Do not be invested in trying to convince them of something that you believe. This does not mean that you don’t share your recommendation with them. It is actually quite the contrary. It is your responsibility to share with them and make the best recommendations. But do not be attached if they choose otherwise. I have heard of homeopaths that will not work with clients if they do not do exactly as they say. That is the choice of that homeopath. But I prefer to use every opportunity to help my client, even when they are at odds with what I have to share. My goal is not to convince them of anything but to try to educate them about their healing. Ultimately, they get to choose.

Freedom of choice is the highest expression of health. As homeopaths, we are guides to their healing process and not responsible for their healing. If you have any notions that you are the healer, you need to study the Organon again and let go of your ego. The vital force of the individual organism rules with unbounded sway and is responsible for all expressions of health and dis-ease. It is also responsible for the healing of dis-ease, not the homeopath. So honoring a person's process and their freedom to choose is honoring them. Who are we to dictate to another? If we are invested in their healing, then we should be invested in their ability to choose for themselves, even if we disagree.

A prime example are clients that have cancer and are conflicted about the approach they should take in their healing. Should they do homeopathy only or chemotherapy and radiation? Or maybe a combined approach? I have no real opinion that I can express other than the fact that I personally would not choose chemotherapy and radiation for myself. I have seen the detrimental effects of these therapies. But I have also seen clients who have chosen this path to heal. So the best I can offer is a broad perspective and the view as a homeopath. I will always encourage them to find the place inside of themselves that feels right and follow their heart. Be their advocate and not their adversary. Homeopathy can still help with many of the "side-effects" of the therapy even though we know it could be suppressive.

We do not get to choose for another. When a client is non-compliant, they are making a choice, it's that simple. We must honor that choice even if we do not agree. Do not let it upset you. If you do, you are too invested in their healing. You will lose clarity and peace in your own heart. We sometimes believe in homeopathy so much that our vision can become myopic. There are many paths to healing and, ultimately, we all find our path. When the path that a client is taking seems to be at odds with the path you’ve described for them, it is time to let go and readjust your expectations and where you stand within that relationship. By believing in your client, you will do more to further their health than being at odds with them. Honor their freedom to choose and let go of the emotional attachments to them and their healing. When you are emotionally attached, you are lost and it is time to focus on your own healing process. We need to be clear to help our clients. So let go, and always do your very best.