You’ve likely been to the doctor, and know how that goes… check in, get roomed by a medical assistant (takes your blood pressure, weight, temp), wait for the doctor, spend about 15 minutes with the doctor (who may or may not answer all of your questions or address your concerns), and off you go.
Seeing Dr Katherine in our offices is a little bit (a lot) different. In a good way.
She’ll give a small wave and a smile, greeting you by name when she comes to meet you in reception.
Once you’re settled in the blue couch in her office, and have had a chance to take in the massive evergreen trees through the window, she’ll invite you to share: ‘What’s going on?’ or ‘How can I help?’
She won’t interrupt you as you tell your story (most doctors interrupt their patients about 11 seconds into the visit), but will listen until you’ve shared what matters most to you.
From there, your initial visit is simply a conversation. Dr Katherine will ask clarifying questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing, prior treatments you’ve tried, who else is on your healthcare team. Together, you’ll delve into your sleep habits, exercise routines, dietary patterns, and medical and family history. Finally, you’ll be asked about what you’re currently taking: medications, supplements, etc.
If you have any blood work from within the last 6 months, Dr Katherine will (with your permission) take a look and answer any questions you may have about the results.
Then comes the process of deciding (together) what’s next. Because she’s a naturopathic doctor, Katherine has a wealth of tools to offer: medication, supplements, herbal medicine, homeopathy… But what would work best for you? What are your preferences? She’ll walk you through the options, and give you her professional opinion of what she thinks is the best course of action. Then, she’ll ask for your input.
Remember, there are no wrong answers in this space, only an opportunity for you to be seen, heard, and obtain effective treatment you’re comfortable with. Got questions? Ask away! Not sure if a dietary change is feasible? Let her know, and she’ll come up with another solution.
Meanwhile, Dr Katherine will also explain why she’s recommending something. Education is a cornerstone of her treatment philosophy. Knowledge is power!
From start to finish, you can expect your first appointment to take about 50-60 minutes.
As you wrap up, you’ll schedule your next follow up appointment, in somewhere between 2-4 weeks. You’re welcome to come back to the office, or take advantage of telehealth services. This follow up is scheduled to last 30 minutes, and is a time to see how you’re feeling after starting treatment. Medication doses may be adjusted, or new treatments added in.
After you leave your appointment, Dr Katherine will send you a summary of your conversation, with the main points of your conversation, and reminders for your treatment plan. You may also need to find time to have some blood work done between your first visit and your follow up to check out if any physical issues are affecting mental and emotional symptoms (for example, high thyroid as a cause of anxiety or inability to concentrate).
If you have questions between appointments, you’re always welcome to message her in your patient portal!
Sound like the kind of experience you’d like to have with your doctor? If so, email info@stillwaterscounsel.com to book your appointment!
