We all know that deep down, most people who choose to help others do so from a place of genuine caring. They've often walked through their own difficult times and are driven by a desire to help others navigate the challenges life throws our way. It's a beautiful calling, a beacon of hope in our world.
But the helping field, despite its noble intentions, can feel a bit like a maze. There's a constant debate about which training methods are "valid," which theories are "acceptable", and which approaches receive funding – sometimes seemingly for no other reason than that they conform. This can sometimes feel like a boxing in of the unique passions of those who are called to help. And then there are all the rules and guidelines, designed to protect everyone involved, which, though important, can sometimes limit the breadth and depth of help a practitioner can truly offer.
I, like many practitioners, am passionate about bringing a holistic approach to helping others. As a multimodality practitioner, I've been trained in various techniques like counseling, life coaching, body and nervous system work, neurolinguistic programming, not to mention the wisdom born from my own life journey. These diverse tools, when combined, create a powerful force for healing and growth. Yet, the current system often dictates that I present myself as only one thing at a time, a counselor or a coach, but not both, or the other modalities of work I bring. This feels like a disservice to you, the individual seeking support. It's like saying a chef can only use one ingredient at a time, when the greatest meals often come from a beautiful blend of flavors! It's time we change this to a more helpful approach.
This brings me to why I now call myself a healer. It's a term that encompasses all that I bring to the table, all that I have to offer. I believe that as long as a helper is transparent, providing you with clear information about the process of deep work and implementing safety plans and resources, you can make an informed decision. You deserve to know all the ways in which this process can support and allow for true growth and healing.
Competency and safety must always be a priority. We need a system that ensures helpers are thoroughly trained in safety protocols and that client well-being is at the forefront. Currently, we lack a unified body that recognizes and supports multimodality of approach, leaving the helping field to be under served and unfulfilled. The diverse support options are being limited because of liability and fear. It's time we changed this. It is time to unleash all the help that is awaiting to be accessed. As it is, we are under served as a population with not enough helpers, let alone the variety of helpers needed to meet the diverse needs of our world.
Your helper isn't meant to be just a hand-holder. They are your guide, a catalyst for growth, someone who will support you, hold space for you and challenge you to reach the heights you’ve dreamed of. Remember, you are not limited to working with only one helper, nor do you have to settle for the first one you encounter. Choosing a helper should be an empowering experience, one that resonates with your specific needs and aspirations.
Let's embrace a future where holistic healing is celebrated, where practitioners can bring their full selves to their work, and where you, the individual, can find the truly powerful support that you deserve. Let's start a conversation that leads to this change.
By Daniel McMath
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