Holistic Practices - Fusing our Skills

In the next few days the Congress will vote on President Obama's budget. In thinking about the concept of fiscal policy, I am struck by the vast difference between the way we as individuals and business persons are required to handle our finances vs the methodology of the federal government. If my business runs a deficit for an extended period of time, I am out of business. If I follow poor fiscal policy in planning my budget, I will eventually be met with failure. We as individuals are held to a higher standard of fiscal and monetary policy than that of our federal government.

As a holistic health care practitioner I am proud of the fact that I can share with clients not only my expertise in herbal medicine and healthy relationship practices, but also my ability to effectively manage my business and personal finances. My earlier Master's degree in finance and economics gives me the background to share specifics from my personal experience in responsible budgeting and fiscal policy as a part of my practice.

When we, as graduates, move into our chosen field of study, we bring to the table a vast array of skills we may have previously garnered. The more we can incorporate these varied areas of expertise into our practice, the more benefit we bring to our clients. Having a wider base of education and experience give us a more holistic approach to helping our fellow human beings. We can be proud of all our accomplishments and fuse them together to make our practice as beneficial as possible for our clients.

Now That I'm Counseling - Holistic Counselor

Since my graduation from ACHS I have increased my client base at a steady pace over the past three years. I have opted for private practice, so my first clients were the toughest. I gave myself away in the beginning. I offered my services in mini seminar format to local groups, churches and businesses for little or no cost. I did work as a volunteer at local shelters for battered women. I had to do much leg work initially, but the results worked. Eventually I had a client who recommended me to another person, and so on and so on, and that is how my practice grew.

I have also used the Internet as a tool in growing my practice and getting my name "out there", so to speak. I have a blog on which I write daily, http://holistic-counselor.blogspot.com/. I also write posts for other blogs and forums. My blog automatically posts to my Facebook page, as well as on my LinkedIn Forum. I use My Space and Twitter to invite followers to read my posts. I invite people to view my blog, suggest topics they would like covered, and comment on my posts. The results have been excellent. Virtually all my clients read my blog daily, and I have received emails from other followers asking for postings on topics they would like covered.

For those of you reading these blogs, the leg work may be substantial in the beginning, but pays off in the end. Don't skip the Internet. It can work for you as well.

Good luck in your endeavors!!