🧧 Diary Entry
Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve had a packed schedule!
LOL, I definitely took for granted those years when I had a waiting list practice.
Now, after a hiatus, it feels like I’m back at square one, working to fill my schedule again. It’s a humbling yet exciting journey.
My first week was interesting—I conducted three free 15-minute consultations, and all three clients converted into first-time paying patients.
I can’t help but wonder if it was their readiness for treatment or my conversion tactics that sealed the deal. Likely, it was a mix of both.
During these consultations, I start by asking, “What is your health objective?” This week, it was almost comical seeing their reactions—eyebrows raised as if they’d never been asked this question before.
Their answers ranged from needing to alleviate stress, manage back pain, to dealing with fibromyalgia for the past five years.
Next, I’d ask them about the limitations caused by their health concerns: “What does this limit you from doing? What do you want to do more of once your stress, back pain, or fibromyalgia clears up?” This seemed to project them into the future, allowing them to visualize a life beyond their current ailments.
I also encountered questions about the duration of the treatment. My response was crafted to instill hope and outline the potential lifelong benefits of acupuncture: “Truthfully, if it were up to me, I’d see you for the rest of your life because I know firsthand how powerful this medicine is and how it changes lives.”
I explained the stages of care, emphasizing that most people initially seek treatment to alleviate symptoms and return to their daily routines as quickly as possible. I then express my hope that once we minimize their problems, they’ll not only feel relief from their initial condition but also experience enhanced emotional well-being and reduced stress and anxiety.
This discussion plants the seed for ongoing wellness and a more balanced life.
Reflection
It felt natural, comfortable, and evidently, the patients felt comfortable with me too—they scheduled their first-time paying appointments. This week has been a reassuring reminder of why I do what I do.
The interactions, the ability to guide people towards a healthier future—it’s profoundly fulfilling.
Here’s to many more weeks of learning, growing, and helping others on their health journeys!
