Complementary therapies are supportive tools, not scams

I recently had a discovery call with a potential client who was very sceptical about NLP, EFT, CBT, Reiki, and other complementary therapies. She was curious about whether these approaches could help her with pain management, but her friends dismissed them as "scams," believing they were just ways to make money without offering real results.

I explained to her that those who have experienced these therapies firsthand often report significant improvements in their well-being. And that raises an important question - if people feel better, isn’t that what truly matters?

I shared with her that, unlike conventional medicine, which primarily focuses on treating symptoms through pharmaceuticals and medical interventions, complementary therapies take a holistic approach. They address the mind, emotions, and, in some cases, energy flow within the body. These therapies do not claim to cure medical conditions, nor do practitioners encourage clients to stop taking prescribed medications. Instead, they act as supportive tools that can enhance mental and emotional well-being, which can, in turn, positively impact physical health.

Hypnotherapy, for example, helps individuals access their subconscious mind to reframe negative thought patterns, reduce stress, and improve behaviours such as smoking cessation, weight management, and overcoming fears.

NLP, which can be used alongside other therapies, provides strategies for effective communication and self-improvement, helping people shift limiting beliefs and adopt healthier perspectives. EFT, often referred to as "tapping," combines elements of acupressure and psychological techniques to reduce emotional distress.

CBT, a widely accepted therapeutic approach, helps individuals challenge and modify negative thought patterns to promote emotional resilience. Reiki focuses on energy balancing, which many people find deeply relaxing and beneficial for stress relief.

I explained that, while some complementary therapies may lack extensive clinical trials, many studies suggest that techniques such as hypnotherapy and CBT have measurable effects on anxiety, pain management, and habit control. The placebo effect is often cited as a possible explanation for their success, but this does not diminish their value. The human mind is incredibly powerful, and if a therapeutic approach - whether scientifically explained or not - helps individuals feel calmer, more confident, or less anxious, its benefits should not be dismissed.

The medical community acknowledges the impact of stress and mental well-being on physical health. High levels of stress contribute to conditions such as high blood pressure, digestive issues, and chronic pain. If hypnotherapy, NLP, or Reiki help a person feel more relaxed and in control, they are actively contributing to better health outcomes.

One of the most important aspects I shared with my client is that reputable practitioners adhere to strict ethical guidelines. They do not make false claims about curing diseases, nor do they interfere with medical advice. Instead, they work alongside conventional healthcare approaches, empowering individuals to take control of their own mental and emotional well-being. Any responsible therapist will encourage clients to consult their doctors when necessary and will never suggest discontinuing prescribed medication.

Scepticism is healthy, but outright dismissal of complementary therapies overlooks the countless individuals who have found real relief through these methods. If a client leaves a hypnotherapy session feeling more in control of their anxiety, if tapping techniques reduce their stress levels, or if Reiki provides a profound sense of relaxation, then these therapies have served their purpose.

Rather than viewing these modalities as scams, it may be more productive to consider them as additional tools for well-being. Just as exercise, meditation, and diet play roles in maintaining health, complementary therapies offer another layer of support. Ultimately, if people feel better, live with less stress, and find new ways to manage challenges, that is a positive outcome worth recognising.

After our discovery call, my potential client decided to move forward and became a client. By taking the time to explain these principles, she was able to see the value of complementary therapies and how they could support her journey to feeling better.