Complementary Therapy

Complementary therapies can work alongside approved medical treatments, helping to improve quality of life and reduce stress. With specialist guidance, they are safe and appropriate to use for most conditions. Dorothy House offers patients and carers, where appropriate, some complementary therapy sessions free of charge. All our therapists are qualified practitioners. Many of them offer their time on a voluntary basis. If you are interested, talk to one of your Dorothy House team.

If you are looking for a complementary therapist:

• Find a reliable practitioner. Recommendations are useful, but it is also worth checking whether there is an organisation that sets standards in the field, and if they have a list of qualified practitioners.
• Try to find someone who has worked with people with the same type of illness as yourself.
• Check the cost. Most therapies are not available on the NHS and can be expensive. It is worth checking what the cost of treatments should be with a recognised organisation for the therapy you choose.
• Check the number of sessions needed before benefits are felt, and how long each session will take.
• Choose someone you feel comfortable with.
• Be wary of miracle cures or people who say you should follow their method and abandon everything else. Don't be afraid to ask for credentials and references.
• Don't be afraid to say no.

Review Date:  November 2012