What to expect
The initial consultation involves an extensive interview lasting approximately 2 - 3 hours. Children's cases are sometimes on the shorter side.* This length of time is necessary to get a thorough, holistic picture of who you are as a human being.
Phone consultations are available and work well for those who are either out of state or unable to make it to the office for each visit.
The first part of the interview involves going over the chronology of your condition as well as the conventional pathology (e.g. "I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 1988. I had gallbladder surgery in 1996. Here is the report from my abdominal CT scan. Etc.).
In the second part of the interview, you will be asked to describe in detail the exact nature of your experience. This will include physical symptoms, your emotional life, and various personal idiosyncrasies and tendencies (e.g. food cravings, weather preferences, seasonal and temperature aversions, etc.) Everybody experiences illness in different ways, and this information is important in finding the correct homeopathic remedy to suit each individual.
In addition to the homeopathic remedy, Dr. Johnson may also make other naturopathic recommendations regarding diet, lifestyle, and use of nutritional/botanical supplementation.
After the initial interview, Dr. Johnson will ask you to return for a follow up appointment in approximately 3 weeks. This allows sufficient time for the remedy to begin working, and for him to analyze the results. Improvement (sometimes small, sometimes dramatic) should be seen at this time.
After the first follow up, appointments are scheduled approximately once per month until sufficient improvement is noted. At that time, visits can be spaced at larger intervals - e.g. every 2-3 months. Once the complaint is fully resolved, no further appointments are needed.
Most chronic conditions require 6-12 months of regular visits, though some can be shorter, and some longer. Healing takes a different path with each person.
It is important to keep in mind that Dr. Johnson is one part of the health care community. His recommendations are meant to work in tandem with those of your other health care providers - whether "alternative" or conventional. To that end, it may be necessary for him to consult with these other practitioners.
Some natural supplements and nutrients have the potential to interact with prescription medications and/or surgical procedures. Dr. Johnson is aware of these potential interactions and will not recommend anything which may cause a problem.
*For children or infants who cannot handle this length of time in the office, the visit can be brief and then finished up by phone.
1423 Powhatan St, Suite 7
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
THRIVE NATUROPATHIC
