An important aspect of the methodology I follow is to educate my patients and teach them how to take responsibility for their own health and well-being. Patients with cancer are very good examples of this. By educating these patients about the chemistry of their disease and the effect of nutrition on this chemistry, they are empowered to make better-informed choices about their lifestyle and the positive or negative effects of their nutritional habits on their health.

Sometimes patients need more than information. During my residency in Israel, I worked with two mothers who had lost children to terrorist attacks and another who, after many years of trying to conceive, gave birth to a baby with Down Syndrome. Through personal development and guided imagery methods, they were able to learn how to accept the past, come to terms with the present, and look forward to the future. These treatments were more emotional in nature, but the effects of the mind on the body and soul is a foundational philosophical component in the school of complementary medicine and all three are integral parts of a person's overall wellness.

Physical complaints don't always necessarily have physical roots. I've treated many patients who initially came to me because of health issues such as high blood pressure, digestive problems, weight issues, and auto-immune-related complaints. Following the initial interview, which usually lasts for two hours, together we were able to find that the root cause is actually past psychological trauma. Past sexual abuse, traumatic events like divorce, or the loss of a loved one can all manifest physically. Treating the symptoms may bring temporary relief, however, it does not cure the underlying cause so the symptoms invariably return. Naturopathic medicine, as I practice it, understands the mind-body-soul interaction and codependence and the treatment plan takes all three into account.