Diagnostic Questions
These ten essential questions regarding the choice of an alternative healthcare modality were developed as a result of studying the role of the essential elements of human consciousness in successful healing experiences. In accordance with much-cited research, the essential elements of healing are summed up as: (1) patient expectations, or expectant faith (Frank & Frank, 1991) in the healer and the process, instillation of hope in the mind of the patient (Torrey, 1972). The instillation of hope may occur during the diagnostic process, yet will usually occur even prior to the diagnostic process. (2) The diagnostic process. These first two dynamics are largely affected by (3) the qualities of the healer, empathy and unconditional positive regard (Torrey, 1972), expert knowledge or dynamic “trickster” characteristics, which can enhance cathartic healing experiences (Hansen, 2000) by creating awe and by breaking cultural expectations. The healer promotes the expectations of the patient (Frank & Frank, 1991) for healing by utilizing (4) culturally relevant procedures and materials (symbols, icons, technology) congruent with the patient’s value system and the patient’s chosen form of treatment (Torrey, 1972).
A Western-educated individual may experience faith in the current biomedical system of healthcare. That person may have great respect for their general practitioner or specialist. They may experience an expectation of hope in modern technology and emotional arousal during the preparation for or during a medical procedure. The doctor may send them home with instructions such as changing their diet, lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, etc., or exercising to build muscle mass and increase it. Patients may experience a placebo effect from being given a prescription; they will sometimes feel that the experience is not complete unless they are prescribed a medication. However, healing takes place on more than just the physical level. This is where systems of healing approaches are helpful in understanding healing experiences, as they take into account the role of human consciousness. A person’s beliefs and value system must match the choice of treatment modality for optimum effectiveness. The first set of questions requires “yes” or “no” answers. The more yes responses a person has, the greater the chance of a successful treatment outcome. The most benefit will be derived from choosing the treatment modality that benefits the most yes answers. Proposed here is a series of questions based on the essential elements of healing that coordinate a person’s belief system and system of healing. Begin by asking yourself these questions about your current practitioner and the modality in which you are receiving treatment now. Then, ask yourself these questions about your alternatives to that treatment modality and the practitioners that you have tried or are considering a switch to. The rationale behind this decision-making process is the focus of this book, as are the systems of healing perspective, social medicine, and this author’s experience with alternative healing systems. Attempting to bridge gaps between various schools of thought regarding faith healing, Kleinman and others explain faith healing from the academic perspective and often refer to this phenomenon as the placebo effect or the placebo response. However, the therapeutic action can often be traced back to the patient’s faith and belief. Because of the psychological effects of both modern medicine and alternative medicine, this author promotes the idea that all healing experiences are, to some extent, faith healing. These are helpful questions that should be asked when considering a change to a complementary or alternative form of treatment:
A Western-educated individual may experience faith in the current biomedical system of healthcare. That person may have great respect for their general practitioner or specialist. They may experience an expectation of hope in modern technology and emotional arousal during the preparation for or during a medical procedure. The doctor may send them home with instructions such as changing their diet, lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, etc., or exercising to build muscle mass and increase it. Patients may experience a placebo effect from being given a prescription; they will sometimes feel that the experience is not complete unless they are prescribed a medication. However, healing takes place on more than just the physical level. This is where systems of healing approaches are helpful in understanding healing experiences, as they take into account the role of human consciousness. A person’s beliefs and value system must match the choice of treatment modality for optimum effectiveness. The first set of questions requires “yes” or “no” answers. The more yes responses a person has, the greater the chance of a successful treatment outcome. The most benefit will be derived from choosing the treatment modality that benefits the most yes answers. Proposed here is a series of questions based on the essential elements of healing that coordinate a person’s belief system and system of healing. Begin by asking yourself these questions about your current practitioner and the modality in which you are receiving treatment now. Then, ask yourself these questions about your alternatives to that treatment modality and the practitioners that you have tried or are considering a switch to. The rationale behind this decision-making process is the focus of this book, as are the systems of healing perspective, social medicine, and this author’s experience with alternative healing systems. Attempting to bridge gaps between various schools of thought regarding faith healing, Kleinman and others explain faith healing from the academic perspective and often refer to this phenomenon as the placebo effect or the placebo response. However, the therapeutic action can often be traced back to the patient’s faith and belief. Because of the psychological effects of both modern medicine and alternative medicine, this author promotes the idea that all healing experiences are, to some extent, faith healing. These are helpful questions that should be asked when considering a change to a complementary or alternative form of treatment:
(Yes/No Answers)
- Do you have faith in the system of health care where you are receiving your current treatment?
- Do you go to the place where you receive your treatments with hopeful, positive anticipation?
- Do you like your current care provider?
- Do you feel the practitioner possesses the expertise needed to address your problem?
- Do you agree with the practitioner’s diagnosis of your problem?
- Do you agree with the practitioner’s perspective on how he provides treatment for your problem?
- Do you have input, or do you take an active role in your own treatments?
- Do you feel good about your role in the treatments you receive?
- Do you feel generally satisfied after receiving treatment from your practitioner?
- Was the experience meaningful to you?
If one answers “no” to several of these questions, then perhaps one should consider another treatment modality and/or switch practitioners to maximize the possibility of a successful healing experience. Stanley Krippner (personal communication, February 9, 2004), a proponent of the systems of healing models, later suggested a version of the Ten Essential Questions that allow for more than yes or no responses, which are more well-suited for qualitative research projects and information gathering.
- How did you develop the faith you have in your practitioner?
- With what attitude do you go to the place where you receive your treatment? (Do you go only when you are ill, or do you go there for health maintenance?)
- What are your general feelings toward your care provider, and why do you feel this way?
- To what extent do you agree with your practitioner’s diagnosis of your problem?
- To what extent do you believe your care provider has the capability to treat your problem, and how do you know this?
- To what extent do you agree with the practitioner’s perspective on treating your problem? (Some patients take a very active role in their treatment, and some patients take a more passive role.)
- What role do you take in your own treatment, active participation or passive and accepting?
- Describe how you feel about the role you have in your own treatment and why.
- Describe the degree of satisfaction you experience after receiving your treatment.
- Describe the meaning or value of the healing experience for you.
I decided on presenting both sets of questions. Each set consists of ten questions. One set that requires only a yes or no answer (forced choice). The open-ended questions are provided to produce more information for subjective study. The leading questions provide simple answers, which can be beneficial to individuals but can also be utilized in research. My original intent of the questions was to say if one can answer yes to all of these questions regarding one’s current treatment modality and practitioner, then one has a good chance (up to 70% could be claimed depending on which studies one cites) regarding successful outcomes. These questions are based on the systems of healing theorists’ models and address the essential elements that exist in reported successful healing experiences.
References
- Frank, J. D. (1974). Persuasion and healing: A comparative study of psychotherapy (2nd ed.). New York: Schocken Books.
- Frank, J. D., & Frank J. B. (1991). Persuasion and healing: A comparative study of psychotherapy (3rd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
- Hansen, G. (2000). The trickster and the Paranormal. New York: Orders@Xlibris.com
- Kleinman, A. (1980). Patients and healers in the context of culture: An exploration of the borderland between anthropology, medicine, and psychiatry. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
- Kleinman, A. (1988a). Rethinking psychiatry: From cultural category to personal experience. New York: The Free Press/Macmillan.
- Kleinman, A. (1988b). The illness narratives: Suffering, Healing and the Human Condition. New York: Basic Books.
- Krippner, S., & Remen, R. (2000). Learning guide for systems of healing course #4040. Retrieved September 9, 2000, from Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center Website
- Rogers, C. R. (1957). “The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change,” Journal of Consulting Psychology, 21, 95-103.
- Torrey, E. F. (1972). The mind game: Witchdoctors and psychiatrists. New York: Emerson Hall.
- Torrey, E. F. (1986). Witchdoctors and Psychiatrists: The Common Roots of Psychotherapy and Its Future. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson.