Have you ever been asked, “Why do you see a Chiropractor (for__________)?”
Most often when this question is asked we attempt to defend our decision to utilize Chiropractic. We state facts, figures, our experiences as well as other peoples experiences. We simply want our friends to respect us as human beings with the right to take care of ourselves as we choose. This conversation typically ends as they stop listening to us and further their own negative agenda. We are now defensive and listen to them, rather than upset them, even though they have upset us and invalidated us.
Has that ever happened to you? Because it happens to me often, and I’m a Chiropractor.
I’ve learned the best approach is to ask them their opinion first. When they ask “Why do you use Chiropractic (for ______?)” I respond with “Why not use Chiropractic for (_________?)” or “Why do you not use Chiropractic (for _______)? Then I listen to what they want to say and take in every word of it. Let’s face it, as humans we have a hardwired need to be validated…. so validate them by listening. After listening to them, then turn the conversation to why you use Chiropractic. Because you listened and validated them, they are more likely to listen and validate you now. (Not that you need the validation, you’re a whole lot stronger than that in the first place.)
We had a gal, (we’ll call her Cindy) who was on her third round of chemo for breast cancer who was coming in for regular adjustments. Cindy’s friend would bring her for her treatments and Cindy would make her stop here on the way home. One day Cindy’s friend came up with her and sat in our reception area. She kept talking out loud in front of everyone, “I don’t know why you are coming here, you have breast cancer…” After her adjustment, Cindy stood up and asked her friend why she is making such a ruckus. Her friend responded with “You have breast cancer, you need chemo, not Chiropractic. What in the world is this doing for you that the chemo isn’t?”
Cindy politely responded “As I have told you before, the chemo is destroying all the cells in my body, including the good ones. Chiropractic is the only thing helping me stay healthy while I do what I need to do. If you have any further questions about what Chiropractic is doing for me, I’m sure Dr. Nardi will be happy to answer them.” Her friend buttoned right up and it was never an issue again.
None can argue with your experience. It is your experience. Let them have their say by reversing the questions and giving them the validation they require. Then share your experience and offer to help them by getting them an appointment to see if Chiropractic can help them as it has helped you.
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