Building Your Healing Team: Finding Practitioners Who Actually Listen

Criteria for choosing integrative healthcare providers who support your journey

By Ani Papazyan, BS, LMT, CN, LE

Ani Papazyan helps women decode their pain signals and reclaim nervous system regulation, transforming chronic sufferers into pain-free, empowered advocates for their own healing through her evidence-based Liberation Ladder framework.

Beautiful soul,

After thirty years of sitting with women whose pain has been dismissed, minimized, or written off as "all in their head," I've witnessed the profound trauma that medical gaslighting creates. But I've also seen the extraordinary healing that occurs when women finally find practitioners who truly see them, believe them, and honor the complexity of their experience.

Your healing team isn't just about credentials, it's about finding allies who understand that your body is intelligent, your pain is valid, and your transformation is possible.

The Difference Between Treatment and Transformation

Most healthcare operates on a fix-it model: identify the problem, prescribe the solution, move on to the next patient. This approach can be lifesaving for acute conditions, but it falls short for the complex, multifaceted pain patterns that many women experience.

Transformation-based healing recognizes what indigenous traditions have always understood: symptoms are messengers, and healing requires relationship with yourself, your body, your community, and your guides.

The Fix-It Model Looks Like:

• 15-minute appointments focused on symptom management
• One-size-fits-all protocols without personalization
• Dismissal when standard tests come back "normal"
• Prescription without exploration of root causes
• Limited time for questions or concerns

The Transformation Model Looks Like:

• Comprehensive intake that includes your story, not just your symptoms
• Curiosity about your unique biochemistry, stress patterns, and life context
• Collaboration in creating your healing plan
• Regular check-ins and protocol adjustments
• Education that empowers you to understand your body

As Maya Angelou wisely said, "When people show you who they are, believe them the first time." This applies deeply to choosing your healing team.

The Five Pillars of a Pain Liberation Team

Through my work with hundreds of women, I've identified five essential types of practitioners that create a comprehensive healing ecosystem. Not everyone needs all five simultaneously, but understanding these roles helps you identify gaps in your care.

1. The Nervous System Navigator

What they do: Help regulate your autonomic nervous system and address trauma stored in the body

Look for:

• Training in somatic experiencing, EMDR, or polyvagal theory
• Understanding of how trauma manifests physically
• Ability to work with both developmental and shock trauma
• Comfort with nervous system regulation techniques

Questions to ask:

• "How do you address the connection between nervous system dysregulation and chronic pain?"
• "What's your experience working with women who've experienced medical trauma?"
• "How do you help clients feel safe in their bodies during sessions?"

2. The Functional Detective

What they do: Investigate the biochemical and physiological root causes of your symptoms

Look for:

• Training in functional medicine, integrative medicine, or naturopathy
• Willingness to order comprehensive testing beyond standard labs
• Understanding of nutrigenomics and personalized medicine
• Appreciation for the gut-brain-hormone connection

Questions to ask:

• "What testing do you recommend to understand the root causes of my symptoms?"
• "How do you approach treatment when standard labs are normal but symptoms persist?"
• "Do you consider genetic factors in your treatment recommendations?"

3. The Body Wisdom Translator

What they do: Help you reconnect with your body's innate intelligence through bodywork and movement

Look for:

• Training in modalities like myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, or osteopathy
• Understanding of fascial connections, internal organ-muscle relationships, and whole-body patterns
• Ability to work gently with hypersensitive nervous systems
• Respect for your body's pace and boundaries

Questions to ask:

• "How do you modify your approach for clients with chronic pain or fibromyalgia?"
• "What's your philosophy about pain during treatment?"
• "How do you help clients develop body awareness between sessions?"

4. The Nutritional Alchemist

What they do: Address inflammation, support detoxification, and optimize nutritional status for healing

Look for:

• Understanding of nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition
• Knowledge of inflammatory pathways and anti-inflammatory protocols
• Experience with elimination diets and food sensitivity testing
• Appreciation for the gut microbiome's role in pain and mood

Questions to ask:

• "How do you determine which foods are inflammatory for individual clients?"
• "What's your approach to supporting detoxification pathways?"
• "How do you address nutrient absorption issues?"

5. The Integration Guide

What they do: Help you weave together insights from all your practitioners and develop sustainable self-care practices

Look for:

• Understanding of multiple healing modalities
• Ability to help you prioritize and sequence interventions
• Skills in habit formation and behavior change
• Support for your role as the center of your healing team

Questions to ask:

• "How do you help clients integrate recommendations from multiple practitioners?"
• "What's your approach to helping people develop sustainable self-care routines?"
• "How do you support clients who feel overwhelmed by too many recommendations?"

This is often where I serve in women's healing journeys, helping them understand what their body is communicating, personalizing protocols based on their unique genetics and stress patterns, and empowering them to become fluent in their own body's language.

Red Flags: When to Keep Looking

Your intuition is your most valuable diagnostic tool. If something feels off, trust that feeling. Here are specific red flags that indicate a practitioner may not be aligned with your healing journey:

Communication Red Flags

• Dismisses your questions or concerns
• Uses shame or fear to motivate behavior change
• Doesn't explain their reasoning for recommendations
• Becomes defensive when you ask about alternative approaches
• Rushes through appointments without creating space for your input

Treatment Approach Red Flags

• Promises quick fixes or overnight transformations
• Uses the same protocol for every patient
• Dismisses other practitioners you're working with
• Pushes expensive supplements or treatments without clear rationale
• Doesn't modify approach when you're not improving

Philosophical Red Flags

• Believes there's only one right way to heal
• Discounts the mind-body connection
• Shows no curiosity about your unique story and context
• Treats symptoms without addressing underlying patterns
• Makes you feel like you're failing if you don't improve quickly

The Art of Practitioner Interviews

Before committing to work with any practitioner, consider having a brief consultation or interview. Many integrative practitioners offer these, and it's a worthwhile investment in your healing journey.

Preparing for Your Interview

Create your practitioner criteria list:

• What conditions or approaches are most important for your situation?
• What communication style helps you feel safe and heard?
• What are your non-negotiables in terms of treatment philosophy?
• What's your budget and insurance situation?

Prepare key questions:

• "What's your experience working with [your specific condition]?"
• "How do you approach treatment when multiple practitioners are involved?"
• "What does a typical treatment plan timeline look like?"
• "How do you handle situations where initial treatments aren't providing relief?"
• "What role do you see me playing in my own healing process?"

Reading Between the Lines

Pay attention to more than just their answers, notice:

• Body language: Do they maintain eye contact? Do they seem present and engaged?
• Energy: Do you feel rushed or spacious in their presence?
• Questions they ask you: Are they curious about your experience, or focused only on symptoms?
• Language they use: Do they speak about "fixing" you or "supporting your healing"?
• Time they give you: Do they make space for your questions and concerns?

Building Practitioner Relationships That Last

Once you've found aligned practitioners, nurturing these relationships becomes part of your healing journey. Indigenous traditions teach us that healing happens in community, your practitioners become part of your extended healing family.

Communicating Effectively with Your Team

Be honest about your experience:

• Share what's working and what isn't
• Communicate side effects or concerns promptly
• Ask questions when you don't understand recommendations
• Express appreciation when you experience improvements

Keep organized records:

• Track symptoms, treatments, and responses
• Bring copies of relevant tests to each appointment
• Maintain a list of supplements and medications
• Note questions between appointments

Advocate for coordination:

• Ask practitioners to communicate with each other when appropriate
• Share insights from one practitioner that might benefit another
• Request referrals when you need additional support
• Be clear about your goals and priorities

When It's Time to Part Ways

Sometimes, despite best intentions, a practitioner relationship isn't serving your healing. This doesn't mean either of you failed, it means you need different support for this phase of your journey.

Signs it may be time to move on:

• You consistently leave appointments feeling worse about yourself
• There's been no improvement after a reasonable trial period
• The practitioner is unwilling to collaborate with your other providers
• You feel pressured into treatments that don't align with your values
• Communication has broken down despite your best efforts

How to transition gracefully:

• Express gratitude for their support
• Request copies of your records
• Ask for referrals to other practitioners if appropriate
• Trust that finding the right fit is part of your healing journey

The Economics of Healing: Making It Sustainable

Quality integrative care often requires investment, but building your healing team doesn't have to bankrupt you. Here's how to approach the financial aspect strategically:

Prioritizing Your Investments

Start with foundation-building practitioners:

• Nervous system regulation (often the highest return on investment)
• Functional assessment to identify root causes
• Basic nutritional support for inflammation reduction

Add specialized support as you stabilize:

4. Targeted bodywork for specific pain patterns

5. Advanced testing and personalized protocols 6. Integration coaching for sustainable lifestyle changes

Maximizing Your Healthcare Dollars

Before each appointment:

• Prepare specific questions and goals
• Bring organized records and symptom tracking
• Research your practitioner's approach to maximize session time

During appointments:

• Take notes or ask to record important information
• Request handouts or resources for home practice
• Clarify next steps and follow-up timing

Between appointments:

• Implement recommendations consistently
• Track your response to interventions
• Prepare questions for your next visit
• Engage with any homework or self-care practices

Insurance and payment strategies:

• Check if your practitioner offers superbills for insurance reimbursement
• Consider HSA/FSA funds for qualified expenses
• Ask about payment plans or sliding scale options
• Invest in education and self-care tools that serve you long-term

Integration Practices: Becoming Your Own Best Advocate

The most powerful member of your healing team is you. Ancient wisdom traditions recognized the patient as the ultimate healer, with practitioners serving as guides and facilitators.

Daily Practices for Body Connection

Morning body check-in (5 minutes):

• Place hands on heart and belly
• Notice areas of tension or ease
• Ask: "What does my body need today?"
• Set intention for honoring those needs

Evening reflection (5 minutes):

• Review the day's pain patterns and energy levels
• Notice what supported your wellbeing
• Appreciate your body for carrying you through the day
• Plan one nurturing act for tomorrow

Developing Your Inner Physician

Symptom tracking with curiosity: Instead of just recording pain levels, notice:

• What emotional states accompany physical symptoms?
• Which environments or activities increase or decrease discomfort?
• How do different foods, sleep patterns, or stress levels affect your body?
• What interventions provide relief, even if temporary?

Building body literacy:

• Learn basic anatomy related to your condition
• Understand the nervous system's role in pain perception
• Explore how hormones, inflammation, and stress interact
• Develop vocabulary for describing your sensations accurately

Creating Your Personal Healing Protocol

As you work with various practitioners, you'll begin to identify patterns and preferences that are uniquely yours. This becomes the foundation of your personal healing protocol, a collection of practices, insights, and interventions that consistently support your wellbeing.

Components of a personal protocol:

• Daily practices that regulate your nervous system
• Nutritional strategies that reduce inflammation
• Movement or bodywork that feels nourishing
• Stress management techniques that actually work for you
• Environmental modifications that support healing
• Community connections that feed your soul

The Ripple Effect of Aligned Care

When you invest the time and energy to build a truly supportive healing team, the benefits extend far beyond symptom relief. You become a model for other women who are struggling to find practitioners who believe them. You learn to trust your instincts and advocate for your needs. You develop a deep, loving relationship with your body that serves you for life.

Most importantly, you discover that healing isn't something that happens to you, it's something you actively participate in, supported by a team of allies who honor your wisdom and celebrate your progress.

Questions for Your Healing Team Building Journey

As you begin or refine your search for aligned practitioners, reflect on these questions:

• What does feeling truly heard and believed look like to you?
• Which aspect of your healing feels most urgent right now; nervous system regulation, root cause investigation, bodywork, nutrition, or integration support?
• What past experiences with healthcare providers have been most healing or most harmful?
• How do you want to feel when you leave appointments with your practitioners?
• What role do you want to play in your own healing journey?

Remember, building your healing team is itself a healing practice. Each aligned practitioner you find, each red flag you trust, each boundary you set strengthens your capacity to advocate for yourself and honors the intelligence of your own experience.

Your Healing Team Awaits

The practitioners who are meant to support your journey are out there. They're the ones who understand that your pain is real, your body is intelligent, and your healing is possible. They're waiting to witness your story, honor your complexity, and walk alongside you as you reclaim your vitality.

Trust your instincts. Ask the hard questions. Demand to be seen and heard. Your healing is worth it, and you deserve practitioners who recognize the profound honor of supporting your transformation.

The journey from pain to liberation isn't one you have to walk alone. With the right team of allies, you can move from surviving your symptoms to thriving in your life, pain-free and ready for action.

Ready to shift the way you understand pain? Download my free guide “7 Myths About Pain That Are Keeping You Stuck” and uncover how nervous system–informed healing can help you break cycles and reclaim ease in your body.

[Get Your Free Guide Here]

About the Author: Ani Papazyan, BS, LMT, CN, LE, has spent over 30 years helping women decode their pain signals and reclaim nervous system regulation. Drawing from advanced pain resolution techniques, functional nutrition, and nervous system–supportive practices, she guides clients from chronic suffering to pain-free empowerment through her evidence-based Liberation Ladder™ framework. Her work has been recognized by Science of Massage Online Publication as "Best Case of the Year," and she has supported world-class performers including Janet Jackson's world tours.

References

• Kelley JM, Kraft-Todd G, Schapira L, Kossowsky J, Riess H. The influence of the patient-clinician relationship on healthcare outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One. 2014;9(4):e94207. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0094207
• Derksen F, Bensing J, Lagro-Janssen A. Effectiveness of empathy in general practice: a systematic review. Br J Gen Pract. 2013;63(606):e76-e84. doi:10.3399/bjgp13X660814
• Porges SW. The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company; 2011.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals before making changes to your treatment plan, especially if you have existing conditions or take medications. Individual results vary significantly.