FAQ

What is a clinical herbalist?

​An herbalist is someone who uses plants to support health, and clinical refers to directly observing and working with people (as opposed to studying something in a laboratory or theoretical application). So as a clinical herbalist, I see people for private appointments, ask about their health history, and work with them to make plans and herbal formulas for their health concerns.

Are you licensed? 

No, there is no licensing for herbalists currently available in the US.

​Are appointments virtual or in-person?

Due to COVID-19, appointments are mostly virtual right now, but I can also see clients in person in Pittsburgh, PA. I work from home, so in-person appointments would either be at my apartment, outdoors, or at your home if my place is inaccessible for you. My apartment has about 10 stairs to get in and some lightly scented products inside. If you want to meet in-person, please email me at charlie@slowpokeherbclinic.com, and we can discuss options (including consideration of access needs, transportation, and COVID risks).

How do appointments work?

I use a practice management system called Practice Better. You can book a time on my calendar, and our video appointment will occur through the Practice Better platform. When you’re logged in to Practice Better, your upcoming appointments are in the upper right hand side of the homepage, under “Upcoming Sessions.” There’s a video icon in the same line as the appointment name– click that when it’s time to start the session. Practice Better works in web browsers and their mobile app. For in-person appointments, we will communicate about the specifics of where we are meeting via Practice Better message or email.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know at least 24 hours in advance. If an emergency comes up and you can’t give that much notice, I completely understand, but whenever possible, please give me as much warning as you can.
After our appointment, I will spend some time researching and considering your case, and will send you recommendations as a protocol in Practice Better. Typically I post your protocol within 1 week.

Why 'slowpoke'?

I often feel very torn between my fast and slow sides. I often move pretty quickly, even though I think my natural pace is a bit slower. I’ve found a lot of comfort and beauty in embodying slowness when I can; it can feel very intentional, restful, and calm. So, the name is a statement that embracing slowness in our fast-paced, more-is-better society is radical and strong. ‘Slowpoke’ is also a bit tongue-in-cheek because it took me 2 years to decide on a business name! ​

What happens during a visit? What should I expect during and after appointments? 

During your first appointment, I’ll ask you questions about your current concerns, your health history, and factors in your life that relate to your health. This appointment will take 90 minutes to 2 hours. I’ll usually recommend a follow up appointment 3-4 weeks after your first appointment. How often we follow up after that depends on your needs and how things are shifting. Typically, follow up appointments get more and more spaced out as time goes on, but you can also book more frequent appointments if you want to, either for more support or for new concerns that arise. Outside of appointments, you will have things to add to your life– for example, recommendations might be taking an herbal formula twice a day or tracking your mood. The time commitment for these recommendations varies, but I will work with you to figure out what you can fit into your life. 
The cost of herbs is not included in the appointment, and will be an additional cost. The average monthly cost ranges from $20-80. We can discuss your budget in our appointments and customize the recommendations to be affordable. Herbs are often gentler than pharmaceutical medicines, and when we’re working on chronic conditions, it can take months to shift a long-standing pattern with herbs. Most people continue taking herbs for at least a few months, and we will alter your protocols over time as your patterns shift.

Do you sell herbs? 

I do not directly sell herbs. I will send you recommendations through a partner organization, and you can purchase custom herb formulations or commercial supplements I recommend to you. I’ll send you the links to the appropriate suppliers when I send recommendations.

I’m not interested in herbs, but I want a support person as I work through my disordered eating or a health issue. Could you still help me?

Possibly! I am not a licensed medical professional or registered dietician, so I have limits on the type of work I can do, but I can provide support in learning to reconnect with your body’s cues, freeing yourself from shame about food, and habit coaching. I’m happy to talk with you and see if what you want is within my scope of practice. Email me, and we can set up a free call to talk about it!