Hi, Can you go over the process of becoming an herbalist in accordance with the American Herbalist Guild? I think I understand you see clients and are peer reviewed for so many hours. How do you find individuals to help you with this and can you be more specific about the process? Also, when do you think one is ready to see clients? I feel like I’ll never be ready lol! Thanks

I think it would be best to go to the AHG website and read their information on the process. I am no longer the chair of the AHG admissions review committee and it is possible things have changed in the year since I left. I can say you needed 400 of clinical experience and if you take my 2 year program and 2 one year programs that can give you approximately 100 hours of the preliminary clinical hours. The remaining 300 need to be one on one clinical cases. You can do this through AHG mentoring, on your own (with documentation, i.e case histories), in a free clinic, etc. As for when you start, start slow, start small helping family, friends, neighbors, but do full cases histories, not try this for that condition. Know your limitations, you are not ready for serious illnesses, but menstrual cramps, BPH, stress headaches, anxiety, hypochlorhydria, poor sleep, etc., you will be able to help. As you gain more experience, you will become more comfortable with more challenging and complex issues.

Thank you- very helpful