In the mentoring work I do, one of the most common things I hear from practitioners is, "I should know this already, but ..."
I should know this because I've gotten a degree or extensive training in the subject. Because I've been in practice for 5 (or 10, or 15) years. Because I'm supposed to know what I'm doing, and I don't. Etc.
My opinion is that no one knows it all, nor should we expect ourselves to know it all. I'm sure I've forgotten more than I've retained when it comes to herbs, nutrition, and clinical practice because there are so very many things to know.
Maybe you've been in practice for 5 years and still don't really know what "revenue" means.
Perhaps you can list extensive indications and dose ranges for dozens of nervines, but you've barely heard of wood betony.
Sometimes you actually do know the differences between the various magnesium chelates but they've flown out of your head in this particular moment.
(All of those are me at various points in time, by the way
)
There is literally no way for a single person to know everything.
That's why we have each other.
It's okay to ask when you don't know. We all have gaps in our understanding, things we've missed or forgotten. Pooling our knowledge and experience, being willing to ask for help, and showing up in community are all part of safe and effective clinical practice.
People aren't paying you because they need an encyclopedia, so don't put pressure on yourself to be one. Instead, have a community of folks you can ask for help, and be sure you know how to find accurate and relevant information if/when you need it.
Take care,
Camille
p.s. I am having lots of fun working on my new Substack, where I email you a reminder to complete one small business care task each week. If you are actively running a small clinical practice or a similar business, I think you'll find it helpful!
