Counseling and lifestyle modification techniques are essential to naturopathic medicine. A naturopathic physician is formally trained in the following counseling areas:
- Interviewing and responding skills, active listening, body language assessment, and other interpersonal skills necessary for the therapeutic relationship.
- Recognition and understanding of prevalent psychological issues including developmental problems, sexual dysfunction, abnormal behavior, addictions, and stress.
- Various treatment measures including hypnosis and guided imagery, counseling techniques, correction of underlying organic factors, and family therapy.