What Women Are Really Looking For In Health Care Providers

If you read last month’s blog post, you know that over the past few weeks I’ve been holding one-on-one interviews with women who generously took time out of their busy lives to speak with me. These conversations were part of a research effort I’m doing within my practice to better understand the real needs and desires women have when it comes to their health care.

What was I hoping to learn?

I wanted to hear directly from women about what they are truly looking for in a health care provider and what kind of support they feel has been missing within their care. 

As a holistic provider and a woman who has walked many of these paths myself, I know how personal and vulnerable our health journeys can be. I also know how unique each person's experience is here on this planet and I would never assume that what worked for me, would automatically work for others. I wanted to hear it directly from them. 

Just as a reminder I interviewed women who were currently navigating the following topics:  

• Preconception and Fertility 

• Pregnancy and Postpartum 

• Parenting children under 18

• Anxiety, Fatigue, and/or Sleep Issues 

• The shifts of Perimenopause 

By now, you might be wondering, what did I actually hear in these interviews? And maybe, being a woman yourself, some of this might sound familiar. 

Over and over, women told me they feel lost when it comes to their health. 

They’re overwhelmed by information, unsure who to trust, and often feel like just another number on their doctor’s checklist. 

Many shared that their concerns were dismissed or brushed off with phrases like “that’s normal” or “it’s just a part of aging” even when they know something isn’t right. 

When we talk about topics like fertility, pregnancy or perimenopause, a lot of times other menstrual symptoms will come into play such as irregular or heavy periods or PCOS, to name a few. And the number one “solution” offered to these women by their providers was the birth control pill. Whether or not they actually wanted birth control (most didn’t) it was often the first and only option discussed. This felt dismissive and disempowering, like a temporary fix being offered instead of the real support they were looking for. 

These women want more than quick fixes or surface level advice, and they deserve it! They’re looking for providers who truly listen, who treat them with compassion, and who take the time to educate and explore root causes, not just symptoms. 

But most of all, they are looking for providers who believe them. Who trust they know what is going on in their bodies and that what they are experiencing isn't “normal”. 

A common thread was the desire for care from someone who’s walked a similar path.

Women told me they don’t want fertility or pregnancy advice from someone who’s never experienced it, or perimenopause support from someone who hasn’t felt those changes firsthand. They want to feel understood, not just clinically, but personally. 

And so many of them didn't realize there were other options outside the conventional medical system. They just knew they needed something more and didn’t know where to turn and then were bombarded with information from wellness influencers when they tried researching on their own. 

What did I take away from these conversations?

After talking with these women I had time to sit and reflect on what I offer and if it is in alignment with what women in our busy world are looking for. I am happy to report that most of the things these women were looking for in their providers, I do offer. 

As a Clinical Herbalist I look at each client's case with a holistic view, getting to the root cause of the concerns. I don’t just “give this herb for that”. But instead learn how the symptoms you are experiencing are connected to your health history, your personal constitution, your lifestyle, and how it’s all connected to choose the right blend of herbs to support YOU. 

And you better believe: I listen to my clients. If they tell me they are experiencing something in their body, I believe them. 

You’re never just a number to me. Our first session is 90 minutes long with follow up sessions lasting 45 minutes. These aren’t rushed appointments, they’re spacious conversations where you’re invited to be fully seen and heard. And after each session, I continue working behind the scenes. Researching, reflecting, and designing a custom protocol that truly meets your needs.  

There are no quick fixes here, we aren’t using herbs to cover up the symptoms, we are using herbs to get to the root cause and make change on the cellular level. 

And to the 15 women who shared their time and truth with me, Thank You! Your insights were powerful, and they affirmed so much of why I do this work. 

These conversations have also sparked ideas for new offerings that I hope to share in the coming months. So stay tuned, more is coming. 

And if this feels like the type of care you have been looking for, I’d love to invite you to book a free 15 minute exploratory call. These calls are a chance to ask questions, get a feel for the work I do, and see if it feels like the right fit for you.

Love,

Danielle

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Danielle Caster, Clinical Herbalist

Hi, I'm Danielle, a Clinical Herbalist passionate about supporting women in feeling nourished, finding balance and reclaiming their health with confidence and care.

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I believe that when women thrive, the world does too.