But John, this is precisely why homeopathy “works” (disclaimer: read on for an explanation of the specific and limited cases in which it “works”).

Outcome studies have shown that a significant number of people feel better after homeopathic consultations. Most of us in the mental health sector are in no way surprised by this, despite the obvious silliness of the actual mechanism of homeopathic “medicine” (disclaimer 2: I’m still in the process of qualifying, so my use of the word “us” may be a little presumptuous). People regularly feel better when they spend time talking about what ails them to someone who is clearly listening and taking an active interest.

This is why psychoanalytic psychotherapy tends to get results, and why I recommend it for emotional and personality disorders. Homeopathy is essentially another “talking cure” and has merit precisely because of that.

The real problem, as Larry’s link points out, is the claim that a “talking cure” can be effective in treating phsyical, rather than psychological, ailments. That’s foolishness, and dangerous foolishness at that.

Referring someone suffering from depression or anxiety to a homeopath may actually have some merit (though obviously I’d suggest a trained therapist would be a better bet). But expecting a homeopath to successfully treat cancer is sheer madness.

Licence it, and watch the potential for harm grow…