- About the Book

EXPECT A MIRACLE...
YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED:
A Workbook for Your Healing Journey
Using Appreciative Dialogue
By Tel Franklin, M.D.
Published by The Center for Appreciative Medicine

Healthcare in the U.S. is changing. Tens of millions of North Americans use alternative healthcare each year. But the "alternative" infrastructure and the way healthcare is delivered in the U.S. isn't alternative at all. It uses new modalities with the same old infrastructure and methods: top-down, and doctor/expert to passive patient.

Keenly aware of this dilemma, Tel Franklin, M.D., developed a revolutionary "patient-centered" approach to personal health that utilizes a process called Appreciative Dialogue to transform a person's relationship with his own health. Appreciative Dialogue empowers patients to envision optimal health and then to coordinate treatment and healthcare options with physicians and other health practitioners in a clearly understood, integrated way.

EXPECT A MIRACLE helps to shift thinking from the traditional disease/diagnosis/treatment model to a more positive, generative, and proactive optimal health paradigm. The workbook leads the reader through inventory- ing and recording the varied elements that contribute to a personal experience of health. Sections deal with self- awareness and spiritual aspects, and encourage reflection on one's experience of a range of nurturing modalities including:

The reader is led easily and logically to devising an optimal health plan that comprises appropriate treatments and remedies. Illuminating anecdotes and an attractive layout make this a unique workbook that anyone desiring more control over their own health will much appreciate.

The book is designed much like the alternative medical paradigm it describes: the cover is soft and soothing, inviting to the touch, rewarding frequent use and reflection. The typography is graceful and elegant, with supportive aphorisms providing reinforcement on each page. Most of all, the book is designed to be written in -- a collaboration between author and reader -- just as Appreciative Medicine is a collaboration between practitioner and patient.

EXPECT A MIRACLE is distributed to the book trade by Celestial Arts, a division of Ten Speed Press. For more information about bookstore orders, bulk orders, or rights, please contact 1-800-841-2665. Or visit the Celestial Arts web site for trade accounts: http://www.celestialarts.com/resources/retailers.php3

Copyright ©2004 by Tel Franklin, M.D. All Rights Reserved. Please feel free to duplicate or distribute this file as long as the excerpt is not altered and this copyright notice is intact. Thank you.

- Excerpt

EXPECT A MIRACLE...
YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED:
A Workbook for Your Healing Journey
Using Appreciative Dialogue

by Tel Franklin, M.D.

INTRODUCTION

The excerpt, below, is written by Tel Franklin, M.D., a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, board- certified in family medicine, credentialed in acupuncture, and trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

"Dr. Tel" discovered that a systematic process of medical journal-writing leads to remarkable results with most patients. Medical journaling reduces depression and feelings of helplessness, improves optimism, and strengthens a person's natural capacity for combating illness and achieving optimum health.

Dr. Tel refers to the process as "appreciative dialogue." Using this technique, patients report a better under- standing of treatment options, greater control over healthcare, and a feeling of being heard by medical practitioners.

While the concept is simple, Appreciative Medicine is a dramatic departure from both conventional and alternative healthcare, which are focused on negative symptoms rather than positive outcomes.

More information about the book, Expect a Miracle, and author Dr. Tel Franklin, follows the excerpt. You can also find more information at The Center for Appreciative Medicine web site, http://www.appreciativemedicine.com/

Introduction to Appreciative Medicine

by Tel Franklin, M.D.

Using Appreciative Medicine, patients become proactive, take responsibility, and develop personalized optimal health plans. On a regular schedule, they review their progress with their primary care physicians and critique their goals as they plan the next step.

This empowering approach helps patients and physicians utilize medical technological advances appropriately and to the fullest. Appreciative Medicine builds on the trusting relationships practitioners have with our patients. It opens the door to a full range of creative and diverse healing strategies, including many complementary medicine options, some of which have become almost routine, such as acupuncture for back pain or a class in yoga to help lower blood pressure.

At the heart of Appreciative Medicine is the individualized healing approach, guided by the patient's own unique positive characteristics, focused on a solution-orientated perspective which leads to optimized healing. Patients access these qualities by journaling and using Appreciative Medicine's question-and-answer format. This empowering reflection/journaling lends itself to healing insight for patients and practitioners. The patient's highlighted answers are reviewed with their health care practitioners, helping to propel the patients beyond previously accepted limitations.

~ Appreciative Dialogue -- Step-by-Step ~

1. Read the entire book. Although you may find some sections beyond your current grasp, it is important to read the entire book.

2. Answer the ten questions in Section A: First Steps to Self-Awareness. These questions are designed to help you focus on the positive realm of goodness and health within you and stimulate the patterns of your energetic healing system.

3. Seek out a physician or health care professional who is willing to explore various modalities and treatment options and who is able to assist you in developing an Optimal Health Plan.

4. Critique each treatment you experience in Section B: Modalities That Nurture. Note any questions you wish to share with your health practitioner(s). Feel free to critique therapeutic options not listed in Section B using the same question-response format.

5. Assess your progress in your journal by answering the questions in Section C: Keys to New Directions and Section D: Actualization of the Ultimate Self.

6. Summarize your plan of action using the format in the Optimal Health Plan. Do this in conjunction with your physician.

7. Continue to review your journal entries with your health care provider. Discuss your questions and share reflections concerning your treatment options.

8. Share your journey with those close to you.

9. Re-read the entire book. Continue to review and add to your journal writings. Reflect on your growth and discovery of your inner strength and overall health.

10. Witness how a cognitive change in your thinking has transformed your life.

~ Joseph's Story ~

Joseph is a 63-year-old mechanic who developed back pain after manually lifting a automobile transmission -- the electric hoist broke earlier in the week. Following a brief exam by a chiropractor, Joseph was rushed by paramedics to a local hospital emergency room. He was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm and scheduled for immediate surgery.

Shortly after his rehabilitation, Joseph arranged a consultation with my office. He confessed that he always suppressed his emotions, especially if feeling sad or depressed. "I guess I wasn't ever taught to really express myself," Joseph shared. "You were supposed to just deal with it."

Joseph has since participated in appreciative dialogue, helping him to rethink his priorities. He now appreciates the life he once took for granted. He continually comments on how appreciative dialogue has transformed his life. "I'm no longer afraid to say how I feel, and I'm able to listen to others when they share with me." Joseph spends almost 30 minutes every night reflecting on the day and joyfully contemplating tomorrow.

Joseph has lost almost 110 pounds -- his weight is down to 185. His cholesterol ratios have improved by greater than 250 percent. He enjoys daily sunrise walks with his wife. Although two years ago he had never heard the word, "vegan," now he's "as strict as they come."

New cholesterol-lowering medications, along with his amazing lifestyle changes, have significantly added quality as well as years to his life. He makes regular "dates" with his grandchildren and has planned his first trip to the Grand Canyon. He plans to walk the entire rim with his eldest daughter.

That fateful day which almost took Joseph away has changed him into a man who supremely enjoys the breath of life. His priority is now to celebrate every day for what it is: a precious gift.

Copyright ©2004 by Tel Franklin, M.D. All Rights Reserved. Please feel free to duplicate or distribute this file as long as the excerpt is not altered and this copyright notice is intact. Thank you.

About the Author

TEL FRANKLIN is a board-certified physician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Franklin also holds advanced degrees in chemistry and medicine. He completed graduate medical studies at East Carolina University and trained at The London Hospital Medical College, University of London [England]. He is credentialed in Medical Acupuncture though the University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine, and has completed advanced study in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

At the University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina, Dr. Franklin authored and was the primary investigator of studies on treating coronary heart disease through lifestyle modifications. An experienced educator, he has presented seminars and workshops and has been a guest speaker at major medical conventions. He is the recipient of many honors for academic, scholastic and research achievements, and was recently recognized as one of the 50 outstanding family physicians in the state of California by the California Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Franklin integrates Eastern and Western philosophies in his practice. He has created an approach to health care, Appreciative Medicine, that fosters a partnership between patient and practitioner and focuses on achieving optimal health. To disseminate his work, Dr. Franklin has formed the Center for Appreciative Medicine. He is in private practice and lives on the Monterey Peninsula in California.

Copyright ©2004 by Tel Franklin, M.D. All Rights Reserved. Please feel free to duplicate or distribute this file as long as the excerpt is not altered and this copyright notice is intact. Thank you.