Episode 151: An Alternative Novel - A Creative Way to Learn About Your Health Choices with Lisa Robbins

What happens when the path you expected to take with your health no longer feels like the only option? In this episode of the Homeopathy247 Podcast, Mary Greensmith speaks with Lisa Robbins, homeopath and author of Widdershins, about grief, healthcare choices, creativity and discovering different ways of looking at health and life. The Story Behind Widdershins Lisa introduces her novel Widdershins, set in Edinburgh. The story follows Robin McFarland, a widowed father whose life is suddenly turned upside down after the unexpected death of his wife. While trying to care for his three children and cope with his own grief, Robin begins questioning the path he has always followed and becomes open to other forms of support. The title Widdershins means "counterclockwise," reflecting the idea of moving in a different or unexpected direction. When the Usual Path Doesn't Feel Enough Lisa shares how her own interest in complementary health began while looking after her children. Her experiences encouraged her to explore homeopathy and eventually train as a homeopath herself. For Lisa, this was not simply about choosing one form of healthcare over another. It encouraged her to start asking more questions and considering different options. Conventional medical care can be essential, while some people also choose complementary approaches alongside it. Understanding Grief Grief is one of the central themes of both the episode and Lisa's novel. Drawing partly from her own experiences of loss, Lisa talks about how grief can affect concentration, motivation, confidence and even the smallest parts of everyday life. There is no single correct way to grieve, and people may need different kinds of support at different times. Can Creativity Help Us Process Loss? Lisa believes novels, films, music and other forms of creative work can offer a different way of exploring difficult emotions. Instead of giving someone instructions about how they should grieve, a story can allow them to recognise parts of their own experience and consider another way forward. Persistent grief, depression or difficulty functioning deserves appropriate professional support. Looking at Health Differently Lisa also discusses how discovering homeopathy eventually encouraged her to explore yoga, meditation and sound practices. For her, becoming open to complementary health influenced more than her approach to illness. It gradually changed the way she thought about wellbeing and everyday life. Homeopathy has not been established as an effective treatment for medical conditions or grief beyond placebo in high quality evidence. It should complement, not replace, appropriate medical and mental health care. Key Takeaways Healthcare decisions do not always have to be either-or choices. Asking questions can help you understand the options available to you. Grief can affect emotional, mental and everyday functioning. There is no single correct way to experience grief. Stories and other creative work can provide space for reflection. Complementary practices can form part of someone's wider wellbeing choices. Prescribed medication should not be stopped without professional guidance. Appropriate medical and mental health support remains important. Links mentioned in this episode: Get a copy of Lisa's book – Widdershins here: https://www.amazon.com/Widdershins-L-Robbins/dp/1913432890 Visit Lisa Robbins' website here: https://www.robbinshomeopathy.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel and be updated with our latest episodes. You can also subscribe to our podcast channels available on your favourite podcast listening app below: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeopathy247-podcast/id1628767810 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39rjXAReQ33hGceW1E50dk Follow us on our social media accounts: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeopathy247 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeopathy247 You can also visit our website at https://homeopathy247.com/