Presenter: Stephanie Shields, CPE, CLS

Course Description:
A successful electrology consultation begins long before the first insertion. This course explores how to create a seamless, professional, and client-centered consultation process that builds trust, improves treatment outcomes, and strengthens long-term client relationships. Participants will learn how to guide clients from initial contact through assessment, treatment planning, documentation, education, and follow-up care.

Topics include phone and online communication, intake forms, consultation terminology, informed consent, medical considerations, treatment planning, realistic expectation setting, progress tracking, and relationship-building strategies. Special emphasis is placed on communication skills, professionalism, inclusive care, and creating a welcoming environment for clients of all backgrounds.

This course is designed to help electrologists refine their consultation techniques while improving client retention, documentation practices, and interdisciplinary communication with medical professionals.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the role of the consultation in establishing trust, professionalism, and long-term treatment success.
2. Demonstrate effective communication strategies for phone calls, online scheduling, and in-person consultations.
3. Identify essential components of comprehensive intake forms, informed consent, and client documentation.
4. Recognize medical red flags, contraindications, and situations requiring referral or medical clearance.
5. Discuss electrolysis modalities and treatment expectations using terminology that aligns with client understanding and comfort levels.
6. Develop individualized treatment plans based on hair growth patterns, skin type, medical history, lifestyle factors, and client goals.
7. Educate clients on realistic timelines, pain expectations, healing responses, aftercare, and treatment consistency.
8. Utilize photographs, SOAP notes, and progress documentation to monitor outcomes and support continuity of care.
9. Apply inclusive and trauma-informed communication techniques, including respectful terminology, preferred names, and culturally competent interactions.
10. Implement follow-up and retention strategies that improve client confidence, compliance, and long-term professional relationships.
11. Understand the importance of interdisciplinary communication and how electrology integrates into broader medical, dermatological, and gender-affirming care settings.