You deserve to thrive with CAM & Holistic Therapy

Holistic psychotherapy involves the relationship between your body, mind, emotions and spirit to increase awareness and self-acceptance of your unique experience. It draws from many forms of traditional therapies such Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, as well as non-traditional practices like mindfulness, relaxation techniques, energy work and movement. Holistic treatment considers the whole person, not just the issues that bring you to therapy, so heal can heal and thrive. You may be searching for a holistically-oriented therapist to meet your mental health needs. The process shouldn’t be such a mystery. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD and other mental health concerns, you should know that most Western doctors and practitioners are not trained to investigate the root cause of your suffering. Many of these hard-to-treat ailments can be targeted with integrative health methods. Many of these difficult-to-treat challenges can be resolved using integrative methods.

Common struggles addressed in Holistic therapy:

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Social anxiety

• Low self-esteem

• Difficulties speaking up

• People pleasing and accommodation

• Career and work dissatisfaction

• Challenging life transitions and crossroads

• Grief, loss and bereavement

• Unfulfilling relationships

• Loneliness, isolation and heartbreak

• Somatic complaints related to psychological suffering

• Unresolved trauma symptoms

• Unhelpful habits and self-sabotage

• Exploring inner conflicts and obstacles

• Communication and self-expression difficulties

• Clarifying beliefs and values

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to the array of therapies that extend beyond conventional Western medical treatments. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines complementary and alternative medicine as "a group of diverse medical and health-care systems, practice and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine." Complementary describes therapies and treatments used in conjunction with conventional care, and the term alternative relates to less conventional methods of treatment. Recently, “Integrative Health” has been used to describe the blending of evidence-based CAM therapies into conventional treatments for the purpose of enhancing physical, emotional and psychological health and wellbeing. Many individuals seeking effective treatment for a range of mental health concerns may find the addition of complementary or alternative treatment approaches to be helpful when these treatments are offered by an experienced mental health professional.

Three categories of CAM Practices:

• Physical therapies, e.g. exercise, yoga, bright light, acupuncture

• Nutraceuticals (vitamins and minerals), e.g. Vitamin D, folic acid, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids as examples

• Herbal remedies, e.g. St. John’s wort and saffron as examples

Holistic therapy with a CAM-oriented Therapist:

• The integration of somatic therapies such as EMDR or Somatic Experiencing in addition to cognitive, behavioral or insight-oriented therapies to release trauma(s) and long held patterns in the body and nervous system

• Cognitive and behavioral skills to address faulty thinking, motivation, adherence

• The addition of amino acids, supplements or nutraceuticals into your diet and lifestyle

• Breath work and relaxation skills training

• Support for increasing movement and exercise

• Referrals for hormonal assessments, functional medicine, acupuncture, reiki, reflexology, massage

• Encouragement for animal and human relationships and community

• Support for enhancing nutrition and digestion using culinary medicine

• Acceptance for the range of your experience, including: adaptive coping strategies, emotions and behaviors

• Understand your various parts, such as: protectors, managers, firefighters, perfectionists, inner critics, bullies, and more

How can psychological counseling & Integrative CAM Practices help you?

Our culture is finally talking about emotional and mental health. Nearly 70% of the population is struggling with anxiety and/or depression, and of that number about 40% do not feel better despite treatment. That means that while current medications are lifesaving for many, too many individuals are not helped and remain symptomatic. Integrative Medicine & Nutrition For Mental Health describes practices that are whole-person centered, offering modifications and prescriptive lifestyle changes to support and increase mental wellbeing. Lifestyle modifications can also be used alongside conventional medicine for optimal treatment outcomes and patient adherence. Often, some are able to reduce or withdraw from medications such as antidepressants or anxiolytics, as well as other medications that may have led to uncomfortable side effects. Integrative Medicine & Nutrition For Mental Health prescribes daily changes in eating patterns, physical activity, sleep, self-care and stress management, positive social interactions, avoidance of harmful substances, as examples, to address and even reverse common physical and psychiatric health concerns. Oftentimes, precursor amino acids and supplements are added to heal and restore the brain and body to optimal functioning. We feel better when we pay attention to and prioritize the health of our body; and now we actually have the science to confirm that positive lifestyle changes can heal or greatly reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and much more.

Integrating CAM into therapy

The field of psychology and mental health consistently evolves with new research, which leads to the development of an expanded view of treatment modalities to support emotional and mental health and wellbeing. Many psychologists take a holistic approach to healing and wellness, incorporating techniques drawn and blended from other fields of medicine and mental health. Techniques when integrated into sessions, may include movement and energy-based practices, including treatments such as Reiki, acupuncture, biofeedback, massage therapy, yoga, nutritional therapies, and meditation. These techniques have been proven to have a positive effect on mental and/or physical health, while others are not yet supported by scientific evidence.

Five Major Types Complementary and Alternative Medicine

(Natural solutions for emotional and physical wellbeing)

1. Mind-Body Interventions

2. Alternative Medical Systems

3. Biologically-Based Therapies

4. Energy Therapies

5. Manipulative & Body-Based Methods

Some Effective CAM Examples:

• Acupuncture

• Ayurvedic Medicine

• Chiropractic Therapy

• Energy Medicine

• Dietary Medicine

• Herbal Medicine

• Massage Therapy

• Naturopathy

• Magnet Therapy

• Bodywork and Movement

• Hypnosis

• Biofeedback

• Relaxation Therapy

• Guided Imagery

• Meditation

• Spiritual Practices

• Homeopathy

• Reiki

How can a Holistic Psychotherapist help you optimize your Mental Health using Cam Practices?

Licensed mental health professionals trained in nutrition and alternative protocols are well-positioned to offer their patients support from emerging research in the field of Functional and Integrative Medicine, aimed at naturally optimizing mental health. Natural remedies offer powerfully effective help for people who have not yet achieved the full alleviation of mental health symptoms from prescription medicine. It’s also a sound choice for people with mild symptoms, and for those who wish to avoid conventional psychiatry. Together, we work to identify the “root cause” underlying many common psychiatric symptoms such as ADHD, motivation, memory, anxiety and depression. Research reveals that some of the well-known biological factors that can create or intensify mental health symptoms include: chronic inflammation, low levels of nutrients and minerals, neurotransmitter dysfunction, poor gut health, food sensitivities, low thyroid, sex hormonal imbalances, and numerous other factors. This natural and holistic approach to good mental health can work alongside and even replace commonly prescribed medications. And many natural remedies even support individuals with cravings related to addiction, and those struggling with withdrawal symptoms related to antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

A Dose Of Self -Care & Self-Compassion

Is needed during your most chaotic of times. I can help you develop rituals that nourish your body-mind-spirit as you develop new resources to become fiercely protective of your needs. That’s what good Self-Care is all about.

While I’m a fan of tea and bubble baths, self-care is much more than a spa day, it’s intentional, every day care. It’s care that helps you connect to more grace and compassion for yourself and others. Self-care is any form of emotional, physical and spiritual nourishment that gives you the strength, balance, perspective and energy to be present and move through the difficult times with greater ease. It is also care that allows you to set boundaries, and feel deserving of the boundaries you create for yourself. It’s care that empowers you to be even fiercely protective of your needs at times, and unapologetic at times. Self-care can mean many things, and finding balance between caring and connection with others, and taking care of yourself is integral to feeling well, whole and nourished. When you make self-care a daily practice, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, you will begin to feel more vitality, resilience and personal empowerment.

As a practitioner of all things healthy and holistic, I’m a strong proponent of the mind-body-spirit connection when it comes to optimal mental and personal health. Self-care, including rest, movement and a healthy relationship with just about everything, including food and nutrition, is vitally important to your emotional wellbeing. Did you know that exercise alone is an effective, natural antidepressant that also reduces anxiety and stress-related symptoms? We also know that the nervous system, brain and body needs proper nutrition for robust performance. When the challenges of life through you off course, it’s hard to prioritize taking good care of yourself, and yet this is when you need it most. Knowing that you have control over some aspects of your life is empowering during challenging times. You can make healthy choices for yourself, and also attend to your challenges. I love helping people find a system of self-care that is realistic, sustainable and supports their life and needs.

Wellness Coaching, Self-Care + Autoimmune Support

Self-Care Is Not Being Selfish Or Indulgent, It Is The Ability To Care For One's Own Emotional Needs, Set Boundaries With People, Manage Anxiety, Anger, Sadness And Other Feelings Or Emotions And Attend To One's More Complex Needs. Prioritizing Your Wellbeing Will Lead To Greater Life-Satisfaction.

Many suffer from chronic pain, somatic symptoms and health issues that may be rooted in energetic blocks and neglected emotional suffering. We know that trauma at all levels tends to remain "stuck" in the brain, nervous system and body as unprocessed feelings, emotions and experiences. This often gets expressed as body symptoms such as anxiety, depression, disease and chronic pain. A special interest of mine is to provide individualized Wellness Coaching with the goal of helping and supporting clients to identify feelings and emotions as well as understand how the body speaks loudly in an effort to express the trauma. Clients can overcome blocks to optimal health as well as understand self-destructive habits that have become life-altering obstacles to wellbeing. I view wellbeing as an opportunity to heal from the inside out -- this means addressing the root cause of disease and suffering, and not just attending to symptoms. Working with a wellness model, together we will identify areas of need, and I will support you through the healing journey

This can happen even when other people's demands or actions make this a challenge. Society as well as friends, family and employers often have expectations of us; we subjugate our own needs in an attempt to please and care for others. In the mental health field, Individuals with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, dependency issues and codependent individuals fail to care for themselves, often until it's too late and they become sick. Some examples of chronic health conditions that benefit from self-care support and advocacy are the following: Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS, arthritis, MS, Lupus, asthma, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, Lyme disease, autoimmune thyroid disorders (Hashimoto's & Graves), depression, IBS and diseases of aging as a few examples. Conventional medicine rarely addresses the root causes of many of these chronic conditions, and treats only the symptoms. A whole-body approach gives clients the choice to make radical lifestyle changes that may actually cure these common diseases or at least, greatly reduce symptoms and suffering. The failure to care for oneself due to wanting to please or care for others, such as in a codependent relationship, or in the case of overly demanding family members, can indicate some difficulty setting boundaries, identity and self-image. 

As a professionally trained addiction and eating disorder psychotherapist and specialist, I can help clients navigate the challenges they face post-rehab and at any phase of recovery. Recovery coaching can help individuals identify, manage and remove the many environmental and personal obstacles that interfere with successful recovery. *Note* I am not in recovery personally but have training in the area of addiction and recovery services. I can refer you to a clinician who is in recovery if this is important to you. 

Because Staying “Well” Can Be Hard To Do On Your Own, Coaching Support Can Help You With You Keep Your Wellness Goals.

• Maintaining motivation and staying focused on personal goals 

• Support for creating healthy and safe boundaries for self and others

• Support for maintaining the energy, passion and desire for healthy relationships

• Help for engaging in activities and relationships that replace the desire to use drugs or engage in harmful behaviors 

• Self-empowerment and learning to ask for help as needed

• Identifying needs and learning to connect to inner guidance

• Creating a self-care practices that nourishes mind and body

• Support in identifying and managing cravings and triggers

• Learning to "own" actions and take responsibility in relationships and with behaviors

• Celebrating important gains and achievements

• Feeling empowered to make healthier choices

• Support with structure, activities, exercise, nutrition, socializing and sleep hygiene

• Maintaining hope and staying positive as you get well

• Help with learning to be present, tolerate discomfort and live in the present moment

• Create a practice of awareness, acceptance, gratitude, self-compassion and change 

Professional Burnout

Your Body Knows How To Heal…

Professional burnout is a common presenting complaint and a reason many successful, hardworking and high-achieving individuals seek professional coaching. They frequently initially experience apathy, exhaustion or a sense of overwhelm before more serious problems surface. There are also many reasons one might experience burnout, not limited to the pressure to succeed or achieve, financial demands or a competitive personality. The important thing is to learn to identify and recognize when you need help so that you can restore well-being and create a healthier work and life balance. 

What Follows Are Classic Signs Of Professional Burnout:

• Apathy and detachment

• Dread and anxiety 

• Physical and emotional exhaustion

• Chronic fatigue

• Changes in appetite

• Increase in substance use or abuse

• Insomnia and sleep issues

• Physical or somatic complains such as: palpitations, panic attacks, headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness

• Impaired immune functioning and frequent illness

• Impaired attention, concentration and forgetfulness

• Relationship issues

• Anger, tension and irritability

• Acting out

• Feeling less effective

• Feeling trapped or "stuck"

• Sadness, isolation, pessimism, hopelessness, depression

• Lack of productivity and decreased performance

Coaching FAQ’s

The International Coach Federation (IFC) Reported That Individuals Experience The Following Outcomes As A Result Of Working With A Personal Or Professional Coach:

• Increased self-awareness (67%)

• Enhanced ability to manage stress (57%)

• Better goal setting (62%)

• Self-discovery (53%)

• More balanced life (60%)

• Increased self-confidence (52%)

What Is The Rate Of Return When You Hire A Coach?  

Your Return on Investment (ROI) is directly correlated to the amount of dedication you demonstrate toward your growth and development. You get what you give.

Life Coaching Is A Good Fit For You, If You Are:

• A motivated and insightful person who is interested in self reflection and personal growth

• Able to get out of your own way and allow for the "good" and "positive"

• Someone with realistic goals and the desire to meet them

• A person who values commitment and integrity

• An individual who is able to make changes

• Someone who has the capacity for healthy work, personal, and romantic relationships

• Smart and not afraid of hard work