Holistic Approaches to Mental Health

When it comes to my mental health, I like to tend to it from a holistic approach; one that addresses the mind, the body, and for me, the spirit. If something isn't "right" inside me, it very rarely is because of one thing. I find I usually need to address the complexity of my distress from a variety of angles. The first skill is always to STOP!

S Stop whatever I am doing or thinking

T Take about five steps back

O Observe what is actually happening

P Proceed with a new more informed and intentional perspective

This simple but not always easy skill can do so much for regulating our nervous systems and get us to a place where we can be more curious about what is truly going on. It is a basic principle of many behavioral mental health practices including DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for those of you who just LOVE big words!) and I guarantee if you try it...it works!

But stopping is not always enough. Often times it is essential to dig down a little deeper into the roots of the issue. Now to prevent overwhelm, I would recommend choosing ONE of the following things to help you make the changes you want to see within yourself. Read through

the list and try the one that buzzes the most for you! Keep in mind that buzz might be aversion, not attraction! Do the one that you react to the most and approach with the curiosity of an inventor or mad scientist (whichever archetype floats your boat!).

• Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Engage in daily mindfulness exercises or meditation to improve focus and reduce stress.

• Maintain a Balanced Diet: Consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to nourish the brain.

• Exercise Regularly: Incorporate physical activity into your routine, such as walking, yoga, or dancing, to boost mood and reduce anxiety.

• Establish a Sleep Routine: Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to enhance cognitive function and emotional well-being.

• Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors to improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

• Build Strong Relationships: Foster connections with friends and family to create a support system and enhance social well-being.

• Engage in Creative Activities: Explore hobbies such as painting, writing, or playing music to express emotions and relieve stress.

• Limit Screen Time: Reduce time spent on electronic devices to improve mental clarity and reduce feelings of isolation.

• Practice Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal to focus on positive aspects of life and enhance overall happiness.

  
  

  Finally, when things feel stuck in a way I can not understand on my own, I know it's time to Seek Professional Help. This could be from a counselor, energy healer, massage therapist or a visit to a trusted elder. Running your challenges through a new set of eyes, ears and hearts can be so helpful and ultimately empowering.

When I help clients, I intend for them to have a unique healing experience that combines ancient healing practices like meditation with modern understanding of epigenetic science. I utilize my background in alternative and Waldorf education to make sessions creative and dynamic and to create meaningful "homework" assignments. These sessions may include intuitive healing, yoga, IFS (or parts work), and multicultural counseling. Sometimes you may do art therapy, music therapy, or use other creative modalities to express yourself and explore your emotions.

Meditation is another important aspect of my holistic approach. I teach and encourage individuals to incorporate meditation into their daily routine as a way to calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote emotional well-being. I provide guidance and support in developing a meditation practice that works for you. Homework assignments may include journaling, self-reflection exercises, or other activities that help you deepen your understanding of your inner world. Feminist pedagogy, empowerment, respect for all, and diversity are at the core of my approach be it through animal medicine cards, talk therapy or meditation techniques.

Sometimes there is just nothing that compares to an in-person healing session.

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I invite you to embrace a holistic approach to your mental health care and give yourslef permission to do what YOU need to do on your journey of healing and self-discovery.