What is integrative mental health Care?

Integrative mental health care is a collaborative process incorporating evidence-based interventions and holistic approaches to treat the whole person. In addition to addressing your emotional well-being, environmental conditioning, physiological functioning, cultural implications, and spiritual worldviews are explored to understand presenting concerns and mental health symptoms. Western or conventional therapies and Eastern or alternative healing practices are integrated into a treatment approach. Anodea Judith's book, Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System As a Path to the Self, is a resource worth checking out. I read it in 2014 during my undergraduate program shortly after my first yoga training and in 2021 at the start of my post-graduate internship. Its depth in understanding human development from an Eastern yoga-based philosophy with modern psychology is fascinating and inspired my approach in providing integrative mental health care.

Mental health symptoms and behavioral adaptations are conceptualized as important messages of unmet needs and a wake-up call from the psyche to initiate the process of healing. The healing process involves holding space for emotional experiences, exploring psychosomatic sensations, and developing the inner resources to build capacity within your Window of Tolerance. As an integrative mental health counselor, I administer a biopsychosocial assessment, evaluate your holistic wellness (via the 8 dimensions: emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social), facilitate process-oriented goal-setting, incorporate yoga and mindfulness-based practices, address lifestyle choices through a compassionate lens, collaborate with other holistic providers, and refer to community resources. Most importantly, my approach in integrative mental health aims to empower you to direct the therapeutic process and healing journey by deepening your awareness with self- compassion and cultivating the presence of loving-kindness.

If you're interested in receiving integrative mental health care, schedule a free consultation.
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