Holistic Mental Health Care
Treatment Pathways
Pillars of Care
Medication Management
​
The current best evidence-based approach in treating a number of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD or trauma, include a combination of both medication and therapy. Whether medication is needed in the short term or for an extended period, it can help to provide comfort, improved functioning and better treatment outcomes. In many cases as with depression, medications may be discontinued when symptoms have resolved after 9 months, and therapeutic skills have been developed to support coping.
It is also good to note that not all medications require a prescription. There are number of proven naturopathic options that may supplement and support the course of treatment.
​
When medication is being considered as part of a treatment plan, my approach aims to target symptoms with the least amount of medication, at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest duration of time. This comes after a mutually agreed upon plan and comprehensive patient education.
Psychotherapy
​
The dynamic and engaging work of therapy helps to reveal insight around the feelings, thoughts and behaviors related to specific mental health conditions while building lifelong and empowering coping skills. Considered the cornerstone of treatment for several mental health issues, this evidence-based approach is grounded in the healing partnership between you and your provider.
My practice is informed by the early work of psychologists such as Carl Rogers, Arron Beck, and Albert Ellis. Taking a client-centered approach, I strive for cultivated a therapeutic relationship over time through good listening, acceptance, patience, empathy and honesty. From this foundation, my work employs training in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Pamela Reed’s nursing Theory of Self-Transcendence which served as the working framework of my doctoral studies.
​
Additional certifications in ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) offer expanded opportunities for deeper transpersonal healing from depression and trauma.
Holistic Intervention
​
The holistic care model is considered the heart of nursing science and is built upon the overarching goal to foster healing. Holistic nursing pioneer and scholar Dr. Barbara Dossey, PhD, RN, HNC, FAAN, beautifully defined healing as, “ the right relationship between all levels…the process of bringing together all parts of one’s self (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, relational) at deeper levels of knowing, leading to an integration and balance.”
This tends to differ from the medical model that has a direct aim to cure illness. In some conditions and diseases a cure may not be available, as with chronic pain disorders or alcoholism. However, true healing is always within our reach.
​
The integration of a holistic approach, helps to support wellness in both one’s internal and external environments. Through a comprehensive evaluation that includes psychiatric, nutritional, spiritual, physical, and social assessments. My goal is to help identify, restore and preserve balance in all life domains through a patient-centered approach.
