An Integrated Approach
Mind, Body & Spirit
We can conceptualize this integration through the familiar categories: Mind, Body, and Spirit. Each dimension plays a vital role in the therapeutic process.
Working with the Mind at the Level of Conscious Awareness
This is a part of therapy where we deal mainly with what is on our minds — our thoughts, beliefs, memories, values, etc. Clients can re-think their situations. They can reorganize their priorities and reframe issues. This is an area of therapy in which clients can claim new meanings for their memories and develop an understanding of where old meanings arose from. They can connect their cognitions with the sub-conscious activity of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).
My approach is both solutions focused (forward looking) and psychodynamic (backward looking). Effective treatment demands deep compassion for oneself and for others; it also demands a fairly dispassionate view of the neurobiological aspects of human experience and the natural functions for survival. In short, effective therapy needs our hearts and minds to work together.
Working with the Body and Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
This is a part of therapy where we deal with the activities of the subconscious mind and its effects on our nervous systems and our physical experience of life. By definition, what is sub-conscious cannot be directly accessed cognitively, but there are many ways to recognize patterned behaviors of the subconscious mind and develop effective responses to those patterns.
This is also an area of therapy where we will consider all the issues of the body, including health concerns, lethargy, hyperactivity, and chronic pain. The material challenges of life bring significant stressors to the mind.
Working with the Energetic/Spiritual Parts of Ourselves
This is a part of therapy where we will focus on the energetic experiences of life in this world. We feel the energetic presence of each other and of all life around us. Acknowledging that energetic force within ourselves and learning to work with it will help us to achieve overall health.
Whether one regards this energy through their religious beliefs and practices, or through other spiritual commitments, through nature or through more biological understandings, we can share in the value of mindfulness practices, meditation, and breathing exercises. We can connect our energy with the life energy around us and feel that pleasure.