Why You Should Consider Talking To An Integrative Therapist- Candace's Insight
Intergrative therapy
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER TALKING TO AN INTEGRATIVE THERAPIST
Photograph by Antonika Chanel on Unsplash
Integrative therapy
Integrative therapy is a progressive form of psychotherapy that combines several different therapeutic tools and approaches to meet the needs of the client. Integrative therapists combine elements from different schools of psychological theory and research which aids in a more flexible and inclusive approach to treatment. Yoga, aromatherapy, exercise, nutritional changes, etc., may be included along with traditional talk therapy and medications to aid with healing.
Clients can work on overcoming conditioned, self-defeating behaviors, and begin to take positive steps toward better health.
The benefits of integrative therapy
Along with traditional treatment methods, integrative therapy can enhance treatment and recovery. Integrative therapy techniques are proven to advance the process of treatment and can promote wellness in all areas of life including physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. Clients can work on overcoming conditioned, self-defeating behaviors, and begin to take positive steps toward better health.
Medications for mental disorders are not necessarily bad, but some people are not interested in taking them due to factors such as side effects, an inability to swallow pills, cultural beliefs, etc. An integrative therapy approach can minimize the need for excessive prescription medications by utilizing safer, less aggressive alternatives.
Talk About Mental Health
The awareness of mental and behavioral health disorders has been growing over the past few decades. Common mental disorders have increased 50% worldwide between 1990 and 2013. With the growing concern of mental health disorders, it is a primary purpose to provide education to communities about complementary options to help manage their symptoms. It is my hope that education can help to reduce the number of untreated mental health disorders by providing services to those who may not be aware of available nontraditional treatment options, are uninterested medications, and those who are interested in a more integrative approach in conjunction with traditional treatment.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistently low mood and a feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Individuals may feel discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated, or disinterested in life in general for more than two weeks and the feelings often interfere with daily activities. It is the leading cause of disability worldwide and in severe cases can lead to suicide. We know that antidepressant medication can be effective, but they can also have possible adverse effects.
Yoga, aromatherapy, exercise, nutritional changes, etc., may be included along with traditional talk therapy and medications to aid with healing.
What To Expect
Your session will likely begin with an assessment in which you are asked several questions related to your biological, psychological, and social history. You may be asked about your experience using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Most of us have used them in the past even if we are unaware! Herbal concoctions and teas, yoga, aromatherapy, and natural supplements all fall under the category of CAM. Integrative therapists can offer individualized plans to fit your unique needs and may even ask questions that you perceive as weird, such as asking about your digestion or sleep patterns. It’s about treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.
If this sounds like something that may be helpful for you, go ahead and give it a try? You can google “integrative therapy” in your area, or check out the Integrative Medicine for Mental Health registry at http://www.integrativemedicineformentalhealth.com/registry.php to see if there are providers listed in your area.
It’s hard to ask for help, but sometimes it can be so worthwhile to step outside of your comfort zone. Your comfort zone may feel safe, but when you think about it, nothing really happens in there. Sometimes we need to feel uncomfortable. That’s when the magic happens!
Written by: Candace Carter, MS, LPC
About the author
Candace Carter, MS, LPC is a licensed professional counselor working in Little Rock, AR. She is passionate about integrative counseling and raising awareness about mental health in minority communities. She enjoys going to concerts, festivals, and spending time with her family. For more information, she can be contacted at www.integrativecounselingar.com or like her Facebook page here