Philosophy
A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH
Complimentary & Alternative Medicine
Complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) refer to a group of medical practices, products, and approaches that fall outside the realm of conventional medicine. These practices are based on different philosophies, theories, and systems of healing and may involve the use of natural remedies, traditional medicine, or other non-pharmacological therapies. CAM is often used in conjunction with conventional medicine to provide a holistic approach to healthcare that addresses a patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Some types of CAM are:
Somatic Therapies promote a general feeling of well-being and affect the body as a whole. Some examples are exercise, massage, chiropractic care, dance therapy, and aromatherapy
Nonconventional Biological Therapies help to achieve therapeutic effects through a discrete biological mechanism of action at the molecular, cellular, or organ level. Some examples include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Mind-Body Practices combine a particular mental technique with physical training with the goal of optimizing mind-body functioning and alleviating symptoms. Some examples include yoga, mindfulness- based stress reduction, meditation, relaxation training, and tai chi.
Energy and Information Therapies include electromagnetic fields, bright light, sound and microcurrent electrical stimulation. Some examples include biofeedback, light therapy, binaural sounds, music therapy, and virtual reality exposure therapy
Some therapies that fall under this category are:
- Autogenic Training
- Freespira
- Heart Math Biofeedback
- Meditative & Contemplative Practices
Talk Therapy
This is a general term that refers to a therapy process between an individual and a trained mental health professional. This process involves talking through an identified struggle/concern. This may be an ongoing emotional state, a troubling event from the past, a current life stressor, or an adjustment to a life changing circumstance, such as a divorce, onset of disease, chronic illnesses, death of loved one, birth of a child, etc.). Fundamentally, the process involves the establishment of a safe and trusting relationship with a therapist.
The goal of talk therapy is to help individuals develop coping skills, gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, and improve their overall quality of life. There are several types of talk therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, and humanistic therapy, among others.
One of the primary ways that talk therapy helps is by providing individuals with a safe and non-judgmental space to express their thoughts and feelings. This can be particularly helpful for those struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. By talking through their challenges with a trained professional, individuals can develop a better understanding of the root causes of their struggles and learn how to manage their symptoms more effectively.
Talk therapy can also be effective in promoting behavioral change. By working with a therapist to identify patterns of negative thinking and behavior, individuals can learn to replace these patterns with more positive and adaptive ones. For example, someone struggling with social anxiety may work with a therapist to identify and challenge their negative thoughts about social situations, leading to greater comfort and confidence in social settings. Overall, talk therapy provides a valuable tool for individuals seeking to improve their mental health and well-being.
Some therapies that fall under this category are:
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
- The Gottman Method for Couples
- Internal Family Systems
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
