THE CENTER OF WELL-BEING

JANET NESTOR

Energy Psychology Definition

Energy Psychology is a group of comprehensive, brief and powerful body-minded mental health therapies. Clinical experience and scientific studies are confirming that these therapies are successful and safe when facilitated by trained, experienced, professional practitioners.  Energy psychology combines effectively with cognitive therapies and many other styles of therapy, successfully addressing psychological issues like anxiety, phobias, depression and traumatic responses.  In addition, its use enhances the relaxation response, increases feelings of well-being and reduces emotional and physical pain.  These therapies are based on the acupoints used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the chakra centers identified in Bio-energetic Medicine.  Clients and practitioners find these techniques particularly empowering because they include self-help techniques that are helpful in creating and maintaining an increased quality of life

 Mental Health Counseling: The Holistic Approach

Holistic mental health counseling is a new and growing field based in traditional mental health wisdom, herbal and nutritional medicine and many other integrative therapies. Holistic mental health care is a total person approach that includes all aspects and layers of an individuals life. Most holistic mental health professionals believe that real and lasting healing begins on the inside, within the person’s heart, mind, body and soul and extends outward through positive change in thought and behavior. I am trained in cognitive behavioral talk therapy, energy psychology and various complimentary techniques that reduce uncomfortable symptoms and support personal growth.

I am often asked about the people and personality types who seek holistic mental health care. Men and women of all ages, with all kinds of issues and illnesses, as well as people from varied socio-economic levels, educational and religious backgrounds find their way into holistic treatment. However, folks who seek holistic mental health care do have several characteristics in common.

2. They seek a medicine free life-style because of allergies and chemical sensitivities or because their belief      system leads them away from synthetic chemical interventions.

Because holistic mental health is still a new field, many people are unsure of how to seek treatment because they know very little about the options available to them. The first list of modalities described below are only used by trained, certificated practitioners, with the exception of EFT and TFT. EFT and TFT training is available to everyone, and it is used as an in-office professional meridian energy psychology.

REB: Radiant Energies Balance

A new meridian based energy psychology designed for use with anxiety, panic, depression and other issues including trauma. It is used for pain management and the reduction of symptoms in chronic physical illness. In it’s most basic form it can be used as a self-help skill. The practitioner is a licensed mental health professional.

TFT: Thought Field Therapy

TFT is the original energy psychology and has changed the face of professional psychological intervention. Diagnostic TFT is used by trained professionals within the therapy setting. There are specific algorithms that are used for specific issues like anxiety, addictions, obsessive- compulsive behavior, trauma, depression and many other troubling issues. Various self-help exercises like collarbone breathing have grown out of this energy therapy.

EFT : Emotional Freedom Technique

A meridian based energy psychology. EFT is a meridian based energy psychology used and taught to clients in therapy and used as a self-help skill. This modality is especially effective with anxiety and phobias.

Interactive Guided Imagery

A client - therapist facilitated interaction technique with similarities to hypnotherapy and meditation. Guided imagery is used for personal growth, resolution of emotional issues and other chronic life issues like eating disorders, cigarette smoking, alcohol and substance abuse, chronic illness and physical pain.

Vitamin Therapy and Nutritional Medicine

Prescribed by a holistic psychiatrist, a holistic medical doctor, a homeopathic or naturopathic physician, a clinical nutritionist or through Oriental Medicine and Herbology. All health issues are caused by imbalances and dysfunction within the body. Since this fact is indisputable, mental health issues are a symptom of physical imbalances and not a disease state separate from other health issues.

Other therapies that greatly improve emotional well-being and support improved physical health.

Some of these therapies require extensive training and professional certification or a professional license. Others are linage healing art methods passed from generation to generation of healers.

Art Therapy (requires a mental health professional license)
Clinical Aromatherapy (prescription aromatherapy)
Dance and Movement Therapy (requires a mental health professional license)
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (requires a mental health professional license)
Music Therapy (requires a mental health professional license)
Mindfulness and Conscious Living
Nature
Pastoral Counseling (requires a mental health professional license)
Reflexology
Reiki
Resting and Moving Meditation
Sound Healing
Tai Chi and Qi Gong
Touch for Health and other kenesiologies
Yoga and Yoga Therapy (Yoga therapy requires a mental health practitioner's license)

Do Holistic Mental Health Therapists refer to Psychiatrists for treatment with medication?

Yes, holistic mental health professionals sometimes refer to psychiatrists for medication management. We usually try holistic approaches before we refer, but there are times when safety is the most important issue and a medical intervention is necessary. Quality of life is very important.

Neurotransmitter testing and treatment with supplements that balance the brains neurotransmitters (seratonin, dopamine etc.) is a very promising method for individuals who don't want medication and for those who have a history of poor response to medication. Treatment of a few weeks, and sometimes over a few months, can change lives, alleviate the need for psychiatric medications or drastically reduce the amount of medication prescribed.

Is there research on holistic methods, and do they work?

All holistic practitioners have case studies that prove that holistic methods are effective for their clients. Some colleges and universities are beginning to research the mind-body-spirit approach to healing. Specific studies on various nutrients, medical intuition, bio-energetic healing, and spirituality, prayer and forgiveness are taking place around the world and at traditional organizations like the US National Institute of Health. Research results are validating these methods as indicated by newly established departments of integrative healthcare in major hospitals and insurance payment for EMDR and hypnosis.

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