Holistic Well-Being
Body, Mind, Emotions, and Spirit are all parts of our whole being as a human. This is the idea of Holistic Practice.
You would think with all of the advances in psychology, psychiatric medicine and technology over the years that people would be experiencing fewer and fewer mental health issues. While this may be true for some, many people seem to be struggling more than ever with mental and emotional issues. As much as the fields of psychology and psychiatry have advanced, there is a spiritual layer to mental and emotional issues that is often overlooked.
This does not mean that psychology has nothing to offer. However, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic practices and traditional talk therapy can be greatly enhanced by incorporating a spiritual component.
Adding a spiritual component to traditional psychological and psychiatric methods can lead to increased success with overall wellness and inner peace.
Spiritual Work
What kinds of spiritual techniques and explorations might enhance your journey toward wholeness? Here are some examples:**
Meditation, prayer, energy work, sound healing, EFT, creative visualization, gratitude as a practice, mindfulness, aromatherapy, QiGong, exploration of Shadow, mantras and work with concepts such as Self vs. Ego, and “I” vs. “i”.
Tarot:
Tarot* is usually associated with divination or fortune-telling but the cards can be also used on their own as a tool for therapeutic self-discovery and healing.*
Psychology utilizes such tools such as Ink Blot tests, the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Sand Tray Therapy, and dream interpretation because emotions are strongly linked to images and associations with symbols, both of which can provide a glimpse into the subconscious mind. Tarot can be used in similar way to cut to the root of the problem quickly. The pictures in the deck inspire exploration of archetypes, attitudes, fears, and desires. It is an up and coming practice in psychology because it is so versatile in its applications. In a therapeutic setting, the cards are viewed and interpreted by the client as a way of discussing emotions and processing point of view. The practitioner then adds to the process with their vast knowledge of the cards, symbols and archetypes. When used in this way, Tarot will allow for amazing growth on all levels: Body, Mind, Emotion and Spirit in correspondence with the suit of the cards.
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*Please note that Tarot Readings as divination are not permitted in sessions and may be contrary to some psychiatric diagnoses. Tarot is only used in therapy sessions for self-exploration as appropriate with adult clients and after full consent and evaluation.
**Please note: Alternative practices are NOT a substitute for consultation with your Medical Doctor. Consult with your doctor before trying anything unfamiliar (i.e. exercise techniques, body work, breath-work, supplements, etc.).