Rakel & Weil
The term Psychotherapy is derived from the Greek words meaning "healing of the soul" and literally means the care of emotional and mental health which is so closely tied to physical health and well being. "It should also be more generally understood as the matrix of interaction in which all health professionals operate" (Micozzi, 2001).
Advances in the field of neuroscience, as well as research findings from the fields of endocrinology, immunology, molecular biology and others - are transforming the field of psychology - challenging traditional views regarding the origins and definitions of "mental illness" as well as long held beliefs regarding intervention and treatment. This has not only given us exciting, new insight with respect to the origins of particular sets of symptoms, but has led to the development of new technologies and approaches toward evaluation and treatment. In many cases, these new insights and treatments have changed our view of the goal of psychotherapy - from the alleviation of symptoms - to optimal health and wellness.
Integrative psychotherapy recognizes that particular patterns or constellations of symptoms can emerge from a complex interaction of biological, genetic, metabolic, informational, interpersonal and energetic factors. Evidenced based research has generated remarkable support from the fields of mind/body medicine, mindfulness, nutrition, exercise physiology, interpersonal neurobiology, meditation, guided imagery and spirituality as important elements for treating psychological and emotional issues, as well as for optimal health and wellness.
Integrative Psychotherapy seeks to beautifully weave these diverse fields together by considering the whole person. In understanding the underlying factors associated with anxiety, depression, attentional issues, post traumatic stress and many other conditions, we are able to move beyond the traditional model with its focus on "pathology", to a model that emphasizes an individual's strengths and seeks greater understanding of the complex forces that may be impacting that individual's life through the interplay of mind, body and spirit.
As such, intervention and treatment often involves the integration of psychodynamic, insight oriented, or cognitive behavioral psychotherapeutic interventions with mind/body techniques, guided imagery, mindfulness strategies, meditation, energy medicine, nutrition and supplements, and spirituallity. Not only is there abundant information that supports this model as being more effecive in resolving troubling issues and challenges, but even where there are more genetically determined predispositions, such as obsessive/compulsive disorder, ADHD, and forms of bipolar disorder - these new treatment approaches have been demonstrated to suppress genetic expression - thus providing an individual the opportunity not just to manage their symptoms, but to overcome them completely.
Integrative Psychotherapy can be helpful to any individual, whether one is struggling with emotional or psychological issues, relational or family difficulties, educational concerns, chronic pain, infertility, chronic illness (just to name a few...); wishes to achieve optimal performance; desires to explore or deepen their spiritual life; or is looking to understand optimal wellness.
Copyright 2010