Transformation is at the heart of holistic psychotherapy. At its core, holistic psychotherapy considers the person as an interconnected whole. It is founded on the principle that each aspect of our being — conscious, unconscious, body, soul — cannot be isolated in the journey towards healing. This synthesis offers a powerful catalyst for change, acknowledging that true wellness comes from harmony within ourselves and with the world around us.

My Own Healing Journey

When I decided to take charge of my own healing, I had no idea where to start. I discovered writing is very therapeutic. It became my refuge, a place where I could connect with my inner world in an authentic way. Writing became my most trusted way of processing emotions I didn’t even know I harbored inside since childhood. I discovered shame, anger, fear, grief, and eventually, self-compassion.

With mindfulness, I learned to allow my pain to surface, if only for a brief time, then I could easily heal it with a variety of energy psychology techniques, including EFT, Ask and Recieve, HBLU, Emotion Code and Body Code.  

My pain was a part of me and I was done running from it; it was time I faced it.

I learned to sense into my body, little by little, as the anxiety of reconnecting with my physical sensations was very powerful. But I realized the only way out was through—through the body—so in order to move the stuck emotions that had a tight grip over me for decades I had to allow and accept them, I had to feel the anger, the shame, the grief.

Slowly, I learned to give […]

As a life long seeker of good health and well being, I understand the profound impact that emotions can have on our well-being. We are inherently emotional beings, designed to express and process our feelings openly. However, many of us have learned to suppress and repress our emotions, particularly those considered “negative,” as a means of fitting in and gaining acceptance.

My personal journey mirrors the struggles experienced by countless individuals who have grown up in environments where emotional expression was discouraged or invalidated. In my childhood home, the prevailing belief was that children should be seen and not heard. This lack of emotional validation and support left me feeling invisible, ashamed, and alone. I internalized the message that certain emotions were unacceptable, leading me to bury my pain deep within myself.

The consequences of this emotional suppression became evident as I navigated adulthood and parenthood. Old wounds resurfaced, manifesting as existential pain, anxiety, and depression and eating issues. It was in this pivotal moment that I recognized the need to confront and heal the emotional residue that had accumulated within me over the years. I found true relief I had been searching for in HBLU.

Repression of emotions creates a toxic burden […]

It can be challenging to stop thinking so much, especially if you tend to ruminate or worry excessively. However, there are a few strategies you can try to help calm your mind and reduce excessive thinking:

1. Mindfulness practices: Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, and can help you learn to observe them without getting caught up in them.
2. Exercise: Physical activity, such as going for a walk or practicing yoga, can be a helpful way to reduce stress and clear your mind. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce anxiety.
3. Engage in enjoyable activities: Doing activities you enjoy, such as listening to music or spending time with loved ones, can help distract your mind from excessive thinking and provide a positive outlet for your energy.
4. Write down your thoughts: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a helpful way to process them and gain a sense of clarity. Try journaling for a few minutes each day to help release any pent-up emotions.
5. Practice self-compassion: Be gentle and kind to yourself when you […]
   

Spirituality and mental health are closely interconnected and can have a significant impact on one another. Spirituality is a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, whether it be a higher power, nature, or the universe as a whole. For many people, spirituality provides a sense of purpose and meaning in life.  It can be a tremendous source of comfort and strength during difficult times.

Research has shown that spirituality can have a positive impact on mental health. Studies have found that people who have a strong sense of spirituality are more resilient to stress and trauma, and may have lower rates of depression and anxiety. Spirituality can also provide a sense of community and social support.  Social support is important for maintaining good mental health.

Spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer,  daily gratitude,  journalling, mindfulness-based practices and even spending time in nature, have been shown to have therapeutic benefits for people with mental health conditions. These practices can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and increase feelings of well-being and relaxation.

You can start your spiritual practice slowly and build on it day by day. In no time, you’ll notice you feel more connected and joyful.

Put an End to Pessimism: 10 Strategies to Stop Negative Thinking

You envy your friends who always wear a smile on their faces and see the glass half full. If only you could be like them. Instead, your thoughts turn to everything that’s wrong with your life–the unfriendly neighbor, the boss with unrealistic expectations, the weather that never cooperates with your plans. While those perceptions may be true, negative thinking won’t help improve your circumstances or change your life for the better. Fortunately, you’re not doomed to a pessimistic mindset forever. These ten strategies will help put an end to the pattern of negativity so you can enjoy brighter, healthier, and happier days ahead.

Manage Your Pessimism Triggers

Take a moment to consider what causes your negative thoughts to surface. Is it someone trying to control your actions, a situation where you feel vulnerable, or the feeling that a threat is imminent? Any of these triggers can incite negative thinking and a cycle of pessimism. The good news is you can learn to manage those triggers by identifying them and adopting useful ways to cope, such as practicing acceptance and self-care or finding humor in the triggering event.

Get Mindful

Wandering thoughts can steer your […]