You may have heard of the terms self-care or everyday wellness, but in the field of psychology and mental health, integrative wellness is an approach that takes into account all the different ways our support systems, habits, and values can impact our ability to cope and lead fulfilling lives. Essentially, it's about looking at our mental health as an interactive system that is affected by our environment, relationships, personal history, and current circumstances.
One key philosophy of integrative wellness is that every person is an expert on themselves and can figure out what works best for them. This is why it's important to be proactive when it comes to your mental health. While we can't control everything, there are things we can do to prepare ourselves for coping with stressful life events and mental health conditions.
Being proactive means taking care of different areas of wellness before incidents occur. For example, many people take preventative measures to improve their physical health, such as eating well, exercising, and going for regular check-ups. Similarly, for mental health, we can ensure care by building a support network of people, engaging in activities that bring joy, or seeking out counseling before a conflict becomes a crisis.
In therapy, therapists help clients understand integrative wellness by looking at the whole picture of their life. They'll ask about physical symptoms, living situations, work-life balance, important relationships, passions, hobbies, and goals. They'll also use this information to make collaborative recommendations for changes that can increase support systems.
A therapist will encourage you to consider how you're honoring different forms of wellness in your life, such as physical, emotional, spiritual, vocational, and social. They'll also provide recommendations, behavioral interventions, referrals, and advocacy that are tailored to your unique needs and what you've identified as working best for you.
If you're ready to take a proactive approach to your mental health and explore integrative wellness, consider booking an appointment at Wellness Road Psychology. Our therapists are experienced in helping clients understand how different aspects of their life are connected to their mental health and well-being, and will work with you to develop a personalized plan to support your unique needs. Don't wait until a crisis occurs, take control of your mental health and book your appointment today at Wellness Road Psychology.
