It’s no secret that we’re living in trying times. With never-ending to-do lists and a symphony of personal and global stressors that impact our daily lives, more individuals are waking up to the need for holistic approaches to mental health. By encompassing both traditional and alternative therapies, people are finding lasting and sustaining interventions that are enabling them to reach their mental wellness goals.
By taking a comprehensive approach and acknowledging the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, individuals can attain overall well-being rather than just symptom management. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of combining traditional and alternative mental health therapies. Additionally, we’ll provide an overview of some of the therapies available at APN. Ultimately, it is our goal to help others on their journey to wellness, regardless of how or where they get there.
Understanding Traditional Mental Health Therapies
The formalization of mental health therapy began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the emergence of modern psychiatry and psychology.
One significant milestone in the history of mental health therapy is the establishment of asylums or psychiatric hospitals. While these institutions are often criticized for their harsh conditions and questionable practices, they represented early attempts to provide care and treatment for individuals with mental illness.
Over time, many people advocated for more humane treatment and introduced moral therapy approaches such as emphasizing kindness, empathy, and social interaction as therapeutic tools.
Throughout the 20th century, advancements in psychotherapy, pharmacology, and neuroscience further expanded the scope of traditional mental health therapy. Psychotherapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy became increasingly prominent, alongside the use of psychiatric medications to manage symptoms of mental illness.
Today, traditional mental health therapy encompasses a wide range of evidence-based modalities aimed at addressing the diverse needs of individuals with mental health conditions. While the field continues to evolve with ongoing research and technological advancements, its roots in ancient practices and the pioneering efforts of early mental health advocates have greatly shaped our reality today.
Understanding Alternative Mental Health Therapies
At the same time, the history of alternative mental health therapies is also diverse and spans cultures and civilizations throughout history. Many alternative therapies have roots in ancient healing practices and traditional medicine systems that predate modern Western medicine.
Alternative mental health therapies can include mindfulness-based interventions, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, massage therapy, and more. While some alternative therapies lack empirical evidence, many have shown promising results in improving mental well-being and reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma.
The Power of Integration
Combining traditional and alternative therapies offers a synergistic approach to mental wellness. By addressing the mind, body, and spirit holistically, individuals can experience comprehensive healing and long-term resilience. For example, a person undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety may benefit from incorporating mindfulness meditation to manage stress and enhance emotional regulation.
Several studies have supported the effectiveness of integrating traditional and alternative therapies. One meta-analysis found that combining psychotherapy with mindfulness-based interventions resulted in greater improvements in depressive symptoms compared to either treatment alone. Additionally, another study demonstrated that by combining medication with yoga, individuals with depression could benefit from improved health outcomes.
Benefits of Holistic Approach
Taking a holistic approach to mental wellness offers numerous benefits, including those listed below.
Comprehensive Care
Holistic therapies address the underlying factors contributing to mental health issues, rather than just managing symptoms. Many people find that by taking a holistic approach to their mental healthcare, they can improve aspects of their mental well-being that traditional treatments alone were unable to provide.
Personalized Treatment
By integrating various modalities, individuals can tailor their treatment plan to suit their unique needs and preferences. Because no two individuals are the same, it makes sense that cookie-cutter approaches to mental healthcare don’t work either.
Empowerment
Holistic therapies empower individuals to take an active role in their healing journey. Rather than relying on external factors alone – like therapy sessions and psychiatric medication – individuals can learn how to better support their personal needs through practices that support their ongoing mental wellness.
Long-Term Resilience
By fostering resilience and coping skills, holistic approaches can promote long-term well-being and reduce the risk of relapse. Adding another layer of support, individuals can increase their likelihood of success when navigating the challenging moments of life.
All Points North (APN): A Leader in Holistic Mental Health Care
All Points North (APN) is at the forefront of providing comprehensive mental health services that integrate traditional and alternative therapies. With a focus on holistic wellness, APN offers a wide range of evidence-based treatments and innovative modalities to address addiction, mental health disorders, and trauma.
Residential Treatment Programs
APN offers residential treatment programs designed to provide intensive support and therapy in a structured environment. These programs incorporate a combination of traditional therapies, such as psychotherapy and psychiatric medication, with alternative modalities like mindfulness training, yoga, meditation, and more.
Virtual and In-Person Therapy
Providing both virtual and in-person therapy options, APN strives to accommodate individual preferences and needs. Through telehealth services, individuals can access therapy from the comfort of their own homes, making treatment more accessible and convenient.
Mindfulness Training, Yoga, and Meditation
Mindfulness-based interventions, yoga, and meditation are all integral components of APN’s holistic approach to mental wellness. These practices are known to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and restore emotional balance, thus enhancing overall well-being and resilience.
Psychiatry and Innovative Modalities
APN offers comprehensive psychiatric services, including medication management and innovative modalities such as deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine therapy. These cutting-edge treatments offer new avenues for individuals who may not have otherwise responded to traditional approaches.
Holistic Therapies
In addition to traditional and innovative modalities, APN provides a range of holistic therapies to support mental health and wellness. These include equine therapy, neurofeedback, stellate ganglion block, massage therapy, and more.
Combining Traditional and Alternative Mental Health Therapies
The integration of traditional and alternative therapies offers a holistic approach to mental wellness that addresses the body, mind, and spirit. By combining evidence-based treatments with innovative modalities, individuals can experience comprehensive healing and long-term resilience.
All Points North (APN) is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health services that embrace this holistic philosophy. If you or a loved one are seeking support for addiction, mental health issues, or trauma, reach out to APN by filing out our confidential contact form or calling us at 855.934.1178.
References
- “Acupuncture: What You Need to Know.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-what-you-need-to-know#:~:text=Acupuncture%20is%20a%20technique%20in,for%20at%20least%202%2C500%20years. Accessed 22 June 2024.
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Brief Interventions and Brief Therapies for Substance Abuse. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 34.) Chapter 7—Brief Psychodynamic Therapy. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64952/
- “Everything You Need to Know about Massage Therapy.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 30 Apr. 2024, health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-massage.
- “The History of Psychotherapy.” Restoring Wellness Solutions, 3 May 2024, restoringwellnesssolutions.com/the-history-of-psychotherapy/.
- Khoury B, Lecomte T, Fortin G, Masse M, Therien P, Bouchard V, Chapleau MA, Paquin K, Hofmann SG. Mindfulness-based therapy: a comprehensive meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev. 2013 Aug;33(6):763-71. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2013.05.005. Epub 2013 Jun 7. PMID: 23796855.
- Markowitz, John C, and Myrna M Weissman. “Interpersonal psychotherapy: principles and applications.” World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) vol. 3,3 (2004): 136-9.
- “Meditation: What It Is, Benefits & Types.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17906-meditation. Accessed 22 June 2024.
- “Mental Health Medications.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications. Accessed 22 June 2024.
- Shapero, Benjamin G et al. “Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Psychiatry.” Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing) vol. 16,1 (2018): 32-39. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.20170039
- Shapiro, David et al. “Yoga as a complementary treatment of depression: effects of traits and moods on treatment outcome.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 4,4 (2007): 493-502. doi:10.1093/ecam/nel114
- “What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral. Accessed 22 June 2024.
- “Yoga: What You Need to Know.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed 22 June 2024.
