By: Christine Reeves, FNP-C, NPP- Nurse Practitioner Psychiatry
A holistic approach to psychiatry looks at the whole person — who you are as a human being and what your physical, emotional, energetic and spiritual struggles are. In planning your treatment a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner taking a holistic approach looks at the issues from a holistic perspective, that is, we look at your nutrition, emotional struggles, environment, psychological traumas, and ones personal life balance. We do our best to avoid prescription medications, and use them when the multitude of natural remedies are ineffective. We prefer to use alternative treatment modalities such as supplements, guided imagery, therapy methods, meditation and various other techniques; keeping in mind every client has individual needs and preferences. Treatments we use are based on research studies, ancient healing practices and our own clinical experiences. Our goal is to help you find a healthy balance in your life and to attain a place of peace and joy.
In our society it is expected that one experiencing anxiety will receive a prescription for a anti-anxiety medication or that an individual feeling depressed can state they are depressed and receive an antidepressant with no objective testing. It is still unclear as to what the long-term effects of these drugs are.
I am curious to hear your thoughts on this topic- send in your comments.
I like what you’re doing here, Christine! Well said
Warm regards,
Dominic Foti
Thank you, Jeanne, for your reply. You mention a blend of the East and West, a beautiful vission! can you explain your view of this in practice?
Chrsitine,
It was delightful to find your post on the web today. Taking a break from studies I was wandering through a few links and came across the CIHH website. I’m an RN, working full time as a hospice case manager and attending grad school part time, working on my psych mental health NP in Vancouver, WA. I’m currently enrolled in a year-long mentorship with Lori Eve Dechar, L Ac and Benjamin Fox, LMT, here in Portland, OR, just across the river. I was intrigued by your writing about your holistic assessment and tx with clients. I envision my future practice as a blending of East and West although I’m unsure of how it will completely unfold into full bloom. So nice to know there are already others out there already doing this in practice.
Warm Regards,
Jeanne