The Mind-Body Connection: Unlocking Mental Health Healing Through Somatic Awareness
This mind-body connection is the missing link in many traditional mental health treatments. While talk therapy and medications can be beneficial, integrating somatic (body-based) practices helps individuals regulate their nervous systems, release stored trauma, and build resilience. Healing is not just about thinking differently—it’s about feeling differently in your body. The mind-body connection is a powerful gateway to deeper healing, resilience, and well-being. By integrating somatic practices into mental health treatment, we can create a more holistic and sustainable approach to healing.
If you’re looking for more support in mind-body healing, Nourish Therapy and Wellness is here to help. Call or text 215-858-0066 or email laurenbittner@nourishtherapyandwellness.org
The Battle in the Brain: Understanding Addiction and Its Neurological Impact
Addiction is often misunderstood. Many wonder how intelligent, talented, and caring individuals can make choices that lead to personal and social harm. The truth is, addiction isn't just about willpower—it’s about biology. Understanding what happens in the brain during addiction can provide insight into the struggle individuals face and why overcoming addiction requires more than just determination.
How to Care for Yourself When the World Feels Like a Dumpster Fire
Let’s be real— it feels like the world is unraveling. None of this is normal and yet we’re all expected to carry on “business as usual.”
The news cycle is relentless, social media is a battlefield and just existing in the midst of all the chaos is no doubt exhausting. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, confused or downright hopeless, you’re not alone.
Protecting Your Peace: 7 Tips for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and tradition, but it can also be a source of stress, overwhelm and even emotional strain. Between navigating family dynamics, packed schedules, and the pressure to "be thankful," it’s easy to lose connection with our peace and sense of well-being. Here are seven practical steps to protect your peace and set healthy boundaries this Thanksgiving.
Stellate Ganglion Block: A Breakthrough in PTSD Treatment
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can feel overwhelming even after significant treatment with traditional mental health supports. Sometimes the psychical symptoms of trauma, anxiety and panic can be debilitating even when clients are doing great work in therapy. This is because the physical symptoms that many people experience with trauma is biological in nature. Traditional mental health counseling support many aspects of recovery and healing, but is sometimes unable to bring enough healing to these biologically rooted symptoms. One of the most effective treatments Nourish has seen for the treatment of PTSD is the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB). The SGB is a safe and innovative procedure that has shown great results in reducing the physical symptoms of trauma, anxiety and pain that can impact quality of life and overall functioning for many people. Symptoms such as panic attacks, hyperarousal , sleep issues, muscle tension, GI issues, fatigue and increased heart rate.
Embracing Humanity as a Professional Therapist: A Holistic and Trauma-Informed Approach
In the world of mental health, professional therapists are often viewed as neutral facilitators, guiding clients through their journeys toward healing. While maintaining professionalism and healthy boundaries are essential, there is a growing recognition of the importance of embracing the therapist’s humanity in the therapeutic process. This approach becomes particularly powerful when viewed through a holistic and trauma-informed lens because of the importance of trust and connection in the relationship between therapist and client.
Understanding Holistic Mental Health Care: A Comprehensive Approach to Wellness
In the realm of mental health, the term "holistic" is often used to describe an approach that considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than focusing solely on symptoms or specific issues. But what does holistic mental health care truly entail, and why is it so vital in today's world?
Holistic mental health care is based on the principle that mental well-being is deeply intertwined with our overall health and life experiences. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of our lives and aims to address the root causes of mental health challenges rather than just alleviating symptoms.
Breaking the Silence: Men's Mental Health and the Path to Therapy
In the landscape of mental health discussions, there exists a silent epidemic that often goes unnoticed: the struggles faced by men. Society's expectations, cultural norms, and ingrained stereotypes often dictate how men perceive and express their mental health issues. Consequently, many men suffer in silence, hesitant to seek help or even acknowledge their own struggles. In this blog post, we delve into the unique challenges men encounter regarding mental health and the importance of breaking down barriers to therapy.
Faith & Mental Health
Incorporating faith into mental health treatment can be a valuable approach for individuals who draw strength and support from their religious or spiritual beliefs. It's important to note that this approach should be implemented in collaboration with mental health professionals who are respectful of an individual's faith and cultural background. Here are some ways to incorporate faith into mental health treatment:
What is somatic body work in therapy?
Somatic therapy is an approach to psychotherapy that focuses on the mind-body connection and the ways in which emotions, thoughts, and past experiences are stored in the body. The term "somatic" refers to the body, and somatic therapy recognizes the intricate relationship between the body and the mind.
What is parts work?
In Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, the term "parts" refers to different aspects of an individual's personality that are believed to exist within their internal system. These parts can be thought of as subpersonalities or distinct psychological entities with their own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. The goal of IFS therapy is to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with their parts, promoting self-awareness, self-compassion, and integration. Here's an overview of how parts work is typically approached in IFS therapy.
Self Care Tips from a Therapist
Self-care is crucial to maintaining overall mental health and wellbeing. Here are some self-care tips that we recommend.
Learning to Love the Body We’re in
Learning to love your body can be a journey that takes time, patience, and self-compassion. Here are some tips that can help.
The Art of Kintsugi: Hope for Humans
Kintsugi is not only a beautiful art form but also a philosophy that encourages us to embrace imperfection and find beauty in the brokenness. It teaches us that our scars and flaws are a part of who we are and should be celebrated rather than hidden.
Body Based Ways to Get Rid of Stress
Learn 8 practical body based skills to get rid of stress!
Learn More About Annie the Retired Service Dog & the Puppies Behind Bars Program
Learn more about our retired service dog and the program she came from.
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy used to treat symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It involves having the patient recall distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following the movement of a therapist's finger with their eyes, to help process and integrate the traumatic experience. The theory behind EMDR is that the stimulation helps to "unlock" the memory and allow for more effective processing and healing.
Therapy for Teens
Research shows that a teens relationship with their therapist is the biggest indicator of decreased negative symptoms and increased positive outcomes. Finding a therapist who has great clinical skills in addition to being relatable, down to earth and trustworthy make all the difference for teens.
How to Handle Mood Swings
Therapy can be a helpful tool for managing mood. Various types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mood difficulties. Additionally, therapy can also provide individuals with coping skills and support to navigate difficult experiences and emotions. It's important to work with a qualified therapist who can tailor treatment to your specific needs.