Combining Naturopathy with Psychotherapy
By Dr. Randi Fredricks, Ph.D.
Naturopathic psychotherapists continually address all aspects of a patient’s lifestyle, including, diet, nutrition, exercise and
self-care, whereas many traditional psychotherapists do not. This begs the question of whether a psychotherapist is enabling poor health
habits by not addressing them. For example, what should a psychotherapist tell a depressed diabetic patient with heart disease who never
exercises and eats primarily fast foods? Believe it or not, there are two schools of thought on this; the first being that the therapist should
stick strictly to psychological issues. The second approach involves discussing with the patient the advantages of exercise and diet with regards
to managing depression, diabetes, and heart disease. Even if the patient has heard it all before from a medical doctor, exploring the patient’s
resistance to change with a psychotherapist seems completely appropriate.
One of the cardinal rules in psychotherapy is that the therapist avoid a dual relationship with the client in the way of a secondary relationship,
such as a personal or professional relationship. This is entirely different from utilizing other modes of healing in psychotherapy. When combining
naturopathic methods -- such as counseling about lifestyle choices -- with psychotherapy, the therapist is integrating naturopathy and nutrition into
psychotherapy, just as you would integrate other therapeutic approaches.
There are countless other methods that psychotherapists integrate into their practice, from Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) to Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). There are even somatic therapies that incorporate touch called "body-oriented
psychotherapies." There are numerous approaches to healing that are appropriate and useful in psychotherapy when applied with respect
to the psychotherapeutic relationship. The blending of naturopathy and psychotherapy is a perfect example of this. Time and time again,
research has proven that naturopathic methods, like nutrition, herbs and lifestyle modifications, have a basis in - and positive effect on - mental
health, making them completely appropriate for inclusion in the psychotherapeutic process. The only caveat is that the psychotherapist have
sufficient training and meet legal guidelines for whatever methods they use in therapy.
By combining psychotherapy and naturopathy, the best healing methods are at our disposal; including a comprehensive approach to lifestyle
interventions and psychoeducation. Learning about how and why we heal is an exciting and fascinating process. Additionally, the knowledge gained
can help to prevent further illness in many instances.
Scientific research supports the mind-body-spirit approach, showing that physical and psychiatric problems are intrinsically linked. We now
know that good health is a composition of emotional, physical, and spiritual values that must all be considered for the effective treatment of
disease. Approaching mental health in this comprehensive manner, we significantly increase our chances of experiencing vibrant and long-lasting health.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
Fredricks, R. (2008). Healing & wholeness: Complementary and alternative therapies for mental health. Bloomington,IN: Authorhouse.
Kurtz, R. (1990). Body-centered psychotherapy: The Hakomi method. Mendocino, CA: Life Rhythm.
Lowen, A. (1994). Bioenergetics: The revolutionary therapy that uses the language of the body to heal the problems of the mind. New York: Penguin.
Sareen, J., Cox, B. J., Clara, I., & Asmundson, G. J. (2005). The relationship between anxiety disorders and physical disorders in the U.S. National Comorbidity Survey. Depress Anxiety, 21(4), 193-202.
Sareen, J., Jacobi, F., Cox, B. J., Belik, S. L., Clara, I., & Stein, M. B. (2006). Disability and poor quality of life associated with comorbid anxiety disorders and physical conditions. Arch Intern Med, 166, 2109-2116.
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