MY HOLISTIC APPROACH AND SERVICES
My practice, THE CENTERED MIND, is named for the calm, open, state of being that is already within us and that we can uncover and discover using readily available techniques.
Psychotherapy
My technique is most closely aligned with Cognitive Therapy informed by Buddhist Principles and Mindfulness. It is based in self-compassion, and non-judgmental awareness of one’s thoughts. It recognizes that our suffering comes when we cling to things or push them away–and when our thoughts spend too much time in the future or the past.
I will show you how to become more aware of your thoughts and triggers, and how to learn from them, even the painful ones (and painful people), with gratitude and loving kindness.
People with any Spiritual beliefs, or Religion can use this technique. It is not God based.
Psychopharmacology (Medication-management)
I am a psychiatrist (physician – MD) and I am licensed to prescribe medication. I will do when I feel someone’s mind is in too great a state of distress and cannot comfortably push through with means other than medication. I tend to use the lowest amount of medication necessary for the shortest amount of time, when possible.
Breathwork (pranayama)
I believe in the healing power of breath. I strongly recommend this to all of my patients as a tool to keep in their pockets. It’s free and always available. I will teach you some basic techniques if you are open to this. “There’s an App for that!”
Meditation
I believe in the transformative power of meditation. It has been physiologically tested and researched. I also recommend this to my patients as a tool to keep in their pockets. I will teach you some basic techniques if you are open to this. It’s also free and always available. “There are multiple Apps for that!”
Nutraceuticals/herbal medications
I am not an expert in this field, but I have knowledge about a number of supplements that I often recommend to patients whom for whom I feel they can be useful.
Exercise support
Studies recognize yoga, cardiovascular exercise, and exercise in general as powerful tools for a centered mind. For those who have encountered constant internal barriers to exercise, I have recommendations to help you move through them.
Nutrition support
(I am not a nutritional expert by any stretch of the imagination.) What we eat affects our brains and bodies. Mental health is affected by our gut health, diet and inflammation. I will make suggestions and encourage you to gently experiment with your diet to see what suits your body the best.
Genetic Testing
The science of genetic testing for psychiatry is exciting and is expanding daily. While I cannot order a genetic test and learn your diagnosis or be clearly pointed to a medication, genetic testing can provide insight about how your body is likely to process certain medications and other medication-related details. It can be helpful in certain circumstances, most notably to help reduce the risk of medication side effects in someone who has repeatedly experienced them, or who may be at high risk. (The mouth ‘swab’ is done in office but the LAB is an outside company with their own fees. They will work with you, and your insurance company separately from me.)
Services I do not provide
Split Treatment and medication-symptom management only: I am sorry to say that I do not offer medication management for patients who already have a therapist or who are planning on getting a separate therapist. My core philosophy is that symptoms and diagnoses should be treated together with an integrated approach and not be treated with medication only.