A Mind Body Approach to Treating Depression

Some of you have asked me to explain further some of the methods that I use in psychotherapy. Using depression as an example, I will try to explain how I utilize an Integrative, Strengths-Based, Transpersonal approach to treating depression.

According to the World Health Organization, by the year 2030 depression will be the most prevalent health problem. More and more, normal changes in our mood are being diagnosed as depression, and even if the individual truly is depressed, the treatment is mostly limited to powerful, pharmaceutical medications.

Doctors often times lack the time or training to recommend alternative treatment options. An Integrative approach does not exclude the use of medications, but employs both conventional and evidence-based natural therapies for some mental health conditions.

Here at Glow, our Naturopathic doctors may explore some nutritional approaches to treating depression by ordering blood work to rule out vitamin deficiencies and exploring optimal diet. The World Health Organization acknowledges acupuncture as an effective means of treating mild to moderate depression, and massage therapy can provide relief of depressive symptoms.

My approach, when dealing with depression is to explore what may be contributing factors to depression. Is it situational, a life transition, or something physical? Taking the time to listen in order to gather the correct information to formulate an accurate diagnosis and treatment protocol is essential. Often times, individuals cannot recognize, or they have forgotten, the strengths that they possess to assist in their own healing. I help individuals rediscover their strengths so that they can effectively collaborate with me in their healing process.  Using Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, I can help patients change habitual thought patterns, which often get in the way of recovery. Mindfulness and Transpersonal therapies join the spiritual component to facilitate physical, mental and emotional healing.

Because making a good connection with one’s therapist is essential, I offer a free 30-minute consultation.

Warmly,

Tina Michalski, MSW, LSWAIC

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Meet Tina!

Tina Michalski is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo’s School of Social Work, obtaining her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Tina joined the staff at Glow Natural Health Center in November, 2009; relocating to the Seattle area with her husband Kirt, along with their cat and parrot, to be near their daughter, Lindsey, son-in-law Joel, and their first grandchild, Eli. Believing that change is a constant in our lives, and that real growth and transformation results from change, one of Tina’s greatest challenges was uprooting herself from her hometown: a small, rural community south of Buffalo, NY, where Tina cultivated a life-long passion for nature. Change can be scary-especially as one grows older, but challenging oneself can also be very empowering-no matter the age!

Tina has developed a breadth of experience as a licensed social worker in New York State, from hospital employment that included medical case management, dialysis care, inpatient psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment, outpatient mental health counseling, and most recently as a counselor at Jamestown Community College; providing career, academic, and personal counseling services to the students and faculty. Tina practices social work from a transpersonal perspective, understanding that spiritual well-being is an essential part of the health of every individual.

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