FAQ
Tell me about mind-body medicine.
Mind-body medicine recognizes that the mind and body are intricately connected. What you tell yourself about your situation, whether consciously or unconsciously, tremendously influences your healing. Your thoughts influence your emotions, and this triggers a cascade of biochemical events in your body to which your immune system and organs respond. Different emotions trigger alternate biochemical pathways.
For example, do you remember the last time you heard a loud noise and were frightened? You thought, “Danger!” and your body released adrenaline? Your heart began to pound, and perhaps you trembled slightly and your mouth became dry. If your perceptions had been different, your body’s response would have been different.
Your thoughts also influence how you choose your healthcare providers and the other people you include in your social network. Perhaps they are helpful, perhaps not. Addressing your mental, social and spiritual life affects your body’s physiology and your healing journey. It is powerful medicine.
Is mind-body medicine an alternative treatment for illness?
No. Mind-body medicine is a complementary treatment, not a substitute. It is different from therapies like herbal remedies or acupuncture, in that the focus is not on a direct treatment to the body.
What ages do you work with?
I work only with adults.
What are some of the tools of mind-body medicine?
Each person who practices mind-body medicine has an array of tools from which to choose. I use hypnotherapy, imagery, deep relaxation, sandtray, voice dialogue and EMDR.
What are hypnotherapy and guided imagery? How do you work with these?
Hypnotherapy and guided imagery use the power of a person's own imagination, sometimes incorporating direct suggestion, to access inner healing potential. I start by guiding you into a relaxed state, which creates an altered state of awareness. We co-create the right metaphor and/or direct suggestions to stimulate beneficial change, either through an interactive process or an individually-tailored script. For example, hypnotherapy and guided imagery help in reducing complications during surgery and decreasing the adverse effects of chemotherapy such as nausea, fatigue and depression. (www.healingjourneys.org.)
What is Voice Dialogue?
Voice Dialogue is a transformational tool which increases self-awareness. It provides more choices and balance. The results are increased self-acceptance and self-esteem, an ability to access your internal resources and a connection to your inner healer. It was developed by Drs. Hal and Sidra Stone, two American psychologists, who have published several books, including Embracing Ourselves: The Voice Dialogue Manual. The Stones teach us that our personalities are made up of many different "subpersonalities," or "selves."
In my office, we may dialogue with these "selves" and the roles they play in your life. This helps you to become conscious of how they may be impacting your thoughts about yourself and others, including your health. When you engage in Voice Dialogue, you create a place in your consciousness for what the Stones call the "aware ego." Having an aware ego with respect to an individual "self" allows you the freedom to separate from negative thinking patterns that may be have been dominating your thoughts and actions and, de facto, your healing. (delos-inc.com)
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly specialized therapy developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, and is used worldwide to overcome the effects of traumatic or upsetting experiences. It is now better described as "Reprocessing Therapy," because it can be accomplished using auditory stimulation or gentle tapping, instead of eye movement. I use EMDR if you have had a traumatic experience that might be affecting your health or your ability to receive appropriate healthcare. An example of this might be someone who needs injections but has a needle phobia.
How does EMDR work?
When something happens to us, our mind may continue to hold it in a way that includes the original picture, sounds, thoughts, feeling and sensations. When we recall these memories, the sensations associated with them are activated and feel real. We know that such memories can influence how we function, even though the original experience occurred a long time ago. EMDR works through the bilateral stimulation or activation of the right and left hemispheres of the brain. This allows the brain to properly process and heal these memories, promoting "neural integration," alleviating symptoms and enhancing your sense of well-being. (www.emdria.org)
What is sandtray?
Sandtray is often used to promote increased consciousness, learning, creativity and personal growth. In my office, I use sandtray as a ritual for healing and transformation.
How does sandtray therapy work?
We think in images and use words to create images in our minds. I ask you to step into a world where you allow images to be the main focus, without language. Under my guidance, you will gather your chosen objects from a large collection of small figurines and place them in a basket. When you are finished, you place them in a special tray that is filled with sand. We explore the images together, looking at how they relate to your life. Or you may choose to remain in silence. There is no right or wrong way to do it. The meaning of the images emerges from the tray as you become aware of both conscious and unconscious struggles. The objects can be moved as desired to create a shift in consciousness. The entire process is very powerful.
How else can you help me?
Because of my medical training, I can help you with some of the medical terminology that you might not understand. I can help you formulate questions and better communicate with your healthcare providers. With your permission, I can also speak with them directly to get more information on your behalf. You can feel supported during times that may feel overwhelming and frightening. If you are unable to come to the office, phone sessions are possible.
Do you take insurance?
No, but I can provide you with an insurance statement which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. I use a medical counseling code, not a behavioral health code. The amount of reimbursement depends upon your health plan coverage.