According to research from HeartMath® Institute, the heart brain and head brain are in an afferent relationship. The heart receives messages seconds before an event takes place. The heart sends messages to the brain and they are in constant communication. But how do we know if we are listening to our head's brain or our heart's inner wisdom?
What does it mean to have a gut feeling? Do you feel sensations like butterflies in your stomach or knots in your abdomen?
OUR HEART IS THE SMARTEST BRAIN
Our body is speaking to us through the intelligent systems within:
Our heart wisdom. Our gut instinct. Our somatic senses.
Our central and autonomic system processing.
Have we consciously decided which system is in charge?
Are they in chaos or agreement?
Important to note is the ability to develop such coherent narratives of experience
that may be inhibiting the connection to and expression of our inner wisdom.
HeART to ART
Holistic Therapy
Integrative Care
Considers:
THE SYSTEMS WE LIVE IN
OUR HUMAN NATURE
MIND BODY INTEGRATION
DIVERSITY
ENERGY HEALING and NOETIC SCIENCES
NEURODIVERGENCE
UNIQUE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS
& CLIENT AUTONOMY
​
SYSTEMS THEORY
Following a systems theory is part of holistic therapy. When we consider how our families; communities; towns/cities; country; and world influence our internal experiences, we may start to uncover a more profound understanding of ourselves. As well, we realize that we are not alone.
​
It is not uncommon to invite family, friends and other loved ones into the therapeutic relationship with the goal of support for deeper understanding and interpersonal effectiveness. Moreover, we will consider cultural beliefs that may influence or aid in the therapeutic process.
​
Examples of activities used in a systems approach:
INTERGENERATIONAL TRAUMA
GENORGRAM (similar to family tree)
FAMILY LIFE CHRONOLOGY
(major events that influence family systems)
FAMILY MAPPING (roles and rules families establish)
​
ENERGY HEALING (optional in support of cultural, spiritual, religious beliefs)
Supporting individuals whose family members have Mental Health Diagnoses
​
CLIENT CENTERED/HUMANISTIC APPROACH
A client-centered or humanistic approach allows a client and therapist to develop a genuine rapport and client's trust in the therapeutic process. When a client reveals profound emotional experiences and vulnerability the therapist holds a space of unconditional positive regard and acceptance. When such depth and richness are expressed, the therapist remains authentic with the client about countertransference in order to validate the client's experiences. As well, the therapist remains honest with feedback regarding transference. Such authenticity supports self-actualization and self acceptance.
​
​
Examples of activities used in a client-centered/Humanistic approach:
​
HEARTHMATH® EXPERIENCE SKILLS
​
HEART EXPLORATIONS AND IMAGERY
​
COMPASSION TRAINING
​
​