You need to take care of both body and mind for total wellness.
By UB Owner, Joyce Marter, LCPC:
Our minds and bodies are so interconnected that sometimes symptoms of psychological issues show up in our bodies and vice-versa. For this reason, I like to emphasize with my counseling clients that it is important to listen to what our bodies are telling us, and to address both physical and psychological self-care when working toward comprehensive health.
I can personally relate to this issue because after the birth of our daughter, I told my husband that I needed more support. Then the next day, my back went out! This is an easy example of how emotional issues in our relationships, for example, can manifest as physical symptoms. I see similar issues often at Urban Balance when providing therapy. Clients report a variety of physical symptoms that we later discover to be stemming from emotional issues, such as headaches, digestive problems, back aches or chronic pain. These can be associated with stress, anxiety, depression or relationship issues.
At Urban Balance, we provide counseling and support to help people reduce their physical complaints that may be exacerbated by emotional issues. If these are not being managed effectively, they can cause physical symptoms. Whether in individual and couples counseling sessions, we help clients physical and mental wellness by:
- Encouraging regular self-care routines through nutrition, sleep & exercise
- Using cognitive-behavioral therapy to promote positive thinking, which strengthens the immune system and increases overall health
- Teaching stress management & relaxation techniques
- Providing assertiveness training & communication skills
- Practicing anger management & conflict resolution
- Promoting the creation & maintenance of a positive support network
Additionally, I often refer our clients to alternative therapies like yoga to receive professional care for their physical wellness.