What does “self-care” have to do with “talk therapy”?
One of the things that sets Wellness Matters apart is our emphasis on a wholistic, integrative approach to mental health.
For anyone who has previously engaged in mental health therapy, you have likely engaged in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a very popular collection of therapies that has been around for more than 50 years. CBT often focuses on noticing and challenging one’s cognitions (i.e., thoughts) – and changing those that don’t serve us.
Like most clinics, the therapists at Wellness Matters employ CBT in our therapy practices. More importantly, we emphasize the role of the “behavior” portion of the CBT modality: noticing and challenging behaviors (i.e., actions) – and changing those that don’t serve us.
And, it is in the “action” aspect of CBT where “self-care” lives.
Background of the Connection Between Self-Care and CBT
The development of f-MRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging), has increased the understanding of how the effect of behaviors (i.e., our actions – “what we say and do”) influences brain activity. fMRI is a brain imaging technique that maps neural activity by tracking changes in blood flow in various parts of the brain.
In the last 30 years, fMRI studies have increased our understanding of how our emotions, moods, and thought processes can change as the result of self-care activities.
Most Americans recognize that the core components of self-care (i.e., sleep, diet, movement, social connection, and stress management) significantly impact physical health. In our integrative, wholistic approach to therapy, we aim to expand awareness of how these elements can influence and improve mental and emotional well-being.
More on Self-Care
Wellness Matters therapists explore existing self-care routines and identify gaps. We increase understanding of the connection between healthy self-care activities and management of specific mood, anxiety, depression, relationship, parenting, and trauma struggles. We accompany clients on their journeys of establishing healthy self-care routines.
What Does Self-Care Have to Do With Inter-Personal Struggles?
One of the common threads that bring folks to mental health therapy is frustration with the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of others within their social circle. Or, we are so overwhelmed with the stressors of daily living, work drama, etc., that we feel like we are stuck….or are barely keeping our heads above water.
In therapy, we can explore what falls within our sphere of control. These learnings can become a launching point for implementing behavioral strategies for getting mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy. A series of small changes can add up, improving our mental, emotional, and physical health.
- We learn how prioritizing sleep improves mood and energy.
- We feel the difference that results from choosing healthy foods.
- We experience the powerful effect of movement for managing stress and decreasing depression.
- We learn how tactfully set boundaries can be a powerful form of self-care.
As we gain greater control and follow through in our own goals, we often make strides in improving our self-esteem, anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma responses, and more.
We look forward to providing you support in strengthening management of mental health struggles and life satisfaction. For more information about Wellness Matters’ therapists, please see About Us – Wellness Matters.
In-person and On-line appointments are available for Trauma Matters
After completion of your initial assessment appointments, you can choose where to have your session. If you feel that you would benefit from face-to-face, in-person contact, appointments at the Wellness Matters clinic in Park Rapids, MN.
If privacy and conveniece are over-arching needs, on-line therapy sessions — also known as telehealth, teletherapy, telemedicine, e-visits and virtual care –are available utilizing your computer or smart phone.
For more information on on-line appointments, please check out the “on-line therapy” tab.
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