“Unique as a snowflake.” It’s an expression you may have heard to describe those with individuality. Individuals are all different. What works for one person in managing their mental illness or addictive disorder might not be helpful to you. Integrative therapy considers this.
Integrative therapy is a progressive form of psychotherapy that uses therapeutic models and methods to best suit a particular person and context. It’s a more flexible and inclusive approach to treatment than the more traditional, singular forms of therapy. Studies show that tailoring therapy to the individual enhances treatment effectiveness.
Integrative therapists aren’t just concerned with your mental health. They consider your emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual health to treat a whole person. They can help you identify the cause of your concerns, factors that perpetuate problems, and fears or pain that limit your freedom. As you come to understand what triggers your pain, anxiousness, or moodiness, the old patterns lose their hold.
Integrative therapy is especially effective in overcoming negative or self-destructive behavior patterns.
When to Seek Integrative Therapy
Your mental health impacts your entire life, including how you think, feel and act. It can determine how you react to stress, participate in and seek out relationships, and make decisions. Factors such as biology, life experiences, and family history can play a part in your mental health.
When your mental health isn’t optimal, you can struggle to enjoy life and all it has to offer.
Consider seeking integrative therapy when any of the following signs are present:
- Reduced ability to concentrate
- Changes in eating habits
- Suicidal thoughts
- Withdrawal from loved ones
- Extreme mood swings
Benefits of Integrative Therapy
The benefits of integrative therapy are numerous. We’ve described some of them below.
Flexibility and Adaptability
The flexible and adaptive nature of integrative therapy allows for different therapeutic approaches to help you. Instead of sticking to just one approach, the integrative therapist can pivot if something works better for you.
Short- or Long-Term
Integrative therapy involves a close working, collaborative relationship between you and the therapist. It is useful for healing short- and long-term personal issues, including grief, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and eating disorders.
Client Control
While some people prefer a specific type of therapy, many people want whatever is most effective. The flexibility and adaptability of integrative therapy allow the client to have more of a say. For example, at different points during your therapy, you might request exercises or homework. At another time, you might just need to talk about experiences and how they’re impacting you.
How Integrative Therapy Works
There are more than 400 different types of psychotherapy. They differ based on their approach, who they serve, and their frequency. Even though these approaches vary, research shows they can all result in similar outcomes. Because a single approach to therapy doesn’t always provide the best benefit, therapists use the tools of many therapies to create a unique form of treatment for clients.
Integrative therapy is an excellent option if you’re looking for a treatment program that is a partnership between you and your therapist. Integrative therapists don’t take a “one size fits all” approach. Factors such as your preferences, personality traits, needs, desires, and season of life all play a part in your integrative therapy treatment program.
Integrative Therapy at Integrative Life Center
Maybe you tried a “quick fix,” but it only worked for a short while. Or perhaps this is your first time seeking help for your mental illness or addiction. Wherever you are in your mental health journey, integrative therapy is a positive step toward a more sustained sense of well-being.
Integrative Life Center harnesses the benefits of traditional and innovative pathways to integrate mind, body, and spirit, giving you a voice in your treatment and a truly personalized approach to your recovery. Our focus is on healing your whole person. Contact us to connect with an integrative therapist who will be your partner in becoming the best, most mentally healthy version of yourself.
