Complementary Practices
"Self-compassion is learning to hold space for every version of yourself—the one who is healing, the one who is hurting, and the one who is still finding the way.”
— Brianna West, The Mountain Is You
What are complementary practices?
Healing is more than behavioral or cognitive changes. To heal the entire self is to address each aspect of the human experience.
Practices such as aromatherapy, sound healing, breathwork, and others function with or alongside traditional therapy by accessing aspects of the psyche and spirit that may not be fully explored through conventional methods
These sensory experiences cultivate a deeper self-awareness, enhance mindfulness and relaxation to evoke a greater understanding of the mind-body connection.
The integration of these techniques can help you get more out of therapy, and connect with yourself and the world around you in transformative ways.
How is this used to “complement” therapy?
In the holistic-integrated therapy setting, healing extends beyond words to embrace the individuality and bespoke nature of each person’s wellness journey.
Experiential or creative practices, like those included in Expressive Arts Therapy and Play Therapy, can expand our sense of awareness by providing avenues to release tension, enhance personal expression, and promote a greater sense of purpose.
Somatic and Environmental therapies present opportunities to connect with ourselves on a deeper level; offering new insights and ways to access stored traumas or emotions that may otherwise not be clear to us.
The union of various methods and approaches is what can forge the most tailored and targeted path to address the root of your pain, restore balance across all areas of life, and empower you to live as your most authentic self.
Click “ + “ to read more about each practice.
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Anytime we encounter a scent or “aroma” it stimulates our olfactory system, which connects to the brain’s limbic system—the area that regulates emotions and stress.
By influencing neurotransmitters and hormone levels, certain scents can aid in relaxation, reduce anxiety, and enhance mood.
In therapy, essential oils may be diffused in the air or applied topically (when appropriate) to help you feel more grounded and present.
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Sound healing is a long standing ancient practice that uses specific tones, vibrations, and frequencies to trigger a relaxation response and cultivate emotional balance.
Instruments and tools such as singing bowls, tuning forks, drums and chimes, work to influence brainwave activity and soothe the nervous system to help reduce stress, improve focus, and evoke emotional release.
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It has been well documented that spending time in nature can have a profound impact on mental and emotional well-being.
Just stepping outside for a change of scenery can refresh the mind and reduce stress. Additionally, exposure to sunlight helps boost mood by increasing serotonin levels, while oxygen-rich fresh air can enhance mental clarity and focus.
Eco-therapy harnesses this connection by incorporating outdoor experiences—such as mindful walks, gardening, or wilderness retreats—into the healing process.
When spending time outside isn't possible, inviting nature into our indoor spaces, through opening windows or keeping potted plants, can still help us enjoy some of these positive effects.
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Breathing is something we do naturally, but when done with intention, it becomes a powerful tool for healing.
Breathwork uses specific techniques to mindfully control the breath and regulate the nervous system; helping to reduce stress, release tension, and increase mental clarity.
Whether used for focused therapeutic processing or simply relaxation, channeling the power of the breath provides a direct and accessible way to support both mind and body.
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At it’s core, holistic wellness sees emotional and physical well-being as intrinsically linked. Tuning in to the sensations of the physical body can give rise to deeper self-awareness and understanding of emotional processes, especially when these emotional processes are difficult to access or articulate.
Body work encompasses various therapeutic methods that use intentional touch and movement to help your body heal and feel its best.
Somatic therapy is a type of body-work that introduces physical elements to psychotherapy to strengthen the mind-body connection. Learn more about somatic therapy at Heartcore.
For body-work practices such as massage, physiotherapy and yoga, visit our “Further Support” page to see our list of recommended practitioners in the area.
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For those feeling stagnant or or “out-of-sync” in life, spiritual wellness can play an integral role in unlocking deeper insights and/or offering additional support to navigate difficult challenges.
Energy healing is rooted in the belief that the body carries a flow of energy within and around us, and when blocked or stuck, it can affect our physical and emotional well-being.
The goal is to clear out this stuck energy to restore balance and get things moving again, kind of like hitting a reset button for your system.
Energy healing practices like Reiki and acupuncture, offered through Heartcore’s affiliated partners, can significantly enhance the therapeutic process for those seeking a spiritual aspect in their wellness journey.
Check out our “Further Support” page for a list of recommended alternative medicine and energy healing practitioners in the area.
Whole-person healing is about finding what resonates with you.
While not a replacement for evidence-based modalities, complementary practices can serve as powerful additions to enrich the healing process when used alongside traditional therapy approaches.
By offering new perspectives and ways to approach concerns, these practices can be especially beneficial for individuals who feel stuck in traditional talk therapy, those looking to deepen their mind-body connection, or anyone seeking a more comprehensive approach to healing.
Potential benefits of incorporating complementary practices may include:
Deeper Emotional Processing
Stress Reduction
Increased Self-Awareness
Expanded Coping Skills
Personal Empowerment
Enhanced Engagement in the Therapeutic Process
Improved Sense of Self
Boosted Creativity
Stronger Connection in Relationships
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