Throughout my work in behavioral and mental health, I have always firmly believed in viewing a person holistically…mind, body and spirit. I emphasize mind-body techniques as a way of empowering people to understand and take control of their bodies lives and enhance their self-esteem.

Whether it is struggling with a physical illness, such as headaches, chronic pain, or cancer- or an emotional state, such as depression or anxiety, mind-body healing works. It can be applied to your health, your performance at work, your athletic pursuits or your interpersonal relationships!

Learning to harness your inner energy and strength will define who you are and lead to a happier life. The following vignettes are real-life examples where mind-body techniques have truly changed people’s lives!!!!!

Denise DeForest Pastoor

JP is a career woman, devoted mother and wife, and caregiver of aging parents. She feels overwhelmed with the multiple demands of work and family responsibilities, which keep her running from dawn to dark.

PROBLEM: Fatigue, headaches, mild depression, and difficulty sleeping left her exhausted, worries and concerns consumed her thoughts, and she struggled to balance her work obligations and time with her family.

GOAL: JP defined goals to change her lifestyle, work habits, and how she handled stress.

PLAN: JP learned to set priorities and make choices, rather than do it all. Her family physician confirmed her medical concerns were stress-related, so she focused on lifestyle changes to maximize her health. At home, she delegated more household responsibilities, chose healthy “on the go” meals, defined reflective time for herself to “re-charge”, tried yoga and daily walks for exercise, and balanced volunteer requests.

OUTCOME: JP’s headaches, mood and sleep have improved with her conscientious efforts to try new coping skills. Her favorite stress tools are guided imagery of a beach scene and redirecting worries to positive thoughts. As she has gained clearer insights in understanding how her body handles stress, she is able to let go of tension with relaxation techniques. At work, JP utilizes new skills in time management, communication, and goal setting. Today, JP enthusiastically embraces her new lifestyle, feeling a sense of inner peace and more balance in her life.

Type-A Time bomb

CT is a successful executive in a high profile, high tech company. He is driven to succeed, demands excellence from his staff, and strives for perfection and high profits. A self-described workaholic, he works 60 hours/week, travels internationally, and rarely takes vacations.

PROBLEM: CT has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, back pain, and a Type A personality. A lifestyle change is hard to implement for such a driven, competitive person, but a heart attack was a catalyst for change… ongoing stress was taking a toll.

GOAL: Stress-related disorders, such a cardiovascular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, stomach ulcers, can be prevented and healed with lifestyle changes and new coping skills to manage stress. CT committed to participate in a stress reduction program that combined counseling with lifestyle management.

PLAN: CT followed his cardiac rehab program of changing to a heart healthy diet, increasing his exercise with the purchase of a treadmill and walking at lunch, and learning to “slow down” and appreciate his family. Initially resistant to learning relaxation techniques, CT agreed to practice the relaxation response for 10 minutes before stressful meetings and career contacts. Taking time to close his office door, focus on his breathing and visualize the imagery of fly-fishing, he was able to quiet his body and mind.

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