There’s a reason why many patients feel so respected and understood in visits with naturopathic doctors! We not only receive extensive training in counseling, but lifestyle coaching as well! We know that health is not just the absence of disease, but a bigger picture involving mental and emotional well-being. We have skills to support you on your journey to health! We can even help you create the path!
Do I need counseling?
Everyone could use someone to listen to them. Counseling doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. Your physical health often mirrors other aspects of your life, so when you’re feeling stressed or dealing with sudden or unexpected change, your body reflects this and it can show up in the form of physical symptoms.
Our holistic approach to health takes your thoughts and emotions into account. Patients say it’s reassuring to know that they can be completely open and candid with their doctor. After all, we’re interested in what’s going on in your life, especially if you have high stress or are going through a difficult time. Mental, emotional, and physical health are all connected, and sometimes it’s not easy for you to see the connections on your own. We’re here to help you connect the dots and get your health back on track.
Just like your emotions can affect your physical health, your physical health can impact your mental and emotional health. It can be difficult to receive a diagnosis or to live with chronic pain for example- we completely understand. How you think and feel about your condition makes a difference in how long it will take you to get better.
Another way your physical health can impact your mind and mood is by how you treat your body. Your digestive system is like a second brain: if you’re eating foods you’re sensitive to, or you have an unhealthy balance of healthy bacteria in your gut, your mood doesn’t stand a chance! Similarly, if you’re not exercising or sleeping well, your mood is bound to suffer. Changing habits can be almost impossible to do on your own, and we’re here to support you and help get you motivated!
Lifestyle Coaching
The main difference between counseling and coaching is that counseling tends to focus on areas of healing, and coaching focuses on the results you want to get.
Because we take a holistic approach to health, it’s not easy to draw a clear line where counseling ends and coaching begins.
We always have your health goals in mind, and everything we do is to help you reach them. Sometimes that takes the form of active listening, emotional support, or correcting patterns of thinking or behavior that are unhealthy. Other times, we’re here to cheer you on and hold you accountable to the things you said you’d do for yourself, for your health.
Patterns and habits can be so difficult to break. From healthy eating, to getting enough exercise, to quitting smoking, taking the first step is the hardest part, but sticking with it is just as important. NDs are here to motivate you to make the changes you need to make so you can have the transformation you want.
Come in and chat with us for compassionate listening to help you heal. Book an appointment today!
