Complementary Therapies

Nutrition

Mental health disorders have been found to frequently co-occur with other metabolic disorders in the brain, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In recent years, there has been an abundance of research and evidence on the role diet plays in mental health outcomes.

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Besides how nutrition affects our physical health, what we eat influences how we feel including:

• Emotions

• Moods

• Sensations

• Experiences

• Motivations

The brain is the most complex organ in the body. Everything we eat affects the major brain cells called neurons. An unhealthy diet that contains a lot of fats and sugars causes inflammation of brain neurons which inhibits the formation of new ones.

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Consequently, this affects how the brain works and contributes to brain disorders like depression. Problems that affect the brain can alter our thinking, emotions, and behaviors. In contrast, a diet rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids decreases inflammation and promotes the formation of neurons. As a result, there is improved thinking, memory, mood, and focus.

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Good nutrition is an important part of maintaining both physical and mental health. At CareMore Counseling Center, LLC., our therapist can guide clients in living healthier lifestyles through suggested nutritional changes based on their mental health issues.

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Life Coaching

CareMore Counseling Center, LLC. offers Life Coaching as one of our complementary therapies. The most effective mental health treatment includes appropriate lifestyle changes. Our professional staff provides education and guidance to help clients utilize essential life skills that support their mental well-being as well as coaching in particular career and professional areas. 

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These may include:

• Cooking classes

• Budgeting

• Job coaching

• Resume building

• Physical wellness

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Outdoor Recreation

Research has shown that spending time outdoors supports an active and healthy lifestyle. Consequently, when people discover they feel happier after doing outdoor recreational activities, they naturally want to do it more often. Further, exposure to nature and natural light provides a wide range of mental health benefits associated with mindfulness and cognition. 

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The Benefits of Outdoor Recreation

• Increased vitamin D: Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin” because it is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight. Adequate levels of vitamin D can boost the immune system and reduce the risks of multiple diseases and also reduce depression symptoms. 

• Improved self-esteem: Both being in nature and physical activity have a positive impact on the brain, making people feel better about themselves.

• Elevated mood: Spending time in nature can improve mood and reduce stress and depression symptoms. Engaging in physical activity produces similar benefits and often relaxes and cheers people up.

• Increased physical activity: People tend to exercise longer and harder outdoors than indoors. As a result, they burn more calories. Being outside makes exercise more pleasant while increasing overall health and a sense of well-being. Additionally, physical activity increases the production of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters.

• Improved sleep: Disruption of sleep is common with many mental health disorders. Spending time in nature, fresh air, and sunshine, and participating in outdoor recreation can improve the quality of sleep.

• Improved physical health: Outdoor activity and recreation have been linked to increased fitness and cardiovascular functioning. Other benefits are reduced obesity, reduced blood pressure, and reduced risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cancer. Outdoor recreation is associated with better physical and mental health as well as increased quality of life.

• Reduced stress: Some studies show that exposure to nature can enhance cognitive performance and recovery from mental fatigue. In addition, time spent on outdoor recreational activities can reduce the production of stress hormones and improve concentration.

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Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is an approach to mental health care that incorporates animals into the psychotherapy process. This method utilizes the bond created during human-animal interactions. Because of this interaction, emotional and psychological transformation often occurs.

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Therapy animals can participate in a wide variety of therapeutic activities and interventions. CareMore Counseling Center, LLC, can recommend Animal-Assisted therapy for clients who may benefit from this complementary therapy. Children are normally extremely responsive to this type of therapy.

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Clients who interact with animals during therapy often show improvements including:

• Enhanced mood

• Reduced anxiety

• Decreased stress levels

• Reduced anger, hostility, and aggression

• Improved social interactions

• Lower heart rate and blood pressure

• Elevated endorphins

• Increased self-esteem, patience, and trust

• Sense of empowerment

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Music Therapy

Music therapy (MT) is the evidence-based use of music intervention to accomplish individualized therapeutic goals. MT uses musical interaction as a means of communication and expression. The aim of therapy is to help people with mental disorders, including serious mental disorders (e.g., schizophrenia or other similar conditions) develop relationships. They can also address concerns they may not be able to by using only words. MT sessions may include making music, music listening, and discussions. 

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Musical ability is not needed to participate or to experience beneficial results that may include:

• Increased joy

• Lowered blood pressure

• Improved memory

• Self-regulation of emotions

• Enhanced communication and social skills 

• Self-reflection

• Reduced muscle tension

• Increased motivation