about complementary & alternative medicine (CAM)

New York · NYC · Virtual

complementary & alternative medicine support for integrative whole-body healing

LET'S WORK TOGETHER

Holistic Psychotherapy & Integrative CAM interventions to support optimal mental & physical wellbeing.

For New Yorkers drawn to healing that extends beyond traditional talk therapy, this practice offers a thoughtfully curated blend of evidence-based psychotherapy and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)–informed approaches. Integrating mind-body interventions, somatic therapies, functional nutrition, nervous system regulation, and depth-oriented psychotherapy, each session is designed to honor the full spectrum of your inner world.

This is care for individuals who sense that healing does not live in the mind alone, but also in the body, breath, biology, nervous system, and lived experience. In a city that constantly pulls attention outward, holistic and integrative therapy offers a way back inward.

Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, ADHD, emotional overwhelm, or a general sense of disconnection, integrative mental health care focuses on root causes, not just symptom suppression.

What Is Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)?

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to a broad range of healing systems, practices, and products that are not traditionally part of conventional Western medicine. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, CAM includes diverse approaches that may be used alongside conventional care (complementary) or as distinct approaches (alternative).

The modern term Integrative Health reflects the intentional blending of evidence-informed CAM approaches with conventional treatments to support whole-person wellness.

In mental health care, this means addressing:

  • Brain chemistry

  • Nervous system function

  • Nutrition and digestion

  • Hormonal health

  • Inflammation

  • Trauma stored in the body

  • Psychological and relational patterns

When Traditional Psychiatry Isn’t Enough

Many individuals take antidepressants or other psychiatric medications and still feel:

  • Flat or emotionally blunted

  • Anxious

  • Unmotivated

  • Foggy

  • Disconnected from themselves

You are not alone.

A growing number of professionals, creatives, students, and families in New York and Montana are seeking natural and integrative mental health solutions that view body, mind, and spirit as inseparable.

My practice specializes in evidence-informed natural interventions such as:

  • Targeted amino acid therapy

  • Functional and integrative nutrition

  • Botanical and nutraceutical support

  • Somatic and nervous-system-based therapies

  • Lifestyle medicine strategies

These approaches may support mood, attention, stress tolerance, and emotional regulation—either alongside medication or, in some cases, as part of a medically supervised reduction plan.

Why an Integrative Approach Works

Symptoms often persist when underlying contributors are not addressed, including:

  • Micronutrient deficiencies

  • Neurotransmitter imbalances

  • Gut-brain dysfunction

  • Chronic inflammation

  • Hormonal shifts

  • Long-standing stress physiology

  • Unprocessed trauma

Integrative psychotherapy explores these factors alongside emotional and relational dynamics, allowing therapy to move beyond coping into true systems-level healing.

Research increasingly demonstrates that lifestyle and mind-body interventions can positively influence neuroplasticity, stress physiology, immune function, and emotional resilience—enhancing the effectiveness of psychotherapy.

What Integrative Holistic Psychotherapy May Include

Sessions are individualized and may integrate:

  • Psychodynamic psychotherapy

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

  • EMDR

  • Somatic Experiencing–informed work

  • Mindfulness and meditation

  • Breathwork and relaxation training

  • Nutrition and gut-brain education

  • Sleep optimization

  • Lifestyle and stress physiology support

We may explore emotional themes while also discussing digestion, nutrient status, sleep patterns, or nervous system regulation—creating a comprehensive roadmap to healing.

Common Concerns Addressed in Holistic Therapy

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Social anxiety

  • Low self-esteem and self-criticism

  • People-pleasing and difficulty setting boundaries

  • Career dissatisfaction and burnout

  • Life transitions

  • Grief and loss

  • Relationship struggles

  • Loneliness and heartbreak

  • Somatic symptoms connected to stress

  • Trauma-related symptoms

  • Unhelpful habits and self-sabotage

  • Identity exploration

  • Communication difficulties

  • Values clarification

Three Core Categories of CAM Used in Mental Health

1. Mind-Body & Physical Approaches

Yoga, movement, acupuncture, light therapy, relaxation training, breathwork

2. Biologically Based Interventions

Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, targeted nutraceuticals

3. Herbal & Botanical Supports

Evidence-informed botanical remedies used cautiously and collaboratively

Additional CAM-Informed Practices That May Be Incorporated

  • Meditation

  • Biofeedback

  • Hypnosis

  • Guided imagery

  • Reiki

  • Massage therapy

  • Bodywork

  • Chiropractic-informed movement support

  • Nutritional therapy

  • Ayurvedic- or naturopathic-informed education

(Modalities are offered within scope of practice and through collaboration or referral when appropriate.)

How Holistic Psychotherapy Supports Mental Health Optimization

Licensed mental health professionals with training in integrative and nutritional approaches are uniquely positioned to translate emerging research into practical mental health support.

Natural and integrative strategies may be helpful for:

  • Individuals not fully responding to medication

  • People with mild-to-moderate symptoms

  • Those who prefer non-pharmaceutical options

  • Individuals seeking adjunctive support

Together, we explore potential contributors such as:

  • Inflammation

  • Nutrient depletion

  • Neurotransmitter imbalances

  • Gut dysfunction

  • Thyroid or hormonal patterns

  • Chronic stress physiology

The goal is optimization, not perfection—supporting the body’s inherent capacity for balance.

Whole-Person Care Includes Self-Care & Boundaries

Chronic self-neglect, people-pleasing, and overextension frequently underlie both emotional and physical illness. Therapy supports:

  • Learning to identify personal needs

  • Building boundaries

  • Strengthening identity and self-trust

  • Reducing codependent patterns

  • Developing sustainable self-care

Many chronic conditions improve when individuals are supported in reclaiming their right to rest, nourish themselves, and prioritize well-being.

Recovery-Oriented & Wellness Coaching Support

For individuals in addiction recovery, eating disorder recovery, or post-treatment stabilization, integrative coaching can support:

  • Relapse prevention

  • Trigger identification

  • Craving management

  • Structure and routine

  • Healthy nutrition and movement

  • Sleep hygiene

  • Emotional regulation

  • Building meaning and purpose

Coaching complements psychotherapy and medical care.

Integrative Mental Health Care—Virtually

If you are seeking holistic psychotherapy, CAM-informed mental health care, or integrative therapy in New York or Montana via telehealth, I invite you to explore this comprehensive approach.

You deserve care that honors your biology, psychology, history, and humanity—not just your symptoms.

Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to a broad group of health approaches that exist outside of conventional Western medicine. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, CAM includes diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not traditionally part of mainstream medicine.

“Complementary” therapies are used alongside conventional treatment.
“Alternative” therapies are used in place of conventional treatment.
Today, many professionals use the term Integrative Health, which emphasizes combining evidence-informed CAM approaches with conventional care.

How is CAM used in mental health therapy?

In mental health, CAM approaches are used to support emotional well-being, nervous system regulation, stress physiology, and overall resilience. CAM is not used as a stand-alone “cure,” but rather as part of a comprehensive, integrative psychotherapy approach.

This may include combining traditional psychotherapy with nutrition education, mind-body practices, somatic therapies, lifestyle strategies, and selected evidence-informed supplements.

Is CAM meant to replace medication?

Not necessarily. Some clients use CAM approaches alongside psychiatric medication, while others explore CAM because medication has not provided adequate relief or caused unwanted side effects.

Any changes to medication should always be made in collaboration with a prescribing medical provider.

Is CAM evidence-based?

Many CAM approaches are supported by growing research, while others are considered emerging or adjunctive. An integrative therapist prioritizes methods with some research support and uses clinical judgment, ongoing education, and careful monitoring.

CAM is not presented as a replacement for medical care, but as an additional layer of support.

What kinds of CAM approaches might be integrated into therapy?

Depending on your needs and goals, integrative sessions may include:

  • Mindfulness and meditation

  • Breathwork and relaxation training

  • Somatic (body-based) therapies

  • Nutrition and gut-brain education

  • Lifestyle and sleep optimization

  • Stress physiology education

  • Selected nutraceutical or supplement education

  • Guided imagery or hypnosis

  • Energy-based or movement-informed practices

All approaches are used within the therapist’s scope of practice and may include referrals to other licensed providers when appropriate.

Who tends to benefit from CAM-informed therapy?

CAM-informed therapy may be helpful for people experiencing:

  • Anxiety and chronic stress

  • Depression

  • Burnout

  • Trauma-related symptoms

  • ADHD

  • Insomnia

  • Emotional overwhelm

  • Somatic or stress-related physical symptoms

  • Desire for more holistic care

Many clients are high-functioning individuals who want deeper, root-cause-oriented support.

How does nutrition relate to mental health?

The brain requires adequate nutrients to produce neurotransmitters, regulate inflammation, and maintain healthy nervous system functioning. Nutritional patterns, blood sugar stability, gut health, and micronutrient status can influence mood, energy, focus, and stress tolerance.

Integrative therapy may include basic nutrition education and collaboration with other providers when needed.

Will I be told to take supplements?

No. Supplement discussions are collaborative and optional. When supplements are discussed, they are framed as potential supports—not requirements—and are selected cautiously based on symptoms, history, and safety considerations.

Is CAM safe?

When provided by trained professionals and used appropriately, many CAM approaches are considered low-risk. Safety screening, pacing, and ongoing monitoring are essential parts of integrative care.

How does CAM fit with psychotherapy?

CAM does not replace talk therapy. It enhances psychotherapy by supporting the biological and nervous system conditions that make emotional processing and psychological change easier.

Insight plus physiological support often leads to more sustainable results.

What if I’m skeptical but curious?

Skepticism is welcome. Integrative work does not require belief—only openness to exploring what may support your well-being. All approaches are discussed transparently and collaboratively.

Is CAM covered by insurance?

Coverage varies. Psychotherapy services may be reimbursable depending on your plan. CAM components are often considered educational or adjunctive and may not be separately reimbursed.

What is the goal of CAM-informed therapy?

The goal is not perfection or optimization at all costs. The goal is to:

  • Reduce suffering

  • Increase resilience

  • Support nervous system balance

  • Improve emotional regulation

  • Enhance overall well-being