An integrative approach to mental health means we use both conventional medical knowledge and tools (ex: psychotherapy and/or medication), as well a variety of non-conventional, but still evidence-based, tools (ex: teaching you the emotional freedom technique/tapping, to help you learn to manage your anxiety, cravings, or pain independently). An integrative approach is a blending of the best of all possible worlds…it’s not “either/or” – it’s “all of the above”.

In seeking to understand the development of illness or dis-ease, as well as its potential for reversal, a Biopsychosocial approach looks at the interplay between biological factors (ex: physical health, genetic predispositions), social factors (ex: living environment, economic resources, relationships), and psychological factors (ex: history of trauma, self-esteem, coping skills).

Functional Medicine is about getting to the root cause of your symptoms, not just suppressing them with interventions that never fix the underlying issue. For example, we often use antidepressants to address sadness, fatigue, poor concentration, lack of motivation, etc. Yet, research has shown that by reducing systemic inflammation in the body, ensuring adequate vitamin levels, and establishing a healthy circadian rhythm, all of these symptoms can resolve without prescription medication.