Services
Integrative Therapy
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Integrative therapy takes a multi-dimensional approach to healing and wellness. Treatment is highly individualized for each client, and clinicians are able to draw from many modalities of contemporary therapy, and also interweave techniques and perspectives from many other traditions. The goal of integrative therapy is not to simply address a specific symptom, but rather to support clients to feel better as a whole person - physical, mental, emotion/spirit.
This is a collaborative process, and the client is highly involved in the treatment process. Integrative therapy highlights the comprehensive impacts of interventions on more than just the psyche, and therefore affirms that the psyche can also be impacted by indirect strategies.
*The word "spirit" can be used in many ways, for the purpose of this description "spirit" can be understood as your sense of self, or your sense of your being (once we strip away roles, expectations, judgments, etc). Another way to think of it; think of what someone means when they say, "in the spirit of Christmas," and then consider what it would mean to say "in the spirit of [insert your name here]."
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing is a body-based, bottom-up trauma processing modality based on the work of Peter Levine, Ph.D. This work intentionally engages the autonomic nervous system to bring greater somatic awareness, foster a sense of safety in the body, and increase tolerance for activation and deactivation cycles. This modality is particularly efficacious for individuals that have experienced trauma, have significant difficulties modulating intensity of emotions, or have dissociative coping patterns.
While Dr. Sarah incorporates aspects of Somatic Experiencing within integrative therapy, she also offers sessions in which this is the primary modality. These sessions will look and feel different then traditional therapy. Clients will be guided into somatic sensations frequently and discussion of content will proceed quite slowly.
Telehealth
Telehealth is the primary method of delivering services at Live Your Truth. Although it may be an adjustment at first, most individuals quickly find comfort and ease with virtual therapy. In fact, many clients express gratitude for the ease of attendance, and having no need to spend time and resources driving to and from appointments. More importantly, many clients express a greater willingness to engage with challenging topics and experiences due to the sense of safety and support garnered from being in their own home.
Recent research has supported the efficacy of telehealth mental health services. A 2022 meta-analysis of 12 studies found no significant difference between telehealth therapy and face-to-face therapy on overall outcome, working alliance, or client satisfaction. [1]
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All telehealth services are offered via HIPPA compliant video software, or by phone call, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Nature Therapy
[Private Pay Only]
While services are primarily offered via telehealth, nature based therapy is also an option. Although similar to "walk and talk" opportunities, nature therapy has a greater focus on presence and connection, and is heavily based in mindfulness therapies and somatic practices. Together we will experience the beautiful, breathtaking ecology of southern Appalachia, connect with our bodies via movement and sensory awareness, and learn to find safety, resourcing, and guidance through connecting with the wisdom of the earth.
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A 2019 study from the journal of Environmental Health and Preventative Medicine found significantly decreased symptoms of depression after "forest bathing." [2] Furthermore, a 2009 study from the journal of Psychiatry Investigation found that CBT in a forest setting resulted in decreased reccurence of symptoms and higher remission rates that CBT treatment in a hospital. [3]
Nature therapy is offered in the Big Ivy (Coleman Boundary) Area of Pisgah National Forest, in Barnardsville NC. It is possible, and often preferred, to do a combination of telehealth and nature. Please discuss your interest with your therapist.
References
1. Greenwood, H., Krzyzaniak, N., Peiris, R., Clark, J., Scott, A. M., Cardona, ... Glasziou, P. (2022). Telehealth Versus Face-to-face Psychotherapy for Less Common Mental Health Conditions: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. JMIR Mental Health, 9(3): e31780. doi: 10.2196/31780
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2. Furuyashiki, A., Tabuchi, K., Norikoshi, K., Kobayashi, T., & Oriyama, S. (2019). A comparative study of the physiological and psychological effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on working age people with and without depressive tendencies. Environmental Health and Preventative Medicine, 24: 46. doi: 10.1186/s12199-019-0800-1
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3. Kim, W., Lim, S.K., Chung, E.J., & Woo. J.M. (2009). The effect of cognitive behavior therapy-based psychotherapy applied in a forest environment on physiological changes and remission of major depressive disorder. Psychiatry Investigation, 6(4), 245–254. doi: 10.4306/pi.2009.6.4.245