Beyond Words: Expanding Mental Health Care with Complementary Practices
This article was inspired by Alexis Postans, founder of Total Life Wellbeing Consultants and co-host of the Burning Passion podcast. After listening to Alexis mentioned how treating mental health at times needs to go beyond words and talking therapy. We can hold so much in our body, this highlights the need to consider the benefits of additional treatments such as complementary health practices and somatic work that address the mind-body connection and help us process what words alone cannot reach.
Rethinking Mental Health: Why Go Beyond Talk Therapy?
Traditional talk therapies remain vital, but mounting evidence and lived experience show that emotional pain and trauma often reside in the body as well as the mind. Many people find that, despite years of talking, some issues persist, manifesting as chronic tension, fatigue, or unexplained physical symptoms. This has led to a surge of interest in complementary health practices that take a holistic, embodied approach to mental wellbeing.
Connecting Mental Health, we value a holistic approach to wellbeing and encourage all to explore the wide range of mental health practices available. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to healing, and we believe in the power of choice and curiosity on your wellbeing journey.
Below, we’ve shared a selection of therapeutic approaches that may support your whole self mind, body and spirit.
Take a moment to discover what resonates with you. Your path to wellness is personal.
The Science of Holding: How the Body Stores Emotional Pain
Neuroscience and somatic psychology reveal that traumatic or stressful experiences can leave imprints on the nervous system, influencing both mental and physical health. Somatic therapies, which focus on bodily sensations, movement and breath have shown promise in helping people process and release these imprints, creating new pathways for healing.
Key Research Highlights
- Functional MRI studies show changes in brain connectivity and emotional regulation after somatic interventions.
- Randomised controlled trials have found that somatic therapies can reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and improve overall wellbeing.
- Systematic reviews confirm that body-based therapies are effective adjuncts for trauma and chronic stress.
Naturopathy: A Holistic Foundation
What Is Naturopathy?
Naturopathy uses natural remedies, nutrition, herbal medicine and lifestyle counselling to treat the whole person: body, mind and spirit.
Mental Health Benefits
- Personalised Stress Management: Naturopaths create individualised plans including dietary changes, herbal supplements and stress-reduction techniques.
- Lifestyle Support: Emphasises restorative sleep, movement and emotional balance.
Research and Resources
- Herbal medicines such as St. John’s Wort and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have demonstrated efficacy for mild depression and other mental health issues in clinical trials.
- Ashwagandha has shown promise for anxiety and stress reduction.
- For more information, visit the Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association.
Could a holistic approach help address your mental health needs?
How might natural remedies complement your current treatment plan?
Acupuncture: Restoring Balance
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture, a core practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine, involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow (Qi).
Mental Health Benefits
- Anxiety and Depression: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses show acupuncture can reduce symptoms, sometimes outperforming control treatments.
- Chronic Pain and Mood: Acupuncture not only alleviates physical pain but also improves mood, sleep and quality of life.
Research and Resources
- Recent studies highlight acupuncture’s effectiveness for depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline in older adults.
- Neuroimaging studies reveal acupuncture’s impact on brain activity related to mood regulation.
Could acupuncture provide relief where other treatments have not?
What role might the mind-body connection play in your healing journey?
Kinesiology: The Wisdom of Movement
What Is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology uses muscle monitoring (biofeedback) to identify and correct energy imbalances, drawing from both Western science and Eastern philosophy.
Mental Health Benefits
- Stress and Emotional Balance: Techniques help release emotional blockages and restore calm.
- Sleep and Cognition: Addressing stressors can improve sleep, focus and resilience.
Research and Resources
- While large-scale trials are limited, clinical experience and smaller studies suggest kinesiology can help manage anxiety, depression and stress through the mind-body connection.
- To find practitioners, visit the Australian Institute of Kinesiologists.
How might tuning into your body’s signals help you understand your emotions?
Could movement-based therapies unlock new pathways to resilience?
Aromatherapy: The Power of Scent
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants applied through inhalation, diffusion, or massage to influence mood and wellbeing.
Mental Health Benefits
- Mood Enhancement: Oils like lavender can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Depression Relief: Aromatherapy massage has shown benefits for mild to moderate depressive symptoms.
Research and Resources
- Systematic reviews confirm aromatherapy, especially with massage, can significantly reduce depressive symptoms and anxiety.
- For more, visit the International Federation of Aromatherapists.
Could scent-based rituals help manage stress or low mood?
How does sensory experience influence your emotional health?
Somatic Therapy: Healing Through the Body
What Is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy focuses on bodily sensations, movement, and breath to process trauma and emotional pain. Unlike talk therapy, the body becomes the starting point for healing.
Mental Health Benefits
- Trauma Recovery: Effective for PTSD, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Self-Regulation: Helps individuals develop greater awareness and control over physical and emotional responses.
- Integration: Encourages a sense of safety and wholeness in the body.
Research and Resources
- Studies using neuroimaging and randomised controlled trials show somatic therapy can change brain activity, improve emotional regulation and reduce trauma symptoms.
- Somatic Experiencing is a widely recognised approach, with resources available through the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute.
What might your body be holding that words have not yet released?
Are you open to exploring embodied forms of healing?
Integrating Complementary Practices: A Holistic Invitation
The landscape of mental health care is evolving. Integrative approaches that combine talk therapy with complementary and somatic practices are gaining recognition in clinical settings worldwide. These therapies are not replacements for conventional care, but valuable partners in a more personalised, holistic strategy.
- Best Practices: Across Europe and Australia, non-medicinal interventions like mindfulness, nature exposure, and somatic therapies are increasingly integrated into mainstream mental health care.
- Professional Guidance: Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting new treatments, ensuring coordinated and safe care.
Final Questions:
Are you open to exploring new modalities alongside your current treatment?
How might a more holistic approach transform your experience of mental health and wellbeing?
What questions do you have about safety, efficacy, or finding qualified practitioners?
Your mental health journey is unique. By staying curious, informed and open to new possibilities, you empower yourself to find the support that truly resonates.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey, I invite you to browse and book a session with one of the experienced holistic mental health practitioners at Connecting Mental Health. We’re here to walk alongside you, every step of the way.
Contact us if you have any questions or feedback.
May your path to wellbeing be supported by both wisdom and compassion.
Article written by Jono Derkenne, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker