Embracing Holistic Counselling: My personal approach to wellness

As a holistic counsellor, my approach to life and wellness is about integrating both mind and body in a way that supports emotional, mental, and physical well-being. My philosophy isn’t centered on traditional practices like meditation but instead on being present—especially in nature. I focus on finding joy in life’s small moments, practicing gratitude, and cultivating calm through strong relationships with family and close friends. That being said, I’m far from perfect. I have down moments, and yes, I have my PJ days too. In this post, I’ll share how I live my life and how it influences my counselling practice.

Finding Joy in the Simple Things

For me, joy doesn’t come from grand gestures or extravagant experiences—it comes from the little moments that bring a smile to my face. Watching my granddaughter play, witnessing a bird’s graceful flight, or laughing at my dogs doing something silly are examples of how I find joy in my everyday life. These small moments remind me to be present and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.

This focus on joy and gratitude isn’t just an emotional practice—it has a powerful effect on the body. These moments of happiness help balance the nervous system, reducing stress and increasing levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are vital for mental and emotional well-being.

Being Present in Nature

While some people meditate to clear their minds, I practice mindfulness by simply being present, especially in nature. A walk through the woods, feeling the sun on my face, or listening to the rustle of leaves helps ground me. Nature has always been a source of peace and clarity for me, and it’s where I feel most connected to the present moment.

Being present isn’t just about calming the mind—it affects the nervous system too. When we immerse ourselves in the present, particularly in natural settings, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Close, Trusted Connections Over Large Circles

I don’t seek out large social circles, and I’m perfectly content with my family and a few trusted friends. These deep, meaningful relationships bring a sense of calm and balance to my life. I prefer the comfort of close connections where I can be myself without feeling overwhelmed by social expectations.

Having this small, supportive circle helps me manage the stresses of daily life, offering a safe space where I can recharge. It also strengthens emotional health, as relationships built on trust and understanding stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps reduce anxiety and promote well-being.

Listening to My Body: The Mind-Body Connection

One of the ways I take care of myself is by listening closely to my body. If I experience physical pain or discomfort, I don’t automatically assume it’s a physical issue. I often ask myself, “What might I be feeling emotionally that’s manifesting as pain?” Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a trauma expert, talks about how "the body keeps the score," meaning our emotional experiences can manifest physically. By paying attention to these signals, I often find deeper emotional issues that need to be addressed.

This mind-body connection is essential to how I live. The heart and gut, often called "the second brain," have their own neurons and send more signals to the brain than the brain sends to them. By listening to my body’s cues, I stay in tune with both my physical and emotional well-being.

Practicing Positive Psychology in My Life

A key element of my personal philosophy is positive psychology, which emphasizes focusing on strengths and what’s going well rather than dwelling on problems. In my own life, I practice gratitude and optimism, always trying to see the good in situations. This doesn’t mean I ignore challenges, but I try to focus on what I can learn from them and how I can grow.

Positive psychology is about shifting our mindset to recognize and celebrate the positives in life. It’s a powerful tool in therapy, and it’s something I incorporate into how I live every day.

Movement for Mind and Body

To take care of both my physical and emotional health, I practice yoga and Pilates. These forms of movement help me stay connected to my body, reducing stress while keeping me grounded. In yoga, especially during balance poses, you have to be fully present—otherwise, you’ll fall over. This need for presence in yoga mirrors how I try to live my life: focused, aware, and grounded in the moment.

Both yoga and Pilates help me maintain a balance between my mental and physical well-being. They are tools I use not just for fitness but for centering myself emotionally as well.

Living with Kindness and Without Judgment

At the core of how I live my life is a deep commitment to kindness and non-judgment. I believe in treating everyone with compassion, and I try to extend that same kindness to myself. Living without judgment means accepting others for who they are and being gentle with myself when things don’t go as planned.

Of course, I’m far from perfect in this practice. I have bad days, moments of doubt, and times when I feel overwhelmed. But part of being kind to myself is recognizing that imperfection is part of the journey.

Embracing Imperfection: Down Moments and PJ Days

Despite all the positive habits I’ve cultivated, I still experience down moments. There are days when I don’t feel motivated, and all I want is to stay in my pajamas and do nothing. These moments remind me that it’s okay to not have everything figured out all the time. Being a holistic counsellor doesn’t mean I’m immune to life’s challenges; it means I accept them as part of the process.

Having these moments of rest and self-compassion is just as important as the times when I’m practicing mindfulness or focusing on joy. They give me the space to recharge and reconnect with myself.

Conclusion: A Journey of Holistic Well-Being

As a holistic counsellor, my life is centered around balance, joy, and presence. By focusing on the small moments, practicing gratitude, and staying connected to my body, I create a life that supports my emotional and physical well-being. I find peace in close relationships, move my body with intention, and practice kindness both toward others and myself.

And while I strive for positivity, I also accept that I’m human. I have down days, moments of doubt, and sometimes just need a PJ day. It’s all part of my journey toward living a life of balance and well-being, and it’s the same path I encourage my clients to walk with me.