Why I Need A Wellness Mentor (And Why You Might Too)

September 9, 2020

An Integrative Model of Psychotherapy

Spending focused time with each individual is part of the magic, the difference, the value of psychotherapy. The person-centered approach of psychotherapy is what drew me to clinical psychology, and is also what draws a lot people to seek psychotherapy in times of need or more generally for self-development and growth. However, I have learned that the ideal person-centered approach is not necessarily best obtained through only individual therapy.

For one, group psychotherapy and other kinds of group programs have an important place in connecting people with others, but also in connecting people with dormant or feared parts of themselves. Secondly, the reality is that a good therapist can’t and won’t just tell you what to do to solve your problems – you actually have to think, feel, and practice too! What does this mean? This means that an individual needs support throughout their individual psychotherapy beyond a therapy session.

I joined the Modern Minds team because Modern Minds actualized a highly integrative and supportive model that takes person-centered to the next level. As an organization, Modern Minds is committed to thinking big, being bold, and making a positive difference in the lives of our clients and the community at large. Our task force, with preeminent leaders in the field of psychology and cognitive science – Anne Marie Albano (live link), Steven Hayes (live link), and Kevin Gray (live link) – has developed a model that maintains the essence of psychotherapy while building in support for skill building and wellness.

Like traditional psychotherapy, each client meets regularly with their primary therapist. Unlike traditional psychotherapy, each client also works on an as-needed and individualized basis with a wellness mentor via phone, computer, or in person. The wellness mentor works collaboratively with the client and the therapist to target specific goals related to skill building and/or growth in various areas of wellness, including physical health, social and connectedness, and daily functioning. Clients have the opportunity to engage in wellness groups, including nutrition and mindfulness, as well as other wellness resources (online and in person) to actualize some of these goals from the outset. Wellness mentors and therapists are a part of these services and create a community around these offerings.

At Modern Minds, we prioritize the unique circumstances and needs of every client, and as opposed to just trying our best with what we had always done, we decided to change what we were doing.

Categories: REFLECT