Holistic & Nutritional Approaches to Treating Psychological Disorders

As the old mind/body dichotomy continues to dissolve, psychotherapists are becoming increasingly aware that diagnosing and treating mental disorders requires a broader perspective than DSM and many graduate courses present. Common disorders such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, ADHD and many others (if not all of them) are intertwined with physical symptoms and even physical causes. Treatment for these disorders can benefit greatly from a complementary-holistic perspective that takes into account such factors as diet, nutrition, and exercise.

This introductory level course presents information and a complementary-holistic perspective on diagnosis and treatment from several psychologist- and psychiatrist-naturopaths. Podcasts 1-2 and article 3, by psychoanalyst naturopath Stephen Ducat, NP, PhD, and naturopathic doctor Jonathan Prousky, ND, MSc, present an overview of the naturopathic/psychotherapeutic approach and introduce key concepts. Podcasts 4 and 5, by psychiatrist and psychoendocrinologist Robert Hedaya, MD, and integrative medicine psychiatrist James Greenblatt, MD, explore the relationship between common psychological disorders, nutrition and digestive processes. Additional resources and references are provided for further study, but they are not part of the course. Transcripts are provided for all podcasts.

Disclaimer: This course is purely educational and does not intend to serve as a license (or permission) to mental health professionals to prescribe or practice any of the approaches discussed in this course unless they fall within the scope of practice of your profession. Check with your licensing board about the scope of practice of your profession to make sure you practice within that scope.It also does not serve as a permission to title yourself in any specific way.