More Than One Path: How Integrative Therapy Supports Real-World Healing

In the crowded field of mental health and wellbeing in 2025, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of services, methods, and experts claiming to have the “right” approach. However, as I discussed in an earlier Natter Note, there is no single path to healing that works for everyone. Human beings are complex — our needs change over time, our experiences shape our resilience, and what supports us at one stage of life may not be what we need at another. That’s why my work draws from multiple traditions, mental health support, complementary therapy, and metaphysical healing, to create a flexible, integrative approach designed to meet you where you are.

The Case for Integration

Integrative therapy isn’t about randomly combining techniques; it’s a deliberate process of selecting approaches from different disciplines that work together to meet each person’s unique needs. Research indicates that integrative methods can enhance therapeutic results by allowing practitioners to tailor interventions to a client’s readiness, cultural background, and preferred style of support. This flexibility is especially vital in mental health, where challenges rarely occur in isolation: stress can affect the body, beliefs can influence emotions, and emotional pain can impact physical wellbeing. By drawing on a range of modalities, I can respond to the whole person, not just the symptoms.

The Three Pillars I Draw From

My practice is founded on three interconnected pillars. First, mental health support, grounded in talk-based therapy, provides a safe space to share experiences, discuss challenges, and gain new perspectives. Evidence shows that the therapeutic relationship itself — empathy, trust, and collaboration — is one of the strongest indicators of positive change.  Second, complementary therapy embraces whole-person approaches, like mindfulness, expressive arts, and lifestyle strategies, to promote wellbeing. These methods have been proven to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve quality of life, especially when used alongside other supports. Third, metaphysical healing explores the mind–body–spirit connection, acknowledging the influence of belief systems, meaning-making, and subtle energies on health. While harder to quantify scientifically, there is growing acknowledgment of the significance of spirituality and existential reflection in recovery, particularly in fostering hope and resilience.

Healing Is Rarely Linear

One of the realities I’ve learned from both my training and lived experience is that healing is rarely a straight line. People can experience both grief and joy in the same week, take steps forward and backward, and still grow despite being in pain. An integrative approach honours this reality by offering multiple entry points for support; it can meet people at different stages of readiness and offer tools for both immediate relief and long-term change. Some days, talking helps. Other days, it’s movement, creativity, or spiritual reflection that brings the shift.

Why This Works

What makes this approach unique isn't just the variety of methods, but how they are personalised and combined. Rather than fitting you into a fixed model, I customise support to suit your needs, using a toolkit that covers emotional, physical, and existential care. This ensures therapy that is as adaptable and dynamic as life itself. If you're feeling unsure where to begin, remember that starting anywhere, even with a simple natter, is enough and can lead to positive change.