About
The mind-body-lifestyle connection –
As a therapist, it can be tempting to focus on mental health alone. But the truth is, mental health is affected by many factors, including genetics, life experiences, mindset, and lifestyle issues like sleep, nutrition, exercise, and community.
I firmly believe in taking an integrated approach to mental health by looking at the roles all of these areas play in influencing the quality of your life and well-being. By combining my skills as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with my background in holistic nutrition, I can offer you a treatment plan that leverages the best of both traditional and holistic traditions.
In my practice, I treat mental health and neurological disorders with a mix of nutrition, supplements, exercise, and other supportive lifestyle options, as well as traditional psychotherapy.
With over 20 years’ experience as a psychotherapist and extensive study in holistic nutrition, I can help you develop practical skills and strategies for effectively cultivating a life that supports your ongoing mental health and well-being.
My goal is to help you develop the tools and skills to no longer need me.
Education and Credentials:
Doctor of Science in Holistic Nutrition, Hawthorn University
Masters in Social Work, University of Georgia
Bachelors of Science in Child and Family Development, University of Georgia
Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals
Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner
Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider
I am also a national speaker for PESI, a leading provider in behavioral health continuing education, where I teach other practitioners the value of combining nutrition, lifestyle, and body work into their practices.
My Story
Surviving a near fatal boating accident taught me the healing power of community and love.
In the summer of 2010, I was on Lake Michigan, enjoying a beautiful evening boat ride with my cousin and his wife. Suddenly, we ran up on some hidden rocks, damaging the boat and causing us to crash head on into a sea wall at 25 miles per hour.
I knew I was hurt – but it would be a while before I knew how badly. After a lengthy rescue effort and ambulance ride to the hospital, I found out I had broken my neck and every rib – and that both of my lungs were punctured and had collapsed.
The doctors told me I was lucky to be alive.
I spent the next six days in the ICU and two more weeks in the hospital rehab center. For the next three months, I wore a neck brace around the clock that immobilized my head and body to allow my broken neck to heal. And for a year and a half, I immersed myself in rehab to try and reclaim my life. My lungs were so compromised, I became winded just talking. Constant pain severely limited my ability to move and participate in normal activities.
In a matter of moments, I went from being in the best shape of my life to living in constant pain and looking at an uncertain future.
Many difficult days followed, where I wondered if I would ever get back to the life and the me I had known before the accident. But I kept at it. I read voraciously about the healing power of good nutrition, supplements, and exercise. I worked hard to maintain a constructive mindset. I was surrounded by a tremendous community that encouraged me every step of the way. And together all of these support systems worked.
In the September of 2011, I participated in the Beach Blast Triathlon in Mexico Beach, Florida. I not only participated – I came in First Place in my age group, beating the second placer by 15 minutes.
The lessons I learned throughout this journey completely changed and enriched my life and are the foundation of my therapy practice today.
What I learned on my journey back to health:
Lesson #1
Taking responsibility for my health is key to my wellness and my ability to deal with adversity.
Lesson #2
When I am in need, allowing myself to receive the amazing power of my community is just as important as giving.
Lesson #3
There is a power greater than ourselves.
Lesson #4
All relationships can be strengthened though the simple act of listening.
I know you have questions
What does it mean to be a Functional or Integrative practitioner?
I believe strongly that the mind and body are connected. Your nutrition, sleep, exercise, digestion, elimination, and environment all play a role in your emotional health. As a Functional or Integrative practitioner, I know you’ll achieve better success in resolving emotional issues by integrating psychotherapy with healthy lifestyle strategies.
How do I know that I need therapy?
We all need someone to talk to at different times in our lives. If you’re wondering if you need therapy, talking to a therapist would probably alleviate your concerns.
How often will we meet?
Therapy is individualized and the schedule and pace will be completely up to you.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
There’s no easy answer to this question. The length of therapy depends on many variables, including the intensity of your issues and the amount of work you do both in and outside of our sessions.
Do you take insurance?
No. But I am happy to provide a superbill for you to file with your carrier.
How do you charge?
My hourly fee is $185.00. Most sessions are an hour, and the fee includes any and all of the tools and methods I use. You can pay with cash, check, and credit cards.
How do I get started?
Just follow the instructions below
What is your social media policy?
I do use social media to promote my business. However, I have set boundaries on how I use it:
- I will never look you up on social media
- I will never friend you or “like” a post
- I will never follow you on any platform
- I reserve texting for communicating appointment changes. If you have something important to tell me, we will switch to HIPPA compliant email through my electronic medical records system (EMR).
- You understand that there are limits to confidentiality and I cannot be responsible for what you communicate to me via non-secure devices.
- My email through my EMR is HIPPA compliant and secure
- During COVID certain programs are allowed including Zoom and FaceTime. We only use these if my EMR fails either of us during the session
- My email address at vicki@yourhealthystructure is encrypted and is only seen by me
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