Alternative Wellness:
Proven Methods to Boost Mental Health
Traditional therapy has served many of us well, but our application of alternative therapy approaches allows us to provide individualized care for even the most challenging mental health issues. We incorporate non-traditional, alternative therapy in addition to talk therapy, therefore, clients can try out alternatives without compromising the benefits of traditional therapy. Therapy that is considered “alternative wellness” today may be mainstream tomorrow, especially as evidence supporting its efficacy grows and claims it’s space in the mental health field.
New Jersey's Home for
Progressive, Alternative Therapy
Ketamine Assisted Therapy
We understand that for many clients, receiving ketamine assisted therapy comes after other treatment interventions have failed. KAP has been shown to reduce the symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, chronic pain and more.
Read more about alternative wellness, online & in-home ketamine assisted psychotherapy, safety, research and alternatives. As always, reach out to us directly with any questions!
Virtual Reality Therapy
Compared to traditional Exposure Therapy, Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) uses virtual reality technology to create simulated environments for patients to engage in therapeutic exercises. As a result, VRT helps patients overcome phobias, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions by exposing them to their fears in a controlled, safe environment. See if this alternative wellness approach in New Jersey is right for you!
Expressive Art Therapy
Our online therapists incorporate art & creativity into the therapeutic process In addition to talk therapy. This alternative therapy allows for non-verbal communication, creativity and ease in therapy. Sometimes it’s hard to find the words to express how we are feeling. Art can be a helpful support tool in therapy to help with communication, expression, mindfulness & grounding.
Learn more to see if this alternative therapy approach is right for you!
Alternative Wellness Options in New Jersey
What Is Ketamine Assisted Therapy Used for?
- PTSD & Trauma
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Depression
- Chronic Pain
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Chronic Pain
- Panic Disorder
- Substance Misuse & Addiction
WHY is KAP Considered An Alternative Wellness Approach?
In addition to understanding Ketamine Treatment, there may be benefit in understanding why Ketamine is considered an “alternative wellness” therapy. Remember, what is considered “alternative” today might become mainstream tomorrow, especially as evidence supporting its efficacy grows. Furthermore, Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is considered an alternative therapy for several reasons outline ahead.
Historical Use
Ketamine was originally approved as an anesthetic for surgeries and has been used in medical settings for this purpose since the 1960s. Its use in psychotherapy is a relatively recent development, diverging from its traditional medical role.
Regulatory Status
While the FDA has approved a nasal spray form of ketamine (esketamine) for treatment-resistant depression, the broader use of ketamine in psychotherapy remains off-label in many jurisdictions.
Stigma & Misunderstandings
In addition to misunderstanding of it effects, Ketamine’s association with recreational and illicit use can make some view its therapeutic use skeptically.
Psychedelic Experience
In sub-anesthetic doses, ketamine can induce a psychedelic experience. This altered state of consciousness can facilitate deeper introspection and a different perspective on one’s problems, which can be therapeutically beneficial when combined with psychotherapy.
Rapid yet gentle Onset of Action
Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine can provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms, sometimes within hours.
Holistic Approach
Not only are the benefits of KAP seen in it’s pharmacological effects, but also it’s impact on the therapy process. Specifically, this alternative wellness approach combines the drug’s effects with psychotherapy to address the patient’s psychological and emotional needs holistically. This combination approach is what differentiates KAP from simply administering ketamine.
Why is Expressive Art Therapy Considered an Alternative Therapy?
Our therapists incorporate art & creativity into the therapeutic process In addition to talk therapy. This alternative therapy is based on the belief that the creative process can be used as a tool for self-expression and personal growth. To support this alternative wellness approach, clients are encouraged to explore their emotions, thoughts, & experiences through a variety of creative mediums. These mediums include drawing, painting, sculpting, and writing. Sometimes it’s hard to find the words to express how we are feeling. Art can be a helpful support tool in therapy to help with communication, expression, mindfulness & grounding.
Who can benefit from Our Alternative wellness therapy in NJ?
To start, creative therapy has been widely used to facilitate communication, regardless of age and skill level. Furthermore, all skill levels and abilities can use creative therapy supports. Therefore, with an open mind, creativity may open up new, helpful tools. In addition to communication supports, using art and creativity can be an effective treatment for those experiencing developmental, medical, educational, social or psychological differences. Finally, listed below are some of benefits of creative online therapy:
- Strengthened Distress Tolerance
- Higher Engagement in therapy
- Increased Sense of Confidence
- Increased Self-Awareness
- Reduced Anxiety & Stress
- Better Communication Skills
How art is used in Online Therapy
Too often, clients may feel pressured to find “the right thing to say”. That’s why we incorporate this alternative wellness approach into our online therapy services. In fact, to make it even easier, we mail our clients an Art Box. Customized based on each client’s needs, ArtBoxes are provided at no additional cost to our clients, and are sent directly to your home.
Some of the items that we like to start out with, For example, many clients start with items such as drawing pads, drawing pencils, paint and paint brushes, clay and watercolors. Our experienced therapists will walk you through the process of becoming familiar with the tools and how to use the supplies to best support the therapeutic process.
Why is Virtual Reality Therapy Considered an Alternative Therapy?
Compared to traditional Exposure Therapy, Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) uses virtual reality technology to create simulated environments for patients to engage in therapeutic exercises. As a result, this alternative wellness approach helps patients overcome phobias, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions by exposing them to their fears in a controlled, safe environment.
How does VRT work
through online Therapy?
We have made every effort to make VR accessible to our clients. Specifically, we provide each client with a VR headset at no additional cost to them. Additionally, clients also receive a quick-start guide to make the use of VR easy and stress-free. Then, our experienced therapists will walk you through the process of becoming familiar with the headset and app so that you can begin using it immediately.
VRT is an effective
alternative wellness approach for:
- ADHD
- PTSD
- Chronic Pain
- Eating Disorders
- OCD
- Phobias
- Depression
- Anxiety & Panic
Additional Alterntaive Wellness Options:
Mindfulness practices
Another alternative wellness approach we’ve seen to be helpful is the use of mindfulness practice for stress reduction. This is the act of intentionally focusing on and gaining awareness of your senses and present state, absent from judgment or interpretation. Moreover, it can be practiced formally, such as during meditation or guided imager, or it can be practiced during daily activities such as washing dishes or folding laundry.
WHY TRY mindfulness as
AN ALTERNATIVE wellness option
Overall, the goal of mindfulness is to allow our minds to be still and to limit our default brain-behavior of overthinking, overanalyzing and stressing out. Because mindfulness can be easily applied in between sessions, therapists and clients use this approach to support therapeutic progress.Furthermore, this will strengthens stress tolerance, sense of clarity, and ability to regulate emotions.
On the positive side, mindfulness can be simple, easy-to-do practice including:
- Mindful Breathing
- Body Scan
- Self-Compassion Statements
- 5 Senses
- Gratitude Reflection
Rebecca Sidoti, LCSW
OCD & Anxiety
Ketamine Therapist
VR Therapist
Caroline Goodhines
Learn more →
Molly Weaver
Learn more →
Denise Spivey
Learn more →
FAQ About Alternative Wellness & Alternative Therapy at Mind by Design Counseling
Where are you located? I need a therapist near me
We are fully online, which means that your therapy sessions will be help via video call on our HIPAA compliant Platform. Anyone in New Jersey can access our therapy services
How do I get started as a new client?
New Clients can reach out to us directly via call, text or email here:
Does my insurance cover my visits?
We provide”Courtesy Billing” for clients who are using the Out-of-network insurance benefits.
Our Insurance Page shares a small blurb about Why We Left Insurance Panels
What are out-of-network benefits?
When using OON benefits, patients typically pay the full cost of the treatment upfront and then file a claim with their insurance company for reimbursement. The amount of reimbursement can vary depending on the plan, but it can sometimes be as high as 90%. Call your insurance to see if you have OON benefits or click here to call us and we can check for you!
Is Online Therapy As Effective As In-Person Therapy?
Online therapy is essentially face-to-face counseling, just conducted remotely. Studies show that tele-therapy is as effective as traditional counseling. Professional organizations and state governments recognize its benefits and have set regulations for it. However, like any therapy, its success in achieving your goals isn’t guaranteed. It’s important to discuss with your therapist whether tele-therapy is working for you.
How Should I Prepare for My First Session?
Showing up is all that you need to do! But if you really want to get the most out of session, it could help to take some time to think about what you want from therapy. It helps to write down your goals, questions you have or things that you feel are important to share.
Do you offer traditional talk therapy?
of course! though we have some unconventional therapy approaches, we are rooted in evidenced based practices. Talk therapy is a major player in the therapy room! See What we Treat and Integrative Services for more information
Is Virtual Counseling Suitable for Everyone?
Online therapy might not be as effective for individuals with chronic suicidal thoughts, severe trauma, significant mental health history, or those recently in intensive care. Such cases often benefit more from traditional, in-person counseling. We’ll help you decide if our online services are right for you during your intake and evaluation.
Can I Change Therapists If I'm Not Happy?
Yes, you can switch therapists to another provider within the practice, or we can provide you a referral if preferred. We want to ensure that your time and effort are well spent, and that you are getting the relief you need, that’s why we work collaboratively with each other in the practice, as well as outside therapists who we know and trust.
How Do I Know If Therapy Is Helping?
You should feel like you’re making progress. Signs it’s working include:
- Feeling comfortable talking to your therapist
- Your therapist respects boundaries
- You’re moving towards your goals
- You feel listened to
You’re doing better in life - Your self-esteem is getting better
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that clients provide at least 24 hours notice in the event that they need to cancel to avoid the 50% cancellation fee. we understand that life happens and do our best to be flexible & reschedule.
What Geographic Areas Are Served?
Currently, we serve clients in New Jersey and are expanding to other states as telehealth laws evolve. While telehealth offers the convenience of attending sessions from anywhere, state laws require clients to be in-state during their session.
Is Online Therapy Easy to Use for Non-Tech-Savvy People?
Yes, it’s pretty simple to access sessions. You’ll need basic internet skills, such as opening and visiting the patient link sent to you via email. It’s similar to video chatting like Facetime or Zoom. We can also walk you through it on the phone the first time to ensure a strong connection
What Questions Should I Ask My New Therapist?
Feel free to ask anything. Some good questions are:
- How often will we meet?
- What do you specialize in?
- What experience do you have with my issue?
- What outcomes can I expect?
- How will I know I’m progressing?
- How long do you usually work with clients?
- How will we set my treatment goals?
What is the difference between associate therapists & fully licensed therapists?
Our Qualifications:
Our founder, Rebecca Sidoti, is a highly qualified, state-licensed therapist and supervisor with extensive training in anxiety related disorders and innovative treatment such as Ketamine Therapy. Mind by Design Counseling adheres to standards set by the our governing counseling boards.
To see each providers credentials, training and licenses, visit our “Meet the Therapists” Page to learn more.
- LAC/LSW are therapists who may practice clinical work under the supervision of a fully licensed therapist.
- LPC/LCSW are therapists who have completed the necessary clinical hours post-graduation under supervision and can practice clinical work independently.
