Integrative Psychological Services
The Integrative Practice is a holistic psychology service in Wellington founded by clinical psychologist Dr Karen Faisandier. This innovative service integrates psychological, nutritional and lifestyle strategies into a practical recovery framework for long-term well-being.
Did you know that approximately 50-80% of New Zealanders will experience psychological or addiction challenges in their lifetime? And that 3 out of 5 adults experiencing mental health and addiction issues report one or more physical health problems? Many more people live with suboptimal well-being and chronic undiagnosed symptoms - surviving but not thriving.
Chronic stress, anxiety and overwhelm directly affect the physical body and vice versa; your nutrition and lifestyle practices influence how you think, feel, relate and behave. Chronic stress and emotional distress can drive bodily symptoms through the gut-brain-connection, contributing to issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances, and hormonal and immune conditions, as well as adversely affecting your personal and professional relationships.
How did we get here?
There is a multitude of reasons why we now have such high rates of chronic mental health and physical health concerns. Early environment, attachment relationships, and exposure to adverse events and stressors play a foundational role. However, one tipping factor is often the collective chronic stress load via the way we are now living, eating, sleeping, moving and connecting in our modern world. This is known as an evolutionary mismatch - the idea that our lives and environment no longer support the way humans were designed to return to balance, enough of the time.
The great thing about this is that the drivers of your own chronic stress load are often modifiable once you understand what these are. Armed with knowledge about your nervous system, its interaction with your gastrointestinal, hormonal and immune systems, and methods to reset from chronic stress it is possible to get back in the driver’s seat when it comes to your health and psychological well-being. This also allows a sense of hope and empowerment when it comes to changing your health and well-being.
The Integrative Practice provides evidence-based techniques that support your mind and body to re-balance from the effects of chronic stress and to create a healthier, calmer and more connected life.
Our clinic specialises in helping adults who are struggling with psychological and chronic health concerns including:
Anxiety, mood and emotional difficulties
Acute or chronic stress and burnout
Post traumatic stress disorder
Exhaustion, “brain fog” and chronic health symptoms
Gut health, hormonal and digestive issues
Insecure attachment and adult relationship concerns
Dr Karen Faisandier
“My mission is to highlight the relationship between physical and psychological health, to promote holistic wellbeing, and to shape a healtheir, happier world.”
Clinical psychologist, Dr Karen Faisandier is an integrative mental health practitioner and founder of The Integrative Practice; a psychology service she has run in Wellington, New Zealand since 2016.
Dr Karen’s innovative approach integrates psychological, nutritional and lifestyle strategies into a practical recovery framework for adults experiencing overlapping physical and mental health concerns resulting from chronic stress, anxiety and overwhelm.
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