Where East Meets West in Mental Health Treatment

Until the late 20th century, Western approaches to mental health treatment centered primarily on the use of psychiatric drugs or talk therapy. Yet in recent years, this has started to shift. We are now seeing a wider range of modalities and treatments, many being pulled from Eastern philosophy. While contemporary to mental health treatment in the West, Eastern philosophical schools of thought, such as Taoism, have existed for thousands of years. Eastern philosophy centers on holism (restoring balance of the body, mind and spirit), self-regulation, and mindfulness. At Zen Institute, we integrate traditions from both East and West for an effective and balanced approach to mental health treatment.
  
Eastern Based Healing at Zen Institute

Holism
A holistic approach to mental health and wellness is simply a form of healing that considers the whole person. Through addressing all parts of a person (physical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual) and the interconnectedness of those parts in the treatment process, proper balance can be restored in one’s life.
 
Mindfulness
The practice of mindfulness is rooted in Eastern tradition and Buddhist psychology. Mindfulness practices are akin to mental training and teach us to focus on the here and now, rather than lamenting the past or worrying about the future. Through mindfulness, we grow better at differentiating between what is in our control versus out of our control.
 
Meditation
Meditation is a practice intended to encourage a heightened state of awareness and focused attention. Over time, meditation can help quiet the mind, better manage symptoms of depression or anxiety, increase self-awareness, and improve immunity.
 
Western Psychotherapy at Zen Institute
 
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, was originally created for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) but has since been applied to the treatment of a wide range of mental health struggles. The main goals of DBT are to develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others.
 
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Sensorimotor psychotherapy (SP) is a body-centered approach used to treat trauma and PTSD. Using both sensorimotor and cognitive processing, SP targets the somatic (bodily) symptoms of unresolved trauma, which in turn, leads to emotional healing and growth.
 
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy designed to decrease the distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movement, to help process the unresolved memories. Although originally designed for PTSD, it can be used to address other adverse experiences or negative beliefs.
 
With a blend of Eastern and Western treatment options, our team at Zen Institute has created a program that provides our clients the best possible chance of long-term mental health recovery and overall wellbeing.
 
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