Wondering what health psychology is and how it might help you? According to the American Psychological Association, Health Psychologists are “experts in the intersection of health and behavior,” who examine “how biological, social and psychological factors influence the choices we make about our health.” (Source) The following are the top 3 reasons you might consider […]
Wondering what health psychology is and how it might help you? According to the American Psychological Association, Health Psychologists are “experts in the intersection of health and behavior,” who examine “how biological, social and psychological factors influence the choices we make about our health.” (Source)
The following are the top 3 reasons you might consider working with a clinical health psychologist to optimize your health and well being.
Health psychologists specialize in helping people recover from an illness or injury, such as cancer, sports injury or a surgical procedure. From coaching patients on ways to follow through on treatment recommendations, or using mind-body techniques such as guided imagery to visualize desired health outcomes and boost immune system responses in the field of psychoneuroimmunology, health psychologists can be found in multiple roles throughout the recovery process.
Likewise, health psychologists help patients who are struggling with chronic or acute health conditions or diseases such as chronic pain, brain injury symptoms, or cancer treatment, cope with their symptoms and the effects of their health on their sense of self and relationship to others. This may happen through supportive talk therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), instruction in stress-management techniques, or support groups to help patients process their thoughts and emotions about their illness and make healthy choices for themselves going forward.
Finally, health psychologists can help people prevent illness and achieve and maintain optimal health. This may involve using evidence-based techniques such as CBT and Motivational Interviewing to change unhealthy behaviors and support healthier habits, such as helping someone with smoking cessation and increasing physical activity, or teaching relaxation techniques to prevent stress-based illnesses.
Wellness is multi-factorial and a health psychologist can help you in many ways to maintain the health you do have, identify healthy goals to increase wellbeing, and to cope with any changes that occur along the way. Consider investing your time in yourself and your health by scheduling a consultation to see how Integrative Psychology and Behavioral Medicine can help you with your goals of optimal health and wellbeing.
“Dr. Sarah Gray is a Harvard Medical School-affiliated clinical psychologist who has a Boston-area private practice: Integrative Psychology and Behavioral Medicine. For more information please visit www.drsarahgray.com.
Interested in contacting Dr. Gray and her team to learn more? Contact Us.
A recent article by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) (www.nccih.nih.gov) details the current research around relaxation techniques, which are used for a variety of physical, mental and emotional symptoms, including stress management, anxiety, and chronic pain conditions. Types of Relaxation Techniques With stress-based complaints making up an estimated 75-90% of all […]
A recent article by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) (www.nccih.nih.gov) details the current research around relaxation techniques, which are used for a variety of physical, mental and emotional symptoms, including stress management, anxiety, and chronic pain conditions.
With stress-based complaints making up an estimated 75-90% of all primary care visits, learning to manage stress and promote relaxation strategies is an issue of utmost importance in any conversation about health and wellness. Health Psychologists who practice Behavioral Medicine seek to evoke the relaxation response and reduce stress-based symptoms by teaching a number of relaxation techniques including:
More research needs to be done, but the current research has found promising results that suggest relaxation practices can play a role in benefitting the following conditions:
Relaxation is generally thought to be safe for most people, but some people struggle with finding the time to practice new techniques, or are looking for expert guidance and coaching on learning the most useful technique for their lifestyle and symptoms. Meeting with a practitioner who specializes in relaxation training may be a helpful addition to your wellness program. Contact us to see if we can help with your goals for more relaxation and better health.
“Dr. Sarah Gray is a Harvard Medical School-affiliated clinical psychologist who has a Boston-area private practice: Integrative Psychology and Behavioral Medicine. For more information please visit www.drsarahgray.com
Interested in contacting Dr. Gray and her team to learn more? Contact Us.
