Something often goes missing in the mental health space...

You may not know a whole lot about your therapist, but as a therapist myself I can say this about them: when your therapist was getting their masters degree they were in class discussing a model of assessment called “biopsychosocial” bio-psycho-social (BPS)...

yeah! it’s exactly what you think: biological, psychological, and social assessment of the clients they’re working with(you!).

Biological examines family history, nutrition, current medical conditions, and medication. Psychological examines current mental health issues & diagnosis, history of hospitalizations or suicide attempts, etc. Lastly, social examines current relationships with family, coworkers, friends, communities, and support systems.

The purpose of examining someones BPS is to map out the “full picture” of their current life so that they can really get a sense of where you're at and where you may need a little TLC (tender love & care). It is taught to professionals that assessing these 3 aspects helps us see the “the whole person.” And, to be fair, if you compare this model to most of what you see in the medical system, it seems progressive! Because in the traditional western-medical-model we are often solely looking at just the physical body.

The biopsychosocial assessment, utilized by almost all mental health professionals, is in need of an update.

What we should all be examining is BPSS: bio-psycho-social-spiritual. When we add that extra “s” (spiritual), only THEN we are really looking at the entire person.

When we look at a person’s relationship with nature, themselves, ego, death, & higher powers... THEN we are diving deep; that’s where the healing takes place.

The aspects of a persons spirituality often go ignored for WAY too long. Our spirituality reminds us of our sense of purpose; rekindling our relationship with all that is divine. It is what holds us.

For better or for worse, religion and spirituality has shaped people, cultures, and societies for thousands of years …so why are we suddenly ignoring it when we are helping people heal themselves?

It’s like serving a sandwich with no bread, what is holding it all together?

The mental health profession as a whole is moving towards wholeness; more practitioners are beginning to see the importance of that final “S” in the BPSS model. If you are are the search for a (new) therapist, I invite you to ask questions about this during your consultation with them! Let it be known that you want all of yourself included in the treatment; including your Spiritual Self.

#mentalhealth #mentalwellness #shamanicpsychotherapy #therapy #nyctherapy #empathhealing