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Practice
Description:
We function together as a team
to address both the bodies and the minds of the people we work with
in a way that effectively supports them to rise above the specter of
depression into a life characterized by physical and emotional
vitality and strength. We have good news: Depression is treatable
and can be overcome! When caught in depression’s grip it is often
hard to believe things can be different, however we have seen over
and over in the work we do that those who get help from capable
professionals do move into this life of vitality and strength.
We have extensive training and
experience in our fields. Perhaps more importantly though, we have
been there ourselves. Years ago, Andy suffered from frequent bouts
of depression, was unable to work or succeed in college and was at
times suicidal. Now Andy has a Master’s degree and has recently
completed 10 years as a respected leader and counselor at a crisis
intervention center. Sandy was also deeply depressed when she was
younger, spending many years in a state of hopeless and weighing
well above 250 pounds. Twelve years ago, with the help of therapy
and exercise, she lost 100 pounds and found personal strength and
mental wellness. She excelled in the sport of competitive
bodybuilding winning several regional competitions. She now is a
respected and committed life coach and personal trainer, believing
in the use of exercise and therapy together. We have a zest for
living and are excited to meet each new day. Our previous times of
depression and hopelessness seem to belong to a past life that is
very distant. We want this for you too, and we know from our own
personal history and professional experience, you can have it!
Unfortunately, the public at
large is often confused about what is the best way to deal with
depression. The pharmaceutical industry spends huge sums of money
trying to convince people that the best treatment for depression
is with medication. It is certainly true that anti-depressant
medications can be helpful at times. However, the research clearly
has shown that pills are NOT more effective than psychotherapy or
exercise. Pharmaceuticals do not address underlying existential life
questions, have various side effects and, as it turns out, are more
expensive than therapy in the long run. Therefore, medications are
usually, at best, a short term fix. (The best information on the
research about anti-depressants and other drugs can be found at
http://www.talkingcure.com/archives.asp).
The research does show that
people who go to a psychotherapist for depression do far better than
those who don’t. It also shows that exercise is tremendously
effective at relieving the symptoms of depression—along with all the
other health benefits that come with exercise.
We combine Sandy’s expertise in
fitness training and enthusiastic support for her clients with
Andy’s ability to walk compassionately with clients in confronting
and gaining power over the existential issues that they face.
Through the collaborative journey our clients take with us, they are
able to make the transformation to a new sense of wellness and
possibility for their lives. |
