Our Philosophy: Psychological issues and bodily disease are witnessed as opportunities for psycho-spiritual growth and finding the source of healing.

What can you expect? Healing versus curing: With more severe conditions it is important to be aware of the difference between cure, the absence of symptoms, and healing, cultivating an attitude of working on and with your physical/psychological issue as a teacher. We will emphasize a healing awareness attitude of “illness as a teacher” along your path as one of learning.

In the process you may learn to open your heart to your “dis-ease.” After a session or during a session there may be times that you do not “feel better.” It is important for you to listen to your body and ask yourself, or me, the meaning of this. Sometimes a session brings up material for you that needs to be processed on the level of mind or body. During this process, you may not “feel good” as you are transmuting an old pattern. Learn to read your body as to the meanings that are held there or ask me to help facilitate your process about this. At times you may need another health practitioner such as a chiropractor, medical doctor, acupuncturist, massage therapist, osteopath, etc. Please feel free to get the assistance you need, and always discuss this with me. I will help you navigate the process and collaborate with your practitioners as necessary.

Your responsibility: Self-healing requires your active involvment and practice of the methods you learn in our coaching sessions. Your job is to tell me if anything in these methods feels uncomfortable to you. This open, honest communication is important to respect your body’s limits. The basic idea in healing is not to create excess stress or pain. If any practice you choose requires a slow pace for processing, please let us know and we will make adjustments along the way.

Knowledge is Power

Integrative Modalities:

 Integrative Therapy

As well described by Psychology Today, Integrative therapy is a progressive form of psychotherapy that combines different therapeutic tools and approaches to fit the needs of the individual client. With an understanding of normal human development, an integrative therapist modifies standard treatments to fill in development gaps that affect each client in different ways. By combining elements drawn from different schools of psychological theory and research, integrative therapy becomes a more flexible and inclusive approach to treatment than more traditional, singular forms of psychotherapy.

Integrative psychotherapy techniques can be incorporated into almost any type of therapeutic work with children, adolescents, and adults, in individual practice or group settings. An integrative approach can be used to treat any number of psychological problems and disorders, including depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. The therapist matches evidence-based treatments to each client and each disorder.

Kinesiology

 Kinesiology was originally developed by an American chiropractor called George Goodheart.  He found that by testing muscle response before and after he made chiropractic corrections he achieved better results for his patients. Over time he was able to make a connection between various muscles and acupuncture meridians. By testing these muscles the kinesiologist can get a picture of what is happening in your meridian system and how this may be affecting you. Kinesiology can be seen as a blend of the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and western techniques which enable a kinesiologist to treat you as an individual. Kinesiology uses a range of gentle yet extremely powerful techniques and allows the kinesiologist to draw on other healing techniques and modalities and integrate them into the session where appropriate and indicated by the muscle response. We offer two modalities in this category: PSYCH-K and QRA.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a skilled communication aimed at directing a person’s imagination in a way that helps elicit changes in some perceptions, sensations, feelings, thoughts and behaviors. In a typical hypnotherapy session the hypnotherapist and client will discuss the intended goals desired. The hypnotherapist will ask questions about previous medical history, general health and lifestyle to decide on the best approach for the individual. Hypnotherapy may be found to be helpful for those seeking relief from a range of problems and is used alongside a person’s own willpower and motivation to seek a desired goal. It is often used to help relieve anxiety, aid sleeping, help to address bedwetting, address attitudes to weight, and help clients achieve behavioural change to stop smoking. It may also help with minor skin conditions that are exacerbated by stress and confidence issues, and may also be used to enhance performance in areas such as sport and public speaking. Hypnotherapy may help people to cope with and manage the relief of perceived pain. Hypnotherapy has also been used with both adults and children to help manage the pain associated with irritable bowel. There is evidence to support its use in this condition for both adults and children and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Guidance (NICE) recommends the NHS should consider referring patients for hypnotherapy if their irritable bowel is persistent and has failed to respond to simple prescribed medicine. We are happy to schedule an appointment for you within our practice.

Nutritional Therapy

 Nutritional therapy is the application of nutrition science in the promotion of health, peak performance and individual care. Nutritional therapy practitioners use a wide range of tools to assess and identify potential nutritional imbalances and understand how these may contribute to an individual’s symptoms and health concerns. This approach allows them to work with individuals to address nutritional balance and help support the body towards maintaining health. We have access to a full line of nutraceuticals and wellness products. We offer Fullscript at this time, which allows clients access to recommended products for purchase. Ask Melissa to learn more.

 Reiki

 Reiki (ray-key) is Japanese for ‘universal life energy’, a term used to describe a natural system to help bring about an improved sense of wellbeing and a positive feeling of spiritual renewal. This tradition was founded by Dr Mikao Usui in the early 20th century and evolved as a result of his research, experience and dedication. It is a tradition that is open to any belief system and benefits may include deep relaxation and the promotion of a calm peaceful sense of wellbeing. The method of receiving a Reiki treatment from a practitioner is simple. The recipient remains clothed and comfortably lies on a couch or sits on a chair. The practitioner gently places their hands non-intrusively, on or near the body using their intuition and training as a guide. There is no massage or manipulation. Reiki can be used on the person as a whole, or on specific parts of the body. It is also possible to receive Reiki at a distance. Reiki is taught by Reiki Master/Teachers, who have trained in the tradition passed on, in person, from Master to student. Students go through a process of initiation/attunement to the Reiki energy. They are then able to treat themselves and others, not only from a personal and emotional perspective, but also as an aid to individual development and spiritual growth. Melissa Heustess, is a certified Reiki Master and Teacher. Sessions and classes are available upon request. 804-263-1063

 Yoga Therapy

 Yoga therapy may be a useful route for those who wish to develop their natural wellbeing. It is taught by yoga teachers with additional training and experience in the therapeutic adaptation and application of yoga. People may be taught one-to-one or in a therapy group setting. Yoga therapy may help with many issues and can be appropriate for a wide range of ages and lifestyles as well as those looking for a healthier way of life. Through practising a yoga therapy programme the participant may, for example, become more aware of posture and breathing. They may also find regular practice can help to promote relaxation, aid sleep and relieve tension; it may help to contribute to an increased sense of wellbeing and a positive mood. In a typical first yoga therapy session a medical history will be taken by the yoga therapist. The body, posture, simple movements and the breath may be observed and issues and concerns discussed. Working with yoga therapeutically is about the whole person. The yoga therapist will then assess how yoga therapy may help before planning and teaching a practice tailored to the needs of that individual. Practices may include one or more of a range of techniques such as posture work, breathing, relaxation, working with sound, reflection, and/or meditation. We will provide you a list of registered yoga therapists in the area and assist with referrals as needed.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a philosophy and holistic healthcare system that recognises the healing power of nature present in all living things. As an holistic system it aims to promote and restore health by employing various natural treatment approaches that may include: naturopathic nutrition, lifestyle advice, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, naturopathic psychosocial support and other appropriate techniques. Naturopathic practitioners interpret presenting symptoms as the individual’s unique response to physical, emotional, environmental or genetic stress factors which can be identified by asking about your family history. The practitioner’s role is to identify these underlying causes and to promote the inherent self-healing power within the individual. Naturopathy is also a way of life and the naturopath will help empower individuals through education about lifestyle, diet and exercise. We have NDs that we collaborate with and refer to as needed. We are happy to assist with a referral.

 Herbal Medicine (Western)

Western Herbal Medicine is characterised by a person-centred approach, where the patient rather than the disease is the focus of the practitioner. The background to the patient's condition is assessed through a thorough case history, taking account of family history, personal health history and lifestyle choices, and therapy is directed at the causes, not just the presenting symptoms. The practitioner uses the information obtained during the taking of the case history to make an assessment of the vitality and constitution of the patient. The choice of herbs is based on this assessment. Herbal treatment is commonly backed up by appropriate advice on lifestyle, particularly nutrition, and the practitioner works at all times to create an ambience of trust and positivism in the therapeutic relationship. We offer Nutraceuticals, providing the highest quality ingredients. We offer non-gmo and organic supplements, herbs, and oils.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils to help deal with everyday stresses and emotional well-being. Essential oils, extracted from plants, are thought to possess distinctive properties, which may be used to improve overall emotional and spiritual health imbuing the user with a sense of relaxation and calmness. In a typical aromatherapy session, the aromatherapist will ask questions about previous medical history, general health, wellbeing and lifestyle. This helps the practitioner to choose and blend the safest and most appropriate essential oils for the individual. The oils may be applied in combination with massage or the aromatherapist may suggest other methods. Aromatherapy may be found to be helpful to those wanting to reduce everyday stress and so help with the ability to cope, relax and sleep. As well as being used in individual therapy sessions and at home, it is also used in a variety of settings, including hospitals and hospices. We will assist with determining oils for use and provide access to organic oils, if desired. We offer diffusers and top quality (non-gmo/organic) essential oils for sale.  

Homeopathy

 Homeopathy is a system of medicine which involves treating the individual with highly diluted substances, given mainly in tablet form, with the aim of triggering the body’s natural system of healing. It is based on the principle that you can treat ‘like with like’, that is, a substance which causes symptoms when taken in large doses, can be used in small amounts to treat similar symptoms. Homeopathic medicines are prepared at specialist pharmacies or manufactured using a process combining serial dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking). Science is starting to understand the mechanism of action of ultra-high dilutions in the body, and homeopathic medicines are gentle, safe to use and in widespread use across the world.

Ayurvedic Medicine

 Ayurveda is a comprehensive system of holistic health care that originated in India several thousand years ago, which is as much concerned with treating disease as it is with preventing ill-health and enhancing the quality of life. Ayurveda places particular emphasis on the individual constitution (prakriti) of every being, which is determined by the unique combination of doshas, genetic factors as well as the health, nutrition and lifestyle of your parents. Prakriti determines an individual’s susceptibility to different diseases and has an influence on their course and development as well as on the complications that could arise and the prognosis. Treatment is always tailor-made to the individual and can include simple diet and lifestyle advice, food supplements or medicines, physical treatments like full-body massage or local applications, psychological and emotional consulting, meditation, yoga or other forms of subtle therapies. We will assist you with a referral as requested or indicated.  

Chiropractic

 Chiropractic specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves, especially related to the spine. Chiropractic treatment mainly involves safe, specific spinal manipulation to free joints in the spine or other areas of the body that are not moving properly. In addition to manipulation, chiropractors may use a variety of techniques including ice, heat, ultrasound and exercise, as well as advice about posture and lifestyle. Chiropractors are concerned with the framework of bones and muscles that support the body (the musculoskeletal system) and the problems associated with it caused by accident, stress, lack of exercise, poor posture, illness and every day wear and tear. There are many chiropractic approaches and techniques used around the world. We will assist you with a referral as requested.

Clarity about potential dual relationships: I have been a practicing social work for many years (>20). However, my HIGHERMIND Coaching is separate from my psychotherapy practice. Though I may use some of my knowledge and background from being a therapist, the self- healing work that we will do should be viewed a separate from psychotherapy. For example, while we are doing energy healing work, insurance cannot be billed under psychotherapy.

If a desire or need to engage in psychotherapy arises, I will refer you to another therapist. If, in a rare circumstance, you desire to change the nature of our relationship to psychotherapy, I will recommend that you discuss this choice with another psychotherapist in our practice or outside therapist of your choice.

If you then choose to do psychotherapy with me, we will negotiate a separate agreement to address dual relationships and/or conflicts of interest.

Sometimes clients receiving complimentary forms of treatment may forego diagnosis or treatment by a medical doctor or other health providers. Many view this as a benefit, but our recommendation is that you always communicate with your medical and behavioral health providers while working with us. When you work with us, you are agreeing to be responsible for your own health care and to make choices about the type of health care you need, and to seek those additional services anytime you see fit. Though you can self-refer, we are here to assist you with referrals when needed. And we are always willing to discuss your thoughts and feelings around this topic and encourage you to remain optimistic and openminded- that’s what we call a growth mindset! From the heart- HIGHERMIND

Self-Disclosure Test

(General Communication)

PROVIDED BY: PSYCHOLOGY TODAY

15 minutes

Are you the type of person who is comfortable confiding in people, or do you keep tight-lipped? Although being able to open up to others is essential to developing a deeper connection, if we bare our soul at the drop of a hat we can put ourselves in a vulnerable position. Self-disclosure and communication skills overall are important components of any healthy relationship. Find out whether your tendency (or inability) to reveal personal information is helping or hindering these relationships with this self disclosure test.

Read each scenario carefully and indicate which option best applies to you. There may be some questions describing situations that you perhaps feel are not relevant. In such cases, select the answer you would most likely choose if you ever found yourself in similar circumstances. In order to receive the most accurate results, please answer as truthfully as possible.

After finishing this test you will receive a FREE snapshot report with a summary evaluation and graph. You will then have the option to purchase the full results for $6.95

Take the test

This test is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or for the treatment of any health condition. If you would like to seek the advice of a licensed mental health professional you can search Psychology Today's directory here, where Melissa’s and Olivia’s profiles are located for further clinician discovery.