The Integrative Health Coaching Program is a holistic approach that introduces individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, disordered eating or bipolar disorder to the journey of recovery. This course is for those that want support in addition to what their current health care provider is offering. The program is evidence-based yet holistic, addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual as vital parts of an integrative system. 

While I was doing my undergraduate degree at UBC in the late 1980’s, I experienced a debilitating depression and anxiety. I also had an eating disorder and was not coping with the stress I was under. After taking the medication that was initially prescribed to alleviate depression, I swung into a psychotic manic episode and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 1.

I was not able to accept myself and lived with the shame and stigma of mental illness. In 1994, and in the aftermath of surviving a suicide attempt, I read the book “A Return to Love” by Marianne Williamson and began my journey of healing…

It is through my own journey of regaining my mental health over the past 30 years that I can now say that I thrive in my life. This program combines my education as a Naturopathic Doctor, with the additional training I have in five types of counselling, into a solution-based course that will guide you to regaining your mental health.

Initially, you will learn about the role of neurotransmitters, hormones, environmental toxins, diet, sleep, and exercise. This is the foundation to gaining a deeper understanding of the connection between mental and physical health. You will learn to identify the multiple factors that influence your mental state. We will explore substantial research about the connection between exercise, diet and mental health and how to implement positive routines in our lives.

Having established the conditions for mental well-being with sleep, exercise and diet, we dive into the inner work required to improve your mental health. In light of neuroplasticity and drawing from my extensive experience of treating patients with mental health concerns, we will discover how to shift distorted thought patterns. Subsequently, we will focus on how to break the thought-emotion cycle, how to manage stress, and burnout, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. Emotional avoidance through anger, denial, distraction, addiction are discussed in terms of recognition and management. Eventually, participants are invited to learn what it would be like to “live without the storyline”.

In subsequent lectures, I will outline models that address struggles around willpower and motivation, and then explain the impact of environmental stimuli on mental health. Finally, we will discover the power of self-compassion and address core and shadow beliefs. Participants are guided through exercises to connect with one’s inner resources, establishing the foundation for lasting change.

Only if you understand the multiple factors that influence your mental state, can you take responsibility for it and make informed choices that have lasting effects. The program will provide you with important tools to introduce a regular exercise and healthy sleep schedule, which are the very foundation for your mental well-being.

Once you have accomplished a healthier lifestyle, you will learn how to deal with your thoughts and emotions. The first step to shifting unhealthy thought patterns is to become aware of them. Once you are able to identify thoughts, beliefs, and emotions, you will learn to address them from a perspective of wholesome compassion. This perspective and the ability to set healthy boundaries will enable you to decrease the impact of stressors in your life and increase your physical and mental well-being.

After setting the foundation for your mental health with diet, sleep, exercise and the management of thoughts and emotions, you will harness the inner motivation needed to set meaningful goals. The techniques you learn in the program will support you in working towards these goals in a way that nurtures you. The seeds of change grow in the fertile ground we have been ploughing together.

The power of self-compassion that develops during the course will fuel lasting inspiration. You have lifetime access to this information so you have a continual resource to reference. Through exercises and a renewed perspective informed by self-compassion you might continuously be nurtured by this inner resource, while establishing changes that last.

While there are three ways to participate in this program (1.) weekly recorded webinars, 2.) weekly recorded webinars + 2 LIVE calls with Dr. Chris, ND 3.) Weekly LIVE webinar calls with Dr. Chris), the LIVE webinars offer the most support.

The participant numbers are limited in the LIVE group, which allows me to focus on each member without excluding anyone. The benefit of working with a group is that we all help each other to be accountable for following through on a journey to a more wholesome self. Hearing and engaging with others overcoming similar difficulties is integral to the journey of recovery.

If you choose the recorded version of this program, you have the option to purchase additional live calls. These one-on-one calls offer an opportunity for you to receive personalized support with specific challenges you might encounter. Regardless of your preferred option of participation in this webinar, everyone is invited to join our private ‘Moving Beyond Facebook Group’ that accompanies this program.

DISCLAIMER

This Course contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subjects addressed in the Course. It is sold with the understanding that the authors and publisher are not engaged in rendering medical, health, or any other kind of professional services in this Course. The listener should consult his or her medical, health or other competent professional before adopting any of the suggestions in this Course or drawing inferences from it. The authors and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this Course.

Mental illness can be an isolating experience and building a community is an important part of healing. Participants get to know each other through listening during online exchanges, as well as our private Facebook Group. This is critical to the success of the group, as we will be able to support each other more fully.

Lecture units are taught through online webinars during 10 sequential weeks. There is a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 25 participants. The weekly modules vary in length of time. On average, each lesson is  75 minutes – the shortest lesson is 36 minutes and the longest one is 1.5 hours.

To inquire about the start date of the next program, secure your spot, or if you have further questions, please email admin@naturalterrain.com or call the clinic at 587-521-3595 about the start date of the next program. Please complete the Coaching form sent to you upon receipt of payment.

Yes, you can immediately access recorded versions of the webinars. If you would like additional guidance from Dr. Chris ND, you can purchase 2 live 1:1 calls as a follow up to the recorded lectures. Please email admin@naturalterrain.com, call the clinic at 587-521-3595, or register below.

“This course is amazing! I have learned so much and Dr. Chris is such a great teacher”
~ SH, course participant

“I really want to thank you! I now have a freedom that I never thought I would experience. All the tension and negativity I had towards my extended family is all gone. I am free! There are no words for the freedom you have walked me through. Years of therapy to help me with my issues with my extended family and in just 7 weeks, you have given me a freedom I never thought possible. It really is the most amazing feeling on the planet. But it’s not just this situation. I feel more free today than I ever have on a day to day basis. I feel hope that I really can kick mental illness in the ass. I just need to say THANK YOU! With much LOVE”
~ NF, course participant