
As our stress increases in our environment and our daily lives, so do mental health related symptoms such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress syndrome. These diagnoses lead patients to seek outside support through psychotherapy, counseling or alternative modalities. From my experience as a massage therapist, my clients come to me for physical and stress relief rehabilitation for their body. Many times the massage session is sufficient, but other times during the session the client begins to release deeper emotions, memories, patterns and thoughts which creates the need for greater support. When additional support is needed, the integration of mental health and alternative healing arts modalities should be considered.