Dr. Blake Rawdin is an integrative psychiatrist who draws from a wide array of modalities, including psychotherapy, psychopharmacology and complementary medicine. In this article, Dr. Rawdin discusses his methods for providing patients with an integrative treatment plan.
I treat adults and older teens with a wide array of emotional and psychological concerns, such as depression, anxiety, concentration problems, sexual difficulties, emotional dysregulation, and bipolar disorder.
I also help individuals struggling with relationship or work issues, low self-esteem, sexual identity issues, anger/irritability, sleep troubles, and questions of meaning and purpose.
After an initial comprehensive medical evaluation that explores possible biological, lifestyle, psychological and environmental contributions to symptoms, I work with clients to develop an integrated treatment plan that can draw from any or all of my specialties in psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and complementary medicine.
Psychiatry and the Mind Body Connection
Medical research continues to unravel the innumerable ways that psyche (mind) and soma (body) are connected neurologically, hormonally, immunologically, and otherwise. In this light, it is not surprising that individuals with greater psychological stress have higher rates of certain chronic medical illnesses, and vice-versa.
Often I am able to help patients explore and become more aware of the ways in which their minds and bodies relate to one another, thereby improving all aspects of their health.
The psychological concerns that people present are not determined by biology or environment alone. A comprehensive treatment frequently benefits from an exploration of the individual’s emotional life and concerns through psychotherapy, an important aspect of which is the cultivation of a close doctor-patient relationship.
Psychotherapy can help individuals overcome deep-rooted habits of mind and behavioral patterns that contribute to suffering and “dis-ease.” Though this process can take time, the results are often more transformative and longer-lasting than from medications or short-term interventions alone.
Along with an improvement in symptoms, a person who invests in therapy may come to experience a greater sense of freedom, choice, meaning, purpose, and self-awareness.
Creating a safe, reliable and nurturing environment for healing
My approach to psychotherapy is open and eclectic, influenced by psychodynamic, attachment, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral models. I aim to create a safe, reliable, nurturing environment through which healing occurs.
Based upon your needs, we may discuss the use of psychiatric medications and/or natural supplements to target particular symptoms, especially when these difficulties are so severe as to interfere with daily functioning or the productive use of psychotherapy.
I stay up to date with the latest treatments in Western and complementary medicine and take a careful approach. In addition to pharmacologic treatment and/or psychotherapy, we will consider and discuss matters of lifestyle, such as stress management, mindfulness, and nutrition, and may also collaborate with trusted practitioners in complementary disciplines (for example acupuncturists, nutritionists, naturopaths, etc.).
I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.
