Can therapy work and energy/healing/metaphysical healing ever co-exist? You might be surprised…
Lincoln Park Therapy Group Founder Nicolle Osequeda is featured in this New York Times article highlighting an interesting new phenomenon occurring in the therapy room. Now Therapists Have to Figure Out Astrology, Tarot and Psychedelics explores the unique dynamic of incorporating alternative treatments and metaphysical paradigms in the more traditional therapeutic setting.
In this article, therapists from across the US discuss their personal beliefs about this phenomenon and whether or not they feel it has value to the therapeutic process. Nicolle shares her perspective on this topic, stating that some of her clients have sought guidance from mediums, intuitive healers, and reiki practitioners. According to Nicolle, she doesn’t “find them to be competing things” and “support any safe methods that her clients find helpful.”
Most practitioners quoted in the article agree with Nicolle that these non-traditional practices can be helpful in a client’s healing process. However, the article also shares some cautionary tales, and mentions a few important things, including:
- some alternative interventions have more scientific support than others – the article specifically compares meditation (which has a lot of scientific backing) to crystals (which has significantly less).
- alternative healing can’t always be a substitute for therapy
- some alternative healing treatments can actually be triggering
Despite these warnings, the consensus of therapy professionals seems to be that… yes, of course therapy and alternative treatments can co-exist together. At Lincoln Park Therapy Group, we agree and want clients to know that if any kind of alternative/energy/metaphysical healing is important to you, then it’s important to us when we’re working with you. You should always feel comfortable bringing these alternative principles into the room when you’re working with us.
To read the full article, Now Therapists Have to Figure Out Astrology, Tarot and Psychedelics, click here.
Nicolle Osequeda, LMFT, is the founder of Lincoln Park Therapy Group, specializing in anxiety, depression, and relationship counseling in Chicago. As a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, she incorporates Dr. Brené Brown’s research into her therapy. Nicolle holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco and is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Illinois and California. She is a Clinical Fellow of AAMFT, a member of IAMFT, and the Financial Therapy Association. Nicolle has Gottman Method training and has taught at DePaul University, dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve meaningful change. 
