WHOA Behavioral Health

What is Reiki?

Reiki is an energy transfer healing technique first used in Japan. Its name comes from the Japanese words for universal (Rei) and life energy (ki). During a reiki session, practitioners place their hands above the body to transfer energy to parts of the body that have stagnated.

Reiki is an effective healing technique that helps alleviate physical and emotional pain that you may have bottled up in your body. This ancient healing technique is a great compliment to traditional mental health treatments.

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If you ask yourself “Does yoga really help my mental health?” the short answer is… YES!

Here are just a few ways that a regular yoga practice does more than just keep you limber.

-Lower cortisol levels
The physical movement and deep breathing practiced through yoga can lower your cortisol- the body's natural stress reduction hormone.

-Improved mood
Doing yoga consistently can boost your GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. All of these neurotransmitters help the brain regulate your emotions.

-Sharpened focus
The mindfulness techniques, balance poses, and physical movement used in yoga help train your mind to slow down. This makes processes like critical thinking and decision-making easier.

-Improved sleep
Yoga can help you sleep well at night by releasing tension in your muscles, slow racing thoughts, and regulating your nervous system.

-Muscle growth
Using natural movement and body weight, yoga helps build lean muscle. As you grow in your yoga practice, advanced poses will develop muscle structure and endurance.

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Limited spots are still available for Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga group therapy at the WHOA Wellness Center. Insurance may cover the cost, so call us at (804) 282-1863 to secure your spot in the group!

Sometimes trauma makes you feel things that are uncomfortable and painful long after the experience. Trauma Centered Trauma Sensitive Yoga is a safe way to begin to feel comfortable in your body and experience sensations again. You will never be asked to move in any way that does not feel safe or that feels unmanageable.

This group therapy is more than just yoga it’s a reintroduction to your own body and spirit. You can make a deeper and more meaningful connection to yourself through emotional clarity, which often leads to a greater sense of wellbeing and healthier choices.

TCTSY group therapy is facilitated by a licensed therapist with 20 years of experience and hours of training in trauma care. This is different than an ordinary yoga class. This class will help you identify and processes your trauma in a healthy environment with a licensed, professional therapist.

Spots in this group are limited. Please reach out to the WHOA office at (804) 282-1863 to begin your healing.

WHOA behavioral health offers Equine Assisted Mental Health (EAMH) Therapy!

Equine Assisted Mental Health therapy invites you to express yourself while grooming and interacting with horses. Because horses are prey animals who live in herds, they are naturally in tune with the behaviors of the animals around them- including us! By working with horses who use natural intuition to sense our emotions, clients are able to heal at an energetic level.

Many people find the outdoor environment, a change from the typical psychotherapy environment, an easier arena to discuss how they experience life. Those who struggle with depression and anxiety can often find relief in the connections they make with these graceful animals. Research has confirmed that equine assisted therapy programs can have positive physical effects such as lowering blood pressure, regulating your heart rate, and alleviating stress.

Darla Renshaw, LPC, LMFT, owner of Winds of Change Wellness, provides innovative, inspiring, and integrative psychotherapeutic care through the Human Equine Alliance Relational Transformation (HEART) program.

Join other parents to create a stronger connection with your children through Positive Discipline.

What is Positive Discipline?

This is not gentle parenting. Positive Discipline is an evidence-based program designed to teach young people to become responsible and resourceful members of their communities. Children who feel a sense of connection to their community, are less likely to misbehave. Positive discipline allows your child to assign value to their actions through firm, but kind communication from the parent. Becoming a conscious, respectful, and impactful adult starts at home.

Ready to build better communication with your child?

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Stephanie Wilson is holding an interactive parenting group on a HIPPA compliant telehealth link where families can share experiences and discuss how Positive Discipline has worked in their home. This virtual group will include role play and counseling to teach constructive communication skills.

When: Bi-weekly on Wednesdays from 11:30am to 1:00pm. Starting on October 7th
Where: Secure HIPPA compliant link
How to sign up: Call (804) 282-1863

What goes on in an intensive outpatient program?

Intensive Outpatient Therapy (IOP) is a group therapy led by our licensed clinicians that helps you connect with others and reach individual milestones in your mental health journey. The WHOA team will lead group sessions, provide individual therapy, and facilitate medication management as part of our IOP programs.

We offer both mental health and substance abuse IOP programs at our West Broad street office. Our mental health IOP serves those with behavioral diagnosis such as OCD, eating disorders, and severe anxiety. Our mental health professionals also provide a substance abuse intensive outpatient program for patients struggling with addiction.

Kate Dooley, Resident in Counseling, specializes in Drama Therapy and uses play as a tool to express emotions in a healthy and constructive way.

Being naturally in-tune with emotions, Kate realized her passion for helping others at a young age. Her skillset has been developed through earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Theatre, then her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at William & Mary and Lesley University respectively.

While Kate is trained in a handful of therapeutic modalities, Drama Therapy is a favorite because of somatic play and use of physical movements. Taking on the role of another “character” or even simulating a conversation with your younger self can help clients process complicated emotions like guilt, trauma, and grief.

Drama Therapy is not only effective for children, but has been empirically proven to improve the mental health of adults as well. Methods like using music, games, and sculpting can make behavioral health lighter than typical psychotherapy, without missing out on the benefits. This makes it easier to take your progress outside of sessions and into everyday life!