Incorporating Alternative Therapies in Cognitive Communication

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Summary

In 2000, I began implementing creative art therapy and alternative energy field therapy within my private practice. I found that clients would plateau in therapy because of negative beliefs or narratives they created around their communication difficulties. Using holistic techniques cleared these self-created blocks and clients made excellent progress.They had tools they could use independently to maintain communication skills.

I am a certified energy health practitioner through ACEP, the Association of Comprehensive Energy Psychology use EFT tapping, chakra work, Reiki Level II (distance healing). My bachelors was in Creative Art Therapy. All of these tools provided effective ways for clients to ‘restructure their thoughts’ to foster positive feelings around significant areas of need. Trauma-informed therapy and CBT techniques were learned and became intrinsic to a holistic mind-body-spirit approach. Along with traditional discourse therapy, client-centered techniques, family systems techniques, executive function skill training, and word retrieval training, it improved outcomes of overall life satisfaction and use of skills learned to increase personal and professional success. Family members, particularly life partners, are included in therapy to increase generalization.

Over thirty years the majority of clients have been neurodivergent with referrals from area neuropsychologists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and hospitals. The alternative therapies have been a major catalyst in developing comprehensive treatment plans for adults that encompass and enhance all parts of their lives. Continuing education in both traditional and alternative therapies is, and always had been, key. I meet a client where they are, learn where they hope to be and facilitate them reallizing their goals. It is a reciprocal process wherein the client and I share the status of learners. I am every bit as committed and excited by each individual after three decades, a great place to be!

*Meaning of the logo of the great blue heron: In ancient cultures a heron represented the sword of the Divine, pointing The Way.

For More Information

See http://www.effortlesscommunicationllc.com or contact Leslie Darrell at Speechleslie@icloud.com.

This initiative was submitted on May 1, 2026.