Philosophy
The Center for Integrative Healing is a multi-dimensional collaborative group of independent, licensed health professionals that encompasses therapeutic counseling, nutrition counseling, and meditation groups.
Integrative Healing affirms the effort to treat and offer healing practices to the whole person, that encompasses and supports the physical, emotional, psychological, cultural, social, and spiritual dimensions.
Our health professionals serve individuals, couples, and children whether it be through therapeutic services in a group setting, such as meditation for trauma survivors group and Yoga for Mindful Eating series, or through individual therapeutic counseling that encourages you to start where you are. Compassion and empathy embrace and support each client on their journey to transformation as they seek to heal old wounds.
History of Center for Integrative Healing
In 2000, an idea was born. Betta de Boer-van der Kolk, Deirdre Fay, and Janina Fisher yearned to create a group of like-minded independent clinicians who shared a holistic view of health. First, space was needed which wasn’t easy but raw office space in Watertown Square revealed itself. After several months working alongside an architect and contractor, the Center was transformed into six fabulous offices along with a small group workshop space.
Betta, Deirdre and Janina were all trained in trauma therapy with ties to the Trauma Center in Brookline. In order to be more flexible in meeting the needs of traumatized clients beyond those possible within a clinical setting, the three sought to attract clinicians who were flexible and innovative in their practice. Soon Paula Morgan-Johnson, Hillary Graham, Ellie Egan and Frank Anderson among others joined as part-time clinicians.
For over ten years, helpful treatments for PTSD such as EMDR, EFT (emotional freedom technique), Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy were offered. Several “think-tanks” and workshops were held with Ilana Rubenfeld (Rubenfeld Synergy Method), Richard Schwartz (Internal Family Systems) and Albert Pesso (Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor) that created further integration into optimal models of care.
Deirdre Fay developed a “Becoming Safely Embodied” manual and workshop (A Mindfulness-Skill Based Approach to working with trauma and attachment) while at CIH. Janina Fisher began training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and for several years ran the training programs at CIH for clinicians to become better versed in the science and clinical approaches of trauma. Betta de Boer-van der Kolk, already trained as a Rubenfeld Synergist, began to realize that one aspect sorely missing in all the body-oriented treatments was an attention on healing victims of sexual abuse so that they might find a healthier relationship with their own empowered sexuality. As a Tantra Yoga Educator, she taught techniques to couples toward an enhanced sexual connection, and guided sexual abuse victims toward treatments to heal their sexual trauma. Cranio-sacral therapist, Sarah Vincent-Vaughn, brought positive healing energy to the Center.
Now 14 years later, the vision is finally coming to bear fruit. The vision to attract practitioners who offer more than traditional psychotherapy is alive and well. Deirdre and Janina moved on to the next stages in their lives. Kay Johnson, adding integrative treatment approaches for trauma and current substance abuse/addictions, and Betta de Boer-van der Kolk joined forces to continue the work at the Center. Janice Stubblefield-Tave brought neurofeedback and trauma-focused therapy for children. Diana Dugan Richards, nutrition therapist, registered and licensed dietitian and yoga therapist, joined them and brought Internal Family Systems to holistic nutrition counseling and yoga therapy to the Center. Within the last year, several compassionate IFS providers have joined the Center. Together today, Diana, Hilary Graham and Vivian Garcia continue the tradition of caring and thinking outside of the box. The vision continues to expand and we say thank you, Betta, for your inner vision, wisdom and leadership of the Center. We are so thrilled for you as you continue your invaluable work in The Netherlands.