How I Combine Mind-Body Therapy with Evidence-Based Practice

Dr. Rae Simon
Apr 30
3 min read

Updated: Jul 20

A whole-person approach to healing, resilience, and meaningful change.

Holistic healing with scientific-foundation and the human, lived experience.

When most people think about therapy, they picture sitting on a couch and talking about feelings. And while that’s certainly part of the work, it’s not the whole story—at least not in my practice.

I believe that real, lasting change happens when we connect the mind and body. Your nervous system, your breath, your posture, your relationships, your nutrition, your history—they’re all part of your emotional landscape. Therapy shouldn’t exist in a vacuum. It should meet you where you live: in a body, in relationships, in a world that’s often overwhelming.

That’s why I combine evidence-based psychotherapy with holistic, mind-body tools that support your full wellbeing.

What Does “Evidence-Based” Actually Mean?

It means we use approaches that are backed by research. In my work with individuals and couples, I draw from proven models like:

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – to help couples rebuild safety, trust, and deep connection
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – to support emotional clarity and reframe stuck thinking
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) – to move toward values-based living, even when life feels hard
Narrative Therapy – to explore how your stories shape your identity, and how you can reclaim authorship

These aren’t just theoretical. I apply these methods in ways that feel natural, compassionate, and grounded in real life—not rigid or clinical.

Why the Body Matters in Therapy

If you’ve ever had a gut feeling, a tight chest under stress, or a surge of energy when something clicks—you already know your body holds emotional truth. In my practice, I invite you to include the body in the conversation.

This might look like:

Breath work and grounding practices during sessions
Tuning into body cues to understand stress, pain, or triggers
Movement-based suggestions (like gentle walking, stretching, or embodied awareness) to support nervous system regulation
Nutrition or sleep conversations, when relevant, to support mood stability
Mindfulness techniques that reconnect you to the present moment

This is especially important for clients navigating:

Therapy That’s Both Holistic and Grounded

Let me be clear: this isn’t “alternative therapy” and it’s not one-size-fits-all. It’s integrative care designed to help you feel steady, empowered, and deeply seen—no matter where you’re starting from.

We won’t just talk about what’s wrong. We’ll also build tools for what’s possible. That includes honoring your strengths, working with what’s stored in your body, and applying therapeutic models that help you grow—not just cope.

Whether you’re coming to therapy for support with a relationship, chronic illness, stress, parenting, grief, or identity, I’ll meet you with both expertise and care. Together, we’ll build a path forward that supports your whole self.

Ready to Begin?

At Live & Love Well™, I provide therapy that reflects your unique needs—not a system’s restrictions. My approach is integrative, evidence-based, and deeply personal. Whether we’re working together in person in Hawaii or Denver, or online across one of 35+ PsyPACT states, the care you receive is intentional and attuned.

If you’ve found your way here, something is calling for change, healing, or connection. And that deserves to be met with clarity, flexibility, and respect.