Pura Vida Psychiatry

Holistic Psychiatry for Women and Men

ABOUT

Pura Vida is a Costa Rican phrase that literally translated means "pure life." The most accurate meaning is "nothing but life." This phrase embodies the words of Jesus in John 10:10 where He said He came so that we may have life and have it in the full. At Pura Vida Psychiatry our goal is to help you live a life of abundant wellness, rooted in God's perfect design.

Conditions Treated

Anxiety & Depression
Mood disorders
Obsessions/compulsions
Trauma/PTSD
Stress
Irritability
Anger
Lack of motivation
Sleep issues related to anxiety or mood
Self-esteem issues/feelings of worthlessness
Disturbed body image
Guilt
Shame
Issues with focus/attention
Phobias
Relationship issues
Grief/Loss

Please note, we do not treat severe psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia or symptoms such as suicidality. In these cases, we would refer out to a provider specializing in these areas or an acute care treatment facility depending on the patient's needs.

Methods Used

Specializing in Mind-body (somatic) therapy
Nature Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Wellness coaching
Parenting support
Psychotherapy
Christian/spiritual counseling

Supplementation
Herbal support
Lifestyle medicine
Dietary modifications
Lab panels
Hypnotherapy
EMDR
Mindfulness
Mind-body Bridging
Transcending Self Therapy

Population Served

We currently serve the state of Massachusetts via in-person appointments in Hampden, Ma and by telehealth.
We serve men and women ages 18 to 65 and have a passion for helping others heal from developmental and intergenerational trauma through somatic psychotherapy.

Symptoms present for a reason. At Pura Vida Psychiatry, we understand that our symptoms are messages that there is something out of harmony in mind, body or spirit. Rather than treat the symptom and try to eliminate it, we look to identify and treat the root cause, so that symptoms are no longer necessary.

We believe in holistic treatment that recognizes the fact that mind, body, and spirit are inextricably connected. We aim to treat the whole person while also recognizing that the role of the practitioner is to facilitate healing, but that true, lasting healing comes from within oneself and through one's relationship with a higher power.

We aim to treat from an integrative standpoint, recognizing that while Western, allopathic medicine has its time and place, more conservative, natural and holistic treatment is often the more effective and supportive means to aid in the healing process, leading to lasting wellness.

We are conservative regarding psychopharmacological treatment, and it is not a primary treatment intervention of this practice. Our goal is to avoid it wherever possible due to potential side effects, and long-term medication reliance. In cases where medication is necessary as part of an integrated treatment plan, conservative prescribing may be warranted. Please note, we DO NOT prescribe any form of controlled substance such as benzodiazepines (i.e., Ativan), or stimulants (i.e., Adderall).