Holistic Awareness is the home and origin of the Supportive and Integrative Wellness (SIW) approach. My philosophy is rooted in the belief that wellness involves the rhythm and harmony of multiple dimensions of well-being. Let’s explore the foundations of my approach, including the eight-dimensional wellness wheel, integrative learning, salutogenesis, prevention and intervention strategies, and the contributions of the pioneers of the wellness movement.
The Eight-Dimensional Wellness Wheel by P. Swarbrick
Peggy Swarbrick’s eight-dimensional wellness wheel is a cornerstone of my SIW approach. This model highlights the importance of achieving balance across various aspects of life, including:
– Emotional Wellness: emotional awareness and regulation
– Environmental Wellness: understanding and engaging in our surroundings
– Financial Wellness: financial stability, income sources, abundance
– Intellectual [Cognitive] Wellness: life long learning, mental stimulation and cognitive development
– Occupational [Vocational] Wellness: finding purpose in fulfilment in your role – volunteer, family, career or business
– Physical [Health] Wellness: health through your body embracing exercise, nutrition, body awareness, and sleep.
– Social Wellness: relationships and networks from friends, family to daily interactions
– Spiritual Wellness: purpose and meaning in life.
The dimensions are interconnected, and SIW aims to find harmony in the interconnectedness of the dimensions to achieve wellness from a whole-person perspective.
Integrated Learning: A Holistic Educational Approach
At Holistic Awareness, we embrace integrated learning theories. An integrative learning Approach is when the individual unites prior knowledge and experiences to support and learn new knowledge and experiences. Using their skills and abilities, they apply them to new experiences at a deeper and more complex level. Students take ownership of their learning by using critical thinking to make meaningful connections among various disciplines and can apply it to real-life problems (Mansilla, 2008). Integrative learning is paramount in SIW because it is a pivotal tool and approach to developing autonomy in learning and wellness.
Salutogenesis: The Path to Health and Well-Being
Aaron Antonovsky’s concept of salutogenesis forms a key pillar of my approach. As it does not focus on the traditional concepts of disease and pathology instead salutogenesis draws attention to supporting human health and well-being. It pivots the idea of a ‘sense of coherence,’ which comprises:
– Comprehensibility: Understanding the challenges posed
– Manageability: Deciding on and access to resources to manage these challenges.
– Meaningfulness: Creating and finding a purpose or reason to face these challenges.
A sense of coherence supports individuals to build resilience and strive for a healthier and harmonious life. SIW believes that by equipping individuals with the resources and providing the space to make informed decisions individuals can use salutogenesis as a means of prevention and intervention.
Prevention and Intervention Strategies
Prevention and intervention are critical components of my SIW approach. Preventive strategies focus on promoting healthy behaviours and environments to reduce the risk of health problems, such as life-orientated habit changes. Intervention strategies aim to address issues early and effectively to refer appropriately and/or address the concerns before they escalate. By combining these strategies, I provide comprehensive support tailored to individual needs, helping clients achieve their potential and maintain optimal wellness.
Pioneers of the Wellness Movement
Pioneers like John Travis, Don Ardell, and Dr. Bill Hettler significantly shaped the wellness movement. Their comprehensive models of wellness developed new wellness screening tools. John Travis’s work, “Wellness Inventory”, highlights personal responsibility and a proactive approach to health. Don Ardell’s book ‘High Level Wellness” ignited the wellness movement. Bill Hettler, co-founder of the National Wellness Institute, developed a six-dimensional model. The impact these individuals had on the wellness movement was profound and laid a solid foundation for wellness now and in the future. Understanding wellness and how to integrate it into our daily lives is essential to whole-person health and awareness. The relevance of how we apply wellness to our lifestyles will have a lasting impact on our lives.
Supportive Therapy: A Collaborative Approach
Supportive therapy provides encouragement, validation, support, and a safe space for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings. Originating from psychodynamic therapy, it focuses on strengthening the client’s coping mechanisms and building resilience during challenging situations and adversity. Techniques include active listening, validation, and the use of positive reinforcement. For example, a client dealing with anxiety might receive support through relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and the development of practical coping strategies. By combining elements from various therapeutic approaches, supportive therapy aims to empower clients and enhance their well-being.
Conclusion
At Holistic Awareness, the supportive and integrative wellness approach addresses the multifaceted nature of well-being. By incorporating the eight-dimensional wellness wheel, integrated learning, salutogenesis, prevention and intervention strategies, and insights from the pioneers of the wellness movement, I provide a comprehensive framework for enhancing quality of life. Using a supportive and integrative wellness approach you can achieve a rhythm in a harmonious and fulfilling life, grounded in whole-person principles and practices, through learning, informed decisions, and awareness you can hold true autonomy and reach for your potential.