The social isolation and unease of the COVID-19 pandemic created a greater need for holistic mental health services. Every mental health situation differs in its challenges, every client wants to be seen as a whole and unique person, and Arrow Behavioral Health offers many alternative approaches to help people of all ages identify, release and heal their specific physical, emotional and mental suffering.

The members of the Arrow Behavioral Health team represent more than 20 years of experience in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, therapeutic schools and private practices. They have come together, with their specialized skills, to create a holistic practice with three Rhode Island locations. Licensed therapists offer multiple methodologies—cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, applied behavior analysis and trauma work. Advanced practice registered nurses provide medication management. Licensed substance-use counselor, Brittany Carr, integrates her expertise as a reiki practitioner and expressive arts facilitator. Specialties like this set Arrow apart from other behavioral health treatment centers.

Acceptance and commitment therapy is a mindful process that helps the client focus on the present moment, accept thoughts and feelings without judgment and then commit to a positive approach. This means moving forward through the difficult emotions and directing energy into healing instead of dwelling on the negative.

Reiki is an energy healing practice that works by channeling “universal energy” to patients for facilitating physical, mental and emotional healing. Carr explains, “Just as energy allows a flower to bloom or a baby to develop inside of a mother’s womb, energy has the potential to transform a patient’s internal dialogue and feelings toward themselves or a difficult life event.” Opening up about situations that are emotionally heavy, embarrassing or complicated can be painfully difficult. Reiki healing dissolves these difficulties and allows for an internal resourcing of courage to be accessed, effortlessly, as the reiki practitioner assists in a gentle, comforting, meaningful way. Carr offers reiki healing sessions to help patients release what has been holding them back, so they can reach their higher potential.

Creative and expressive arts is a process of self-discovery that relies on artistic self-expression as a way to achieve emotional release. It may involve writing, music, visual arts, drama and/or dance. Carr has personally experienced the profound effects of creative and expressive arts practices. “What excites me about this modality,” says Carr, “is that it is so rich, accessible and transformational. An exercise, that seems so seamless and simple, allows you to gain a great insight into yourself that may otherwise have taken months to access in traditional talk therapy.”

Counseling, reiki and expressive arts practices can complement one another or may combine well with other behavioral therapies to help individuals transform their personal struggles into lasting healing. Holistic-minded practitioners might also counsel clients to adjust lifestyle choices, such as nutrition or sleep patterns, which provide personal control.

Locations: 1329 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI; 200 Tollgate Rd., Unit 103, Warwick, RI; 117 Bellevue Ave., Unit 200B, Newport, RI.

For more information and to meet the team, call 401-477-9446 or visit 
ArrowBehavioralHealth.com. 

Wendy Nadherny Fachon is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings and host of the environmental and sustainable living podcast The Story Walking Radio Hour on the Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network website, under the Sustainable Living tab. 117 Bellevue Ave., Unit 200B, Newport, RI 02840.