Growing Together After the Storm
When Hurricane Helene swept through our community, it brought more than just wind and rain—it uprooted lives, left homes in ruins, and reminded us of our own resilience in the face of nature's force. Among its many impacts, the loss of the bridge to our property forced us to pause, reflect, innovate, and evolve.
At Asheville Integrative Psychiatry (AIP), our mission has always been to provide care that connects people to nature, to Self, and to community. In the aftermath of the storm, we recognized the need to adapt our approach, making Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and integrative mental health care more accessible and effective for our community.
A Nature Based Approach to Healing
Everything we do at AIP is rooted in the healing power of nature. Whether it’s the quiet strength of our cedar tree, the serenity of our forest cabins, or the grounding influence of natural elements in therapy spaces, we believe that nature is a vital partner in the journey to wellness. This philosophy extends into our therapeutic practices, where set and setting play a crucial role in creating safe, sacred spaces for healing.
Now that we’ve regained access to our land, we’re thrilled to once again offer KAP sessions in our forest cabins. These spaces provide privacy, tranquility, and the freedom to fully engage with the
therapeutic process. Whether it’s moving, singing, or simply resting in the comfort of the forest, clients can experience profound healing supported by the flora and fauna around them.
The Watershed Healing Collective: A Growing Network
In response to Helene, we’ve restructured our model to better serve the needs of our community and beyond. Through the Watershed Healing Collective, we’re building a network of therapists who offer ketamine assisted psychotherapy, including preparation and integration. AIP provides medical screening, prescribing and oversight and direct medical monitoring, while therapists within the collective operate independently to provide the therapy component. This allows us to expand access to care while maintaining the highest standards of medical and therapeutic support.
For therapists interested in joining our collective, we welcome you to step into this evolving journey. Please contact us with questions or if you'd like to join the Watershed Healing Collective. Together, we aim to expand access to psychedelic-assisted therapy, incorporating nature, ceremony, and a holistic approach to mental health.
By blending traditional wisdom with modern medical practices, we aim to provide a holistic, spiritual, and healing experience. Whether on our land or in individual offices, we encourage therapists to integrate natural elements into their practice, fostering a deeper connection to the earth and the self.
Holistic Paths to Recovery
Hurricane Helene underscored the need for mental health support in times of crisis. As we enter into the holiday season — we encourage our community to explore the many different avenues for healing. Our practice is here too, to offer a safe, supportive space as we navigate this season together.
↟ Meditation and Nature Connection ↟ Spending time outdoors enhances mindfulness, brings peace and offers perspective. The beauty of nature reminds us of its dual role as a teacher—sometimes challenging us to grow, other times soothing our nervous systems during moments of stress or overwhelm. This season, take a quiet walk among the trees or savor a moment of stillness in your favorite outdoor space to reconnect and find balance.
↟ Social Connection and Volunteer Work ↟ Rebuilding community through shared effort strengthens bonds and fosters warmth and connection. The holidays offer a perfect opportunity to come together—whether by volunteering, sharing meals, or simply being present for one another. These connections remind us of the power of gratitude and shared humanity.
↟ Exercise and Movement ↟ Physical activity releases tension and uplifts the spirit. A brisk walk on the Bent Creek trails or a run at Lake Powhatan can be grounding and rejuvenating. Yoga, too, can help you reconnect to your breath, release stress, and center yourself during a bustling season. Taking even a small moment to move your body can make a significant difference in these times.
↟ Individual Therapy and Integrative Psychiatry ↟ Tailored support can guide you through personal struggles. Sometimes, having a professional consultation can help us process and find clarity during these moments of transition and reflection.
↟ Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) ↟ KAP offers transformative healing, particularly during times when emotional landscapes feel unsettled. For those processing trauma, whether from the storm or the complexities of the holiday season, KAP can be a valuable tool. It helps fill our emotional cups, so we can better support loved ones and engage meaningfully with our communities during this time of gratitude and giving.
Making Therapy More Accessible
Accessibility is an increasing priority in our mission. One of our goals is to increase the number of therapists in our collective who are in-network with insurance providers. By offering more affordable therapy options, we can ensure that KAP and integrative mental health care are within reach for a wider range of people.
Growing Together with Gratitude
As we reorganize our website to reflect these updates, we’re also creating resources to support both patients and therapists. Whether you’re seeking healing, offering care, or simply exploring, we’re here to walk alongside you.
This season reminds us to pause and reflect on what we’re grateful for: the resilience of our community, the beauty of nature around us however it has changed, and the connections that bring us closer together.
Though the storm has passed, its lessons guide us forward. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we look forward to healing, growing, and thriving in the weeks ahead ❤ ᨒ ↟.
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