Bio-Psycho-Socio-Spiritual Wellness
Dr. Gelbart utilizes an integrative approach to wellness that takes into account the mind, body, relationships, and spirit.
Approach to Wellness
Dr. Gelbart has helped thousands of people suffering from psychological symptoms, as well as those who want to be more than just symptom-free. He utilizes the most modern medications and psychotherapeutic techniques to help people along the spectrum, from Illness → Healthy → Wellness.
We start wherever you are on that continuum. Some people are "Ill", having symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or cognitive impairment. Others may be "Healthy", having no symptoms, but not optimally functioning. Wherever you are starting, we work towards achieving "Wellness".
An important part of efficient and effective treatment is evaluating where you are starting from and setting positive goals. If medications are prescribed, they are part of an overall strategy that we develop together, that will likely include some form of psychotherapy, learning coping tools, and possibly life coaching. The long-term goals will include optimal functioning, self-care, and the least amount of medications possible.
Psychotherapy
Dr. Gelbart utilizes more active, modern psychotherapeutic methods, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. These techniques are used to train your brain.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a way of being in the present moment. Research has shown that a routine of mindful meditation can alter brain pathways! It is a powerful tool in psychotherapy, and even without regular meditation, the principles of mindfulness are crucial in growing emotional intelligence and dealing with negative automatic thought patterns.
Mindfulness practice can help you to live a healthy, grounded life by increasing your self-awareness, self-acceptance, emotional intelligence, and cognitive clarity. Mindfulness is an important component of both CBT and DBT (see below).
According to Mindful.org, mindfulness is defined as:
"The basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us."
Click here for more information about mindfulness.
Click here for Dr. Gelbart's writings about mindfulness.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
CBT has a large backing research supporting its' effectiveness in the treatment of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. CBT theorizes that detrimental patterns of thinking contribute to mental illness, and therefore, changing negative thought patterns to helpful and adaptive patterns of thought will increase wellness.
CBT proposed that something was happening in our brains between feeling and emotion and the resulting behavior:
Outside event → Internal emotional response→ ???? → External behavior
According to CBT, the missing piece is our pattern of thoughts and beliefs that cause us to form judgements about our emotion and whether we should act on it, and if so, how we should act on it.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
This form of talk therapy is related to CBT, but is focused on dealing with very strong, intense emotions. It is also evidence-based, particularly in the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, but has also been shown to be effective with many other common thought/mood disorders.
Biology
Dr. Gelbart will take into account how your personal biology and medical history may impact your psychological health and response to psychiatric treatment.
Lab Tests & Medical History
As a licensed medical provider, Dr. Gelbart is familiar with biology and the "usual suspects" that may be causing your psychiatric symptoms. Could it be a thyroid disorder? A vitamin deficiency? A genetic mutation? He will discuss with you possible avenues of exploration, and can order laboratory tests to get to the root cause of what may be impact your ability to live fully.
One of the newest tests that can be ordered is a Pharmacogenetic (PGx) Test. These tests require a saliva sample, and will test your DNA for specific genetic markers that can help you to understand your condition and guide psychiatric treatment.
Research has shown that certain genetic markers and mutations are related to certain mental health conditions, and that your DNA plays an important role in how you react to medications. A detailed PGx report would help you and your doctor to choose medications that are more likely to be effective, with a smaller chance of side effects.
Click here for more information about what PGx Testing can tell you.
Click here for more information about DNA and mental health.
Biological Interventions
Common biological treatments for psychiatric disorders include psychiatric medications and over-the-counter (OTC) supplements. Dr. Gelbart is also passionate about implementing daily habits that can change your biology and positively impact your wellness, including healthy sleep habits and routine exercise. Treating underlying health conditions can also drastically increase personal wellbeing and jump-start the journey to mental recovery.
Medication Management
Dr. Gelbart has decades of experience in complex medication management. He can help you to navigate the process of finding the right medication, or combination of medications and other treatments, that is right for you.
Healthy Sleep Habits
Research has shown that we need enough good sleep each night in order for us to function well during the day. When we don't get enough sleep, it can negatively impact our brain and body chemistry, leading to cognitive and emotional difficulties and appetite issues. When the lack of sleep is chronic, such as with insomnia, the impact on health can accumulate.
Sleep guidelines from the National Sleep Foundation outline the recommended hours of sleep based on age group. Some individuals need more or less sleep than these recommendations.
Adults aged 18 - 64 years are recommended to sleep between 7 to 9 hours a night, while those older than 65 are recommended to sleep 7 - 8 hours.
Exercise
Research has shown that exercise increases life span, physical health, and mental wellness. A weekly exercise routine is an important part of self-care for many people. Exercise impacts neurotransmitters and hormones in the body, boosting positive feelings. It can provide an escape from work and home life, and for some, it is their "meditation". Sports activities can be fun and competitive, and can provide a supportive social circle and sense of community. Spending time in nature can also be it's own type of therapy.
Everyone has differing physical abilities and levels of desire to exercise and engage with the outdoors. Your mental health professional can help you to develop a plan that is doable for you with the mental, physical, and financial resources you currently have.
Click here for more information about the link between mental health and exercise.