Health Psychology
Dr. Bolnick understands chronic health issues not only as a Health Psychologist, but as someone who is part of that community herself and as a caretaker to others with chronic medical conditions (e.g., Migraines, Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s, Crohn’s, Food Allergies and Anaphylaxis, ME/CFS, and Infertility). Therapy helps you to adjust to the chronic or acute condition(s) you are experiencing, to learn to pace yourself to not overexert and create a worsening of symptoms, and to advocate for yourself with family and medical professionals. Many of her clients are very health conscious, using preventative measures to minimize exposure to illness (e.g., home schooling, masking, and use of portable air purifiers). Regardless of your risk tolerance, there will be no judgment in therapy, just support in trying to live your best life.
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For a more holistic view of medical issues, Dr. Bolnick often recommends also working with an Integrative Medicine/Functional Medicine provider. These providers help to identify the underlying reasons behind your conditions, such as genetics and predispositions, lifestyle (e.g., diet and activity level), and environmental factors (e.g., exposure to toxins and harmful substances, trauma, allergens/intolerances). They can assess immune response, inflammation levels, hormonal irregularities, gut health, sleep quality, and energy production, as well as for diseases like Lyme Disease and Epstein-Barr. They combine herbs and supplements with acupuncture, massage, exercise, and nutrition. For example, those with MTHFR gene mutations may find improved medical and mental health with the removal of folic acid from the diet and Epsom Salt baths to release toxins. Inflammation can be improved through dietary changes (e.g., elimination of gluten and dairy) and the addition of certain supplements. Low Vitamin D levels can cause muscle weakness and pain, fatigue, and mood changes (e.g., depression). Iron deficiencies can cause symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, dizziness, poor attention and memory, and irritability. Immunodeficiencies can be impacted by vaccine challenges, which in turn can improve susceptibility to illness.
Through her Health Psychology work, Dr. Bolnick has noticed many of her clients also have Trauma histories. To further understand the link between trauma and health issues, she read and took workshops to develop a Trauma-Informed lens for her practice. In addition to Depression and Anxiety, being in a prolonged state of fight/flight negatively impacts the nervous system and brain, leading to the development of Autoimmune Disorders and Chronic Fatigue symptoms, for example. While shifting from fight/flight (Parasympathetic Nervous System activation) to safe and secure (Sympathetic Nervous System activation), there can be improvements in medical and emotional symptoms. Many individuals with chronic health conditions also dissociate from their body to push away the discomfort of their bodies and nervous system. Dr. Bolnick is informed by Polyvagal Theory (emphasizes the role of the autonomic nervous system in regulating health and behavior), Mindfulness (mind-body connection), and Somatic Therapies (body-centered therapy), allowing her to use more traditional Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, along with Physical practices, for a more holistic approach.
For a better understanding of how the body and health is impacted by trauma, the following books are recommended:
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine
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For more information about Somatic Therapy:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/somatic-therapy
https://traumaresearchfoundation.org/resources/somatic-library/
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For more information on Polyvagal Theory:
