Holistic Approach to Mental Health: An Interview with Therapist Alexandria Turnbow

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Mental health therapy is evolving beyond traditional talk therapy, integrating innovative approaches to healing and well-being. Licensed mental health counselor Alexandria Turnbow shares her journey into the field, her unique approach to therapy, and the holistic methods she incorporates to help individuals, couples, and families achieve meaningful change.

From Engineering to Psychology: A Passion for Understanding Human Nature

Alexandria’s path to becoming a therapist was not a direct one. Growing up in a small town in Tennessee, she initially pursued biomedical engineering at the University of Memphis. However, it wasn’t long before she realized that while she excelled in math and science, the engineering field wasn’t fulfilling her deeper interests.

During this time, she discovered psychology, which resonated deeply with her. Learning about human behavior, relationships, and mental health dynamics unlocked a passion that she hadn’t explored before. The realization that psychology provided insight into family dynamics, friendships, and personal development led her to change career paths and pursue a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Central Florida.

Helping Families and Adolescents: A Systemic Approach to Therapy

Early in her career, Alexandria worked in an adolescent residential facility, helping at-risk teens struggling with behavioral issues, probation, and family dysfunction. This experience reinforced her belief that therapy should address more than just an individual’s symptoms—it must consider the entire system surrounding them.

She observed that many troubled teens were labeled as "problematic," but their behavior often stemmed from complex home dynamics, trauma, and unmet emotional needs. While some families actively participated in therapy and took responsibility for making changes, others resisted, believing the child was the sole issue. This imbalance in commitment made meaningful progress challenging.

Eventually, Alexandria transitioned into private practice, where she could work with clients who were fully engaged in the therapeutic process, leading to deeper, more sustainable healing.

The Shift to Holistic Healing: Beyond Traditional Talk Therapy

Over time, Alexandria expanded her approach beyond traditional psychotherapy, incorporating holistic healing techniques that align with mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Her personal journey influenced this shift—attending music festivals, exploring Eastern medicine, and experiencing alternative wellness practices opened her mind to different ways of healing.

Some of the integrative methods she uses in therapy include:

✔ Breathwork Techniques – Teaching clients intentional breathing exercises to regulate emotions and calm the nervous system.

✔ Sound Healing – Using vibrations from singing bowls or humming to stimulate the vagus nerve, which helps with emotional regulation.

✔ Meditation & Mindfulness – Encouraging clients to develop self-awareness and break negative thought patterns.

✔ Body Awareness & Somatic Practices – Helping individuals reconnect with their bodies to process trauma and stress more effectively.

Alexandria emphasizes that therapy is not only for people in crisis—it is a valuable tool for self-growth, self-improvement, and emotional resilience.

Recognizing the Impact of Childhood Trauma

One of the biggest insights Alexandria has gained over the years is that many of the issues adults face—anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and even personality disorders—often stem from unresolved childhood experiences.

Trauma isn’t limited to major life-altering events like abuse; it can be any experience that exceeds a person’s ability to cope at the time. These early experiences shape self-perception, emotional responses, and coping mechanisms that persist into adulthood.

Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, Alexandria helps clients trace their struggles back to their origins, making it easier to heal and make meaningful changes in their lives.

When Therapy Meets Psychiatry: Navigating Medication and Mental Health

While therapy provides valuable tools for managing emotions, Alexandria recognizes that some individuals may benefit from psychiatric support as well. During initial assessments, she discusses a client’s history with medication and determines whether they might benefit from consulting a psychiatrist.

Many clients are hesitant about medication, fearing they will become dependent or that it will change their personality. Alexandria takes a balanced approach, educating them on how medications can provide temporary support while they develop long-term coping strategies through therapy.

For individuals struggling with ADHD, persistent anxiety, or depression, she encourages them to explore psychiatric options without pressure, ensuring they make informed decisions about their treatment.

A Personalized, Client-Centered Approach to Healing

Ultimately, Alexandria believes that each client’s journey is unique, and therapy should be tailored to their comfort level, needs, and goals. Some individuals are receptive to holistic practices, while others prefer a more structured, traditional approach.

Regardless of the method, she emphasizes one key truth: lasting change comes from commitment to the process. Therapy is most effective when clients actively engage in self-reflection, practice coping strategies, and remain open to personal growth.

By integrating scientific, holistic, and relational approaches, Alexandria continues to help individuals and families heal, grow, and find balance in their lives.

Therapy as a Tool for Everyone

Therapy isn’t just for those in crisis—it is a powerful tool for self-discovery, emotional heaaling, and personal growth. Whether someone is dealing with past trauma, relationship struggles, career stress, or simply wants to improve their well-being, the right therapeutic approach can make a lasting impact.

As Alexandria demonstrates, healing is not one-size-fits-all—by embracing different modalities and meeting clients where they are, therapy can truly transform lives.