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Bringing Balance and Harmony into Our Lives: A Guide for Therapists and Their Clients

In the fast-paced world we live in, achieving balance and harmony can often seem like a distant ideal. Yet, it's precisely this balance that we need to cultivate within ourselves to lead fulfilling lives and to help those around us do the same. As therapists, we have the unique opportunity to guide our clients on their journeys toward positive change. This journey starts with each one of us, as we are the guardians of our well-being and, by extension, the well-being of our beautiful Earth.


Finding Balance in Your Life
Balance & Harmony

The Call to Finding More Balance

Reflect on how you are being called to bring about balance and harmony in your life. Consider the majestic whales that traverse the oceans, their songs resonating through the depths, bringing peace and connection. These gentle giants remind us of the power of harmony and balance. As therapists, how can we emulate these whales, fostering a rebalancing of the masculine and feminine energies within ourselves and our clients?


Small Changes, Make a Big Impact on Finding Balance

Encouraging our clients to start with small, manageable changes can lead to significant shifts in their lives. These changes should bring more joy, ease, and wellness. Here are some practical steps both therapists and clients can take to cultivate balance and harmony:


  1. Connect with Nature: Spending time outdoors can have a profound grounding effect. Encourage clients to take a walk in the park, hike a nearby trail, or simply sit in their garden. Nature has a unique way of restoring balance and offering a sense of peace. Research has shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress and improve overall well-being (Capaldi, Passmore, Nisbet, Zelenski, & Dopko, 2015).

  2. Mindful Practices: Incorporate mindfulness or meditation into daily routines. These practices help center the mind and bring a sense of calm. Therapists can guide clients through simple mindfulness exercises or meditation techniques to help them stay present and reduce stress. Studies have demonstrated that mindfulness can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (Goldberg et al., 2018).

  3. Creativity and Play: Engage in activities that spark joy and creativity. This could be drawing, dancing, playing an instrument, or any other form of creative expression. Therapists can encourage clients to explore these activities as a way to tap into their inner child and find joy in the process of creation. Creative activities have been linked to improved mental health and well-being (Stuckey & Nobel, 2019).

  4. Nourish Your Body: Eating wholesome foods and staying active are essential for physical and mental well-being. Encourage clients to find forms of exercise they enjoy, whether it's yoga, running, or dancing. Nutrition also plays a critical role in maintaining balance, so discussing healthy eating habits can be beneficial. Research indicates that a balanced diet can positively affect mood and energy levels (O'Neil et al., 2014).

  5. Connect with Others: Building meaningful connections with others is crucial for emotional health. Therapists can help clients develop stronger relationships with loved ones and encourage them to share their experiences and emotions. Group therapy sessions or community activities can also foster a sense of belonging. Social support has been shown to be a protective factor against various mental health issues (Cohen, 2020).

  6. Balance Work and Rest: Maintaining a healthy balance between work and rest is vital. Therapists should model this balance in their own lives and help clients find ways to integrate rest and relaxation into their routines without guilt. The importance of work-life balance has been increasingly recognized for its impact on mental health (Kremer, Moylan, & Andersson, 2020).


The Ripple Effect of Balance & Harmony

As we cultivate these practices in our own lives and encourage our clients to do the same, we create a ripple effect. Our own balance and harmony will flow out into the world, inspiring others to follow suit. Each small change contributes to a larger movement toward a more balanced, harmonious, and joyful world.


Embrace the Journey for Greater Harmony in Your Life

Remember, as therapists, we have the power to create positive change not only in our lives but also in the lives of our clients. Embrace the journey, trust the process, and let your actions be a beacon of balance and harmony for others. Together, we can nurture a world that thrives in unity and peace.


Questions for Reflection and Action:

  • For Therapists: What small change can you implement in your own life to bring more balance and harmony? How can you model this for your clients?

  • For Clients: What activity or practice brings you the most joy and ease? How can you incorporate this into your daily routine?


Let’s embark on this journey together, fostering balance and harmony in our lives and in the lives of those we touch.


🌟 What small change will you start with today? 🌟


With love, AGLOW

Stacy Ruse, LPC, RYT, EMDR & IFS Consultant



Stacy Ruse, LPC, is an esteemed Evergreen EMDR & IFS-Institute Consultant, and founder of Aglow Counseling. Stacy teaches a therapeutic style that is characterized by the art of EMDR & IFS therapies with a transpersonal twist, transcending the conventional boundaries of traditional therapy. Her holistic approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit allowing individuals to tap into their innate resilience and ignite their personal transformation journey. As a trauma expert, national and international trainer, and clinical consultant, Stacy's approach is deeply rooted in trauma-informed methodologies.



References and Resources

  1. Capaldi, C. A., Passmore, H.-A., Nisbet, E. K., Zelenski, J. M., & Dopko, R. L. (2015). Flourishing in nature: A review of the benefits of connecting with nature and its application as a well-being intervention. International Journal of Wellbeing, 5(4), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v5i4.449

  2. Goldberg, S. B., Tucker, R. P., Greene, P. A., Davidson, R. J., Wampold, B. E., Kearney, D. J., & Simpson, T. L. (2018). Mindfulness-based interventions for psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 59, 52-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2017.10.011

  3. Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2019). The connection between art, healing, and public health: A review of current literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254-263. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497

  4. O'Neil, A., Quirk, S. E., Housden, S., Brennan, S. L., Williams, L. J., Pasco, J. A., Berk, M., & Jacka, F. N. (2014). Relationship between diet and mental health in children and adolescents: A systematic review. American Journal of Public Health, 104(10), e31-e42. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302110

  5. Cohen, S. (2020). Social relationships and health. American Psychologist, 59(8), 676-684. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.59.8.676

  6. Kremer, P., Moylan, S., & Andersson, C. (2020). The importance of work-life balance: A systematic review of predictors of job satisfaction and well-being. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 25(4), 338-352. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000176



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