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Writer's picturePamela Stathoulopoulou

Ancient Greek philosophy, holistic health & The Integrative Approach

Updated: Jul 23, 2021

Interesting title, right?

I was trying to find a suitable heading for this blog post. One that would give you the gist of what I want to talk about. Coincidentally, I also decided that it is about time that I give you a better idea of what I do, what The Integrative Approach really is about, and what are some of the values that underline my work.

If we have met in real life (probably pre-covid!) you might have asked where I come from, mainly because I sound American. And you might have been surprised to hear that I am Greek. A Greek that has lived almost half her life in the UK and has travelled to a lot of other countries (I love travelling!).


But what does that have to do with this blog post?


EVERYTHING. Because my nationality forms part of my identity and has influenced my work. It probably has something to do with my travel bug too; Greeks have been known to be explorers of the world since the ancient times. Which brings me to my main point:


Ancient Greek Philosophy.


It has been a major inspiration for me ever since I was little. The writings of Plato, Herodotus, Socrates, Aristotle and so many others have deeply resonated with me. As it turns out I have cherished them professionally too. In this post I will focus how ancient Greeks viewed mental and physical health. In ancient Greece life was holistic, meaning that people believed that their mind and body (and how they had to treat them) were one and the same. Disease in the ancient Greek world was a result of several factors, such as social class, diet, trauma, beliefs and mindset.


They believed that you cannot have a healthy body if you do not have a healthy mind, and vice versa. One affects the other. I feel the same.

The ancient Greek “motto”: Νους υγιής εν σώματι υγιεί is what my method is built on. It means “a healthy mind lives in a healthy body”.


The wisdom of ancient Greek writings is a pool of inspiration and valuable information that complement my approach to holistic healing. I truly believe (and it happens to be heavily backed by the latest science too) that the mind and the body are interconnected. Turns out the Ancient Greek philosophers were right.


I have seen that connection in my professional practice again and again. I have witnessed my clients complain about physical pain that emanates from psychological distress. Or the other way around: I have worked with numerous people that are affected by negative emotions or struggle with their mental health and that impacts on their physical health too. The evidence is everywhere. Our consciousness, nervous system and musculoskeletal structures are part of the same infinite communication circuit. Yet, a lot of experts miss this link, or reject its importance in the overall wellbeing of their clients and patients.


In order to address and honour this strong connection of mind and body I created The Integrative Approach so I can really serve my clients. I developed it after many years of studying, researching and combining my expert knowledge of psychotherapy and movement. It is born out the need of the people to be heard. To be treated holistically. To be truly supported. To have their issues addressed effectively and mindfully, through a fresh and wholesome lense. Collaboration, empathy and communication are in the core of my work.


My calling is to help people that experience stress (physical or psychological) and guide them through my expert system towards a stress-free, joyful and vibrant life.


Stress is the number 1 factor that plays an important role in mental health diagnoses as well as physical short- and long-term illnesses. So it is vital that you keep it in check.


If you come to me be prepared to feel the difference.


Integration is the key to my method and is at the forefront of my work. Everything is fully tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle, goals and life story. The Integrative Approach is the modern way to holistic wellness, where the mind and body breathe and move in sync. And in a “wholesome” way, it comes full circle, being inspired by the unity and empathy that underlie the ancient Greek teachings.


As the World Health Organisation (WHO Psychiatry) said:


“You cannot have health without mental health.”


Besides, the recent events in 2020 (yes I do mean covid, lockdowns, job losses) have highlighted the need to look after ourselves better. It is no coincidence that as we start to see the end of the tunnel, there is huge demand for wellness travel. I may expand on this more in a separate post (so stay tuned).


Thankfully, you can take The Integrative Approach with you wherever you may be! My services are 100% online so you can have the mental and physical support you need regardless whether you are at home, at work, on holiday (hopefully soon!), or working remotely.


It’s about time to pay attention to both sides of the coin we call self…


What do you think?


Explaining the roots of mental health, how stress and anxiety affects us and the importance of dealing and reducing those
Ancient Greek Mental Health Philosophy

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