CBT and EMDR are considered treatments of choice by the mental health industry for anxiety and depression. However, like anything else, their effectiveness can be enhanced with complimentary medicine. In this post I'll highlight three potentially great power partners for CBT and EMDR in the treatment of anxiety and/or depression.

Medication for anxiety or depression can be an effective intervention when actively managed but, it may not be for everyone and, even though you may be ok with it as an adjuct to therapy, it may not be necessary. It is difficult to predict, even with the best assessment techniques, the efficacy of a drug. This reuqires a team often including a nurse and psychiatrist. Psychiatrists have highly specialized training and knowledge in pharmaceutical interventions and conduct comprehensive assessments to take into account the clients history and presentation of symptoms. The nurse's role is to educate the patient about the side effects and psychoactive properties of the drug and monitor side effects making adjustments actively as needed.

Are you serotonin deficient? Find out.

Homeopathy can be less invasive, less less uncomfortable, less risky and just as effective. Homeopathy works from the principle of "less is more". Activating the body's own storehouse of biochemicals, many of which are pain killers or mood enhancers homeopathy works to enhance and increase the body's own responses rather than to inhibit responses like ssri's do with the serotonin reuptake process. Homeopathy can create profound changes in mental, emotional and physical health. There are medical doctors who practice homeopathy. They may not advertise that if they work for a hospital or medical group. However, I encourage you to ask your MD if they have training in homeopathy. Like working with medication, your homeopathist will have to see you on a semi-regular basis to adjust the dose as your system responds to treatment.

Acupuncture works on a vibrational level directing qi or energy through subtle pathways called meridians. Western science knows these pathways exist because it has been able to observe them with instrumentation. This ancient medical art has been effective in redirecting and or replenishing stagnant or excessive streams of energy that contribute to the physical, emotional and mental problems expressed in symptoms meeting the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorders. It's easy to forget that acupuncture was the primary form of medical care for one of the largest and most powerful civilizations in existence for thousands of years and still remains an integral part of Chinese health care.

Physical Fitness. Having a regular work out that involves cardio, muscle strenthening and stretching is an awesome way to harness the synergy of mind/body balance. Think about consluting with a fitness coach or trainer and possibly a nutritionist. Eating healthy foods and at intervals that regualte your blood sugar can produce observable results. Moreover, the endorphins and additional neurchemicals that have a positive impact on mood all respond well to moderate amounts of exercise.

Combining one or more of these power partners with psychotherapy is great way to engage the body along with the mind in the healing of anxiety and depression.