My Philosophy of Care

In my current holistic healthcare private practice I offer a special focus on Pain Relief and Stress Reduction, utilizing complementary therapies of Reiki, Reflexology, and Meditation & Imagery.

As an Advanced Holistic Nurse my focus is on the care of each person as a whole, as opposed to looking at a collection of diagnoses or symptoms.  The body, mind and spirit are closely linked, and proper balance among these areas is essential for promoting optimal health and wellness.  Interpersonal relationships, environment, as well as cultural and spiritual belief systems are also key factors in one’s overall health.

The American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) defines holistic nursing as “all nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal.” In addition, holistic nursing embraces healing the individual throughout life – and “all age groups from infant to elder . . . [It] honors the interconnectedness of self, others, nature and spirituality . . . Holistic nursing care is person and relationship centered and healing oriented, rather than disease and cure oriented.” *

The word “healing” can be seen as restoring balance and harmony, becoming whole or complete. My goal is to supplement, not replace, conventional medical care in order to support others in achieving their greatest healing potential. Through my integrative health care practice, I focus on intentional healing presence with each person, and work in partnership with them to facilitate their own natural inner healing processes. By providing compassionate, professional care within a nurturing space, apart from the busyness and responsibilities of everyday life, my aim is to promote a sense of inner peace and support goals for overall health and wellness.

*(Holistic Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice)

Professional Nursing Experience

With over 35 years of experience in the field of Nursing, I have worked with people of all ages & stages of life – from Pre-natal care to Post-partum & Well-baby care; Pediatric to Teens; and Adults with Chronic Health Issues up to and including Hospice & End-of-Life care.  My initial work in an acute care hospital was followed by transitioning to home health care, which includes having worked for many years as a Visiting Nurse/Community Health Nurse, also as a Home Health Coordinator/Liaison Nurse in a major medical center, and later transitioning to Nursing Coordinator for a long term home health care program. This work involved home visits to assess patients, as well as multidisciplinary conferencing and care planning with patients, families, physicians, hospitals/skilled nursing facilities, and health care disciplines including RN, PT, OT, ST, Social Work, Pastoral Care, Discharge Planning and the Department of Social Services.

In addition to my private practice, I am currently working as a Holistic Registered Nurse at White Plains Hospital (NY) as a member of their Holistic Care Program, which provides integrative health-supporting therapies* as a complement to conventional medical care.  {*Examples include:  Reiki, Healing Touch, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Guided Imagery/Meditation, Breath Awareness/Relaxation Techniques.}  These holistic care services offer support to individuals coping with illness in order to improve their quality of life, manage symptoms and actively participate in their health and healing.  

Why Holistic Nursing?

During the course of my work in more “traditional” health care settings, I became interested in alternative health care methods, for myself personally and as areas for future study & training.  I began by studying Reiki and was certified as a Level 1 & Level 2 practitioner, developing a private practice from my home office, while also working in home health care as a visiting nurse.  Subsequently, I enrolled in a professional training program in Reflexology and became certified in Foot, Hand, Face & Ear Reflexology.

I am also board-certified as an Advanced Holistic Nurse, and continue to expand my knowledge with ongoing education and training. This has included:

• Holistic Nursing conferences & seminars

• Clinical Meditation & Guided Imagery

• Specialized Reflexology studies & workshops

• Healing Touch classes

• Level 3/Reiki Master certification