Psychotherapist teams with nutritionist, massage therapists and
psychologist for one-stop health center
Morgan Hill – Good health often takes team work.
Just ask psychotherapist Donna Cretcher, who’s assembled a brigade of therapists in Morgan Hill to offer a more holistic approach to well-being.
Cretcher is the woman behind the Counseling & Wellness Center at 605 Tennant Ave. in Morgan Hill, which she opened in May.
The center reflects a holistic view on health by combining psychology, nutrition, massage and hypnosis as tools for wellness.
“I’m looking at mental health in more holistic way,” explains Cretcher, who has practiced professionally in Morgan Hill for more than 14 years. “It’s a whole body thing, about making lifestyle changes and not just focussing on one aspect.”
Seven professional therapists, including Cretcher, work at the center. They operate independently in their own offices, but rely on each other for patient referrals.
“What I like about this is everyone has a similar mindset,” said massage therapist Tammy Puthoff, who treats people for chronic pain. “It’s like a one-stop shop where people can improve their health.”
For example, certified hypnotherapist Maureen Drewniany said she recently collaborated with Puthoff to provide more comprehensive treatment for a client.
“She does the body work, and I work with the person guiding their thoughts,” said Drewniany, who works with clients individually and in groups on changing behaviors and relieving stress.
Drewniany said hypnotherapy fits the holistic philosophy because it takes into consideration the “whole person.”
“It is looking at the mind, body and spirit connection,” she said.
Robin Nielsen, a certified nutritionist working at the center, provides nutritional services to a wide range of clients seeking improved health. Poor nutrition, she said, is often the root of poor health.
“Food is an afterthought for people,” Nielsen said. “You have all these organs working together, and your body needs about 56 essential nutrients. If you don’t get these nutrients, you get diseases.”
Cretcher said mental health is closely related to diet.
“I recently told a client, ‘When you’re physically strong, you’re mentally strong,’ ” she said.
Other Licensed marriage and family therapist, Judith Seehafer, massage therapist Raya Haramaty and psychologist Carol Johnson-Schroetlin, are additional therapists working at the center.
Cretcher said she and her colleagues work together to offer varying groups that focus on stress, anxiety, nutrition and bereavement.
Tony Burchyns covers Morgan Hill for The Times. Reach him at (408) 779-4106 ext. 201 or tb*******@*************es.com.
