What is mind-body medicine?
Mind-body medicine is a collection of different holistic treatments, such as hypnosis, tai chi and yoga, which work with a person's thoughts and emotions to affect positive changes in their physiology. It stems from the idea that our mental and emotional states can influence our physical health, on top of genetics and pathogens. In mind-body medicine, the mind is not located in just one place, which is often thought to be the head. It resides in every cell, so every thought you have has a cellular effect.
Among the conditions that have been shown to benefit from mind-body medicine are cancer, anxiety, depression, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, asthma, autism spectrum disorders, COPD, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular conditions and many others.
Practitioners of mind-body medicine in Brisbane can join any of the professional organisations listed below to boost their credentials and stay up to date with industry developments.
- Meditation Association of Australia (MA)
- Australian Holistic Healers and Counsellors Association (AHHCA)
- Australian Kinesiology Association (AKA)
- Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
- International Institute For Complementary Therapists (IICT)
Should you study mind-body medicine?
Training in mind-body medicine will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand how your thoughts and emotions affect your physical health. You will learn how to influence the mind to create a physical response in the body that affects every cell in every organ system. Moreover, taking a mind-body course provides an opportunity to hone the key characteristics of a mind-body practitioner, such as:
- A good listener who takes the time to listen to and understand their patient's concerns.
- Empathetic towards their patients' concerns and treat them with respect.
- Articulate and capable of explaining different conditions and treatment procedures in a way that is easy for their patients to understand.
- Exhibits high levels of integrity and transparency, which is key to earning people's trust.
- Knowledgeable in a wide range of mind-body therapies that are critical in supporting the body's self-healing ability.
If these qualities match yours and the nature of mind-body medicine aligns with what you want to achieve as a holistic health practitioner, keep reading to learn about the qualifications required to become a qualified mind-body therapist.
What are the course and study options for mind-body medicine in Brisbane?
There are a number of mind body medicine courses that you can undertake in Brisbane, but it is important to choose one that aligns with your learning objectives. Some courses can be taken full-time on campus, while others are designed for students who wish to study part-time. Online courses allow you to study at your own pace and access learning materials from anywhere so long as you have an internet connection. If you're preoccupied during the day or throughout the week, you can opt for a course that allows you to study in the evenings or only on weekends.
The duration of a course varies according to the course provider and your preferred program. A short certificate course can run from two to seven days. This programme is suitable for beginners who wish to get a feel for the waters before committing to a more extensive programme.
A diploma course can last anywhere from 12 to 24 months and covers a wide range of topics like anatomy, physiology, mind-body health interventions and more. It is highly recommended for health practitioners who want to help their patients achieve better health because it is all about empowering people to take responsibility for their own health.
Go to the top of the page to see a complete list of mind-body medicine courses in Brisbane. Whether you're considering a foundation course or a master's degree, you'll surely find what you're looking for. Feel free to contact your preferred course provider to learn more about their course offerings, tuition fees and methods of delivery, among other things.
What happens after you complete your mind-body medicine course in Brisbane?
After completing a mind-body medicine course, you can work as a holistic counsellor, instructor or researcher. You can pursue a rewarding career with hospitals, multidisciplinary clinics, private companies, community health centres or government agencies.
Alternatively, you can work in private practice and enjoy the flexibility of managing your own schedule and clientele. If ever you decide to take your career in this direction, you can rely on Natural Therapy Pages. By adding your business and natural health services to the practitioner listing pages, you become more visible to potential clients and attract success in the shortest time possible.
If you wish to further your career in the field of complementary medicine, you'll be happy to know that several Brisbane schools offer many courses that are relevant to your field of expertise, such as:
