DEFINITION
What is Integrative Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy has come a long way. Where traditional therapy often relied on a single model — one framework, one set of tools, one way of understanding the human mind — integrative psychotherapy takes a different view. It starts with you: your history, your nervous system, your culture, your body, and your particular way of experiencing the world. Then it draws from the full landscape of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to build something that actually fits.
Integrative psychotherapy weaves together methods from different schools of psychology and healing — cognitive and behavioral approaches, somatic and body-based therapies, narrative techniques, mindfulness, trauma-focused modalities, and more — depending on what each person needs. The result is care that is comprehensive, flexible, and genuinely personalized rather than one-size-fits-all.
It sits within a full ecosystem of integrative medicine — collaborating with physicians, naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists, and mind-body practitioners — because we believe mental and physical health are too connected to treat separately.
About our psychotherapist Dr. Sally Novak
Dr. Sally Novak brings something genuinely rare to her work as a psychotherapist: she is both a licensed clinical social worker and a doctor of Chinese Medicine, a certified yoga teacher, and a trained practitioner of somatic therapies, EMDR, DBT, and clinical hypnosis. That combination of Eastern and Western clinical training means she can meet patients at the intersection of mind, body, and spirit — not as a concept, but as a lived clinical practice.
INDICATIONS
What conditions does it help with?
ADVANTAGE
Our Advantage
Most therapy practices just offer psychotherapy. GWCIM does more: integrative mental health care inside a full multidisciplinary medical center, so your mental health is treated as part of your whole health.
Why it matters: physical issues can cause or worsen mental health—e.g., depression from thyroid problems, anxiety from gut inflammation, and trauma held in the body. When therapists coordinate directly with integrative physicians, naturopaths, and acupuncturists under a shared whole‑person framework, care becomes more connected and more effective.
Our clinicians train beyond standard therapy. Dr. Sally Novak combines Chinese medicine, somatic therapies, EMDR, DBT, clinical hypnosis, and yoga to tailor treatments that fit each person. People who felt stuck after years of conventional therapy often get new relief from this flexible approach.
We also prioritize cultural sensitivity—providing care that is accessible, respectful, and meaningful for people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
APPROACH
Our Approach
Every patient starts with a real intake conversation — not a checklist — to explore your history, body, strengths, and goals. That shapes the whole plan.
Dr. Sally then uses the mix of approaches that fit you (EMDR/somatic work for trauma, narrative therapy + DBT). She often settles the body first so deeper work can follow.
The therapeutic relationship is central: you’re an active partner, and your values and pace guide care. Dr. Novak coordinates with other services at GWCIM (Somatic Experiencing, acupuncture, naturopathy, functional medicine) or refers out when needed, to make sure you get the right care.
Whole-Person Care
Mental health cannot be separated from physical health, life history, relationships, or the body. We treat the whole person.
No Single Map
No one therapeutic model fits every person. We draw from many traditions and adapt to what each individual actually needs.
Cultural Humility
Meaningful mental health care is culturally aware and inclusive. Every background and belief system is respected.
Compassion Is the Medicine
The quality of the relationship between patient and therapist is one of the most powerful drivers of healing there is. Trust, safety, and genuine human connection are clinically significant. We take that seriously.
Care Options
Initial and Follow-up Psychotherapy Consultations
One-on-one sessions with Dr. Novak. Available via telehealth.
Initial and Follow-up ReCODE Program Consultations.
Comprehensive, ongoing psychological support — from first assessment through continued care — addressing the emotional and relational dimensions of cognitive decline within the ReCODE program.
ReCODE Support Group
Dr. Novak facilitates weekly online support groups as part of the GWCIM ReCODE Program — one for patients with mild cognitive impairment, and one for family members and caregivers.
EXPERTISE
Recommended Providers
Q&A
Q&A
Conventional therapy typically works within one or two theoretical frameworks. Integrative psychotherapy draws from a much broader range of evidence-based approaches — and at GWCIM, it also connects with the rest of your medical care. It's not just talk. It considers your body, your biology, your life circumstances, and your cultural background as part of the picture.
Yes, and often very well. Dr. Novak regularly works with patients who are on psychiatric medications, and she can coordinate with prescribing providers to ensure that psychotherapy and medication are working in the same direction. For some patients, integrative approaches may also reduce the need for medication over time — though any changes to medications are always made carefully and collaboratively.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-researched, evidence-based therapy specifically developed for trauma and PTSD. It uses guided bilateral stimulation to help the brain process traumatic memories that haven't been fully integrated. Many patients find it remarkably effective, particularly when talk therapy alone hasn't been enough. Dr. Novak is trained in EMDR and can help you determine whether it's appropriate for your situation.