An innovative approach to mental health support has emerged in Austin, Texas, led by recovery coach Davis Collins. He founded the Amethyst Coaching Collaborative, a program that integrates physical workouts with therapeutic sessions to assist individuals grappling with mental health challenges.
Collins, drawing from his own experiences with addiction, emphasizes the need for alternative methods in mental health care. “There are people that need something different, there are people right now that are waking up and praying for help,” he noted. His personal journey, including a near-fatal accident where he “woke up upside down on Enfield Road in Austin, Texas,” has fueled his dedication to helping others.
Through running and physical fitness, Collins found a means to cope, but he recognized that additional support was necessary. He states, “Therapy is crucial. Connecting with your emotional body and learning the tools to prevent abuse is vital. More so, understanding the ‘why’ is the question everyone should ask.”
A Holistic Approach to Well-Being
The primary objective of Amethyst Coaching Collaborative is to foster a holistic balance in what Collins describes as “an unbalanced life.” The program aims to educate participants on the interconnectedness of their physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health, particularly those struggling with addiction or mental health issues. Collins has assembled a team of ten therapists to enhance the support offered through this initiative.
Ilicia Balaban, owner of Snowflakes Counseling, PLLC, is among the therapists collaborating with Collins. She emphasizes that mental health is equally important as physical health. “Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health, and there is help out there for everyone,” Balaban stated.
Collins’s approach combines physical and mental health strategies, which Balaban believes can be highly effective. She remarked, “This combination has been popular in higher levels of care for some time. However, once individuals leave those treatment centers and return to their communities, maintaining the same skills can be challenging.”
Support systems play a crucial role in recovery, according to Balaban. “Life is hard, and life is getting harder for a lot of people,” she added, highlighting the importance of community and support in navigating mental health challenges.
Expanding Services and Support
Collins envisions expanding the services offered by Amethyst Coaching Collaborative to reach more individuals seeking assistance. He believes that the integration of physical fitness with therapeutic practices can create a comprehensive support system for those in need.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for innovative solutions in mental health care. By blending physical activity with counseling, Collins aims to provide a unique path for recovery, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of mental health.
As the landscape of mental health support continues to evolve, initiatives like Collins’s offer hope and new possibilities for individuals looking for help. The collaborative effort underscores the significance of tailored approaches to mental health, which could be key to achieving lasting recovery.
