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Bryan Bankhead | Serenity Wellness & Counseling Center

Featured Article

Healing from Within

Addressing Underlying Causes to Improve Your Mental Health

Article by Laura SanchezQuan

Photography by Angi Lewis

Originally published in Cypress Lifestyle

Share a little bit about yourself and what led you into your field of practice.

For 23 years, I worked in Houston’s Commercial Electrical Industry as an estimator and Project Manager. This season was marked by the typical highs and lows of the industry, encompassing both professional relationships and fluctuating income. Over the years, I found myself increasingly turning to alcohol, which eventually began to impact my life significantly.

In 2021, I made several life-changing decisions: I removed myself from a toxic work environment, addressed my alcohol issues, and shifted my career path toward something that resonated more with my true self. My entire life, people have described me as empathetic, caring, and compassionate—qualities that I realized were not being utilized in my previous career. 

Through my own healing process, I discovered my real calling was to help others. This was a profound realization that not only allowed me to connect more deeply with my true self but also to transition into a career that aligns with my potential, and my core values.

What do you specialize in?

I specialize in two primary treatment modalities: LENS Neurofeedback and Integrative Health using Functional Medicine, trained under Dr. Stephen Cabral. Both approaches are grounded in the principle of healing from the root of one's concerns, addressing the underlying causes rather than just symptoms.

LENS Neurofeedback is a unique neurotherapy that improves brain function by modifying brainwave activity. This method involves measuring the brain's electrical activity via sensors placed on the scalp and then providing slight feedback signals that promote self-regulation and neuroplasticity. 

Integrative Health Practitioner Training under Dr. Stephen Cabral This approach involves a thorough assessment of various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental influences. Treatments are personalized and often include changes in nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and targeted supplementation. 

Nutritional Deficiencies: Research has shown that deficiencies in certain nutrients—such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B and D, and minerals like zinc and magnesium—can lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

Gut Health: The gut-brain axis is a fundamental concept in both Functional Medicine and mental health. An imbalanced gut microbiome can contribute to a host of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.

Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones play a crucial role in regulating mood and emotions. Dysregulation in the endocrine system, such as thyroid dysfunction or adrenal fatigue, can manifest as mental health problems. 

Inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been linked to several mental health conditions, including depression.

In Functional Medicine, the approach to mental health is rooted in the concept that the body and mind are intrinsically connected, and disturbances in one can affect the other. 

What sets Serenity Wellness & Counseling Center apart from others?

Serenity Wellness & Counseling Center stands out due to its holistic approach to healing. Unlike practices that may primarily focus on symptom management, we delve deeper into understanding and treating the underlying issues that contribute to mental, physical, and spiritual distress.

Additional Services: Recognizing that some clients may benefit from medication as part of their treatment plan, we also offer medication management services. This ensures that clients receive comprehensive care that includes pharmacological support when necessary, administered with careful consideration of their overall treatment goals.

What would you say is key in the healing journey?

Living authentically and embracing my true self has been pivotal not only in my personal healing journey but also in how I approach my practice. By integrating the knowledge and techniques I've learned for healing both the mind and body, I'm able to bring a genuine, holistic perspective to each session. 

This authenticity fosters an environment of trust and deep connection, allowing clients to feel an immediate resonance with the process. Clients often report feeling a real and instant connection that not only inspires but also accelerates their own healing processes. This powerful dynamic is reflective of the healing that occurs when one is seen and supported in their entirety, validating the importance of authenticity in facilitating profound and lasting change.

My unexpected healing journey has profoundly shaped my current path. Together with my wife, I am proud to support our clients in their mental and physical healing processes empowering them to lead healthier and more fulfilled lives.

serenitywellnessandcounseling.com

 

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