Mind-body medicine is an evidence-based approach to wellness and healthcare that integrates physical health with mental health. This healthcare practice focuses on the connection between mind and body and how one can influence and change the state of the other. Looking at a person’s wellness in this approach offers a holistic view of a patient’s well-being. With this ever-growing field of medicine, there are many career options within mind-body medicine to explore. The Saybrook M.S. and Ph.D. Mind-Body Medicine teaches prospective healthcare professionals how to integrate the philosophy, science, and techniques of mind-body medicine into their careers.
Health and Wellness Coach
This career path is often started independently in a private practice or as a consultant, so it is the right path for someone who wants to be their own boss. A health and wellness coach works with individuals to utilize mind-body practices to advise on their health and well-being. This role involves creating personalized wellness plans for all aspects of the mind and body, including a fitness regimen, meditation techniques, a nutrition plan, stress and sleep management, etc.
Health and wellness coaches can also work as consultants, which might involve consulting in various settings, one of which would be a corporate capacity. A corporate wellness consultant works with companies to help provide health and wellness guidelines for employees in the workplace.
Mindfulness Instructor
A common career path that leads to working in integrative medicine and wellness centers is a mindfulness instructor. Mindfulness is a mind-body practice in which a person concentrates and focuses on their current thoughts, feelings, or environment to increase awareness of stressors/patterns. Mindfulness is a technique often used to combat stress and anxiety, but could also be used for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and depression.
A mindfulness instructor works to create classes and leads in mindfulness and meditation sessions, teaching clients how to bring their thoughts and feelings to the forefront of their minds. Whether the mindfulness classes are individual or group, a mindfulness instructor must assess progress amongst clients to adjust teachings accordingly.
Holistic Health Educator
A holistic health educator is a great career path for someone wanting to work in a hospital setting. The role involves working with individual patients on their overall health and wellness, which includes promoting better lifestyle choices through nutrition, fitness, spirituality, mindfulness, and fostering healthy relationships. Different from most healthcare workers in a hospital, a holistic health educator doesn’t treat a single ailment but rather uses mind-body medicine techniques to promote overall wellness.
Holistic health educators could also work in a teaching capacity at a hospital to other healthcare providers. In this role, educators will hold lessons with the healthcare workers at a hospital to impart knowledge and techniques on mind-body medicine so they can incorporate them into their treatment plans.
Medical Spa Therapist
A spa therapist in a medical spa, also known as a med spa, performs any nonmedical procedures within a med spa such as massages, facials, and other skin treatments. The spa therapist works with clients through a consultation to create a personalized treatment and assists the licensed physician in any medical procedures like laser skin treatments, and Botox.
This is a specialized field within mind-body medicine that will likely require certifications to pursue, depending on which state you are going to practice. Check with the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards to see what requirements are needed in your state.
Athletic Mindset Trainer
An athletic mindset trainer or coach is someone who works closely with athletes to train their mindset and build up confidence. Many athletes experience mental blocks, causing their athletic performance to suffer. A practical example of this was when Simone Biles had a bad case of the Twisties in the 2021 Olympics and had to back out of the competition. With so much pressure and stress on athletes, it’s extremely important to utilize mind-body techniques to avoid potential injury and performance issues.
University Instructor
If practical work isn’t the mind-body medicine career path for you, teaching others theory and practical knowledge could be a rewarding career for you. Working in a university setting, a mind-body medicine instructor is responsible for creating lesson plans, real-life practicum, student evaluation, and keeping up with new research and theories within the mind-body medicine field.
Often, to become an MBM university professor, you must pursue a Ph.D. in mind-body medicine or a related field to secure employment.
Pursue a Degree in Mind-body Medicine Today
The start of a career in mind-body medicine begins with pursuing a degree in the field. At Saybrook University, we offer an M.S. in Mind-body Medicine and a Ph.D. Mind-Body Medicine. We also offer mind-body medicine certificate programs for any working professionals who are looking to expand their knowledge base and experience. With many different educational paths to choose from and a flexible environment of either in-person or online classes, it’s easier than ever to start your mind-body medicine career journey.
