Integrative Health and Holistic Counseling

Having spent over 30 years studying a wide variety of integrative health philosophies, from conventional Western medicine to non-conventional, natural healing models based on ancient wisdom and practices, I’m driven to find the best means with which to help my patients understand the root causes of their health issues and guide them in choosing the best integrative health treatment for their needs.

The main integrative health tools I use in my practice are holistic counseling, acupuncture, Chinese herbology, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, energy medicine and more.

One of the first things taught in medical school is: “Listen to the patient because 95% of your diagnosis will be found just by listening.” And I have found this to be true.

When asked what my specialty is, my answer is that I treat the whole of the person in front of me or over the phone, including their physical maladies; their mental and emotional disturbances; and their spiritual stresses and imbalances. This is true holistic counseling.

The following is a quick list of guiding principals in my practice:

Do no harm.
The vast majority of problems are greatly improved with simple, non-toxic and safe changes in certain behaviors and daily practices.

The patient is in charge.
Everything supports the patient to feel comfortable and confident in making their health choices.            

Keep it simple.
Integrative health treatment options begin with the simplest and least invasive, before trying riskier options.

Compassion and hope. Every office visits needs to end with the patient feeling more relaxed, more focused and at peace with themselves and the care plan.

Welcome to Sedona Synergy Medicine.

Thomas A. Ritchie, M.D.
Owner and Primary Holistic Pracitioner