Whole Body Healing Helped Reduce My Seizures

By Cortney Barlow, LCSW-QS, CHC

I’ve always believed in the power of healing—but that belief became deeply personal when I began experiencing seizures. As a mental health professional, I understood the toll stress, trauma, and imbalance can take on the body. But when my own health became affected, I had to dig deeper and apply everything I knew—not just for my clients, but for myself.

What I discovered was life-changing.

A Wake-Up Call from My Body

My seizures weren’t random. They were signals—my body’s way of telling me that something was out of alignment. At first, I turned to traditional medical routes, and while those were helpful, they didn’t address the why behind my symptoms. That’s when I began to look inward and ask:What if healing required more than medication? What if my body was asking for something deeper—something more holistic?

The Shift: Embracing Whole Body Healing

I committed to healing every part of me: mind, body, and spirit. Here's how each piece played a role in my transformation:

1. Therapy: Releasing What I Held Inside

As a therapist, I’ve seen how unresolved trauma stores itself in the body. I began my own deep healing work—processing grief, unlearning patterns of over-responsibility, and finally giving myself permission to feel. Therapy gave me the tools to regulate my nervous system and understand my body’s responses to stress.

2. Exercise: Moving Energy Out of My Body

I introduced gentle movement into my daily routine—not to lose weight or hit a goal, but to move energy. Walking, stretching, and low-impact workouts helped me feel grounded and safe in my body again. Over time, I noticed fewer triggers and more resilience.

3. Nutrition: Fueling My Brain and Body

I worked to eliminate foods that caused inflammation and introduced more brain- and gut-supportive nutrition—lean proteins, healthy fats, leafy greens, and hydration. I became aware of how certain foods affected my mood, focus, and even seizure frequency. It wasn't about restriction—it was about restoration.

4. Spirituality: Reconnecting to Peace

Regardless of religious affiliation, we all need something greater to lean on. For me, reconnecting to my spirituality gave me peace when fear crept in. Prayer, meditation, quiet time, and journaling helped calm my mind—and that calmness translated to fewer physical symptoms.

5. Consistency + Compassion = Healing

This wasn’t an overnight fix. It was a daily decision to tune into my body with compassion instead of frustration. Healing came in layers, and the more consistent I was, the more I began to feel like me again.

The Outcome

Since committing to whole body healing, my seizures have significantly decreased in frequency and intensity. I feel more empowered, more aligned, and more connected to my purpose—not just as a therapist, but as a witness to what healing can do.

Why I Share This

I don’t just teach whole body healing—I live it. And I share my story to remind you that healing is not just possible—it’s your right. Whether you're facing trauma, stress-related illness, or chronic symptoms, don’t overlook the wisdom of your body.

When we treat healing as a whole person journey, we don’t just manage symptoms—we uncover transformation.

If you’re ready to bring whole body healing to your school, workplace, or community, I’d love to speak with you. Let’s create space for change—mind, body, and spirit.