The most effective way to treat any condition is to approach it from a multifaceted perspective. You can't just adjust one element and expect the entire problem will change. What is needed is an integrated approach that treats the whole person.
Some individuals only take prescription medications and expect them to completely solve their problems. The medicine itself is not the problem. The problem is that we expect medicine alone to do the work without the help of other components of an integrated program.
What we need to do is see all of the approaches as various tools that we can use to solve the problem. Just as a mechanic has pliers, wrenches, jacks, and diagnostic tools, we need to have all of the tools at our disposal so that we can choose the correct one at the appropriate time. Leaving any of the tools out of the toolkit only limits the options and leaves us searching for a tool when we need it the most.
An integrated approach treats the whole individual, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, relationships, and career/financial aspects. An integrated team includes experts in all of these disciplines working together for the common goal.
The various disciplines have tremendous overlap and you can often find someone who claims to be expert in many of them. It is important to avoid such practice as it limits the points of view to one person who may not have the ability to see as well as a team can. Experts need to be involved in education, assessment, planning, and treatment as outlined in the following chapters.
The following chart outlines how the various elements fit together into an integrated approach, including how they overlap. Each aspect is detailed in the Advantage Program Components section. While each individual is different and may already have some of the areas "in order," it is important to at least consider having someone to consult with in the areas listed. You may choose completely different elements that fit your needs, but should make sure that you are accounting for physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, relationships, and career/financial aspects of life.
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