As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in private practice, I’m always seeking ways to improve my skills and provide the best care for my clients. Recently, I attended the Mental Health & Nutrition Certification Retreat at the beautiful Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, NC. This retreat was an incredible opportunity to grow professionally, earn continuing education units (CEUs), and network with fellow healthcare providers.
The Place
The retreat took place at the Art of Living Retreat Center, a serene and inspiring location nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was raining on the first day, which added a lovely mist among the greenery. The place is HUGE and there were so many places to explore! There was a cute garden and pond, fantastic areas to hike and get lost in, and various spots to just sit and reflect.
With its calming atmosphere, it was the perfect place to unwind and fully immerse myself in the learning process over the course of 5 days. The center provided everything I needed, from accommodations to meals, all included in the package price of $2,899. The food (all vegetarian) was nourishing, and the peaceful environment allowed for reflection and connection with like-minded professionals.
The Training
The retreat offered training on the intersection of mental health and nutrition, an area I’ve been eager to explore further. Some things I've witnessed during therapy sessions include things like anxious clients downing sugary soda and processed snacks to stay awake, or depressed clients skipping meals during the day only to overeat in the evenings.
Healthcare providers know that food and nutrition are important. However, nutrition is an area that many people struggle with due to not having enough education or resource support. As a busy professional, I also know how easy (and cheap!) it is to gravitate towards the quick and processed foods, even if I don't feel great after eating them.
The content focused on the impact of nutrition on the brain and mental well-being, covering topics such as:
How nutrition affects mood, cognition, and overall mental health
Therapeutic techniques to enhance mental health treatment through holistic approaches
Specific strategies for integrating nutrition-based interventions into therapeutic practice
This training was provided by PESI and came with a two-year Certified Mental Health & Nutrition Specialist (CMNCS) certification through Evergreen Certifications. You can find a detailed breakdown of the content here.
The Tax Benefits
One of the best parts? This certification retreat was tax-deductible! Since I’m a private practice therapist, this training directly contributes to my work and fulfills the CEU requirements for maintaining my licensure. (I'm currently licensed in four states.) The ability to deduct the cost as a work-related expense made the investment even more worthwhile.
NOTE: I'm not a tax expert, and I highly recommend checking in with your tax professional and state licensing requirements for writing off CEUs as business expenses. Here is the link to the IRS page on writing off business travel expenses.
Career Impact
This certification has already enriched my practice. The knowledge I gained on how nutrition influences mental health allows me to offer more comprehensive, holistic care to my clients. I now have a deeper understanding of how dietary choices impact mental health and how to incorporate this knowledge into treatment plans.
I've been able to better encourage clients to connect with the primary care providers and to advocate for further testing (such as hormone levels or vitamin deficiencies). I also feel better equipped to boost awareness on the impact of having too much caffeine, alcohol, or added sugar. (I'm convinced that added sugar is the toughest addiction to beat!)
Additionally, the retreat provided an excellent opportunity to network with other healthcare providers, creating a collaborative environment that continues to enhance my practice and benefit my clients.
Personal Impact
Beyond the professional benefits, this retreat was a much-needed opportunity for self-care. Nestled in the mountains, I started and ended each day with breathtaking views of sunrises and sunsets, which reminded me of the importance of slowing down and reconnecting with nature. The peaceful surroundings gave me time to reflect, recharge, and fully absorb the knowledge I was gaining.
Connecting with other healthcare providers was another highlight. Sharing experiences with like-minded professionals helped me to feel supported and inspired, and it reinforced the idea that we’re all in this together—working toward the same goal of enhancing mental health care.
The retreat also reignited my passion for nutrition and wellness. Not only did I walk away with tools to better serve my clients, but I also developed a renewed appreciation for the role that nutrition and outdoor activity play in overall well-being. It’s motivated me to prioritize my own health, making small but meaningful changes like spending more time outside and paying closer attention to what I eat.
This retreat was an investment in both my professional growth and my personal wellness—a powerful reminder that when we take care of ourselves, we’re better equipped to take care of others.
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