The REALNESS of the Woo-Woo

As therapists, we aim to meet every client with cultural humility, curiosity, and openness. We meet them where they are—without judgment. I truly believe that understanding a client’s “why we’re here” is often the key to figuring out how to help them get to where they want to go.

Time and again, clients begin answering questions about religion, the afterlife, or personal beliefs with the familiar preface: “This is going to sound so woo-woo…”

Here’s the thing: everyone’s “woo-woo” looks different—and I am HERE FOR IT. Some trust the natural order of the universe. Others lean on past lives, angels, spirit guides, deceased loved ones, or source energy for guidance. Whatever form it takes, it’s real and meaningful to them, and therefore part of our work. At the same time, we always ground this in good clinical care—making sure to rule out concerns like psychosis, hallucinations, or delusions.

Whether or not I personally support a belief, it works in therapy. More importantly, it works in their nervous systems, supporting their treatment plan.

There is countless evidence showing the health benefits of strong faith. Religious, or otherwise. Hope, faith, and belief an anything bigger than ourselves makes a world of difference. A world of transformation. The positive affects on placebo proves this. You believe you can heal, you are healing. Imagination and visualization affect our bodies and brains at a cellular level. With that knowledge, we can confidently say: what can help, will.

I share this example with clients so often that I sometimes roll my eyes at myself:

Just imagine biting into a sour lemon, feeling the sharp juice on your tongue. Chances are, your mouth starts to water. That’s your brain reacting as if it’s real, sending signals to your salivary glands to produce saliva. Even without tasting the lemon, your body responds. Mind blown. At least, that’s what I tell myself.

Because the brain doesn’t always distinguish between imagined and experienced events, people often report a felt sense that what they visualize is “happening.” That overlap in brain activation explains why mental rehearsal can reduce pain, lower anxiety, and boost motivation.

Enter EMDR. EMDR works so well because it taps into these connections—beliefs, imaginations, and visualizations. So before we discredit the “woo-woo,” let’s embrace it, welcome it, and allow it to heal. This is how we connect clients to purpose, belonging, and real transformation.

Do I consider myself woo-woo? Most definitely. The way the realness of the woo helps clients cannot be ignored, so I welcome it. I can’t be certain about the workings of the universe, synchronicities, and signs—but I will tell you this: all bets are off with the smell of patchouli.

With cosmic energy and a grounded vibe,

Mandy

(*At least that's who I am in this lifetime)