Offering holistic psychiatric and integrative wellness services for treatment of the whole person.

One component of the human being — which may be unique to our species — is the ability to infer what another person is thinking, or feeling. We can get some very good clues, but we never know for sure what is in the mind of another. 

The same might be said of our own ability to look within, to see deeply into our own mental processing. The evolution of attachments, the role of traumatic experience, and genetic, family and cultural perspectives all play a role in our ability to know others and know ourselves. Even when chemical imbalances or nutritional sensitivities are found and corrected, the behaviors that may have been caused by them may still have traumatic residues, which are often best treated by discussing them openly and in confidence.

Dr. Laue is a perceptive and sympathetic psychotherapist who can help you learn to see more deeply within, and thus gain the ability to perceive the outside world with enhanced clarity. Trained in several schools of psychology, she uses sensitivity and awareness tools that are both traditional and from the latest research to help you achieve greater freedom in life.

The Walsh Protocols

Dr. C. Shaffia Laue has been extensively trained in the Walsh Protocols developed by William Walsh, PhD, pioneer in the development of advanced nutrient therapies. He was in charge of the medical laboratory for the pioneer in this field, Dr. Carl Pfeiffer; together they assembled a large biochemical data base, with more that 10,000 patients with mental health problems. As they reviewed the data they saw that most of these persons had significant excesses or deficiencies in nutrients specifically required for neurotransmitter production. The most common biochemical abnormalities included: 

Pyrrole Disorder

Pyrrole Disorder (or pyroluria) is detected by the presence of elevated kryptopyrroles in the urine. This urine test provides markers for functional deficiencies of Vitamin B-6 and zinc, and elevated oxidative stress. Symptoms include: poor tolerance of physical and emotional stress, poor anger control, frequent mood swings, poor short-term memory, reading disorder, morning nausea, absence of dream recall, frequent anger and rages, depression and high anxiety. Supplements should be adjusted to the individual’s age, body weight, lab results, severity of symptoms and ability to metabolize supplements. After the initial diagnosis, a follow-up test is recommended to fine-tune dosages.

Histamine 

Whole Blood Histamine is a blood test that can be used as a marker for methylation status. The methylation cycle is receiving more attention now, as it includes the synthesis of neurotransmitters and detoxification pathways in the liver. When histamine is elevated, clinical features include depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), perfectionism, seasonal allergies, competitiveness, and internal anxiety. When histamine is too low, there is a tendency for high anxiety, panic disorder, depression, chemical and food sensitivities, yet there is often enhanced music / artistic ability, and empathy for others.

Copper

Copper is an essential trace element, but excessive levels are toxic to the body. Copper overloads tend to lower dopamine levels and increase norepinephrine in the brain. Imbalances in these important neurotransmitters have been associated with anxiety, postpartum depression, ADHD, autism, violent behavior, paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Zinc

Zinc is a trace metal associated to all forms of life. It enhances resistance to stress and helps maintain intellectual function, memory, and mood levels. More than 90% of persons diagnosed with depression, behavior disorder, ADHD, autism and schizophrenia exhibit depleted zinc levels. Zinc deficiency has been associated with delayed growth, temper control problems, poor immune function, depression, poor wound healing, epilepsy, anxiety, neurodegenerative disorders, hormone imbalances and learning problems.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency has now been strongly correlated with cases of long-standing depression as well as many other physiological and biochemical conditions. Research has shown that a blood level over 50 can be preventative for 15 different forms of cancer! Checking Vitamin D levels is important to your overall health because if your level is satisfactory then there is no need to supplement; however, if it is low then there are great benefits to be derived from supplementation. (Unfortunately many insurance companies do not want to pay for this test in spite of the importance to mental and physical well being.)

Thyroid Dysfunction

Thyroid dysfunction (whether over- or under-active) can mimic many of the symptoms associated with biochemical imbalances, such as mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, hyperactivity, depression, and poor mental processing. It is important to test for this, but sometimes it is more important to go on the clinical picture. (This is because the results we get from a blood test may not reflect what is really happening in the tissues.)

GLYCEMIC DYSREGULATION

Many people are aware that Diabetes Type I and Type II are becoming a national epidemic. And the persons who are “pre-diabetic” and in the beginning stages of glycemic (sugar) dysregulation (lack of control of the sugar metabolism), are also at risk for mental health consequences of this “lack of control.” Although in most cases, the hypo- or hyperglycemia is not the cause of the behavioral problems or depression, it can contribute as a trigger to striking symptoms. One patient, whose family called in for police support because she was suicidal and refusing help, had a blood glucose level around 350 when she finally got to the hospital, (normal range is from 70 to 130 mg/dL). Once the patient’s blood sugar stabilized she was no longer suicidal and did not know why she had refused help! Low blood glucose levels can contribute to anxiety, trembling, and poor concentration and focus.

TOXIC OVERLOAD

Although less prevalent some people have been exposed to heavy metals or in some cases toxic molds, both of which can disrupt mental and emotional functioning. With the increase in the use of agricultural chemicals more people are reacting to the foods they eat because — unbeknownst to them — they are sensitive and unable to detoxify their body after this exposure. Dr. Walsh’s data base indicates that people with a metallothionein disorder are more likely than the average person to react to toxic chemicals.

MALABSORPTION

Again looking at the data base, only 10% of the people involved had serious malabsorption issues; however 90% of people with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) had malabsorption issues. In addition, the microbiome (the good bugs in your gut) is receiving more attention these days as a bellwether of mental well being! Dr. Laue has made treating the gut part of the treatment plan since the early 1990s.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

There are many studies that show Omega 3 fatty acids (especially DHA and EPA) are important to mental functioning. More recently there is strong evidence that some Omega 6 oils, (especially DGLA and AA) are also important in depression, anxiety, ADHD and schizophrenia. The average American diet is deficient in Omega 3 FAs and has excessive Omega 6. But it is important to note individual differences and that some people benefit from supplementation with Omega 6 FAs.

Energy Psychology (“Tapping”)

The term Energy Psychology covers of variety of techniques that moderate the flows within the energetic pathways in the body-mind by tapping on specific acupuncture points. Hundreds of studies have found that tapping on these points in specific ways and sequences can offer almost immediate relief from a wide variety of symptoms. Dr. Laue uses several modalities (such as EFT) on a regular basis, and teaches it to her clients as well. It Is not unusual for long-lasting conditions such as phobias to be reduced or even resolved using these techniques; they are particularly effective in the treatment of PTSD and are becoming a standard part of the military doctor’s toolkit.

BrainTap

The BrainTap headset delivers gentle pulses of light through special earphones and from within a visor. These lights synchronize with two types of sound — binaural beats and isochronic tones — to produce deep and profound relaxation and varying states of consciousness. 

While research has proven that both flickering light and synchronized tones can produce relaxed states, combining them guides you to a profound level of restfulness and rejuvenation that’s otherwise difficult to achieve; it is a state of tranquility that is optimum for developing mind/body balance, focus, and accelerated learning.

The term entrainment refers to the synchronization of an organism to an external rhythm. In the case of BrainTap, the “organism” being entrained is the brain, done by simulating the rhythms of specific brain wave frequencies known for deep relaxation and heightened states of consciousness.

Once these deep levels of relaxation have been achieved, guided visualization is used to form mental images. In this way, BrainTap becomes even more effective: visualization it is the primary component of the imagination and is at the core of the human ability to create, innovate and dream. (Many of history’s inventors, artists and athletes attribute their success to an exceptional ability to visualize, from  Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla to Henry Ford and Tiger Woods). 

Dr. Laue has found BrainTap Technology to be very effective in achieving or promoting better sleep, stress reduction, and making changes in unwanted behaviors and habits. It can help balance the brain’s right and left hemispheres, inspiring both focus and creativity, as well as bringing more blood flow to the brain for clearer thinking and better concentration.

NOTE:  Dr. Laue has recorded guided relaxations for this system, and may receive compensation for their use, yet she also makes these audio recordings freely available to patients in the “Current Patients” area of this web site.

Bio-Resonance Therapy (BRT) 

Perhaps you have had the experience of being with another person and finding yourself totally at ease in this persons company. Conversation flows easily, or the silence feels comforting, not so much because of what is said or done, but just because the “vibes” (as we used to say in the ‘60s) were good. In current language we would say that this person has a healing presence — just being with them seems to assist in calming, soothing, and putting fears and discomfort to rest. Another form of this energy exchange would be meditating with an experienced person who has spent time refining the capacity to quiet the mind, and sitting together assists others in moving towards their goal of focused attention. 

Science is now moving towards measuring and quantifying these “vibes” and assisting in expanding our capacity to shift our energy field towards a more natural tone. Over the past twenty-five years these energies have been measured as the electromagnetic field (EMF) of the individual. The fields have also been measured for different tissues and organs within the human body! Now this information of healthy tissues may be made available through technology, which can help us to recreate the EMF signal of healthy states in the human body. Some of these methods (such as BRT or PEMF mats) may create a welcoming “background” field, facilitating higher outcomes as a simultaneous adjunct to more traditional “talk” therapies.

ReCODE

ReCODE is the name that Dr. Dale Bredesen gave to his work with Alzheimer’s when he discovered that the symptoms of this disease could be mitigated by lifestyle changes including diet, exercise, sleep and mental wellbeing. Through the Institute for Functional Medicine, Dr. Laue has taken a comprehensive class on identifying the major classifications of dementia including the types of Alzheimer’s. Using appropriate lab tests and medical history to determine the subtype of dementia and then addressing each contributing factor using a personalized, targeted, multi-factorial approach dubbed ReCODE for reversal of cognitive decline, it is possible for many people to regain lost function. This is a comprehensive workup that involves lab work and face to face interviews. Dr. Bredesen makes the analogy that there are 36 holes in the roof (perhaps more!) and that after 30 years of looking for a drug to fix this he has come to the conclusion that only through life style change can the leaky roof be repaired and renewed.

Chronic Pain Solutions

Are you in pain all the day? You don't have to suffer each day with the problems of chronic pain! Many longstanding conditions respond well to holistic treatment and integrative approaches. Dr. Laue can review your treatment plan and make suggestions from a compassionate perspective — one that is grounded in the latest integrative research. 

Dietary Guidance

Many times patients are told by their medical advisors that “it doesn’t matter what you eat.” Unfortunately, the reality is that “We are what we eat!” So the question “What to eat?” becomes very important — especially when you are exhausted, depressed, have brain fog or poor concentration, are not sleeping well, and have chronic pain!

There is no “one size fits all” for dietary guidelines; each person’s biochemistry is as individual as their genetic makeup. But the good news is that even if you do have some genes that do not function efficiently, you can still enhance their performance by your daily living choices. There are lab tests which look for antibodies to the foods you currently eat — indicating a food sensitivity — or one can use an Elimination Diet to see if changing the meal plan affects your feelings of well-being. There are many options and strategies, and Dr. Laue will help you explore the ones you are willing to pursue to get to your chosen goals.

Breathwork & Mindfulness

Did you know that the amount of oxygen that is found in your blood can impact your entire health? It can impact both physical illness and psychological situations. or chronic illness. Many times a dysfunctional breathing pattern may be corrected with impressive results; Dr. Laue will review this with you in your initial consultation. She will look beyond lab values — which may be misleading — to historical components which may make you “catch” your breath, breathe too shallowly, or even breathe in a pattern that is inverted from the optimal breathing pattern observed in the newborn infant.

For instance, breathing abdominally can help your overall physical well-being and help restore optimal pH, the acid-alkaline balance of the body. Dr. Laue helps you learn how to use your breath as a tool; it is a vital part of the automatic nervous system. (Once thought to be solely automatic, it has now been found that voluntary control of breathing patterns can be learned). 

mindfulness 

Mindfulness is currently a very popular medical practice, and forms the basis of several modern psychotherapeutic techniques. It has been used for centuries as a spiritual practice as well. Although there are many ideas about how it may best be achieved, one common instruction is to relax, breathe gently, and follow the breath. Dr. Laue endorses this as a valuable relaxation technique, and has found over the years that it works even better once the breath is functional. She can help you achieve this.

Heartmath

Dr. Laue uses HeartMath technology to assist in learning effective breathing. HeartMath is based on over 26 years of research, and with over 300 independent peer-reviewed studies, it is recommended by thousands of health professionals, and is used by hundreds of hospitals, schools, corporations and humanitarian organizations. HeartMath is proven to help you reduce stress and anxiety by increasing your inner balance and self-security.

BREATH AND CHRONIC ILLNESS 

Dr. Laue gives her clients a detailed biological explanation for why breathing abdominally will help their physical well-being. Perhaps you have had the opportunity to play a wind instrument, sing in a choir or practice yoga or other types of meditative exercises, and have already had the chance to experience the difference that breathing deeply can make. Breath can be used as a tool, one that is with you every moment and can be used anytime;. breath is the key to the autonomic nervous system. Yet through the development of dysfunctional patterns — for whatever reason — breathing can become problematic.

Sometimes an individual feels as though they are suffocating, which may seem strange because they are breathing rapidly. (This is often called hyperventilating.) Most times the response appears totally out of line for the stressor, if they even recognized that a stress was there on a conscious level! The cascade of symptoms is called a “panic attack” and medication may be prescribed to decrease the symptoms, but nothing is done to increase the oxygen level so if the medication is removed, the symptoms immediately come back. Stress reduction techniques that encourage the use of one's full lung capacity are of great help in reducing this problem.

Not only is this an essential aspect in the treatment of panic disorders, but it also has a role in the physiology of depression and many chronic illnesses with a component of depression. An individual who has been given the diagnosis of endogenous (coming from within) depression will often find that their breathing pattern is reversed. That is, they tighten the abdomen on inhalation and relax it on exhalation. Although they may or may not experience the full-blown panic attack, they often have a chronic (long term), graded (very slowly decreasing) hypoxia (low oxygen level). Since O2 is one of the main ingredients necessary for the manufacture of neurotransmitters, they then experience symptoms of depression, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, fatigue, or lack of interest in life. Sometimes these people consider suicide even though their rational mind may believe that life is not that bad. 

The stresses of life that caused the initial body tension can be explored in therapy, but may not relieve the depression if the body's tension and biochemistry are not addressed. Antidepressants can help increase the level of neurotransmitters in the brain by different methods of blocking their re-uptake from the neuronal junction between nerve cells. However they do not repair the metabolic pathways that make neurotransmitters. This can only be done by looking at where the pathways may be broken down, (lack of O2, of raw materials such as L-tryptophan, or co-enzymes such as vitamin B12.)  

It is unfortunate but some therapists may have told their clients that they need to be on antidepressants for the rest of their life — simply because the therapist didn't understand what other options are available. Taking the time to develop better breathing habits may be the best investment in your health that you could do all year! And when you incorporate your breathing practice into your exercise routine you are training your body to breathe more naturally. The improved breathing pattern will be yoked by habit to the movement of your muscles, just as the unhealthy habits have been yoked for all these many years. Thus, when you exercise the new patterns will become habitual — but now it will be a healthy habit.  

Spiritual Guidance

Sufi Healing Order

Dr. Laue is a member of the Sufi Healing Order, founded around 1925 by Hazrat Inayat Khan. It involves healing through the soul as it is expressed in the body. Through inner development, we can learn to understand the soul and how it helps us to become whole. We can find out how our words, thoughts, touching, and even presence can help us to create a healing atmosphere. As this happens, we become a source of healing and inspiration for others and the world.

The main mission or goal of the Sufi Healing Order is to awaken in each of us, the power of the Divine Spirit to heal. The order encourages each person to: 

• Utilize the tools for healing that are in each of us

• Honor the faith of others

• Honor the depth of his/her own faith, orientation, or religion

• Utilize the infinite resourcefulness within one's own being

Inayati Order

Dr. Laue is also a pastor in the Inayati Order, an international organization dedicated to spreading the Sufi Message of Hazrat Inayat Khan, who introduced Sufism to the Western world. Ordained in 1981, she is able to perform spiritual services in this role.

evox

Ralph Bauer, MTh, has trained to work with ZYTO technologies. This includes perception reframing software. The EVOX system works directly with a clients personal perceptions. Perception is the way we feel and think about different events, people, or other aspects of our lives. In many cases, we are not even consciously aware of everything that we perceive or how those perceptions affect us. Using the Perception Reframing Process, the EVOX system helps clients discover a whole new way of seeing things! In many cases this has been more efficient than psychotherapy. Click here to learn more.

Fullscript Supplements

In order for Dr. Laue to offer the best selection of high quality supplements at competitive prices, we have decided to partner with Fullscript for our online dispensary.  By clicking the link you will be taken to Dr. Laue’s Dispensary, where you may look for the supplements she recommends and prescribes for her patients, easily, online.

Using this service allows her to offer a greater selection than it would be possible to inventory- and the products are guaranteed to be fresh, and quickly available. For regular purchases, you may check the autoship box and never have to remember to run out to get supplements. 

This service has a few additional benefits: 

• As new products become available, Dr. Laue may change or update the protocol she has designed for you, and this can be immediately communicated via the website: you will see it on your personal page when you log in.

• Dr. Laue has always discounted the products she carried in inventory to make them as affordable as possible for her clients; the website client page allows this discount to be offered, too.

• Other high-quality products that you may already use — other than prescribed supplements — are available as well, at the discount that Dr. Laue has arranged for your health plan items.

If you have not gotten an email from us, feel free to click below to set up your own patient page. Instructions are on the page, the process is easy, and the benefits are real!

Lab Tests

Dr. Laue may recommend lab tests for you, based on your symptoms, your objectives, and her therapeutic idea. She will explain the need for each test to you in clear, understandable language, so that you may be well-informed as to both the cost of the test and the need for it. This enables you to make wise decisions regarding completing the test.

NOTE: Even though Dr. Laue will explain to you why the test is needed, that does not necessarily mean that your insurance company WILL reimburse you for the test. If in any doubt, it is prudent (and best practice) to check with your insurance company first, and get their response in writing.

Once you and Dr. Laue have the test results in hand, the confirmation of her diagnosis will give you greater confidence in following through with your healing plan.

Common tests

• Vitamin D

• Whole Blood Histamine

• Ceruloplasmin

• Urine Krypto-pyrroles

• Plasma zinc

• Serum copper

• Genetic testing is available to look at 20,000 genes that impact biochemical pathways and detox functioning.

• Basic tests (such as blood pressure) and some scans (e.g., meridian balance) may be completed in our office.