Interview by Rosemary Davies-Janes. Produced by J'aime Rothbard.

This lively information- and insight-packed conversation explores our mind-body-spirit connection from a holistic health perspective, and delves into the science of psychoneuroimmunology.

Dr Chris shares her personal journey, from the top of the corporate ladder to the rock bottom of severe mental health challenges and attempted suicide, to her extensive explorations of both Western medical and holistic approaches to mental and physical wholeness. This led her to decide, at the age of 33, to become a naturopathic doctor, able to heal herself and others.

Our guest also shares many practical resources, approaches and exercises we can use to help us reduce our stress levels, improve our nervous system regulation, digestion and overall health.

Dr Chris explains biological and emotional complexities in easy-to-understand ways, such as: - How what we think releases neuropeptide cascades that (positively or negatively) influence our hormone production and overall well-being - Why the state of our nervous system is crucial to our body's ability to digest food - Her approach to healing that integrates mind, body, and spirit - Why we need to shift from pure thinking to noticing how our thoughts impact our body

Overall, this conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of thoughts, emotions, and physical health, and advocates for a compassionate and holistic approach to physical and mental well-being.

About Dr Christina Bjorndal, ND Having overcome many mental health challenges, herself, when striving to address patients' mental health concerns, Dr. Chris draws on her lived experience with anxiety, bulimia, bipolar disorder type 1, (6x psychosis survivor) cancer, depression (3x suicide survivor), and her clinical training in naturopathic and mind-body medicine.

A gifted in-demand inspirational speaker, teacher and podcast guest, Dr Chris is recognized as a top ND to follow by two independent organizations. Her book, Beyond the Label: 10 Steps to Improve Your Mental Health with Naturopathic Medicine is a comprehensive guide to mental health. She also offers courses for individuals and clinicians.

Her books, courses and Mind, Body, Soul Retreat guide people to wholeness through a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual approach to health.

Dr Chris lives in Edmonton, Alberta and enjoys exploring nature with her husband, son and dog. A former athlete & Ironman competitor, she loves hiking, biking, skiing, walking, running and swimming. When she isn't outside, you'll find her reading —she typically has three books on the go!

Promotional Link: If you are curious about Compassionate Inquiry® and want to learn more about training in this approach, for your own self development or for your work with your coaching or therapy clients, please explore the Compassionate Inquiry® Professional Training Program. Registrations close March 30, 2025.

Resources: Website:

Dr Chris' Professional Website

Related Links:

Dr Chris' Tool For Managing The Mind

Psychoneuroimmunology

Homeopathy

Ortho Molecular Medicine

Dr Abram Hoffer

Linus Pauling

Humphrey Osmond

Louise Hay

Gratitude Practices

Books:

Beyond The Label

The Essential Diet: Eating for Mental Health

From Shadows to Light: A Whole Human Approach to Mental Health

Moving Beyond – A Journal into Self-Discovery Molecules of Emotion

Return to Love

The Myth of Normal

When the Body Says No

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts

My Stroke of Insight

Courses:

Individual Integrative Mental Health Program

Clinician Integrative Mental Health

The Healthy Breast Program

Compassionate Inquiry Training

Retreat:

Mind, Body, Soul Retreat

Quotes:

"Compassionate Inquiry® taught me to pay attention to what was going on with my patient and also what was going on within me while I was with my patient. That attention shift was pivotal to my internal spiritual growth and healing. - Dr Christina Bjorndal, ND

As we heal ourselves, the opportunity to expand our empathic presence is available to us. It is in this expansion, the capacity to hold the space between two hearts, that healing happens. It has been a gift to me to learn this process and to deepen and extend my ability to be loving in the moment with others. Fundamentally, I believe love is medicine. - Dr Christina Bjorndal, ND

"Something amazing happens when we surrender and just love. We melt into another world, a realm of power already within us. The world changes when we change. The world softens when we soften. The world loves us when we choose to love the world. Surrender means the decision to stop fighting the world, and to start loving it instead. It is a gentle liberation from pain. But liberation isn't about breaking out of anything; 'it's a gentle melting into who we really are.' We let down our armour…" - Marianne Williamson

"Stop trying to heal yourself, fix yourself, even awaken yourself. Let go of letting go. Stop trying to fast-forward the movie of your life, chasing futures that never seem to arrive. Instead, bow deeply to yourself as you actually are. Your pain, your sorrow, your doubts, your deepest longing, your fearful thoughts...are not mistakes, and they aren't asking to be healed. They are asking to be held. Here, now, lightly, in the loving arms of present awareness." - Jeff Foster

Social Media:

Facebook: Dr. Christina Bjorndal

YouTube: Christina Bjorndal

Instagram: drchrisbjorndal