Reflection Paper

Reflection Paper
Essential Principles of Wellness
within a Mental Health System

Essential Principles of Wellness

Within a Mental Health System
By Eric D. Zuiga, TPP

The content of this paper is in the public domain and reproducing is permissible for educational
and publications purposes with proper citation and credit given to the author. However,
publication, reproduction, or distribution of this paper for a fee or within a fee for service venue
requires specific written authorization from the author at: info@mcthealth.com. To download this
paper online, use the following link:
https://www.mcthealth.com/MCT_Papers.html

Suggested Citation: Zuniga, E.D. (2011). MCT health. Reflection Paper: Essential Principles of
Wellness Within a Mental Health System.

Revision 11-September-2011

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CONTENTS:
Introduction

Evolution of Public Mental Health

Shift Towards a Wellness System of Care

Engaging Health and Wellbeing

Nature of Mental Health

Choice and Self Determination

Wellness Practice

10

Wellness Practitioner

11

Emerging Workforce

12

Health of the Provider

14

Systematic Change

15

Spiritual and Scientific

16

Integration and Implementation

18

Choosing to Restore Health

18

Essential Principles of Wellness

20

Principles in Action

23

Concluding Reflection

26

References

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Introduction
First, I would like to thank those who have demonstrated wellbeing to the degree in which many have
learned from, including myself, a deeper understanding of how to be a healthy and happy person even in the midst of chaos. I have had many professionals offer feedback to this paper and made many
changes and additions because of it. I suspect that many changes to this paper (as in life) are to come.
Mental health is of value to everyone. It is the basis of all human relationships. Without the balance of
health, imbalance is sure to occur. This is true for mental, physical and the spiritual since all are an
interconnected unit.
Discovering the source of health is an individual journey that has the power to change interpersonal
relationships as well as societies as a whole. It is this source each person has within to shift the course of
humanity. The source of health is humanity engaged to the fullest.
The source of health has vast implications. This paper takes a glimpse at some of those implications
within the public mental health arena. It is a beginning to be built upon by each person in whichever
way it is makes sense. Hence, this paper is reflective rather than directive.
As a practitioner and educator of the Three Principles, I have personally witnessed numerous shifts
towards health and wellbeing in many individuals (including those who were told otherwise). I have
had many shifts in understanding health myself and even at this early stage in my journey, I am
continuously grateful to know that the possibilities of health for everyone are alive in each moment,
without doubt. I have found that principles provide much needed clarity to this fact and have included
a brief description about the three principles towards the end of this paper.
Health is ever-unfolding. Within the public mental health arenas, the landscape is in the midst of an
evolution towards greater levels of health and wellness as it relates to the system as a whole. This paper
provides a sense of what it may resemble along the way in realizing the power of health.
Thank you for reading this reflection paper - I hope you find something of value to support your
endeavors of wellness and recovery.

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Evolution of Public Mental Health

The public mental health system in America has made strides mostly due to the assertions of those
having the greatest investment in hope, wellness and recovery. From the influence of Clifford W. Beers
to the voices of the consumer/survivor movement, the evolution of a viable mental health system
continues to emerge. Californias legislative milestone of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) in
2004 has brought further progress towards a wellness centered mental health system along with rising
dynamics that challenge the prevailing standards of practice and service options. It is clearer than ever
that divesting from a system which solely operates from the values of a deficit-based paradigm is
necessary for the practice of a wellness centered system to emerge.
Californias legislation of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) signals that public mental health
must undergo a fundamental shift of values and practices which directly support health and wellbeing.
A course that prioritizes consumer collaboration and investment in emerging practices defined by the
nature of wellness, are indispensable aspects in advancing public mental health towards
transformation. Such a direction goes beyond primary care towards sustainable mental health supports.
The therapeutic value of scientific based treatment is undisputable. However, much of the treatment
derived by the medical model has digressed into a deficit-based approach. One aspect of the medical
model distinguished in mental health by the specialty of psychiatry, has found progress in ameliorating
symptoms of mental conditions by psychotropic medications. These medications do offer relief for
many, yet there is limited progress in recognizing the causes of mental conditions defined by
biochemical treatments. While it is not the intent of many psychiatrists to reduce people to biological
conditions to be managed by psychotropic medications, the medical model is deficient in scope to elicit
self determination sustained by a position of hope, wellness and recovery. For the medical model to rise
above its deficit base, it must redefine itself. Through complimentary therapeutic supports and the
integration of peer practitioners, the medical model can shift to promote wellness in a public mental
health system. It is perplexing why these supports are considered secondary in value to primary mental
health interventions.
One reason for limited complimentary supports is that mandates within public mental health systems
are deeply aligned with the medical model, particularly the aspect of targeting symptoms; it has
pervaded all aspects of mental health systems, resulting in an entrenched logic of pathology, combined
with unchecked pseudo-diagnosis that perpetuate perceptions of inadequacy from which stigma and
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discrimination are personalized by mental health consumers. Acutely affected, is the field of psychology
which has magnified this aspect from the medical model in order to validate its stance of practice. This
is demonstrated by psychological methods having great proficiency in identifying mental illness
considerably more than its competency in realizing the source from which to restore health.
Pathology based values are persistently pursued and upheld within mental health systems. For a
public mental health system to change, it must get out of its own way. Within the system there are
many reinforcements that impede change. From obsolete legislative regulations, influences of governing
licensing boards, promotion of psychological associations, as well as inflexible academia standards of
accreditation. The mental health system has become enmeshed with promoting a plethora of exclusive
models, specialties and diluted eclectic approaches which, even in variation of scope, are built around
mental illness, not health. In some respects, the profession of psychology in mental health has
unwittingly allowed a systematic reduction of practice to appease the bureaucracies fixed on targeting
mental illness (under the guise of a care continuum), leaving many consumers with inadequate
supports beyond revolving maintenance and limited coping skills. Moreover, there are many cases
where consumers are denied access to services from failure to meet assessment criteria, eligibility or
regulatory requirements that mental health systems are obliged to adhere to.
The challenge to meet the needs of the consumer is a matter of evolving beyond bare minimum
supports. Even with legislative provisions such as Californias legislative act of MHSA, the obstacle that
impedes advancement is not the workforce, stakeholder input or emerging practices that exemplify
wellness. It is the adherence to a system that reinforces a deficit-based paradigm (albeit mandated to do
so) rather than investing in a system of wellness care. It may seem impractical for such a shift to occur,
but the forces of resistance that restrain the system from this kind of innovative shift are the very reason
that makes it so.
Finding wellness in a mire of pathology is illogical. Claims of changing a mental health system by
external program modifications or sophisticated promises of intention without subsequent action are
equally misleading. To the degree a mental health system understands the implications of a wellness
system of care, is the degree of wellness is to be reflected in the base of services.

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Shift Towards a Wellness System of Care

A fully operational wellness system of care has yet to exist on a comprehensive scale. There are many
aspects to consider in establishing, not a wellness component (in a deficit-based mental health system),
but a universal wellness system care; bringing forth an array of complimentary practices that share a
common language of wellness. Unlike the short-term benefits of investing in revolving maintenance of
mental illness, the long-term benefits of investing in a truly innovative health care system is capable of
producing a transformational shift worldwide. A system where wellness is at the core from which hope
and recovery are engaged and sustained.
The legislation of MHSA in California is a beginning. The Mental Health Oversight and Accountability
Commission (MHSOAC), designed to carry the responsibility of ensuring that MHSA funded programs
are inclusive of emerging practices that exemplify wellness, also provides a beginning. Having a
beginning is just as necessary as investing in the course (in this case, transformation of the mental
health system). Because wellness is viewed differently for each individual, implementation of a wellness
system of care must share a common ground to advance mental health services. What are essentials to
wellness are not popular theories or fixed standards, but principles; essential principles are proficient in
engaging health and well-being - directly.
A system of care that is grounded in wellness, naturally activates principles that bring forth the
wellbeing of the whole person. A system that is defined by wellness throughout may have a unique
philosophy and even make use of popular models to continue the development of practices, policies and
collaborative advocacy that exemplifies wellness. A particular system has the freedom to develop its
own ideas and awareness of wellness that are specific to the community. Nevertheless, principles that
are universal in engaging health and wellbeing are still of value. Such principles can fine-tune the
development and progress of a wellness system of care as it reflects the diversity of the community in
which it provides wellness services.

Engaging Health and Wellbeing

Understanding the implications of essential principles brings vivid clarity to the ever-present potential
of health and wellbeing for all humanity. Principles are the basis from which transformation unfolds;
from individuals to communities and nations in realizing new levels of understanding. In short,
wellness competence is the innovative direction for any mental health system to forge.
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Understanding the underlying potential from which to engage healing (i.e.; restoring spiritual,
physical and mental balance) is dissimilar to recognizing mental conditions as a prelude from which to
delve into therapeutic practice. Delving into mental conditions to find mental health is at best, an
indirect way of engaging health. A direct approach is more efficient.
There are hundreds upon hundreds of psychological models applied throughout the world. Scientific
evaluation with varying methodologies aimed to make a correlation between a model and its
relationship to healing is a common application. Inadvertently, what has been overlooked in this kind of
evaluation is how healing takes place; the specific restorative functions within each person. In other
words, various practices have placed great investment in the measurement of modalities rather than the

source from which healing arises. The source of healths natural buoyancy is a constant worth
prioritizing. To the degree a model (e.g.; evidence-based, value-driven, promising practices, etc.)
engages the natural health functions, is the degree a practice is based in wellness.
When considering the fact that the common denominator of each human-being is health, it is the
beginning to the limitless possibility of mental health. The guiding values of the Recovery Model have
reiterated this very position; self-determination and the ability to recover health. Were it not for the
potential within each person, healing would not occur.
Recovery, wellness and transformation have become the common descriptors for health. More than a
hundred years ago, the descriptors were different, yet the constancy of health, the potential of health
within each person, is ever-present. The potential of wellness is always accessible. Delivery of mental
health services with an understanding that health is at the core of each human-being, greatly reduces
reliance on techniques, theories and coping mechanisms resulting from a deficit scope of intervention.
Instead of identifying the condition, honoring the potential of health and well-being allows consumers
to discover and develop their own path - choosing to include coping mechanisms or recovery supports
at their own discretion. This is the value of person centered healing.
Engaging health and wellbeing has unlimited possibilities. However, it involves a new way of
delivering support options. Even if a given condition is prominent, recognizing that healing is the
purpose of support can provide a reference point in servicing an individual with hope in view. The
following is a simple way to illustrate how the reference point between health and condition are
contrasted by two distinct positions of engagement:
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Engaging Health and Wellbeing

Outside-in

Inside-out

This simple illustration shows two distinct positions upon which health and wellbeing of a recipient of
support service are engaged. On the left side, the engagement begins with identifying and delving into
the presenting condition as the reference point to instill health from the outside-in, resulting in
standard treatment options based upon the debilitating condition. This position engages health
indirectly, as means of support is primarily defined by the condition. On the right side, the engagement
begins with acknowledging the recipients inner health to engage a connection to arrive at the most
suitable treatment option based on the surfacing insight (i.e.; inside-out) from the recipient. This
position supports the health of the recipient directly.

The illustration above is not intended to account for all cases. However, it is relevant in describing the
position from which wellness is directly engaged and practical treatment is applied with the recipients
choice and self-determination intact.

Nature of Mental Health

The laws of nature are constant and undisputable. Science does not supersede natural laws. Science
provides a relative explanation for laws that already exist. Through exploration and findings, varying
degrees of application develop. Science in relation to the medical model is known for targeting disease.
Less prominent are aspects of medical practice that aims at restoring health. Medical research and
application aimed at harnessing the functions of healing, is distinctly different than the sole pursuit of
targeting and eradicating disease. Harnessing the biological healing power may seem indirect, but
physiological processes within the human body are far more sophisticated in leading the healing
process than the exclusive reliance upon synthesized treatment aimed at symptom reduction. As
research moves toward engaging biological properties of healing, applications are sure to emerge. In
fact, there are many treatments that have engaged health naturally and efficiently for hundreds of years
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(e.g.; natural medicine). Since mental health systems place significant reliance on the medical model, a
shift towards the medical values and endeavors that support potential-base treatment has a positive
implication for mental health systems dedicated to the promotion of health and human welfare.
The field of psychology, just as the medical field, is born of the laws of nature (referred to herein as
principles). The practice of psychology, regardless of the modality, relies on human potential for mental
health. Were it not for the natural restorative functions of mental health, psychological treatments
would be ineffective. As the medical model forges a course exploring biological potential of wellness, it
is just as practical for the practice of psychology to explore principles that reveal the innate potential of
mental health; the source of mental, physical and spiritual balance.
Essential principles represent universal unchanging laws of psychological functions of the human
experience. Aside from the myriad of anecdotal or theoretical principles, essential psychological
principles are the blueprint for understanding the nature of mental health. The practice of psychology,
when aligned with such principles, offers the assurance of leading recipients of service as directly as
possible towards mental balance. In some respects, this basis is considered emerging, although it is
the basic building blocks of the therapeutic process. With the realization of this, many psychological
practices can become unified as a precise working science toward the delivery of health and healing.
This basis can position the medical and psychological sciences towards a singular purpose from which
to advocate for wellness.

Choice and Self Determination

Freedom to experience a productive life beyond debilitating mental conditions is a human right.
Recognizing the sanctuary of wellness has always been a matter of the heart; profound understanding
from within. Healing is a firsthand experience. It is where hope, wellness and recovery are revealed.
When an individual moves beyond challenges of mental conditions, uncovering health from within, this
is wellness in action. In this way, lived experience is incomparable and vital in advancing mental
health services. The value of lived experience is the recognition of ones potential in restoring health,
not the degree of past condition. Providers, such as peer practitioners, having lived experience and the
understanding of inherent healing functions, are an indispensable resource within the mental health
workforce. Such providers are capable of implementing services that are more valuable than an array
of popular service options without this basis.
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Self determination is born out of realizing health can prevail over any condition. Insight, wisdom and
common-sense are just a few of the traits that exemplify self determination towards health. Since health
is already within every person, realizing this profound fact has great implications for consumers and
providers in advancing a system of care.
The following illustration depicts the nature of health in relation to choice and self determination:
Choice and Self Determination towards Health

Activating health

A mental health condition may hugely affect an individuals ability to function when it eclipses health.
Yet, the fact that health is the nature of an individual, can re-activate the abundance of wellbeing at
any moment and sustain the course of regaining balance by self determination and choice.
Implementing service that includes those providers with lived experience is realistic. Human
connection from a supportive consumer/practitioner that has had a health realization breakthrough
is practical in every setting of a mental health system. It is this kind of genuine human support between
individuals that has boundless potential. Such expertise can ignite hope in the moment of debilitating
conditions that can be life saving. Providing guidance in identifying the source of health, can sustain
that life.

Wellness Practice
Without an understanding of health, it would be an upward challenge to practice it. Understanding
the nature of health is where wellness practice begins. Providing guidance towards the source of health
is therapeutic above all else. Such a shift brings a new level of therapeutic practice to the forefront of
service as a means for reaching across to consumers, especially those who are underserved. A practice
grounded in the nature of health is not stigmatizing, nor is it discriminatory. Providers, regardless of
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expertise, can support consumers in the pursuit of psychological, physical and spiritual balance with
principles as a guide. Such therapeutic impact is unlimited and within reach.
For a practice base of wellness, identifying the nature of human potential is fundamental. While
conditions of illness may be on the forefront, it is secondary to the extensive restorative properties that
are within grasp. Simply put, wellness practice engages from a potential basis. It is the gateway from
which to develop a way of identifying the inner healing potential and to restore balance regardless of
the environmental or social factors.
Many public mental health systems are required to rely on the reference point of condition as the
indicator that the treatment options are permissible, reimbursable and to measure effectiveness. These
kinds of measurements are not barriers to a wellness practice. Tools of measurement have their place. It
is in service that wellness aims below the paradigm of ameliorating symptoms by attuning towards the
causes; bringing focus to the core of healths restorative properties. The challenge that is faced by many
mental health services is that promotion of health and prevention of disorders are considered secondary
to primary care (e.g.; acute illness) even when it allows individuals to life fuller lives with decreased
dependency on costly services.

Wellness Practitioner
Wellness practice is long standing throughout civilization. Providing wellness service is a non-linear
and non-exclusive discipline. There are practitioners with licensures in medicine, certificates in
spiritual psychology or a combination of traditional and non-traditional routes to advance
understandings of wellness inclusive of mind, body and spirit. There are even those who have such
profound understanding, they are considered enlightened by communities and society at large (e.g.;
Shaman, Kahuna, Theosopher, etc.). In a sense, a transformational shift occurs within a practitioner
that is consequently expressed through their respective discipline. Since there are many levels of
understandings of wellness, a core of essential principles is indispensable in unifying disciplines
throughout mental health systems. Essential principles are not the practice. Rather, the inner thread
that connects practitioners of medicine, spiritual guides, peer specialists and many more disciplines
together - creating a truer continuum of care. For a shift of this kind to occur, it is a matter of detaching
from practices with an outside in approach.

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Practitioners grounded in principles which underlie practice, are able to integrate science of mind,
body and spirit with ease. These providers are well-positioned to bring about transformational change
within any mental health setting or service discipline.
A practitioner of wellness expresses insightful guidance that points towards the nature of health.
Guidance towards health without insight, even if the given method is proven effective, is incongruous.
Simply stated, it is impossible for a practitioner to share insightful clarity where there is none. The
greater clarity about the source of health, the more comprehensive and precise a practitioner can
be within a given therapeutic discipline. There are disciplines that lend themselves to sharing directly
and disciplines where direct service is less necessary. In either case, the grounding of principles sustains
the continuity of service from practitioner to consumer and community.
A practitioner of wellness is distinct by delving into understandings of the source of health as the
impetus of practice. The source of health represents the potential of health all individuals are endowed
with equally. For example, the health within the practitioner is just as vibrant as it is in the consumer.
The source of health is unquestionable and independent of observed behaviors (healthy or maladaptive
in the moment). Recognizing that health is ever-present, the practitioner is able to engage therapeutic
practice from this reference point. As the participant gains an understanding of the nature of health,
the likelihood for the participant to have a multitude of insights that reduce the impact of the ailing
condition and restoring balance, increases. Since all beings have potential to heal, it is possible for the
consumer to excel beyond the practitioner in realizing the nature of health. At these moments, the
practitioner becomes the learner. Thus, the restorative potential of health is an inner-process. It is
impossible for a practitioner to instill health. Health is innate. It is not dependent upon a particular
provider, modality, evidence-based curriculum, psychotropic medication or otherwise. It is however
interdependent upon various therapeutic supports (as mentioned above) that are consumer-driven, i.e.;
arrived by the consumers inherent guides in restoring health and wellbeing.

An Emerging Workforce
There are microcosms of the mental health workforce which exhibit competency in delivering an
array of wellness services. Some of these are formal and some informal, composed of a diversity of peers
and professionals combined. While much of this movement is emerging from the ground up, this kind
of workforce demonstrates that the possibility of change is within reach at this moment.
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A mental health workforce distinguished by the values of wellness advances a system towards
sustainability. By detaching from the forms which are incongruous with a unified foundation of health,
the transformative vision of the workforce is able to progress.
The rising of a dormant workforce is taking form. Opportunity for peer specialists, peer respite care
workers and an array of peer advocates, mentors and practitioners are emerging. There is an interest
for many to join the workforce with openness to learn about wellness unlike any other group. A
resource this great has potential to infuse unique attributes of lived experience throughout all levels of a
mental health system. Investing in a workforce of peers, offers real incentive for growth and selfsufficiency that supports individuals in rising above the hardships resulting from conditions, towards
closure from dependence upon a system of care. It provides opportunity for many to contribute back to
the needs of the community interdependently.
An influx of the workforce would be incomplete without the veterans uniting with peer troops to
arrive at a collective diversity that can encompass competence between public service and the
community. A blended harmony in the workplace can be strengthened by a variety of vocational
supports, such as education and training.
In many cases, education and training can advance a unified workforce towards proficiency in
understanding the underpinnings of wellness and recovery from which to provide a continuum service
of wellness. Many public mental health systems have grown accustomed to allocating this responsibility
to professional associations, licensing bodies and academia in developing the mental health workforce.
In some respects this has been efficient, especially in meeting fixed regulatory requirements.
Developing innovation in education and training is a venture that poses challenges to the prevailing
standards, practices and service options. Even so, these challenges can easily become opportunities for
many who are ready to advance the mental health workforce towards transformation.
Implementing education and training by collaborative means including professional associations and
academia, consumers, family members and supporters, increases the opportunity for real innovation.
Given that recovery and wellness are central to mental health innovation, investment by integrating
certifications, degrees and licenses that reflect this paradigm in the workforce, reinforces the value of
wellness. Of course, changes such as these must arise from group efforts to assure that the result is a
workforce that rises from the values of wellness and recovery - naturally.
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Health of the Provider

Many in the mental health workforce have had numerous years of education and training, resulting
in a significant level of competence. What has been misplaced in education and training, oddly as it
may seem, is the scope of health and wellbeing from an inside-out understanding that is more than
informational based knowledge. In other words, education and training that brings a greater
recognition of identifying health within the practitioner. This may seem simple enough, yet the burnout rate amongst providers tells another side of the story.
Burn-out in a profession that is about health and wellbeing is a paradox that seems to be a natural
side-effect of the workforce. This is unfounded. Although it is an effect of unrecognized imbalance or
possibly the indifference to self care. In either case it is highly preventable. Many providers are
advocating for themselves, and rightly so, in order to sustain a level of wellness that is compatible with
tasks and duties of service delivery.
Stress happens - burn-out is preventable. Even if the symptoms of stress or burn-out are recognized,
this alone is limited view to regain or sustain health of the provider. Attunement of health within the
provider is optimal for delivery of health services. Gaining awareness of how health is sustainable, even
with numerous years of prior education or training is a worthy cause.
The health of the provider is no less important than the health of the consumer. Both are primary.
Recognizing what matters most can create opportunities for sustainable health. Education and training
that is founded in wellness is a solid base. It allows room for providers to make a shift towards personal
health that can be a welcomed inspiration. The simple correlation that can be derived is that the greater
attunement to health (of the provider), the greater ease it can be recognized within the recipient. When
a person is treated as a whole person it makes a difference in healing and sustaining health.
The true value of wellness education and training (while able to reduce stress and preventing burnout) is foremost an opportunity to have a deeper awareness of the source of healing and how it can
readily shift any moment into balance. The benefits of a balanced disposition are many. A greater sense
of clarity, improved responsiveness in the moment with less distractions and an elevated feeling of
security to name a few of the possibilities that come with an effective understanding of wellness.
Consider the following correlation that illustrates the advantage a sense of wellness offers:
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Benefits of Wellness Education and Training

A greater sense of ease can make a difference. Just as a common virus can be contagious, so can the
wellbeing of a provider spread equally among associates and the recipients of supportive services. This
is the impact of wellness that can be delivered through core education and ongoing training.

Systematic Change
Many mental health systems have invited transformational change. In California, the enactment of
MHSA spurred energetic and collaborative dialogue that gave way to the beginnings of services with
recovery and wellness in the forefront. Years later, the changes continue to present growing pains
and growth spurts that were unforeseen. On one end of the spectrum, the changes had gone further
than anticipated. On the other end of the spectrum, it is at the beginning of what had been envisioned.
In either case, it is vividly clear to professionals, consumers, family members and supporters alike, that
the persistent assertions of integrating wellness and recovery is changing the way the mental health
systems function.
Why change why now? There are many factors that have brought cause for change. Slight and
transient reasons are not an indication for inciting change. Insightful assertions, such as leading a
system towards viability and sustainability which accurately meet the health and human welfare needs
of the community harmoniously, are a necessary reason for change. Unlike change which requires
dissolution of a system, current mental health systems provide a central structure that reflects progress
made. For example, identifying progress from who benefits the most from the investment made. A
system that actively adjusts and/or redefines itself throughout the entire system for the sake of wellness
is likely to benefit the consumers. The more responsive a system is to change, the greater levels of
integration can transpire. Innovative change in any system is a courageous path that leads to great
advancements for humanity as a whole.
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Considering a mental health system with a singular purpose of wellness throughout, recognizing and
detaching from accustomed standards that hinder progress to move the entire system closer to the
threshold of integrated services that share equanimity among mental health consumers along with
providers... A system that exhibits a common foundation and direction, leading towards abundance of
healing and gratitude as a direct correlation of confidence that the community has in public services...
This is why change - right now.
It is important to note, that many changes underway in mental health settings have arisen for a
variety of reasons. Even with all the reasons of change, investment in wellness has a continuous value.

Spiritual and Scientific

Particularly in California, there is a general consensus among consumers and behavioral health
directors for integration of the spiritual within a mental health systems. Advancement of mental health
services depends on attentive balance of the spiritual and scientific along with the psychological and
physical practices to sustain a singular foundation. Spirituality that is not integrated within a singular
foundation reduces the effectiveness significantly; spirituality as an independent component is
thwarted with conflicts of interests. Of course, integration of spirituality is a relative process;
integration that aligns with the system as a whole. Integration of the spiritual is not a goal, it is a
direction that is continually appraised. Once investment in spiritual integration is greater than
resistance to it, advancement is sure to occur.
As science is a basis for medical practice, so too is the spiritual for mental health. The parallel can be
made by sustaining an unbiased disposition from which the spiritual is referenced and applied. While
many consumers find great value in faith-based practices, an unbiased position of the spiritual is
distinct as a service provided with impartiality. From this stance, integration of spiritual practice is
neutral (rather than a personal belief or religious practice) in expounding upon the universality of
healths potential in restoring balance.

It is the foremost intent of public mental health systems to aid people - improve their quality of life.
On this level, the potential for health and well-being is evident and is reason enough to provide
services. The source for healing is potential. This is an entryway to the singular purpose from which to
provide balance of the spiritual and scientific.
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Potential, for all intents and purposes, is spiritual. It is an undetectable formless energy from which all
aspects of health emerge. The origin of restoring health is within the pure potential of the human
spirit. Potential, as the spiritual are a reference (rather than an explanation) to the universal source that
ignites the human experience. The spiritual is the source; the nothingness from which the forms of
behavior come into view. From this, the root causes of conditions and healing can be brought to light by
understanding the simple relationship between the form and the formless nature of life.
Is spirituality quantifiable? Current standards of scientific study have placed great emphasis on
empirical methods mostly due to predisposition of observable human behaviors that are measurable
ready. The scope of these methodologies, while useful, has yet to quantify the essence or root causes
wherein all behavior arises. Clearly, one cannot happen without the other. The spiritual is the very link
that science has arisen from. Especially in the areas of psychology and psychiatry, recognizing this link
is integral in the practice of restoring balance to recipients of mental health services.
The nature of spirituality and the scientific is in the essence. Essence is a continuous state from which
practice is formed. Science based practices are ever evolving in application and implementation. It is
possible to quantify the progress of the scientific as well as the spiritual, yet the essence of these remains
unquantifiable through empirical methodologies. In the case when conventions of scientific
measurements reach their limits, recognizing a different level of measurability is sensible. Measuring
the spiritual becomes apparent via an inner realization. Firsthand understanding is the quantitative
link to the universal nature of the human experience. This is the link between the form and the
formless. It is the link through which wellness practices arise. A practice that takes into account the
source of potential, poses no ethical conflict. In fact, science without the spiritual cannot exist.
Similarly, spirituality sustains a level of neutrality when balanced with natural laws. The relationship
between the spiritual and scientific is essential for a unified foundation for health and wellness. Since
the intent of a mental health system is to create opportunities for wellness and recovery, a foundation
that supports the spirit of potential is sensible and reaches across in bringing forth a message of hope.

Integration and Implementation

Change towards wellness within public mental health, no matter how small, is courageous. It is
through the accumulation of steps that transform a system as a whole in realizing that services can have
a solid foundation in wellness as a science of medicine, psychology and the spiritual. Even with
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challenges that hold a system or its parts confined, the simple (yet profound) logic that mental wellness
is our default setting can cascade the system into a new era of service that supports wellness from
every possible angle. From government departments to policymakers, administrators along with
practitioners and consumers alike, this is the courageous territory ahead that begins from within. As the
culmination of voices begins to rise, integration and implementation build momentum.
Every contribution with hope, wellness and recovery in mind, develops a sustainable mental health
system. Much of the collaboration is accomplished by surveys, teleconferences, webinars, independent
consult, focus groups, forums, presentations and events which give opportunities for those who have
interest and expertise in mental health and are committed to advancing wellness as a whole.
Integration and implementation is an evolving process between the leadership of the public mental
health

system

and

the

community

in

which

it

serves.

For

example,

one

form

of

integration/implementation might be gathering ideas from the community and using them to improve
current programs or educate providers. Another form could be through integrating the expertise of the
community through leadership opportunities in developing programs, trainings and decision making
capacities throughout the entire system. In a nutshell, systems (mental health or otherwise) become
more efficient with inclusiveness.
Transformation of a mental health system is not a goal, it is a pathway to pursue for the betterment of
the community as a whole. Therefore, integration and implementation is an ongoing process that is
bound to have challenges and milestones of achievements. Through the collaborative investments made,
the resulting system can stand firm on the foundation with a unified support of the community in
which it serves.

Choosing to Restore Health

At the human core is health. This is a fact. No matter the social determinants, the degree of
debilitating mental condition or duration of maladaptive behavior, mental health is always within
reach. Seeing beyond mental barriers is the kind of exploration that allows for identifying the origin
from which conditions or healing are manifest. It is a matter of re-focusing attention and cultivating the
healing forces that are within. It is to the wisdom in the moment that offers leverage in restoring
balance; wisdom is an innate sense that guides towards balance. Wisdom, just as insight or sound
intuition is a powerful aspect of reflection that leads to a greater perspective of life.
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Reflection is a matter of the heart. It supersedes intellectual perspectives and rightly so in order for
clarity to rise above accustomed ways of applying meaning. In this way, reflection works through the
intellect to arrive at new levels of understanding. One aspect of reflection is listening; listening for the
voice of insight. Listening is a factor in understanding. Unlike literal listening or understandings,
deep listening is gaining a sense of guidance from within. It serves to lead the way to sensible choices
that are for the interest of health and well-being. It also serves as a way in which to listen to others for
the purpose of gaining insight about perspectives that are different.
The importance of reflection, wisdom, insight is that it consistently leads towards health. If it is
leading somewhere else, then it is highly likely that it is something other than sound introspection. This
is the human factor of life; making mistakes from an unbalanced state of mind is inescapable.
Fortunately, health is a constant (recognized or not), creating opportunity to learn from life
experiences. Everyone has the potential to rise from unbalanced states and arrive at greater levels of
harmony. Such ebbs and flows of life experience bring a valuable contribution to personal development
and creating the possibility of inspiring others.
For the sake of healing, recognizing that the catalyst for well-being arises from an inner source is
vital. Making a connection to this source leads to the endless possibilities of incorporating healing
modalities, whether traditional or alternative, eastern or western in scope.
Moreover, health and human welfare, while supported through public health services, is the
responsibility of all individuals (e.g.; communities, institutions of academia, corporations, governmental
departments, international relations, community partnerships, etc.) in the pursuit of advancing wellbeing. Restoring health is an inclusive journey that is pursued together.
The pursuit of wellbeing is a collective, non-exclusive endeavor. Who would obstruct such an
honorable pursuit?

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Essential Principles of Wellness

Grasping the many aspects of wellness and its practical implementation can appear indistinct.
Fortunately, the essential principles bring clarity to the complexities of the human experience with
simplicity. These three principles represent the profound underpinnings of life. Hence, providing much
needed clarity to the nature of mental health.
Illuminating a pathway that leads directly towards mental health is indeed a direction many in the
field have hoped. For most in the field, these principles are relatively new. However, what these
principles represent has been described for many generations. While there has been intellectual debate
about them, the benefit of realizing the expansiveness of the principles is of greater benefit.
There are concepts, philosophies, research and education materials that draw upon the implications
of these principles. Even so, the principles are more profound than any of these references. Becoming
familiar with what these three principles are pointing towards, their validity becomes self-evident. Just
as travelers rely on instruments to guide their way to the destination they seek, the impact these three
principles are having in communities throughout the world illustrates that what everyone shares in
common has been and continues to be the timeless echo of truth from within.
There are many ways to describe the three principles. An analogy to illustrate this is by the primary
colors of light. Of all the colors of light that are seen by the human eye (whether emitted from a
computer screen or reflected from the environment - such as a person sitting at a caf) are composed of
three primary colors: red, blue and green light. These three primary colors of light can produce any
color when combined in varying proportions. From these colors of light, a full spectrum of possibilities
becomes real. Without one of the primary colors, a full spectrum would not exist. Therefore, all three
are an essential unit.
With this analogy in view, the three principles are also an inseparable unit. The principles represent
the essential unit of potential to produce an unlimited spectrum of experiences. They are: Mind,
Consciousness and Thought. These are common words, frequently used in everyday language with a
range of meanings attached to them. Distinguishing these common terms as principles may seem odd.
However, similar to the three primary colors of light, there is significance in the relationship of the
three principles.

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Like the primary colors of light, these principles represent the potential of experiences rather than a
specific expression of it. In this sense, the three principles of Mind, Consciousness and Thought are an
essential unit that without one or the other, life experience would not exist. For instance, by taking
away the principle of Thought, the potential to place meaning would not occur. Without meaning, it
would be impossible for ideas, beliefs or memories to be expressed. Since the potential of Consciousness
illuminates meaning to the forefront of experience, the absence of thought would preclude all
meaning and in turn, experience. In the same, the potential of Mind which energizes the formless into a
manifested state, would not lead to experience unless Consciousness and Thought were intact.
Of course, the human experience has also been described by feelings, emotions and various senses.
However, these levels of experience would be absent too if not for the three principles. This point can be
further illustrated using the analogy of the color of white light. It is essential that all primary colors of
light intersect in order for the color of white light to be seen. Absence of one or more colors of light
would just result in a variation of color. The illustration below draws a parallel between the analogy of
light and the three principles for comparison:

Just as the color of white light is created by intersecting primary colors of light, the human experience
is formed by the simultaneous synthesis of three principles. The principles represent the catalyst of
experience; from pre-manifest into existence.
The principles are unique in that they offer a way of understanding the link between origin and
formation of experience. While experiences are unique for each individual, there origin is common.
The origin from where experience comes from is constant in its potential to generate experience in
the moment. It is vast and undetectable until it comes into form. The world of form is incredibly
familiar, thus it is often explored as if it is the complete representation of reality. Reality, with all its
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solidity of human behaviours (e.g.; emotions, feelings, actions, etc.) as well as human inventions (e.g.;
technology, consumer products, etc.) and even environmental nature (matter, energy, etc.) has its roots
in the origin of the undetectable, continuous presence of potential.
As in science, common denominators are the root of all variables. Similarly, these three principles
represent the root of all life experience. They point to the very essence of mind, body and spirit. The
principles are the very thread woven through all disciplines and can provide alignment between them.
Above all, the principles afford the opportunity for everyone to deepen their level of understanding
about the source of health and appreciation for life. The core of all life is pure potential - pure
psychological health and its equilibrium of balance. From this, a simple correlation can be made:

The greater the fluidity in identifying health results in a greater balance in life regardless
of socio-economic status, circumstances, events, geographical location or supports.
The common denominator of life is the source.

External factors are ever-changing variables.

Knowing that health is innate to the source within (instead of not knowing it at all) increases the
likelihood of sustainable wellness. The source of mental balance is constant, while recognition of it
easily ebbs and flows. This again, is the human factor. Identifying health through the channel of
wisdom or insight varies moment to moment. Just the same, the natural inclination of humanity is for
health and well-being.
The spiritualness of human nature is re-discovering our freedom to heal and dispel impermanent
conditions. The principles provide a way to understand the many pathways that are available on lifes
journey. Everyone has the freedom to choose their own direction in life; the kinds of mental, physical
and spiritual supports that resonate for the sake of health.
There are many pathways to support health. Some routes provide temporary support while other
directions have lasting integration. Embedded in experience of this journey is the wherewithal in
realizing the qualities of support that indeed lead to wellness.
The undercurrent of innate health is continuous. It is a mystery as to the degree in which it is revealed
to each individual. For some, it becomes clear with certainty in seconds. For others, such enlightenment
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may occur over the course of years. In either case, everyone in the world is one moment away from the
miracle of true knowledge infused in the structures of life.
As in science, the disposition of a compound becomes evident through understanding the essential
elements from which it is derived. So too are principles in understanding the depths of life experience.
Since the principles represent what already resides within, the validity becomes self-evident upon
detection of the source in which they lead.

MIND
The allness of intelligence

CONSCIOUSNESS
Awareness emerging from the inside-out

THOUGHT
The seamless expression of meaning that reaches fruition
There are many pathways that lead to transformation. Fortunately, there are guideposts that clear the
way in making it visible for all to recognize. Essential principles are the backbone from which
assertions arise to support health and human welfare. With this, the structural basis of a mental health
system is sure to shift in the direction of hope, wellness and recovery.

Principles in Action
Of the many pathways to uncover well-being, the undercurrent of potential becomes visible via the
human spirit. The three principles provide a description of this undercurrent that is woven through
experience - harmoniously with nature and science. Recognized directly or subtly, the principles reach
across cultural beliefs, demographics of social class, age groups, racial and ethnic diversities, lifestyle
preferences or spiritual pathways. Health and well-being from this position is universal.
The principles are always in action. The greater degree of harnessing these principles, the greater
healing becomes evident through the actions of individuals as well as the resulting developments in
communities. For many communities throughout our nation, there are people who recognize the
underpinnings of the principles in their practice. Psychiatrists, medical doctors, licensed marriage and
family therapists, social workers, naturopathic doctors and many more practitioners have begun a
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journey of providing a continuum of service that has a singular foundation. Additionally, peer to peer
supports have contributed to this stance by making initial strides in raising awareness of the value of
recovery in mental health systems; illustrating clearly that there is a potential of health within everyone.
The three principles are emerging naturally and spontaneously from trainers to practitioners inclusive of peer specialists to arrive at deeper grounding for health systems as a whole. There are
many examples that are in progress where transformation is occurring in settings such as mental
health, correctional facilities, community revitalization and more. These efforts are building capacity
for wellness competence at all levels of health and well-being. One example to illustrate the value of
wellness is through the composite vignette of Ron, a person who received public mental health services
that led to a profound change in his life:
Rons Story
At fifteen, Rons father had fled the country and left him, his mother and two younger brothers to carry
on. Having instant responsibilities from the loss of his father, Ron became overwhelmed. Soon, Ron had
dropped out of school and began making money through illegal means to help support what was left of
his family.
Rons life filled with problems and found refuge with a couple of friends at school he could relate with
that had similar losses. The bond Ron had with his friends seemed strong until one of his friends was
reported missing. Ron didnt want to bring more pain to his mother or brothers, so he decided to run
away from home. It was Rons way of protecting those he cared about.
Ron was surviving on the streets for over a year. In that time, pain and losses grew into a life that
seemed to be a worthless cause. Ron thought he found a way out by attempting suicide, but instead was
taken to the hospital and entered into residential treatment. What happened next took Ron completely by
surprise. One of Rons brothers came for a visit. More surprising than that, was what his brother
expressed about life. It was so different from Rons own perspective. It was intriguing how his brother
rose above the strife just by realizing how his own meaning came from common-sense or an illogical
mindset and learning to act from sensible meaning more frequently. As the visit came to a close, Rons
brother gave him a book that had been given to him by the school counselor. That evening, Ron began
reading the book to better understand his own life.

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Just as Rons brother had said, the book described how to identify the difference between common sense
and non-sense. Ron knew that many of his decisions were half-thought out. It was confusing to Ron how
non-sense could be so compelling. It was also relieving for Ron to know that after all he had been
through, there was something he could depend on; true wisdom from within.
The next day, Ron had met with his counselor and talked about the visit from his brother and the book
he was reading. The counselor listened and after a moment of silence, the counselor disclosed an event
that happened in his youth about a choice he made against the guide of wisdom. The counselor spoke
about involvement with robbing a liquor store and how something kept telling him from within not to do
it. Instead of listening to intuition, he continued to go with the plan. In the end, the police arrived and he
was arrested. After listening to the counselors story, Ron had wondered how life would have been if
moments of intuition had been followed in his own life instead of being ignored.
Only a few months later, Ron had found a new direction and was reunited with his family. Ron returned
to school and became a peer leader at a local community center, helping other youth like him. A new
direction emerged from Ron and he wanted to give back what he uncovered about the understanding of
common-sense and how it leads to a fulfilling life.

Consider for a moment that this story illustrates the norm for recipients of service; discovering
sustainable well-being and extending it to others. Would a replicable discovery of sustainable mental
health be worth exploration? Understanding wellness as a foundation can unite service providers as
well as recipients of service equally. It brings the message of hope, that healing power is built in
naturally. With this in mind, multiple service settings are able to deliver an unabridged message from
community to community. The benefits are recognizable firsthand through observation of participation
in a service that has this quality at its foundation. This basis alone can give rise to new levels of service
and efficacy, with ease.
Throughout the history of humankind there have been many examples that exemplify triumph of the
human spirit amidst circumstantial aridity. Triumphs over circumstances or conditions, especially
significant ones, inspire others to break-though the shackles of restraining burdens and uncover new
levels of inner freedom.
With the navigating tools of the three principles, the hopeful message of wellness and recovery can be
supported directly. That health is the core of our nature, whereby engaging health within can give rise
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to healing in others and that inner balance is resilient beyond condition an equally limitless potential
for wellbeing within everyone.
We are all whole people in varying degrees of health - not illness. Past conditions only reflect the past
and a point from which to grow towards health. The body mind and spirit is built for healing and to
overcome conditions. There are conditions that may result in lifelong disabilities, yet these do not
diminish the potential for a state of wellbeing.
It may take a giant leap to understand the profound nature that is the undercurrent of life. However,
there are clues clearly visible with an attuned focus. Of all the directions to seek wellness and recovery,
there is constancy from where it is found.

Concluding Reflection
There is a way for public mental health systems to evolve beyond the limitations that reduce a whole
person to a condition. A shift in the way systems function to reflect a basis that is person centered can
give healing power back to the community. These kinds of changes may be disruptive. However, the
message of hope, wellness and recovery is greater than any obstruction. It is for this reason that the
message of wellness is worth voicing by all, together.
Everyone is an ally. The paradigm of us against them is changing. We need each other to develop a
revitalization of public mental health systems that are cost effective, sustainable and humane. Now is
the time to enlist the resources, particularly community leaders, champions within mental health
systems and especially support of peer leadership. With wisdom as our guide, our actions are sure to
express support, patience, understanding and caring amongst each other on this purposeful journey.

This paper is composed of the authors reflection upon the Three Principles pioneered by Sydney
Banks. It is intended to spark interest in the many possibilities in transforming mental health
systems from a potential basis. By understanding the nature of health, progress is sure to excel
towards new levels of wellness competency for humanity.
For further inquiry, please contact Eric Zuiga via e-mail: ezuniga@mcthealth.com.

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