Honoring the complex mosaic of humanity by taking a
multidimensional approach to wellness.
“A group of blind men heard that a strange animal called an elephant had been brought to town, but none of them were aware of its shape and form. Out of curiosity, they said: “We must inspect and know it by touch, of which we are capable”. So, they sought it out, and when they found it, they placed their hands upon the Elephant. The first person, whose hand landed on the trunk, said “This animal is like a thick snake”. For another one whose hand reached its ear, it seemed like a kind of fan. Another whose hand was upon its leg, said the elephant is a pillar like a tree trunk. The one who placed his hand upon its side said “the elephant is like a wall” …”
Physical Wellness
Environmental Wellness
Financial Wellness
Occupational Wellness
Intellectual Wellness
Social Wellness
Emotional Wellness
Spiritual Wellness
Behavioral Wellness
Circle the Elephant (CTE) is about honoring the complex mosaic of humanity by taking a multidimensional approach to wellness and all the intricacies at play. At CTE, we are committed to providing networking opportunities for all the diverse minds in wellness to collaborate and foster relationships, as well as training on treatment modalities that are backed by data and interventions that are ethical and responsible. CTE networking events and workshops provide education credits for those on the professional track but they are not limited to professionals. We must educate therapists, counselors, doctors, nurses, coaches and community alike if we are to achieve Multi-dimensional wellness.
Circle the elephant is a collaboration between Gateway Wellness Associates,
Treatment Placement Specialists of Acadia Healthcare and
Amanda LaPlante, Get Real to Heal.
At CTE we utilize physical spaces that can accommodate 20-120 people as well as technologies that allow us to live stream audio visual content and record events in order to create a database of content that can be revisited again and again.
Our workshops and events are facilitated by an expert in the field of health coaching and interviewing, radio host of Get Real to Heal, Amanda LaPlante. Each event we bring together an audience that represents a wide scope of wellness professionals and caretakers . We often have psychiatrists and energy healers, pastors and yoga instructors, trauma therapists and police officers all at the same table, sharing experiences and knowledge. They welcome different perspectives and opportunities to learn about how their skills can compliment the practice of another.
CTE trainings and workshops provide ce credits for those on the professional track but they are by no means limited to professionals. We must educate therapists and clients alike if we are to achieve true health.
The Nine Elements of Wellness
The foundations: Elements that relate to securing our basic needs
Physical Wellness
“Nurturing yourself is not selfish-it’s essential to your survival and well-being” -Renee Peterson Trudeau
Is your body operating at its optimal level?
Are you investing, digesting, and resting in ways that lead to you feeling good?
Are you taking care of your physical needs or sacrificing those needs to other desires?
Environmental Wellness
”The earth is a fine place and worth fighting for” -Ernest Hemingway
Is the air you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat healthy or harmful?
Are there resources in your community that contribute to your quality of life?
Are you actively involved in the protection of your environment and your community?
Financial Wellness
“Finance is not merely about making money. It’s about achieving our deep goals and protecting the fruits of our labor. It’s about stewardship and, therefore, about achieving good society.” – Robert J. Shiller
Do you spend money in ways that fit your values?
Do you have routines and spending habits that serve your current and future financial goals?
Do you contribute wealth to your community, family, and personal savings according to your own principles?
The Connectors: Elements that relate to our external relationships
Occupational Wellness
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” -Confucius
Is your work fulfilling?
Does the work you do create purpose and meaning for you?
Does the time and effort you put into work balance with the moments taken for yourself and your personal goals?
Social Wellness
“The ego wants quantity but the soul wants quality.”-Unknown
Do you have positive relationships in your life?
Do you communicate in ways that demonstrate respect for others AND yourself?
Can you hold a meaningful conversation with someone with whom you differ in opinion, beliefs, or background?
The Substance: Elements that relate to our internal relationships
Behavioral Wellness
“Some of us learn control, more or less by accident. The rest of us go all our lives not even understanding how it is possible, and blaming our failure on being born the wrong way.” -B.F. Skinner
Do you have the understanding but can’t figure out how to go?
Do you assume that past outcomes are predictive of future attempts?
Do you have a hard time creating good habits that last?
Spiritual Wellness
“The secret of health for both mind and body is...live the present moment wisely and earnestly.” -Gautama Buddha
Do you have a sense of meaning or purpose greater than yourself?
Does what you value show up in how you interact with the world?
Is there a felt connection between yourself and your community, or humanity as a whole?