Beyond Pills: My Path to Real Healing

by Kristi Allison, Nurse Practitioner & Health Coach

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to help others, which made nursing a natural career choice, and one I believed would lead me on my path to real healing. I started as a registered nurse working across a range of settings, from hospice care to case management, but primarily in mental health in psychiatric facilities. While I loved the opportunity to care for people, I often felt that my patients were stuck in their personal lives and within the healthcare system, never attaining true healing, or anything close.

Many were lost in the system, forgotten faces on a multitude of mind altering medications. They were there for help but seemed only to get further trapped  in the cycle of inpatient mental health facilities and it weighed heavily on me. Eager to make a more substantial impact, I decided to advance my career, becoming an adult nurse practitioner specializing in primary care. A lot of people assumed I should have become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, but I couldn’t see myself returning to the relentless cycle of over prescribing heavy medications for mental issues that did not necessarily need pharmacological treatments. I wanted to be part of a different kind of healing—one focused on preventive health, wellness, and lifestyle changes. After graduation, I took a position in primary care, but quickly faced the reality of poor management and an environment that left little room for patient centered care. So, I returned to psychiatry, working for the county with underserved populations, prescribing antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers I’d hoped to leave behind.

Essentially, my days felt like there was never enough time. I only had a few moments to connect with each patient, discuss their lives, assess medication effects, go over their lab work, and move on to the next person. If anyone was having difficult circumstances and needed  more time, I found myself prioritizing comforting them and I ended up being behind my schedule. I would then race to try to get back on track and it became exhausting. I couldn’t believe that after all my training and years of commitment, this was the life I was living. I didn’t feel like the healer I had envisioned for myself nor my patients. I was prescribing powerful medications, many with serious side effects, and rarely had the time to truly explain or work with patients to explore alternative paths to wellness to meet their individual needs. I had worked so hard for my dream career and I was still unhappy. I remember crying one day, feeling burnt out and stressed. I knew I did not have the capacity to continue in this manner, I was of no service to my patients or myself.

Thinking I could find more fulfillment, I moved into a role recommending medical cannabis, a field I thought would allow me to focus on more holistic, less invasive treatments. But again, I was overrun with a heavy patient load and rushed appointments. I felt myself reliving my previous job in psychiatry. I was being prevented from offering the depth of care I wanted so desperately to provide within my role. I also found that many of the patients believed that marijuana was the solution to their problems and I disagreed. I knew that it did help with symptom relief but they were no different then my other patients, they became dependent on the idea that they needed something besides themselves to improve their lives.

I then came to the realization people want quick fixes, the majority is not willing to do the internal work to obtain the life they desire, they rather just buy it. I began to wonder: If even cannabis can’t lead to a meaningful difference, then what would? Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand that people benefit tremendously from lifestyle changes, education, and non-medication approaches, yet these are rarely offered as first-line solutions. Instead, many of us are on a multitude of prescriptions with most just managing side effects rather than finding sustainable health solutions. I believe we can break free from this conditioning. We have the power to assess, to question, and to take charge of our health in ways that don’t rely solely on medications. 

Of course, there’s always a “new miracle drug” capturing everyone’s attention, promising rapid relief or life-changing results. But over the years, I’ve watched too many of these medications become more of a problem than a solution. Tramadol, once heavily prescribed for all kinds of pain, turned into a nationwide dependency issue, leading to its reclassification as an opioid in 2014. Gabapentin, too, is under scrutiny as its abuse potential climbs, prescribed widely for conditions from neuropathic pain to anxiety and even as a migraine preventative. The real issue is that we’re quick to rely on these drugs, but we often ignore the reasons why we’re taking them in the first place.

Take Viagra—an instant hit among men for obvious reasons—but instead of questioning why there’s a high demand, or what’s causing so many to need it, the public simply embraced it, side effects and all. Now, Ozempic is the latest craze, advertised as a way to achieve a “thin, hot body,” yet it’s wreaking havoc on people’s digestive systems, sometimes leading to severe complications like gastroparesis, where the stomach loses its ability to function properly.

Ultimately, medications have their place, and for some, they’re truly life-saving. But the prevailing mindset that everything can (and should) be fixed with a pill is something else entirely. Rather than exploring the underlying causes—whether it’s diet, lifestyle, emotional health, or deeper systemic issues—many turn to quick fixes. The result is a society increasingly dependent on prescriptions, not solutions. Often, people aren’t even given tools to understand, let alone address, the root causes of their health concerns. This “assembly line” approach to medicine fails to empower people and often keeps them cycling through medications instead of experiencing true healing.

In my experience, these issues are especially prevalent in lower-income populations, where healthcare resources are limited, and the default solution is more often a prescription than a conversation. Our society has accepted a belief system that keeps us as lifetime patients, managing symptoms rather than finding real solutions. For many, the journey to health has been shaped more by the needs of the system than by the actual needs of the person. But I believe we deserve more.

Contrary to popular belief, we all have an innate ability to heal and grow into our true potential. For most of us, however, this strength lies undiscovered, hidden under layers of societal conditioning. We’ve been taught by culture, media, and even aspects of the healthcare system that the solutions to our problems lie in quick fixes—medications, products, or even miracles—but rarely within ourselves. I’m here to challenge this thinking, to help others understand that real change comes from within, and to empower a shift in mindset where self-awareness, inner strength, and resilience are prioritized.

Surviving a life-threatening traumatic event opened my eyes to the real power of self-love, self-awareness, and the importance of holistic health—mental, emotional, and physical—in true healing. But let’s be clear: this path isn’t easy. It requires discipline, introspection, and a commitment to facing our challenges head-on, but it’s attainable.

Moreover, when we start taking accountability for our own wellness, even in small ways, the changes can be transformative. I hope my story serves as a reminder that if I could make this shift, so can you. Our minds are incredibly powerful, and with the right guidance, we can learn to identify the true sources of our issues—both mental and physical. Healing isn’t about numbing or masking our pain; it’s about understanding it, confronting it, and working through it so that we can experience lasting growth. When we learn to listen to ourselves, our bodies, and our minds, we can break free from the dependency on external solutions and instead cultivate a sustainable approach to health that honors our inner strength.

Medications aren’t always the best solution for mental health challenges. Take Lexapro, for example—a medication I frequently prescribed as a go-to antidepressant. But what is it actually doing for patients? Sure, it alters neurotransmitters, increasing serotonin to improve mood, but is it addressing the root of the problem or simply creating a synthetic state that masks underlying issues? Many patients report feeling flat—neither happy nor sad—which raises the question: are we truly healing, or just numbing what’s really going on beneath the surface?

Additionally, medications like Lexapro rarely address core issues such as lifestyle factors, chronic stress, or the unique life circumstances contributing to a person’s depression. What’s more, the side effects can be significant: sleep disturbances, digestive issues, sexual dysfunction, it can even impact bone health over time. When the costs are this high, it’s worth asking if there’s a better approach, one that doesn’t rely solely on a pill to create balance in our lives.

Regardless, we’re at a critical point in healthcare where we need to think holistically—treating the mind, body, and spirit together for optimal wellness. This integrative approach, focusing on lifestyle changes, stress management, nutrition, exercise, and mental health practices, offers a pathway that can be just as powerful, if not more so, than medication alone. Real healing starts with understanding and addressing the core issues, rather than masking symptoms. By learning the skills needed to manage stress, build resilience, and nourish ourselves holistically, we can create a stronger, more sustainable foundation for lifelong well-being.

In essence, my journey in healthcare and through my own experiences with trauma has led me to my true calling, health coaching. I didn’t want to simply manage symptoms or check boxes; I wanted to help people unlock their potential to truly heal from within. I wanted to work with individuals ready to reclaim their lives, who saw wellness as more than just medications, or wanting to replace medications with marijuana feeling like that will fix their life. I wanted to help people who were willing to put in the work to achieve genuine health and happiness. I’m committed to empowering those people who are ready to break free from limiting beliefs, trauma, and the idea of a “magic pill” or quick fix, and guiding them on a path toward a life they’re happy to live.

I offer coaching services that are crafted for individuals seeking a transformative mindset shift, especially those dealing with the lingering effects of past trauma. Whether you’re looking to shift from limiting beliefs, break away from negative cycles, or rebuild after life-altering events, my goal is to empower you to reclaim your life with renewed confidence and purpose. I provide individual coaching sessions as well as two comprehensive courses designed to guide you in taking accountability, developing resilience, and creating lasting change—regardless of your circumstances.

Furthermore, for those truly committed to moving beyond the “quick-fix” mentality, my approach provides practical, holistic tools that address the roots of negative thinking. My book, Change Your Mind, Change Your Life, walks you through five actionable steps to overcome self-imposed limitations and cultivate a mindset that supports growth and positivity. I offer one-on-one coaching sessions and in-depth courses tailored to help you move past trauma or shift away from negative thinking. My four-week course on stopping negative thinking and my 18-week bi-weekly course on healing from trauma are structured to guide you step-by-step. You can also explore my book, Change Your Mind, Change Your Life, which outlines practical steps to eliminate limiting beliefs. Dive into my free resources or connect with me if you’re ready to start your journey toward empowered living at traumafreecoaching.com.

If you’re ready to commit to a more balanced and fulfilling life and are looking for genuine, sustainable support to get there, I’m here to help you make that shift. This blog is here to inspire a new way of thinking about health and healing, empowering you to find your own path to a fulfilling and resilient life. Through sharing insights, tools, and resources, my goal is to guide you on a journey that transforms not only how you view your health but also how you live each day. True change and healing start from within, and each of us holds the power to unlock that potential.

In summary, as you explore these ideas, remember that small steps—whether it’s daily self-reflection, journaling, or committing to a healthier habit—can create profound shifts over time. The rewards may not appear overnight, but with patience and dedication, they will flourish, enhancing your health and well-being in ways you may not have imagined.

Disclaimer: Please note, the insights shared in this blog reflect my professional opinion and are intended for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Do not discontinue or adjust any prescribed medications based solely on information in this post. Stopping medications abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and other health risks. If you are considering changes to your medication, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss a safe and appropriate plan under their supervision. Your well-being is important, and any modifications to your health regimen should be done with the guidance of a licensed medical professional.

Are you ready to break free?

Are you ready to release the exhausting cycle of low self worth, negative thinking, or unresolved trauma that’s been holding you back? You deserve a life filled with confidence, balance, and self-compassion—and I’m here to help you make it a reality.

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Don’t let the weight of your past or limiting beliefs hold you back any longer. The life you’ve been longing for is within your reach—starting today!

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