The WHOLE Family Framework

A research-backed return to the roots of human health on all levels.

Most approaches to children’s mental health ask the wrong question. They ask “What’s wrong with our kids?”

The WHOLE Family Framework starts with a different question entirely: What did we take away from them?

Developed after my own son’s struggle with severe anxiety sent me on a search for answers and validated through years of community-based family therapy work with real families, the WHOLE framework was piloted through clinical research at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Students enrolled in the study experienced statistically significant reductions in anxiety and perceived stress. Just like my son. Just like the families I work with.

The WHOLE Family Framework is a return to what human nervous systems were created for. It’s not a ten-step program. It’s a framework that returns us to the roots and wisdom of our ancestors. Who ate from the earth, practiced mindfulness as a way of life, spent most of their days outdoors, and were connected to community in ways we have lost in our modern, virtual lives. And they moved their bodies throughout the day as a daily function of living and moving through the world.

The WHOLE Family Framework can be used as an assessment tool to identify gaps where a family could make actionable changes. It can be used as a daily or weekly checklist, making sure each category is covered. Did we eat nutritious food today? Did we practice mindfulness? Yoga? Meditation or prayer? Whichever holistic tools a family is comfortable with. Did we spend time outdoors? Did we connect to each other? To our community? Did we move our bodies?

Ready to bring Jess to your community or organization? You can inquire about booking below.