NIWH Graduate Spotlight Questionnaire
Dr. Lynn Jonen, PhD

Q: What drew you to the Whole Health field and the National Institute of Whole Health?

A: I was drawn to Whole Health Education after working in Behavioral Medicine as a licensed clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist for several years. I was providing neuropsychological testing to older adults and education to their families. I wanted to be able to offer more information about the integration of nutrition, environmental factors, and spiritual life into the emotional and physical aspects to form a larger picture of health.

Q:  Did the Whole Health training meet your professional goals?

A: Yes. The Whole Health Education program at NIWH appealed to me because it focused on empirically validated studies and science to integrate and connect all aspects of whole person health. Having the ability to present scientific information to others to support their decision-making and give a more complete picture of their and their loved ones’ health made my work more meaningful.

Q: How are you currently applying your training from NIWH?

A:   The focus on education rather than making recommendations allows more empowerment for others and makes it more likely that others will make more sustainable lifestyle changes when they are empowered with health information. Even more important to me was training in the relationship aspect of health care. Healing is relational, regardless of the specific intervention, whether it is growing and healing in personal relationships or facilitating others’ healing through clinical work.  

Now, more than 10 years since completing the program, I can say with certainty that this way of being with others is fully integrated into my presence in the world, and I feel most fortunate to have the opportunity to work with current students as an Academic Adviser for NIWH!

Q: Would you recommend the Whole Health training to others?

A: I recommend the NIWH Whole Health training without reservation! In addition to providing great breadth and depth of solid scientific information, it supports more authentic connection with self and others, which is much needed in health care.