As a holistic medical practitioner, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many remarkable individuals whose work has profoundly shaped my approach to healing. One such person is Dr. Ray Petras, a PhD psychologist with an exceptional understanding of the mind’s ability to heal. His approach to “mind over matter” is not just a philosophy; it’s a practice that can truly transform lives, and I’m excited to share more about him in this blog.
In Episode 132 of my podcast, Mind Over Matter, I had the honor of hosting Dr. Petras as a special guest. Although our conversation was pre-recorded, I wanted to start this blog by sharing the story of how I met Dr. Petras and why his work has been so influential in my life and practice.
A Serendipitous Meeting
My journey with Dr. Petras began in a rather unexpected way. I was attending a small, intimate gathering of holistic practitioners in Phoenix, Arizona. The meeting, led by the esteemed Dr. Gladys McGarey, co-founder of the American Holistic Medical Association, was held in someone’s living room. It was a group of about seven to ten practitioners, including Dr. Silverman, who later went on to work with Dr. Andrew Weil at the University of Arizona’s Center for Integrative Medicine.
Being in that room felt like being a “fly on the wall,” witnessing the exchange of groundbreaking ideas in the field of holistic medicine. Among the many insightful discussions, it was Dr. Ray Petras who stood out to me. He spoke passionately about the mind’s incredible capacity to heal—a topic that has always fascinated me. His approach resonated deeply with my own belief that the body’s healing processes are intricately linked to the mind’s state.
The Philosophy of “Mind Over Matter”
Dr. Petras’s practice, Relief for You, is built on the foundational belief that each of us possesses an inherent ability to heal. This is not just a comforting idea; it’s a powerful reality that he helps his patients uncover and harness. What makes his approach unique is the way he empowers individuals to find a place of peace and calm within themselves, even in the most challenging circumstances.
This concept of “mind over matter” isn’t new, but the way Dr. Petras applies it is transformative. He doesn’t just address the symptoms of stress, anxiety, or illness—he digs deeper to understand how these conditions are intertwined with the mind’s perceptions and beliefs. By shifting those perceptions, healing becomes not only possible but often inevitable.
Lessons from Dr. Gladys McGarey
To fully appreciate Dr. Petras’s work, it’s important to understand the influence of another remarkable figure in holistic medicine: Dr. Gladys McGarey. Dr. McGarey has long been a mentor to me, and her insights have significantly shaped my approach to patient care.
One of the most profound lessons I learned from Dr. McGarey came from her experience with a patient suffering from lupus. Dr. McGarey had successfully treated many patients with lupus, but this particular case was different. No matter what she tried, the patient’s condition didn’t improve. One day, as Dr. McGarey watched the patient leave her office, she noticed something that had a lasting impact on her practice: the patient’s license plate read “LUPUS.”
Dr. McGarry realized that the patient had so deeply identified with her diagnosis that it had become a part of her identity. This powerful association was, in effect, blocking her ability to heal. The patient wasn’t just living with lupus—she had become lupus in her mind. Dr. McGarey understood that in order for healing to occur, the patient needed to release this identity.
The Power of Identity in Healing
This concept of identity is something I’ve encountered many times in my own practice, particularly with patients suffering from conditions like fibromyalgia. When a diagnosis becomes a central part of someone’s identity, it can be incredibly difficult to heal. The mind, in its attempt to make sense of suffering, often clings to the diagnosis as a way of explaining the pain. This, in turn, can create a mental barrier that prevents the body from moving towards healing.
However, as both Dr. McGarey and Dr. Petras have shown, it’s possible to release these identities. Once a person lets go of the label that has defined their experience, they open up to the possibility of healing. This is where the practice of “mind over matter” truly shines. By shifting the way we perceive ourselves and our conditions, we can unlock the body’s natural healing abilities.
Practical Applications of “Mind Over Matter”
One of the most exciting aspects of Dr. Petras’s work is its practicality. His methods aren’t confined to abstract theories—they are actionable practices that individuals can integrate into their daily lives. These practices include mindfulness techniques, cognitive restructuring, and stress reduction strategies that are tailored to each person’s unique situation.
For instance, in his practice, Dr. Petras often guides patients through exercises designed to help them detach from their diagnoses. This might involve visualizations, affirmations, or even journaling exercises where patients explore their identity separate from their illness. The goal is to reframe the relationship between the mind and the body, creating a new narrative that supports healing rather than hindering it.
In my own practice, I’ve adopted similar techniques, especially when working with patients who have chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful these tools can be in shifting a patient’s mindset from one of hopelessness to one of empowerment. It’s not just about thinking positively—it’s about fundamentally changing the way we interact with our own minds.
The Role of Community and Support
Another key element of Dr. Petras’s approach is the emphasis on community and support. Healing is not something that happens in isolation. It’s a process that is often nurtured by the presence of others who understand and support the journey. This is why Dr. Petras’s practice includes not only individual sessions but also group work where patients can share their experiences and learn from each other.
This concept of community is something I’ve also integrated into my practice. Whether through support groups, online forums, or even small gatherings like the one where I first met Dr. Petras, I’ve found that patients often thrive when they are connected to others who are on a similar path. The shared experience of healing can be incredibly powerful, providing both motivation and comfort during difficult times.
A Journey of Healing
In Episode 132 of Mind Over Matter, I had the pleasure of diving deep into these topics with Dr. Ray Petras. Our conversation touched on many of the ideas I’ve shared in this blog, and I believe it will resonate with anyone who is interested in the profound connection between the mind and body.
Dr. Petras’s work is a testament to the incredible potential that lies within each of us. By understanding and harnessing the power of the mind, we can unlock new pathways to healing that go beyond the limitations of traditional medicine. It’s a journey that requires courage, self-awareness, and often the guidance of someone like Dr. Petras, who has dedicated his life to helping others find their own path to wellness.
I encourage you to listen to the full episode and to explore how these concepts might apply to your own life. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition, facing a new diagnosis, or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, the principles of “mind over matter” can be a valuable tool in your healing journey.
As always, I remind you that while I am a medical professional, the information shared in this blog and the podcast is for educational purposes only. It’s important to consult with your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. Healing is a deeply personal journey, and having the right support and guidance is crucial.
Thank you for joining me on this exploration of the mind’s incredible power to heal. I look forward to continuing this journey with you in future episodes and blog posts.
Listen to Episode 132 of Mind Over Matter [ Links Above]