My Journey Into Mind-Body Medicine, Nutrition, and Mental Health Alignment

Katie Hart: MS, LMHC, CN

A blog about my journey into natural medicine, mind body medicine and what I have learned in practice with Hartsspace ans people through the years. A blessed journey!

When Dr. Avery asked me to participate in this blog project, I’ll admit I had a moment of hesitation. My concern wasn’t about whether I had something to say, but rather that I might have trouble narrowing down all the scopes of practice we offer at Hartsspace and the many personal passions I hold in this work. Still, I decided to do my best—and share a few of the most important lessons I’ve learned along my journey.

When I first began dreaming of becoming a provider, I was most fascinated by naturopathic medicine. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the earth, its healing elements, and the idea of food as medicine. It felt only natural that I would seek out a school where I could study natural medicine in a more formal way.

As I embarked on that path, something serendipitous happened. A new program emerged that combined mental health counseling with nutrition. To me, it felt like a complete win—the chance to study the body, the mind, and their relationship all in one place. I dove in wholeheartedly, and this became the foundation of the practice I have today.

Since 2008 Hartsspace has been filled with evolution—learning, unlearning, reintegrating, and weaving together new developments in functional medicine, nutrition, and the ever-changing landscape of mental health. Through it all, my passion for the way our bodies and minds work—and the intricate ways they are interconnected—has only grown stronger.

Personal Wisdom Along the Way

As a provider for many years, I have come to deeply believe in the power of one-on-one healing energy, the wisdom of nature, and the undeniable reality that food is medicine. I loved this work—it was my passion, my rooting, and, in many ways, my own healing too. What an incredible gift to get to do this work.

Over time, something else began to unfold. People came alongside me—colleagues, providers, and community members—bringing their own energy, wisdom, and gifts. It was amazing to watch. And it became clear that something was still missing: the power of stories, shared healing, and community connection.

That realization was the birth of Hartsspace Community Events, Retreats, Walks, Meetups, and more. At first, we simply wanted to see if it would work—to offer a place where people could gather not just as patients, but as human beings, healing and supporting one another.

In 2023, we offered our first Winter Retreat, a small and heartfelt gathering that carried a special kind of energy. It was different. It was needed. And it was a win. Now, as we approach our fourth annual retreat in 2026—Get Rooted in North Bend—we continue to grow, learn, laugh, move, and witness magical connections that last well beyond the retreat itself.

Last year, we even hosted a Summer Camp for Adults, a playful and joy-filled playground in the PNW. These moments of gathering remind me again and again of the truth: community is powerful medicine.

Between retreats, the Hartsspace Team holds a weekly accountability group focused on health, nutrition, and mind-body wellness. We bring in guest providers—including Dr. Avery—to share wisdom and experience. We also offer courses, walks, and meetups, all with the same spirit: to nourish positive connection and holistic health.

Six Core Truths of My Work

1. Gut and Emotional Health

The connection between the gut and the mind is one of the most profound and fascinating areas of medicine. Disruptions in the gut affect the mind, and disruptions in the mind affect the gut. Supporting one supports the other.

2. The Power of Food to Heal

Food is information, not just fuel. It can either deplete us or help regulate hormones, neurotransmitters, and emotional resilience. The consumer culture doesn’t always make this easy—but reconnecting with quality food, moderation, and balance is one of the most powerful medicines we have.

3. Movement as Medicine

Movement isn’t only about fitness—it’s about joy, longevity, balance, and restoring the nervous system. Over the years, I’ve explored cycling, hiking, running, skiing, mountaineering, and gym workouts.

4. Nature as Medicine

Alongside movement, nature itself has always been one of my greatest teachers and healers. I have climbed mountains, ridden bikes across rugged trails, and spent countless days exploring the beauty of Washington. These experiences aren’t just hobbies—they are medicine. Being in nature offers a way to reset the nervous system, reconnect with what matters most, and remember our own resilience.

5. Community as Medicine

   
   

   

Healing doesn’t only happen one-on-one. It happens in groups, in shared stories, in connections. Hartsspace community events, retreats, walks, and accountability groups have shown me this truth again and again: community is medicine.

6. Spirituality and Mindfulness as Medicine

Mindfulness, prayer, breathwork, meditation, and spiritual practices create the foundation that allows all other healing—nutrition, movement, therapy—to take root more deeply.

Closing Thoughts

Seventeen years into this journey, my belief system continues to evolve. But what hasn’t changed is my awe at the body’s design, the mind’s resilience, and the healing potential of food, movement, community, and spirituality.

Mind-body medicine isn’t just my profession—it’s a way of life, one that continues to inspire me every single day.

If you’re not sure where to start, Michelle Benson, our Functional Medicine Nutritionist, offers amazing guidance and support to our patients. Whether you’re looking to explore nutrition, gut health, or how mind and body connect, she’s a wonderful resource to help you take the first step.

To learn more about what’s happening at Hartsspace, visit www.hartsspace.com, subscribe to our newsletter, or join us at one of our in person events or retreats.