Austin Recovery Coach Combines Fitness and Therapy for Mental Health

A recovery coach in Austin is addressing mental health challenges through a unique blend of physical fitness and therapy. Davis Collins, founder of Amethyst Coaching Collaborative, aims to support individuals grappling with mental health issues by integrating workouts with therapeutic sessions.

Collins emphasizes that many people are in dire need of alternative approaches to mental health support. “There are people that need something different; there are people right now that are waking up and praying for help,” he stated. His own journey, marked by struggles with addiction and a life-altering event, has fueled his commitment to assist others.

Reflecting on his past, Collins recounted a traumatic experience: “I woke up upside down on Enfield Road in Austin, Texas, and my truck had split a telephone pole in half.” He discovered that physical activity, particularly running and working out, provided a crucial coping mechanism. However, he recognized that more was needed. “Therapy,” Collins explained. “Connecting with your emotional body and starting to learn the tools that will keep you from abusing, and more so important, the why. The why is really the question everyone should ask.”

Holistic Approach to Mental Health

The primary mission of Amethyst is to foster holistic balance in lives that feel unbalanced. Collins aims to create an environment that caters to the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health of individuals, particularly those facing addiction or mental health challenges. He has assembled a team of ten therapists to enhance his initiative.

Ilicia Balaban, a therapist and owner of Snowflakes Counseling, PLLC, supports Collins’ vision. When Collins reached out to her, she was eager to contribute, particularly because his methodology combines physical and mental health. Balaban remarked, “I think it has been a really popular combination in higher levels of care for a long time, but then people come out of those treatment centers and they are back in their community, and it can be really hard to maintain the same skill set, the same coping strategies we were using.”

Balaban highlighted the importance of a support system in overcoming life’s challenges. “Life is hard, and life is getting harder for a lot of people,” she said, underlining the critical need for accessible mental health resources.

Collins envisions expanding Amethyst’s offerings to reach more individuals seeking support, aiming to foster a community where mental health is prioritized alongside physical health. His initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the evolving mental health landscape in Austin and beyond.