integrative healing arts
wholesome and healthy living in the 21st century
Elijah and Amanda formed Integrative Healing Arts in 2016 when they realized that counseling and bodywork are complementary to one another. They discovered these two modalities of healing have foundations in cultivating awareness of the mind and body. They decided to serve the community they grew up in by offering a model of health that is rooted in mindfulness.
Licensed Acupuncturist & Shiatsu Practitioner
Amanda Plecha, L.Ac. M.Ac.
My name is Amanda Plecha and I graduated from the Maryland University of Integrative Health with a Master’s of Acupuncture degree. I am trained in traditional Japanese medicine, which includes acupuncture, shiatsu, herbal medicine, cupping and moxibustion. I apprenticed with Ted Annenberg, who has been practicing Japanese-style acupuncture for 40 years. I also studied shiatsu therapy with Hazel Chung, master practitioner and leading instructor of Ohashiatsu Maryland.
My approach to treatment is informed by using touch to diagnose the root cause of disease. When we treat what is at the root of dysfunction, we discover that seemingly unrelatable symptoms are interconnected. Many symptoms can be relieved at once during a session. If supplemental therapies are needed in addition to the root treatment, then we can add trigger point therapy, laser therapy, herbal medicine and practices that individuals can use at home to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
In addition, I have acquired an experiential understanding of movement biomechanics by way of my many years performing as a dancer in the Dance Dimension, Johns Hopkins Modern Dance Company, Baltimore Dance Project, and training with the Nikolais-Louis Dance Company.
Elijah Howard, M.S. Pastoral Counseling, LCPC
My name is Elijah Howard. I am a Licensed Clinical Practicing Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. My approach to therapy is based on working with clients to create practical solutions to problems of living.
In my work with clients, we find out together who you want to be and what you want to do. We discover together what barriers are in your way and what skills you need to develop to get to where you want to go.
I have worked in a wide range of clinical settings. In addition to my work at Integrative Healing Arts, I have previously worked in the clinic at the Reginald Lourie Center in Rockville, MD where I gained the skill of using attachment-based treatment modalities to assist in developing functional parent-child relationships. I have worked with teenagers and young adults in both counseling and mentoring capacities. In my work with adults, I have treated a wide range of mental health struggles ranging from substance abuse to anxiety and depression.
I have received training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and am a certified group instructor of the Circle of Security parent guidance program. I currently see teenagers (11yrs and up) and adults individually, lead meditation groups and facilitate Circle of Security training.
Licensed Clinical Practicing Counselor
