By: Zach Miller

Dr. Sara Spowart, PhD, LMFT, explores how kindness may improve mental health, potentially boost energy, and contribute to happiness using compassion-focused therapy techniques.

Dr. Sara Spowart, PhD, LMFT, founder of “Compassion-Based Happiness,” offers a fresh approach to therapy by examining the link between acts of kindness and emotional and energetic wellness. Through her work in mental health therapy, mindfulness, and hypnotherapy, she suggests that even small good deeds might generate a ripple effect, potentially enhancing not only someone else’s day but also our own inner peace.

She has worked with individuals across diverse backgrounds, supporting them in exploring how to integrate kindness into their personal healing journeys through both in-person and telehealth sessions.

How Kindness May Increase Energy and Happiness

The Psychology of Kindness in Mental Health

From therapy rooms to classrooms, Dr. Sara Spowart has long highlighted kindness as an evidence-backed tool that may support mental health. According to the Mayo Clinic, acts of kindness can decrease stress, help ease anxiety, and may release serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical. These benefits are central to Dr. Spowart’s therapeutic process, especially for individuals facing trauma or burnout.

Dr. Spowart often notes that kindness is a potentially powerful yet sometimes overlooked tool for emotional healing, one that may uplift others while also helping to revitalize the self. She observes that when clients learn to give compassion outwardly, they often begin to restore it within themselves, which can lay the groundwork for more sustainable happiness.

How Kindness Might Physically Boost Energy

Doing something thoughtful, like complimenting a colleague or holding the door open, may seem small, but it could have real physiological benefits. Acts of altruism may stimulate the release of endorphins and dopamine, which are thought to contribute to a natural energy boost. Research from Birkenstock suggests that kindness “may activate the brain’s reward system.”

In her therapy sessions, Dr. Spowart sometimes suggests mindfulness practices like journaling acts of kindness, which may help clients recognize emotional safety, inner capability, and the positive effects of their actions. She also encourages clients to reflect on how these moments of giving might influence their energy levels, potentially connecting generosity to an enhanced state of physical vitality. This reflective awareness can become a tool for long-term emotional regulation.

Compassion as a Clinical Tool

What makes Dr. Sara Spowart’s approach stand out is how she blends clinical expertise with personalized compassion strategies. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified clinical hypnotherapist, and registered mindfulness instructor, she integrates multiple therapeutic modalities, including EMDR, Solution-Focused Therapy, and her own Happiness-Based Mindfulness Program.

She also authored the book “You Are Love,” which reflects her commitment to helping clients explore self-compassion and resilience. Her approach is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, she works to curate individualized wellness plans that align with client’s goals and emotional landscapes.

Dr. Spowart’s extensive background includes over 10,000 sessions and fluency in Spanish, French, and English, enabling her to reach clients across cultures and communities. She is also completing her second doctorate, focused on happiness interventions, further enriching her real-world clinical experience.

Practical Steps to Incorporate Kindness into Daily Life

Dr. Spowart recommends simple, intentional acts of kindness as a possible means to enhance personal energy and happiness. Here are some practical suggestions:

• Express Gratitude: Take a moment to thank someone, whether through a note, message, or verbal acknowledgment. This may foster positive connections and mutual appreciation.
• Offer Support: Assist a colleague with a task or lend a listening ear to a friend in need. Providing support could strengthen relationships and help build community.
• Volunteer Time: Engage in community service or support a cause you’re passionate about. Volunteering might provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• Practice Mindfulness: Be present and attentive in your interactions, showing genuine interest and empathy toward others. Mindful engagement may enhance the quality of connections.

Integrating these practices into daily routines could lead to noticeable improvements in mood, energy, and overall life satisfaction. These practices, when performed regularly, might help retrain the nervous system to favor joy over survival-mode responses, something Dr. Spowart addresses through her Safe & Sound Protocol work.

Dr. Sara Spowart’s philosophy is rooted in the idea that kindness can be healing. Through Compassion-Based Happiness, she helps individuals move from surviving to thriving, using good deeds as a possible gateway to increased energy, happiness, and emotional balance.

To explore her full list of services and free resources or book a session, visit www.drsaraspowart.com.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a mental health condition.

Published by Zane L.