Integrating Experiential and Holistic Approaches in Parkinson Disease Management: Anissa Mitchell, LCSW

WATCH TIME: 4 minutes

"A lot of [clinicians] will recommend or write a prescription for their patients to get [physical therapy] and speech therapy or [occupational therapy], and we want them to see what's actually happening in those sessions and the why behind it."

The 4th Annual Advanced Therapeutics in Movement and Related Disorders (ATMRD) Congress, hosted by the PMD Alliance from June 27-30, 2025, is a 4-day event designed specifically for clinicians in the field of movement disorder who seek to elevate their clinical practice through hands-on training and cutting-edge medical education.¹ Held in Washington, DC, the meeting brings together experts worldwide to explore the latest therapies and research in Parkinson disease (PD) and related conditions. Established in 2022, the ATMRD Congress aims to place patient quality of life at the forefront, equipping attendees with immediately applicable skills and evidence-based insights to improve care.

Through experiential sessions and interdisciplinary discussions, participants are able to engage with both the science and the lived experience behind treatment strategies. Whether attendees are learning new techniques from expert faculty or deepening their understanding of nonmotor symptoms and advanced care planning, the Congress can offer them a renewed sense of purpose and a network of peers to support their clinical journey.

At the meeting, Anissa Mitchell, LCSW, chief program officer at PMD Alliance, sat down with NeurologyLive^® to highlight the importance of hands-on learning experiences and interdisciplinary care in managing PD. She outlined several sessions from ATMRD, including dance and large amplitude movement workshops, cognitive behavioral therapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms, and a deep dive into neuropalliative care. She noted that the sessions aim to help clinicians and care teams better understand not only the therapies being prescribed but also the broader quality-of-life factors affecting patients. Anissa also emphasized the role of mental health, spiritual care, and patient-defined outcomes in building more person-centered treatment plans.

Click here for more coverage of ATMRD 2025.

REFERENCES
1. Advanced Therapeutics in Movement and Related Disorders (ATMRD) Congress. Homepage. Accessed June 28, 2025. https://www.atmrd.org/