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The Wellness Questionnaire With Cathy O’Brien, CEO of Naturopathica

Discover how this industry leader is expanding Naturopathica’s Oncology Care Program
Heather Mikesell

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Cathy O’Brien, CEO of Naturopathica, spent years working in the music industry before making a move to the beauty and wellness industry as global vice president of Estee Lauder Companies, where she oversaw the rollout of the Jo Malone brand after the company was acquired. She later founded and served as CEO of AAM Brand Management Group, a strategic marketing and communications firm with experience in building brands. She later co-founded Bona Fide Beauty Lab, a consultancy that worked with founders to build their brands. These days, O’Brien is bringing her expertise to Naturopathica, a popular wellness brand encompassing a holistic and botanically based skincare line and stand-alone spas.

Recently, the company introduced an Oncology Care Program, pioneering the program in its five spas, and through a partnership with Mount Sinai Hospital, one of New York’s leading hospitals in cancer treatment and research. The program provides complimentary massages from licensed and certified therapists to patients undergoing chemotherapy. Now, services will be available at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Collaborating with experts in certified in cancer care, Naturopathica has developed proprietary oncology treatment programs that deliver the therapeutic benefits of touch. O’Brien is helming the effort to expand the program nationally with hospital partners by training other spas in these treatments. The Kohler Waters Spas and Miraval in the Berkshires are just some of the spas that will have their estheticians and massage therapists trained in Naturopathica’s Oncology Care Services this year.

“Our Oncology Care Program embodies Naturopathica’s commitment to holistic health and wellness,” says O’Brien. “We are dedicated to providing healing relief to those affected by cancer, ensuring that our holistic remedies offer support during challenging times. It is our mission to provide education on how massage plays a significant role in improving one’s health and to make services available to those in need, eventually helping to make these treatments attainable and affordable for everyone.”

Here, O’Brien shares how the program has become one of her greatest wellness achievements along with how she maintains her own health and wellbeing.

What does wellness mean to you?

To me, wellness is a commitment I make to myself, starting and ending with mindset.Of course, I factor in all the things we know we are supposed to do to be physically healthy —like diet and exercise. I eat mostly plant-based foods and fish, practically no meat or dairy. I make sure I move physically everyday, toggling between walking and the gym. I try not to be too rigid with myself on that, so I can stick to it. I meditate every day at least once, and as often as possible I do massage therapy for energy healing. Sometimes I do acupuncture. I get fueled by social interaction and have a close knit and loving community around me.

In terms of being “well,” the most critical part for me is what goes on in my head, thoughts, and energetically in my body. I make a conscious choice to focus on the positive and have disengaged from any toxic relationships or negative energy. I feel truly grateful for every day that I have and absorb all the good will and positivity from the people and situations I surround myself with.

What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?

Spending as much time with my kids and my good friends as possible. I love going on long walks with them or having fun dinners. I also have three dogs, and the mornings with them (or any time) is all love. It’s the greatest.  

Is there a specific fitness activity you love and why?

I used to be a gym rat and made sure to work out in a certain way every day. That started to feel more like a chore—something on my list of things to do—rather than something enjoyable. During Covid and with nothing but time, I started taking long walks—sometimes with people and sometimes alone with an audio book or music. Now, it’s my favorite thing to do. During the work week, I go by myself before work and listen to a book or a podcast, and on weekends I go with friends so that we can talk for a few hours. It’s the most soothing and therapeutic time, and I always look so forward to it—lots of laughs, sharing news, and going deep.  

What is your favorite healthy beverage, and do you have any insider tips for preparing it?

It’s not fancy, but I love hot water and lemon first thing in the morning (before coffee). I read somewhere a long time ago that the rinds of lemons are dirty from shipping, pesticides, etc. So, I peel the lemon like an orange and then put it in the water.

What is your greatest wellness achievement?

I have two that are tied: getting my MSW, and as part of that experience, having the opportunity to work as an advocate for the National Domestic Violence Hotline; and helping to start and nurture Naturopathica’s Oncology Care Program. Through this program, we train and certify all our therapists in Oncology Care treatment protocols and offer massage therapy to people going through or recovering from cancer treatments (chemo and radiation). Both things have brought me great joy and happiness.

What is the most exciting wellness innovation you have recently discovered?

I think that I’m late to this party, but my friend who is an experiential therapist recently told me that there is scientific data that shows that art therapy is a true healing modality. I’m learning more about this now—to hear her talk about it is so exciting.

What is your idea of balanced healthy happiness?

I really try to not be extreme in any way with my behaviors, habits, emotions. Maybe it’s because I’m older and have experienced life’s ups and downs. I know that things ebb and flow. However, in general, I’m happy. And I feel good. I manage daily stressors through breathwork and trying to be mindful and aware of how I’m feeling and reacting to things internally. Making sure that my internal energy is clean helps me stay positive and happy—and feeling healthy.

What do you think is the most overused word(s) in wellness?

I’m not a fan of the word “natural,” because it doesn’t really mean anything when it comes to a product or an ingredient. It implies healthy, but it does not certify it. It’s marketing. To know if something is healthy or good for you, you must read the ingredients to see what is actually in something. Putting the word “natural” on a label or a food product (or any product) does not guarantee that all the ingredients are what you think they are.

What is your favorite self-care routine?

I love taking baths and have done so from when I was a girl. I always had bath salts, balls, oils, and yummy smelling things in my bathroom growing up and continue to do that. Once my parents gave me a rack that goes across the bathtub so that I could read my books in the tub. That was a great gift.

What is your go-to for destressing?

There are two things that all of us can do without spending a penny that are immediate stress managers: breathwork and movement. Throughout the day, I plug into my breath and do a quick three-in, three-hold, three-out. Whenever I feel something heated start to happen for me, this kicks in and takes everything down. Also, movement. When I feel something happening—maybe a conversation or a work issue—I’ll get up and walk around to change my energy and perspective. Both are quick and effective.

How do you celebrate small victories?

I try to point them out when they happen and reflect on them as they occur. I address them positively such as, “That was a good thing we did” or “This has been a good day because I/we accomplished xyz.” Again, as I get older, I find it important to name things and take a moment to reflect. It doesn’t have to be a big deal or take a lot of time—just a moment of acknowledgement.

What brings you joy?

Honestly, a lot of things bring me joy, and I feel it every day in different ways. Walking in the morning when it’s quiet before the city has woken up. Yummy coffee as it’s getting light out. My meditation time. Getting to spend my days with the amazing, smart, driven people whom I work with. Getting to do the work I do. I could go on here. However, I always feel the best when I have time with my kids.

What aspect of your wellbeing do you struggle with the most or would you like to improve?

I wouldn’t say that I struggle with it, but I think I could be better at supporting myself in the positive self-talk arena. It’s not that I get down on myself, but I am too quick to point out what I could have done better rather than praising myself for what I have done well.

What is your favorite place for a healthy vacation or escape?

Three years ago, I bought a cozy home in the woods in Connecticut where I get great peace and restoration. When I get there, my heart rate immediately goes down, and my mind is allowed to be quiet and creative. The people are deep and thoughtful, and I have made many great friends there. It’s where I would choose to go over anywhere.

About The Author
Heather-Mikesell-author-1

Heather, co-founder of Well Defined and the former editor-in-chief of American Spa, is an award-winning journalist and content strategist, skilled in writing, copyediting, and media relations. She is also a freelance writer and has contributed to Elite Traveler, Islands, Kiwi, Luxury Travel Advisor, Organic Spa, Porthole Cruise, Travel Agent, abcnews.com, jetsetter.com, outside.com, and wellandgood.com, in addition to various custom publications. She is frequently called upon to comment on various spa and wellness trends for various media outlets.