Holistic therapy aims to treat a person as a whole, addressing their physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, and occupational health. It combines traditional psychotherapy with alternative medicine to promote healing of the mind, body, and spirit. Holistic therapists aim to improve the connection between mind, body, and spirit to promote healing, often integrating traditional therapy modalities with other forms of therapy. Holistic therapy can be particularly helpful for those facing mental health conditions or life challenges. It can address post-traumatic stress disorder, emotional regulation struggles, and negative emotions, complementing traditional medicine with strategies like mindfulness, Tai Chi, and healthy habits.Here's how holistic therapy works and what it includes:
- Integrative Approaches Holistic therapists often combine complementary approaches and traditional therapy approaches like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).
- Techniques Used A variety of techniques may be employed such as breathwork, somatic therapy, meditation, and yoga. The techniques used are based on the client's needs and can be adapted as the client progresses in treatment.
- Breathwork Different types of breathwork can be used to relieve anxiety and improve self-awareness.
- Somatic Therapy This is designed to tap into the mind-body connection to address psychological and physical symptoms of mental health challenges, including trauma. Somatic experiencing therapy, created by Dr. Peter Levine, may help individuals address physical symptoms of trauma.
- Meditation Techniques such as mindfulness meditation can be used to help clients heal by observing thoughts without identifying with them and being present in the moment.
- Yoga Certain holistic therapists may integrate yoga with psychotherapy, which can have benefits for mental and physical health such as improved sleep, stress relief, an improved immune system and increased self-esteem.
- Personalised Treatment Holistic therapy involves a personalised treatment plan that considers all aspects of a person to promote overall well-being.
- Online Options Online therapy may provide a more accessible option for those interested in specific holistic practices not readily available in their local community. Online cognitive-behavioural therapy, commonly practiced by holistic therapists, has been found effective for various mental disorders.
Anyone can potentially benefit from holistic therapy, especially those with chronic conditions and mental health disorders. A holistic therapist should possess the appropriate education, licensure, and experience to help their clients.