For the purpose of fostering health and healing, holistic therapy focuses on the mind, body, and spirit.
But it frequently includes complementary and alternative treatments that the therapist may also have in their toolbox. It is quite similar to general therapy or counseling.
What is Holistic Therapy?
A form of therapy known as holistic therapy focuses on the “whole” person. The integration of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional well-being occurs in this type of therapy. Its objective is to assist people in learning more about themselves on each of these levels.
It tries to assist people in healing and thriving on a deeper level by taking into account emotional, physical, and spiritual variables that influence a person’s well-being as opposed to concentrating on a specific issue.
When utilizing an integrated strategy, conventional and complementary therapies are combined, such as psychotherapy, medication, acupuncture, and yoga.
Holistic Therapy Benefits
According to peer-reviewed studies, holistic therapy can aid in enhancing mental health in general and may offer benefits for the following.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Cognitive process
- Family communication
- Addiction
- Trauma
- Chronic pain
Numerous bodily aches and pains that you could be feeling might also be relieved by holistic therapy, including:
- Relieving muscle tension and reducing muscle spasms
- Increasing energy levels
- Improves digestion
- Boosts the immune system
What to Expect at Your First Holistic Therapy?
Your initial holistic session will involve assessment and data gathering, just like if you were seeing a behavioral health professional. In spite of this, a holistic therapist will dig further into past therapies, lifestyle issues, nutrition, exercise, support systems, hormones, and other aspects of the overall self. These service providers also put a strong emphasis on empowering you by offering and recommending resources and interventions that you can use as a source of treatment and prevention.
Types of Holistic Therapy
The term “holistic psychotherapy” can refer to a variety of particular treatments. Below is a list of some popular holistic therapy methods.
Mind-body therapy
A variety of relaxation techniques are applied in mind-body therapy. Each aims to improve overall health by increasing the relationship between the mind and the body.
Eclectic or integrative therapy
Integrative therapy, also known as eclectic therapy, integrates many therapies and their components to produce a more holistic treatment plan that is customized and unique to each patient.
Spiritual therapy
Spiritual therapy examines and deals with any issues you could be having using both your spiritual faith and your belief system. By analyzing and resolving conflicts in your life using the faith you have in your higher power, this type of therapy aims to treat both your soul and your mind.
Somatic therapy
Somatic therapy is a body-centered method that treats mental health problems including stress, trauma, and anxiety by using techniques like breathwork, dancing, and meditation.
The use of complementary therapies is frequently part of holistic therapy. The following common complementary therapies are frequently used in holistic therapy:
- Breathwork
- Meditation
- Stress management
- General therapy
- Somatic experiencing
- Hypnosis
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Tai Chi
- Grounding
- Cranial sacral therapy
- Reiki
- Sound baths
Effectiveness of Holistic Therapy
Being such a broad category, holistic therapy makes it challenging to make specific claims about its general efficacy. However, several studies have shown that certain holistic therapy strategies can be beneficial for specific mental health issues.
Other empirically supported therapies, like CBT and brief dynamic psychotherapy, are frequently incorporated into holistic therapy.
Deep breathing, yoga, and acupuncture are some methods that have shown to be successful in a variety of health issues.
Frequency of Holistic Therapy Sessions
In holistic therapy, the number of sessions can vary significantly. While some treatments take place on a weekly basis, some do so more or less frequently. Numerous holistic therapies are offered as single sessions that you can attend as necessary, such as breathwork and massage therapy.
A holistic therapist might also suggest combining several strategies that take place at various times. For instance, you might arrange weekly psychotherapy sessions, twice-weekly yoga classes, and monthly visits to an acupuncturist.
Things to Consider in Holistic Therapy
To resolve the emotional and mental difficulties you are experiencing, just like in other types of treatment, you must be ready to cooperate with your therapist. Holistic approaches call for involvement and are frequently highly practical.
In other instances, your therapist might start with more conventional psychotherapeutic approaches before switching to other alternative therapies.
The As Designed Wellness clinic in Dana Point, California, is where you can go if you’re thinking about holistic therapy or are looking for a holistic therapist. For assistance with your medical problems, you can speak with a specialist at the clinic. To schedule an appointment, fill out this form or call (949) 412-6815.