What is holistic therapy (and how can it benefit you)?
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Explore what holistic therapy is and how it can benefit your mental health. Plus, 4 types of holistic therapy and examples of techniques that may be utilized.
Holistic therapy is an approach to improving mental health that focuses on the entire person, not just one specific issue or symptom. This means considering all parts of your life, including physical health, emotional and mental health, social connections, and even spiritual beliefs. The goal is to find the root causes of any problems in these areas of life and address them to promote overall health and happiness.
What is holistic therapy?
Holistic therapy is a form of therapy that aims to support and heal the entire person rather than focusing on a single aspect or issue. Holistic therapists believe that to improve your mental health, it's essential to consider and become aware of all aspects of self.
This self-awareness can lead to improved self-esteem and confidence and empower you to make changes that benefit your overall wellbeing. By addressing the whole person, holistic therapy provides a more comprehensive approach to improving health conditions, particularly for those dealing with trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression.
6 benefits of holistic therapy
Holistic therapy offers a variety of benefits that can significantly enhance your overall wellbeing. The comprehensive approach can lead to lasting changes, empowering you to live a more balanced, healthier life.
1. Decreasing anxiety
Holistic therapy can help identify and address the root causes of anxiety. With techniques that promote relaxation and mindfulness, you can reduce feelings of anxiety and develop healthier ways to cope with stress.
💙 This short Panic SOS meditation can help ground you in order to ease panic and decrease anxiety.
2. Reducing cortisol levels and stress
Holistic therapy may be able to help lower cortisol levels, one of the stress hormones, through relaxation, self-care, mindfulness practices and stress-management techniques. Lower cortisol levels are associated with reduced stress, improving your overall health and wellbeing.
💙 Ground yourself by tuning into your five senses in this Five Steps to Less Stress meditation.
3. Promoting family communication
Some holistic therapies involve family members in the treatment process, which can improve understanding, empathy, and communication. This can lead to stronger, more supportive relationships.
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4. Supporting addiction treatment
Holistic therapy can be an effective complement to addiction treatment. It addresses not only the physical aspects of substance use, but also the emotional and psychological factors, offering a comprehensive approach to recovery.
5. Reducing chronic pain symptoms
By acknowledging the connection between the mind and the body, holistic therapy can help alleviate chronic pain. Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can reduce the perception of pain and improve quality of life.
💙 Bring more ease and perspective to chronic pain during the 7 Days of Soothing Pain series.
6. Coping with trauma
Holistic therapy can provide tools and strategies to help the healing process after traumatic experiences, addressing the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts.
4 types of holistic therapy
Holistic therapy takes an integrative approach, encompassing a variety of techniques and practices, each designed to address the interconnected aspects of your wellbeing. By exploring these types of holistic therapies, you can discover personalized treatment options and effective paths to health and wellbeing.
1. Somatic therapy
This type of therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body. It uses physical techniques, such as movement, breathing, and sensation awareness, to help release the tension held in the body and improve mental health. Somatic therapy is particularly effective for those who’ve experienced trauma, as it can help people process and release emotions that may be stored in the body.
2. Spiritual therapy
Bringing spiritual beliefs into the healing process can include practices like meditation, prayer, or therapy sessions with a counselor. Spiritual therapy can provide a sense of purpose, connection, and inner peace, which are vital components of overall health and holistic wellbeing.
3. Eclectic or integrative therapy
Eclectic therapy combines elements from various therapeutic modalities to create a personalized treatment plan. An integrative therapist may use techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, humanistic therapy, and more, depending on what best suits your needs. This flexibility allows for a tailored and effective approach to healing.
4. Mind-body therapy
This type of holistic therapy emphasizes the relationship between the mind and body on mental and physical health. Techniques used in mind-body therapy might include mindfulness meditation, yoga, tai chi, and breathwork. These practices can help reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall physical health.
Things to consider with holistic therapy
By taking into account all aspects of your life, holistic therapy can help you achieve a greater sense of balance. Reach out to a qualified holistic therapist who can guide you through the process and support you in achieving your wellness goals.
Collaboration with your therapist: Successful holistic therapy requires a strong, collaborative relationship between you and your therapist. Open communication and trust are vital, as they allow you to work together effectively to address your concerns. Your therapist should be someone you feel comfortable with and who respects your individual needs and perspectives.
Complementary to traditional medicine: Holistic therapy is not meant to replace traditional western medical treatments. It’s thought to enhance your overall wellbeing by addressing not only physical symptoms but also emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of your health. If you're receiving medical treatment for specific conditions, holistic therapy can provide additional support.
Initial use of conventional methods: Often, therapists will start with conventional psychotherapeutic methods to establish a foundation for your treatment. With a clear understanding of your concerns and needs, they may introduce more alternative therapies that align with your preferences and goals. This step-by-step approach ensures the therapy is tailored to you and evolves as you progress.
Holistic therapy is a journey: Engaging in holistic therapy requires patience and commitment as you explore various aspects of yourself and make changes that lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. The process can be deeply rewarding, but it's important to have realistic expectations and be open to the insights that come up along the way.
Self-exploration and personal growth: Holistic therapy can encourage self-exploration, helping you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and how different areas of your life are interconnected. This awareness can lead to personal growth, improved self-esteem, and a stronger sense of purpose and direction.
Holistic therapy FAQs
Why choose holistic therapy?
Holistic therapy can help those looking to address their wellbeing comprehensively. Unlike traditional therapies that might focus on one specific issue or aspect of your life, holistic therapy considers the whole person — your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health. This approach can be particularly beneficial if you're dealing with complex issues like stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma, as it can help uncover and address the root causes of your concerns, not just the symptoms. By choosing holistic therapy, you can promote self-awareness, personal growth, and overall balance, leading to lasting positive changes in your life.
Is CBT considered holistic?
While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is primarily focused on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, it’s generally not considered holistic because it typically doesn't address the broader spectrum of physical, social, and spiritual experiences. However, CBT can be a component of a holistic treatment plan, especially if combined with alternative therapies that address these additional areas.
Is mental health holistic?
Mental health is an integral part of holistic health. Holistic health is about the entirety of a person's wellbeing, which includes mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. When we consider mental health in a holistic context, we acknowledge how it's influenced by other aspects of life. A holistic approach to mental health means not only addressing mental health symptoms but also considering factors like physical activity, nutrition, social connections, and spiritual beliefs in promoting overall wellbeing.
Is hypnosis a holistic therapy?
Hypnosis can be considered a component of holistic therapy when it's used as a tool to address various aspects of a person's life and wellbeing. It's a technique that can help access the subconscious mind, promoting deep relaxation, and is often used to improve mental health, reduce stress, manage pain, and support healthy habits. When used in a comprehensive treatment plan that includes other holistic practices, hypnosis can contribute to the overall goal of achieving balance and wellness across all areas of life. However, like CBT, hypnosis on its own is not holistic.
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