The word "holistic" often conjures up a potluck of techniques and methods many people view as a New Age catchphrase. On some levels, the term was branded from the New Age movement; however, it is not a term that is limited to the era. When used in psychology, the term holistic refers to a comprehensive approach to treatment planning.
Holistic Psychology is designed to assist individuals in creating a balanced lifestyle by combining mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of their lives. Holistic Psychologists recognize that imbalances are not the result of one solo aspect in a person's life but a combination of different areas not working in harmony. Multiple components contribute to the decline of a person's life, and these need to be addressed as a whole. Holistic Psychology aims to create integration within all vital components of a person's life. In Holistic Psychology, three main areas are targeted in therapy: 1. Mind, 2. Body 3. Spirit.
Mind Techniques
The mind-oriented techniques use some of the following methods:
- Mood regulation -using Behavioral therapy and, in extreme cases, pharmacological treatment.
- Changing behavioral patterns - with techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Developing insight- into behavioral and thinking patterns using Cognitive Therapy, psychoanalysis, and Person-Centered Therapy.
- Journaling- as part of homework assignments given by therapists.
- Cognitive Restructuring – Used by therapists to help clients explore negative patterns and learn to develop new coping tools.
Body (Somatic) Techniques
Many of the body-centered techniques are helpful for clients struggling with dysmorphia, body issues, PSTD, Trauma stemming from rape or physical violence, and certain health-related mood disorders.
- Bodywork such as acupressure or acupuncture
- Yoga, Tai Chi
- Reiki
- Breathing exercises
- Tapping
- Mindful eating (Not necessarily vegan diets, but eating according to your body's personal needs)
Spirit Techniques
Spiritual techniques are designed around the individual's lifestyle and not necessarily around religion; however, if a person has a religious practice, that can be included in the treatment plan. Spiritual techniques are designed to bring a sense of balance and peace, especially when the individual is feeling lost and hopeless.
- Mindfulness meditations
- Hypnosis
- Visualization techniques
- Higher self-reconnecting exercises
- Pastoral counseling for clients who are spiritual or religious-oriented
Conditions that Benefit from Holistic Psychology
It is essential to understand that some therapeutic systems have more successful outcomes than others, depending on the type of diagnosis. When it comes to mood disorders, there is seldom one core issue; therefore, the different methods used in holistic therapy can help address the various influencing factors. Below is a brief list of the types of conditions that respond well to Holistic Psychology:
- Depression – It is an example of a mood disorder that is not limited to one specific cause since it can be the result of imbalanced brain chemistry, poor health habits, or the side effects of prescribed medications, as well as substance abuse, secondary disorders such bipolar disorder, PTSD, Trauma, to name a few.
- Anxiety – Just like depression, this disorder is not a manifestation of one contributing factor. Anxiety can be the result of PSTD, prescribed medication, substance abuse, poor diets, stress, poor health, sleep disorders, as well as other secondary mood disorders such as panic disorders, bipolar, phobias, social anxiety, and separation anxiety.
- Stress Disorders—People's ability to cope with stress varies, which means there is no one perfect method for reducing stress. Some individuals find talking therapy to be an excellent tool, while others find meditation valuable, and some prefer walking outdoors. Holistic psychology can address the source of stress and provide concrete tools for managing and coping with stressful situations.
- Relationship struggles—whether in family life or romantic relationships, many individuals have roadblocks that prevent them from fully thriving in connections with others. Therapy addresses the patterns and behaviors and provides tools for coping and creating healthy boundaries.
- Career/Educational Goals—Many individuals self-sabotage their efforts to achieve more in life. By exploring old patterns and beliefs, they can overcome self-sabotage by learning new ways to see themselves.
- Body Image—Many factors contribute to our physical reality; in therapy, you can explore beyond the issues that keep you ill or stuck in an unhealthy cycle. By addressing the mind, one can address behavior patterns and beliefs that keep you stuck and unable to make healthy changes.
- Addiction – there are various forms of addiction, from Substance abuse to shopping or gambling. Holistic psychology can help an individual identify behavior patterns, understand the brain and reward system components in relation to addiction, and develop new ways of hacking the brain to manage addictive behaviors.
- Trauma/PTSD – Trauma can be the result of physical abuse, rape, violence, and health crisis. Holistic therapy can provide a safe place to address the impact of trauma and learn new coping techniques.
When it comes to applying Holistic Psychology, it is essential to know the level of function of your client to offer successful results. An initial assessment should be completed to evaluate mental health status, medical health, and current life factors that have propelled them to seek treatment. In addition, treatment readiness, levels of function, and motivation levels should also be assessed prior to treatment planning. The frequency and duration of therapy are reviewed with each client to facilitate proper treatment goals. Each treatment plan focuses on
Maslow's hierarchy of needs:
Assessments are performed to determine client readiness and appropriateness for the therapeutic techniques used in Holistic Psychology.
Though some clients may view Holistic Psychology as interesting and ideal, they may thrive initially with inpatient care if they are actively engaged in substance abuse or are emotionally destabilized due to mood disorders that require medication treatment. In addition, some clients may need outpatient care if they are struggling with issues such as early sobriety or certain mental disorders with high severity index that benefit more through peer support groups several times a week.
Holistic Psychology is beneficial for high-functioning treatment-compliant individuals with an average to high motivation ratio—generally, individuals who struggle with boundaries and self-sabotage but are willing to do the work.
Copyright 2024. R. Castro
Recommended Resources
I have added a few links and reading materials on Holistic Psychology. Though I provide some materials to review, I recommend reading as much as possible since one writer can only do so much justice by offering information on anything.
Introducing 'holistic psychology' for life qualities: A theoretical model for consideration by Huy P. Phan, Bing H, Ngu & Matthew O. White. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7803644/
Holistic Therapy: Healing Mind, Body, and Spirit by Melissa Madeson.
https://positivepsychology.com/holistic-therapy
Is Holistic Therapy Right for You? By Kendra Cherry.
https://www.verywellmind.com/holistic-therapy-definition-types-techniques-and-efficacy-5196420
Recommended Books
How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self Nicole LePera
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