What
is a holistic approach? You may have heard the terms holistic approach used to
coin an alternative way of treating physical disorders in the medical
field. Acupuncture and chiropractic
treatments are two examples. I hesitate
to use the word “alternative,” because as time goes on these treatments are
becoming mainstream and much more accepted in our culture. In fact, [1]According to CNN one-half of all medical schools now offer
courses in holistic health care.
A holistic approach to mental health treatment incorporates the
whole person; mind, body and spirit. From
this perspective, all three are intertwined working together, not independently.
What affects one affects the other. Let’s
say you start psychotherapy because you are experiencing excessive anxiety and depression.
After a thorough assessment, the therapist learns that the person is also
struggling with recurring colds, low energy and an overall unhealthy feeling.
Working with a therapist on a psychological level alone may be beneficial to an
extent, but it might be difficult to stay motivated to do the work when feeling
sick and tired all the time.
What might one expect from a mental
health practitioner incorporating mind, body and soul into their practice? Below
is a brief description of each component and what it may entail.
The psychology of emotions is what
all mental health practitioners focus on using one approach or an eclectic mix of
approaches. “Talk therapy,” is a therapist helping one to overcome emotional
challenges or work through life stressors using their preferred psychological
approach. Some therapists only address one’s psychology much like some medical practitioners
only address one’s biology. There are
many options from traditional psychotherapy approaches to energy therapies. Do
your research and find a good fit for you. Some common approaches: Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical
Behaviorial Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Solution Focused
Brief Therapy, Family Systems, Human Needs Psychology, Strategic Intervention
(SI), Neuro Linquistic Programming (NLP), Hypnosis, Emotional Freedom Technique
(EFT) just to name a few.
As mentioned earlier, it’s difficult
to feel emotionally well when feeling sick and tired all the time. But, is
there a connection? The holistic approach believes there is and a therapist who
practices this approach will make sure to ask questions about current physical
activity and nutrition habits. Depending
on his/her background the therapist may help clients to understand the
food/mood connection and make suggestions or they may offer referrals to
experts in the fields of holistic nutrition, acupuncture, chiropractic
medicine, yoga, Reike and others.
Is your spirit soaring or do you
feel spiritually spent? Renewing your soul is vital to a happy fulfilling life.
A holistic therapist incorporates the spirit and explores with the
client personalized ways to revitalize passion for life so often missing
in people. A good therapist will work from the client's belief system to
help them create the fulfillment in life that they deserve.
The greatest gift you have to give is that of your own
self-transformation.”
Lao Tzu
Peg Haust-Arliss, LCSW-R is a Licensed Clinical Social
Worker, Certified Cognitive Therapist and Robbins-Madanes Life Coach and
Relationship Educator residing in Upstate New York.
Her passionate mission is to help people overcome
anxiety and other life challenges using a holistic approach and to do her part
to create a shift from a reactive,
symptom-driven, disease mindset approach to a proactive, practical, empowering,
all natural approach for emotional wellness.
Learn more about Peg and her
services at www.PegHaust.com
[1] [1]Citation: Disabled World News (2009-01-16) - The
World Health Organization estimates 65 - 80 percent of the population use
holistic naturopathic medicine as a primary form of health care: http://www.disabled-world.com/medical/alternative/holistic/care-statistics.php#ixzz20tXUkooJ
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