Holistic Mental Health Therapy: Exploring The Holistic Approach To Treatment

Experts continue to uncover information about the complex links between mental and physical well-being. Because of the mind-body connection, challenges that affect emotional, cognitive, physical, or spiritual health can interfere with an individual’s ability to foster mental wellness. Holistic mental healthcare focuses on addressing these multiple facets of well-being, often simultaneously, to alleviate psychological challenges. Below, explore an overview of holistic mental healthcare, the state of the research on this form of treatment, common holistic therapy modalities, and how to receive help. 

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An overview of holistic therapy

Mental health can depend on healthy psychological alongside several other dimensions of overall wellness. Holistic mental health therapy acknowledges the intricate connections between emotional, physical, cognitive, spiritual, and social health. This type of therapy focuses on treating the whole person—instead of addressing one specific challenge or set of symptoms. 

Holistic therapy incorporates various methods from complementary and alternative medicine into the mental health therapy process. For this reason, practitioners can address several concerns that may influence an individual’s mental health. For example, a participant may undergo psychotherapy, aromatherapy, art therapy, deep breathing exercises, and other alternative modalities. 

Experts often suggest pursuing traditional forms of mental health care before engaging in holistic therapy. If you’re seeking mental health treatment, consider consulting with your primary care physician or another qualified healthcare provider. A mental health or medical professional can provide you with an evaluation and help you determine the best treatment method for you.  

The self-directed nature of holistic mental health therapy

Clinical holistic medicine provides clients with more autonomy regarding their treatment. Holistic therapy professionals acknowledge that participants understand the challenges they experience best and that they can use that knowledge to make decisions that may benefit their health. For this reason, holistic therapists often use modalities like client-centered therapy when providing care. 

What types of professionals conduct holistic therapy?

Because holistic therapy is such a diverse field, many different providers may conduct sessions. Psychotherapists—including mental health counselors, clinical social workers, psychologists, and marriage and family therapists—are often involved in holistic therapy. Psychiatrists, primary care providers, and other medical doctors can also be part of care teams. 

Additionally, practitioners of various complementary and alternative disciplines are commonly involved in this form of treatment. These providers may include experts in meditation, yoga, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and other therapies. These providers aren’t necessarily therapists, though they might use this terminology. If you’re seeking a therapist, seek a provider licensed to practice mental health counseling in your area. 

Holistic therapy and the mind-body connection

The mind-body connection serves as the foundation upon which holistic therapy is built. While many psychologists and other experts believed that the mind and body were separate for decades, the idea that the two are linked is gaining wide acceptance. Researchers continue to discover varied links between the body and mind. For example, society now knows that the central nervous system and gut communicate through a well-established connection called the gut-brain axis. The gut-brain axis helps explain the physical manifestations of specific mental health challenges, such as gastrointestinal distress that arises out of anxiety disorders. 

The mechanisms through which links like the gut-brain axis operate are still largely unknown, but researchers are starting to uncover potential causes. One recent study found that there is substantial overlap in brain regions responsible for cognition and those responsible for movement. This finding may explain why some holistic modalities, such as yoga and other forms of physical activity, may improve psychological well-being. 

How does holistic mental health therapy work?

Holistic therapy is typically an individualized process that can look significantly different depending on the client. For this reason, the therapeutic process may begin with a thorough evaluation of the participant. Interviews are often conducted, in which the client can discuss their symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and goals for treatment. Various assessments, such as mental health inventories, physical examinations, and other diagnostic evaluations, may also be administered. Once the client’s primary concerns have been identified, a treatment plan can be developed. 

The holistic therapists, along with the participant, may set out several objectives for treatment. This process may include certain benchmarks for improvement in mental health symptoms, physical health concerns, and other areas. They can also develop a combination of modalities to help them achieve those goals. 

Typically, holistic therapy sessions last from 45 to 60 minutes, though they may be longer in some cases (e.g., complex mental health conditions). Because each client's healing process differs, the total number of sessions can vary significantly. Treatment may last for 10 to 20 sessions or over 40 sessions. Because holistic therapy often involves several modalities, an individual’s care team may regularly evaluate their progress. If the participant isn’t on track to reach their goals, certain modalities may be added or eliminated from their treatment plan. 

Common holistic modalities

An array of traditional and alternative therapies are used in holistic mental health care. The following are some of the most commonly utilized modalities. 

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy is usually a primary component of holistic mental healthcare. Psychotherapy can help participants identify the sources of symptoms of a mental health condition, develop healthy coping strategies, and learn more about the mind-body connection. Several different therapeutic modalities may be utilized, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. 

Mind-body exercises

Yoga, tai chi, and similar practices involve slow, purposeful movements, meditation, and deep breathing—all of which can promote calm and improve physical health. Such exercises are common holistic treatments because they focus on the mind-body connection. 

Meditation

Meditation is centered around quieting the mind and relaxing the body, which is thought to lead to numerous mental and physical health benefits. Several forms of meditation may be incorporated into a holistic psychotherapy program.   

What the research says about the holistic approach to mental health care

While the research on holistic therapy as an overall approach to mental health is limited, there are numerous studies pointing to the efficacy of its common constituent modalities. The following is the state of the research on holistic therapy and various holistic treatment methods.  

Studies on holistic therapy as a broad approach

Research conducted on holistic therapy interventions points to their effectiveness in promoting multiple positive mental and physical health outcomes simultaneously. In one study, researchers found that a holistic therapy program that involved music therapy, reminiscence therapy, and reality orientation therapy led to a wide range of health benefits in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Participants experienced enhanced cognitive function, reduced depression symptoms, improved sleep, and decreased social isolation. 

In another study, researchers found that a holistic therapy program was effective “in treating common cancer-related side effects, including nausea and vomiting, pain, fatigue, anxiety, depressive symptoms and improving overall quality of life” in patients with cancer.  

Studies on specific treatment methods

A significant body of evidence points to the efficacy of various holistic therapy techniques. The following are examples from the research base on holistic therapy: 

• Extensive research suggests that traditional talk therapy can alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders and physical challenges. For example, there is evidence that cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective psychotherapeutic modality for depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. 
• Mindfulness meditation has been shown to promote a range of positive mental and physical health outcomes, including reduced pain, improved sleep, decreased post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and lower blood pressure. 
• Studies show that tai chi can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression while also enhancing quality of life and improving physical health. 
• Deep breathing can improve mental and emotional health in individuals living with addiction. In one systematic review, researchers concluded that breathwork can be an effective adjunct to traditional care for individuals with varied forms of substance use disorder. 

How online therapy can factor into a holistic treatment plan

If you’re interested in holistic mental health care, online therapy may be a helpful way to receive support. A therapist can help you address mental health concerns and foster emotional, spiritual, and cognitive wellness. 

You deserve compassionate, comprehensive mental health support

Talk to a therapist

Taking a holistic approach to treatment with online therapy

With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you and your therapist can explore topics like the mind-body connection from anywhere you have an internet connection. In addition, you can message your therapist outside of sessions, allowing you to reach out for clarity on a holistic therapy concept or help practice a certain technique.

Research suggests that online therapy platforms effectively deliver modalities commonly used in holistic therapy. For example, in a trial that involved over 150 participants, researchers found that an online therapy program that involved cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness led to significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and distress. The study also mentions the ability of online therapy platforms to help more people utilize mental health care. 

Takeaway

Holistic mental health care is a comprehensive form of treatment for not only psychological challenges but also physical, spiritual, and social concerns. Through holistic therapy, participants can learn how to cultivate mental wellness by taking a broad, multi-faceted approach. If you’d like to participate in therapy that treats you as a whole, consider working with a licensed therapist online or in your area.