How A Holistic Therapy Certification Can Form The Basis Of A Natural Health Practice

Holistic therapy is a treatment approach that utilizes both traditional forms of therapy and complementary and alternative approaches. Focusing on addressing multiple dimensions of an individual’s well-being, holistic therapists aim to help participants foster emotional, physical, spiritual, and social wellness. To learn how to provide this form of care, practitioners of holistic therapy typically undergo various forms of training, often including certification courses. Here, we’re discussing the process of acquiring a holistic therapy certification, outlining some options for available courses, and providing general information on the process of becoming a holistic health practitioner.

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An overview of holistic therapy

Based on the notion that our bodies and minds are intricately connected, holistic therapy is a form of care that focuses on treating the whole person. While traditional therapy may focus on a specific set of symptoms, holistic therapy aims to address a range of physical, emotional, spiritual, and social health concerns, or how one type of concern impacts other aspects of health. 

Holistic therapy often involves research-based psychotherapeutic modalities (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy) as well as complementary and alternative (CAM) treatments. Common CAM techniques that may be incorporated into holistic therapy include mind-body exercises (e.g., yoga, tai chi), meditation practices (e.g., mindfulness), and various forms of bodywork (e.g., massage therapy, acupuncture). 

The mind-body connection—the complex interweaving of our cognitive, emotional, and physical systems—serves as the foundation for the principles of holistic health approaches. Holistic therapists understand how mental and physical well-being are linked, and they can employ modalities that recognize those associations. 

For example, a practitioner may develop a holistic healing program to help a client manage the mental, physical, and social symptoms of depression. The program could involve elements like psychotherapy (for emotional challenges), yoga (for physical pain), and support groups (for social isolation). Holistic therapy often gives the client significant autonomy over how their treatment will progress, allowing them to trust their own inner wisdom during their healing journey.

What types of professionals practice holistic therapy?

Because of the diversity of the field, a wide range of mental health professionals can provide elements of holistic health care. Often, holistic therapists are professionals who are already licensed in counseling, psychology, or a related discipline. They may also be licensed to practice CAM modalities they recommend, or they may refer clients to another provider for some components of treatment. Among others, the following are some provider types that may conduct holistic therapy:

• Psychologists
• Licensed mental health counselors
• Psychiatrists
• Licensed clinical social workers
• Licensed marriage and family therapists
• Psychiatric nurse practitioners

What is a holistic therapy certification?

Holistic therapy certifications are credentials that aspiring or practicing holistic health professionals can acquire to begin providing care, renew their license, or bolster their qualifications. For aspiring practitioners, a holistic therapy certification will be provided following the completion of a course. This certificate program may then serve as the basis for their practice, allowing them to begin providing this type of care to patients. 

For practicing professionals, certification can serve as proof of continuing education, which is often necessary for staying up to date on licensure requirements. Certifications can also signal to potential clients that a practitioner has experience in specific disciplines. Therapists who want to expand their practice to include new techniques may want to acquire certification so that they can develop the necessary skills to provide care.

To obtain a holistic therapy certification, practitioners may be required to complete certain courses, submit an application, pay fees, and show proof of the completion of training hours. 

How to become a holistic health practitioner

The field of holistic therapy involves a variety of practitioners with differing skills, education levels, and forms of licensure. This means that there are several different paths to becoming a holistic therapist. There are, however, common requirements most holistic therapists must fulfill, including educational qualifications, certification, and practice hours. The following are steps holistic professionals typically must take before they can provide care. 

Fulfill educational requirements

Depending on what type of therapy professionals plan on conducting, they may need to earn a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctoral degree, and/or a certification from an accredited holistic health program. Most holistic therapists hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. A master’s program can provide aspiring therapists with a solid foundation that they can build on by then completing courses in various specialties (e.g., mindfulness-based stress reduction). 

Develop natural health care skills

Given that they are tasked with addressing clients’ mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, individuals who provide natural health care often must develop an array of competencies. The following are holistic healing skills that these therapists commonly possess:

• Knowledge of holistic healing modalities (e.g., mind-body exercises, energy healing)
• Compassion and empathy
• Understanding of various biology-related subjects (e.g., anatomy, pathology, genetics, physiology)
• Communication skills
• Knowledge of assessment tools

Pursue holistic therapy certification

As discussed above, there are numerous types of certifications holistic therapists may obtain. The type of certification a therapist pursues will typically depend on their state, desired specialty, and professional level. 

For example, an aspiring holistic professional with a mental health counselor designation may need licensure from their state board. To become licensed, a mental health counselor typically must obtain their degree, complete a specific number of supervised practice hours, and pass certain tests. They may then need to become certified in the specific discipline that they plan on practicing. 

Many holistic therapy certifications involve specific disciplines, such as massage therapy or meditation. For example, professionals who want to practice mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) could participate in the Centre for Mindfulness Studies’ MBSR Facilitation Certificate. Receiving this certificate involves participating in a personal eight-week mindfulness course, completing practical training, then applying to become a certified facilitator. 

How to become certified in holistic therapy 

A holistic therapy certification may mean different things depending on location and whether one is a practicing professional or an aspiring therapist. In some cases, certification may indicate the successful completion of a holistic therapy course by a prospective therapist. It may also signal that a professional is certified in a specific holistic healing discipline. Alternatively, certification can simply mean that a practicing therapist has completed a continuing education course. 

Holistic health practitioner certification courses

Prior to opening a holistic health practice, future professionals typically must complete courses that teach them wide-reaching counseling techniques so they can help clients address various challenges or navigate the healing process. There are several broad-based certifications that aspiring therapists can obtain; for example, the Trinity School of Natural Health offers a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner program. 

After completing a certification course, practitioners may be equipped to provide holistic health services to clients. However, their ability to begin practicing will likely depend on whether they need further certifications, a specific number of training hours, or other prerequisites. 

Certification by a professional organization

A therapist whose professional practice centers around specific disciplines can pursue certification from various professional organizations in addition to the above-mentioned practitioner certification. For example, individuals whose practice will center around nutrition may seek the Registered Health & Nutrition Counselor certification from the Health Coach Alliance. 

There are several other professional organizations that provide certification, including the American Natural Wellness Practitioners Board (ANWPB), the International Association of Natural Health Practitioners (IANHP), and the American Academy of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). Many of these organizations offer multiple certifications. For example, through the ANWPB, a holistic therapist can attain any of five different titles related to neuropathy and neuropathic practice. 

Continuing education courses

To ensure their certification status remains current, a holistic therapist will usually need to complete a specific number of continuing education hours. For example, a BCHHP must complete 20 continuing education units to maintain their certification through the American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board. Holistic therapists may also be required by their employers or other entities to complete continuing education certification programs. 

Get support on your professional natural health journey in therapy

Focusing on professional or personal growth or embarking on a new career path can be stressful and may even cause or exacerbate mental health challenges. If you're looking for support along the way, you may benefit from meeting with a therapist. 

Connecting with a licensed mental health professional online

For those who are busy with professional growth or personal development, making time to find a therapist and commute to and from in-person sessions can be challenging. With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp instead, you’ll be matched with a licensed therapist based on your answers to a questionnaire about your needs and preferences. This process can save you time in searching for the right fit, and you can also change therapists at any time for no additional cost. Plus, online therapy allows you to schedule sessions at times that work for you and attend them from anywhere you have an internet connection, which can be helpful if you’re a busy professional. 

Looking to work with a qualified mental health professional?

Connect with a licensed online therapist

What the research says about online therapy

There's a growing body of research to suggest that online therapy can often be an effective form of support or treatment. For example, a 2021 study suggests that online therapy may be “no less efficacious” than traditional in-person treatment in many cases. 

Takeaway

Gaining a deeper understanding of holistic treatments can be helpful for aspiring therapists and clients seeking to focus on their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. There are several options for holistic health courses and certifications that can help foster professional growth in this field. Those who are looking for support on their professional journey may benefit from meeting with a licensed therapist online or in person.