What Can Mind-Body-Spirit Therapy Help With?
Mind-body-spirit therapy typically refers to a holistic framework of healing the whole person. This type of therapy can be used to help people experiencing a variety of mental illnesses and life challenges. Mind-body-spirit therapy may help people heal from trauma, improve emotional regulation, achieve a state of internal balance, and more, which can have benefits across various areas of life. Here, we’ll discuss mind-body-spirit therapy, how it may help improve mental health holistically, and where to find professionals who practice this type of therapy.
The mind-body-spirit connection
Holistic health tends to view healing through the lens of a mind-body-spirit connection, in which each of these three dimensions can affect the others.
According to research published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, “Holistic health is a state of internal balance, not just an absence of illness, and emphasizes the importance of the connection of the mind, body, and spirit (BMS).”
In the context of therapy, this means that a holistic practitioner may use various modalities to address different types of symptoms in a client. For example, a person living with depression might experience both emotional effects like low mood and physical effects like body pain. In such cases, a mind-body-spirit therapist might treat the emotional challenges with cognitive behavioral therapy, use meditation to address any spiritual challenges that could be contributing, and recommend acupuncture or yoga for the physical pain.
What happens during mind-body-spirit counseling?
Mind-body-spirit therapy sessions can vary depending on the therapist’s expertise and the needs of each patient. That said, the first session will generally involve intake, which is where the therapist asks the client about the symptoms or challenges they’re experiencing, their medical or psychological history, their lifestyle habits, and their goals for therapy. Especially in a holistic therapy session, the provider may also speak about the modalities they're trained to practice and how these might benefit the client. They may then recommend a treatment plan that will typically involve several different approaches to address the client’s mental, physical, and spiritual needs. The provider may practice all of the recommended modalities themselves, or they may refer the client to other providers for certain forms. In some cases, they may also teach the client to do some types themselves at home, such as meditation or breathwork.
Examples of types of mind-body-spirit therapy
Mind-body-spirit therapists may use a number of traditional talk therapy methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in conjunction with various complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques as a form of integrative care. The following are just a few examples of CAM practices that may be used in such a setting.
Reiki to improve mental health
Rooted in an ancient Japanese practice, Reiki is based on the idea of a universal life force. During Reiki sessions, the practitioner typically places their hands on or slightly above the patient to serve as a conduit for the universal life force to reach the patient. Practitioners may use various terms for this procedure, such as clearing, centering, beaming, or soothing the aura.
Research suggests that Reiki can be more effective than a placebo for healing body and mind, with some clients reporting benefits like:
- Pain reduction
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved blood circulation
- Higher energy levels
- Improved sleep
Breathwork as a form of mind-body-spirit therapy
Holistic therapists may incorporate various types of breathwork into mind-body-spirit counseling. Breathwork may help increase immunity, decrease stress levels, and help clients process emotions. The following are some breathwork techniques that mind-body-spirit therapists may use:
- Clarity breathwork
- Transformational breathwork
- Shamanic breathwork
Mind-body-spirit therapists may also teach clients specific breathing patterns that they can use to address stress or anxiety outside of sessions. One example is the 4–7–8 pattern, which involves breathing in for four seconds, holding the breath for seven seconds, and breathing out for eight seconds. A therapist may adapt breathing techniques to the needs and preferences of each person.
Yoga for body and mind
Some mind-body spirit therapists might recommend or incorporate yoga into therapy. As a holistic practice, yoga may improve balance and flexibility, reduce stress, increase cardiovascular health, and improve sleep. Mind-body-spirit counselors may choose from a variety of yoga techniques depending on the needs of each client. The following are a few methods that may be used:
- Hatha yoga
- Yin yoga
- Ashtanga yoga
- Restorative yoga
- Anusara yoga
Mind-body-spirit therapy for anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders
Mind-body-spirit therapy can serve as a holistic way to treat a number of mental health conditions. Designed to treat the whole person, this type of therapy may address some of the mental, emotional, or spiritual underpinnings of various disorders as well as the physical symptoms they may cause.
Where to find mind-body-spirit therapy
You may be able to find a local mind-body-spirit therapy provider by searching online. Some therapists may have their own website describing the types of integrative therapy methods they tend to use. Therapists who don’t have their own website may be listed in online therapist directories, which often allow you to filter results to focus on those who practice holistic or integrative therapy. If you’re searching for a specific holistic therapy modality, you might search for an integrative health center in your community and ask if they have professionals who practice that modality.
Online mind-body-spirit therapy
Another possible way to find mind-body-spirit therapy is to use an online therapy platform. For example, BetterHelp has a network of more than 30,000 therapists and can match you with one according to your needs and preferences, which may make it easier to find the right fit. You can then choose how you prefer to communicate with your therapist—audio, video, or live chat—during sessions that can take place from anywhere you have an internet connection. Online therapy also allows you to reach out to your therapist at any time, and they’ll reply as soon as they are able to. This feature allows you to communicate any questions or concerns you may have between therapy sessions instead of waiting until the next session.
In recent years, a number of studies have suggested that, in many cases, online therapy can be effective for treating a variety of mental health challenges. For example, one systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can often be even more effective than traditional in-person CBT for depression symptoms.
Takeaway
Mind-body-spirit therapy seeks to heal the whole person, taking into account their mental, physical, and spiritual needs. This holistic form of therapy may not only address symptoms of an illness but might also help clients work toward a state of balance and overall wellness. If you’re interested in learning more about mind-body-spirit therapy, you may benefit from speaking with a licensed therapist, either in person or online.
Can mind-body-spirit help families?
Some mind-body-spirit therapists may practice couples therapy or family therapy. This approach may help couples or family members resolve conflict and develop a stronger connection with each other.
Can a mind-body-spirit therapist help with anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders?
A therapist who practices mind-body-spirit therapy may be able to help with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. While some practitioners may advertise specific types of holistic services, such as Reiki or acupuncture, you might prioritize searching for a therapist who also has a license to practice psychotherapy in their state. A license typically means that a person has completed a master’s degree and thousands of hours of clinical practice. Some licensed therapists also have training in various holistic therapy methods, and they may be able to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions as well as life challenges like low self-esteem through a variety of methods.
Can someone get a license in mind-body-spirit counseling?
Psychotherapists typically receive a license in therapy or counseling from the state where they practice. This license isn’t usually specific to mind-body-spirit counseling. However, some therapists may also receive training or a certificate in specific holistic modalities.
How do the mind, body, and spirit work together?
When the mind, body, and spirit work together, your thoughts and decisions align with your emotions and actions. However, it can be challenging to reach this point. Holistic practices typically aim to cultivate healthy, balanced relationships between the mind, body, and spirit.
What is the harmony of the body, mind, and spirit?
When a person’s thoughts, decisions, feelings, and actions align, they may be experiencing harmony between their body, mind, and spirit. Achieving this harmony is often an ongoing journey.
What is the mind-body approach in therapy?
The mind-body approach in therapy recognizes that the mind and body are deeply intertwined, rather than viewing them as two separate entities. Addressing both the mind and body can help people learn to cope with challenges and relieve symptoms of various mental health disorders.
Why is it important to address stress holistically (mind, body, spirit, and emotions) and not just to treat the symptoms of stress?
Addressing stress from a holistic perspective can enable individuals to fix the root of their stress. Addressing the cause of stress may lead to better results than seeking temporary fixes for specific symptoms.
What are examples of mind-body techniques?
A few mind-body techniques include mindfulness meditation, yoga, tai chi, biofeedback, and qi gong. These practices can support overall well-being.
How can you connect your mind, body, and soul?
You can connect your mind, body, and soul through various self-care and grounding practices. For further support, consider booking an appointment with a holistic therapist in person, online, or over the phone.
Which exercise brings body, mind, and soul together?
Tai chi, qi gong, and yoga are a few examples of exercise that bring together the mind, body, and soul. These practices can lead to many benefits for physical and mental health.
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