What Does Holistic Therapy Training For Mental Health Entail?
Whether you are seeking a holistic health practitioner as a patient or pursuing holistic therapy training yourself, you might be curious about what exactly holistic therapy and its training process involve. Because a wide variety of holistic therapies exist, many holistic training programs are available for people wanting to build a strong foundation as they begin a new career starting their own business in holistic health. Holistic healing training programs may also be helpful for professionals wanting to bring a holistic approach to an existing career related to wellness, healing, or mental health.
What is holistic health?
Holistic health is an umbrella term describing the health and wellness of the whole person and treatment approaches that use this whole-person outlook. "The whole person" often includes more than physical health. Some providers define the whole person as mind, body, and spirit, while others include other elements, such as culture, community, and financial health.
In the Western world, medical professionals generally focus on treating only physical health symptoms and diagnoses, rather than improving overall wellness. This type of treatment is referred to as conventional medicine or allopathic medicine. In contrast, a holistic health practitioner may use holistic modalities to promote healing and improve health, including mental health, whether or not a diagnosed illness is present. A holistic therapist may also address a person's energy or spirituality, which are often factors not considered by mainstream practitioners.
Conventional health vs. holistic health approaches
The definitions of conventional and holistic health are blurred. When holistic approaches gain popularity or earn more evidence to support them, they may become mainstream and be viewed as conventional. Often, conventional health approaches are rooted in scientific evidence, while holistic health approaches have arisen from ancient medicines from around the world, Eastern wisdom, or spiritual approaches to the mind and body.
Holistic therapy training for mental health
Holistic therapy training programs are generally based on modality rather than a specific category of illness or issue. For example, a person may train in massage to become a massage therapist or in acupuncture to become an acupuncture therapist. They may intentionally want to help people with their mental health, but they may not receive much mental health-related training. Only mental health therapists receive licenses to practice mental health therapy. Those trained in art therapy, music therapy, and psychotherapy incorporating holistic elements must receive mental health-specific training.
Types of holistic therapy training
The training a holistic therapist undergoes depends mainly on the modality they practice. There are various holistic modalities; below are some of the most common.
Acupuncture certification
An acupuncture certification training program prepares students with the skills and knowledge necessary to practice this ancient Chinese approach to healing. Acupuncture is considered a form of energy healing, and the practice involves putting thin needles in certain points on the body that are considered meridians or points that significantly impact energy flow throughout the body. Many people try acupuncture for pain reduction, but acupuncture may also help alleviate depression.
Massage therapy training
Massage therapy generally involves hands-on manipulation of the human body. While many people seek out massage therapy to ease muscle pain or tension, massage therapy may also help with mental health. Massage therapy training programs are abundant and teach people the various techniques available for massaging others, which include Swedish, deep tissue, aromatherapy, and other types of massage.
Certified holistic health practitioner course
Multiple companies offer either in-person or online certified holistic health practitioner courses. Some of these courses are certificate programs intended to supplement people already working in the healthcare field, like doctors and nurses. Others are stand-alone courses designed to train people in a particular modality, like sound therapy or holistic nutrition. Sound therapy, also called sound healing, uses certain sounds and frequencies to promote healing. Holistic nutritionists may help people change their meals to incorporate more whole foods or specific foods and herbal supplements intended to heal in particular ways.
Complementary Medical Association courses
The Complementary Medical Association (CMA) is a UK-based membership organization for people engaged in complementary practices. Holistic therapies are often referred to as complementary because they can complement conventional treatments. The CMA also offers courses. Most of its courses are geared toward integrative doctors or other holistic health practitioners who primarily work on physical health but use a holistic approach with their patients.
Energy healing courses
Various energy healing courses are available for people wanting to become energy healers. Reiki is a popular form of energy healing that originated in Japan, and studies suggest that reiki may benefit mental health. Reiki practitioners, also called reiki masters, gently touch a person's body and hold their hands a few inches above the skin to transfer energy to the person’s chakras. Reiki is believed to channel and flow energy through this gentle movement through different pathways.
Crystal healing and color therapy are also often considered types of energy healing, and training courses are available to teach people about these techniques. Crystal healing often works from the chakra system, which originated in Hinduism. The chakra system assigns specific colors and meanings to certain body parts, and different energies are believed to be associated with each. With crystal healing, people often use crystals in colors that match specific chakras.
Some forms of color therapy are also based on the chakra system. For example, if people want to enliven their root chakra, associated with red, they may wear red or incorporate red into their home decor. Other forms of color therapy use colors to bring about different energy states or moods without associating colors with chakras. Color therapy may also involve looking at lights of specific colors.
Mindfulness training
People wanting to help others become more mindful may take courses such as meditation teacher training or yoga teacher training. There are also specific mindfulness courses that people can be trained to teach. These courses give those who take them the expertise to teach meditation, yoga, or other approaches to mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a present-moment awareness that involves observing what happens without judgment. Mindfulness can enhance a person's ability to navigate stress and difficulties in life. This holistic practice has also proven therapeutic for mental and emotional health.
Training in holistic therapy for mental health
Some people who want to learn holistic therapy for mental health, in particular, choose to undergo a formal program specifically focused on a form of mental health therapy that incorporates holistic elements. Examples include art therapy, music therapy, and talk therapy involving mindfulness, meditation, hypnotherapy, guided imagery, or other holistic tools. For this type of training, one must also have a license to practice mental health therapy in their state.
How long does training to become a holistic therapist take?
The time it takes to train as a holistic therapist depends entirely on the type of training a person pursues. Accredited programs generally take longer than unaccredited programs. Training programs that involve becoming a professional therapist typically involve years of higher education. In contrast, other certificate programs, such as those focused on energy healing, may only require a few weeks of training.
If you are approaching a holistic therapist about creating a therapist-client relationship, know you can ask various questions. For example, you might ask where the therapist was trained and how much time they spent in training. Clients can access their therapist's educational history to determine if they have complete confidence in their abilities and expertise.
Routes to become a holistic therapist
Not all types of holistic therapists hold certificates or licenses. With many holistic therapies, a person may call themselves a "holistic therapist" with little or no training. However, to be a true mental health therapist in the US, you must have a license to practice in your state.
Other routes to becoming a holistic provider may involve reading books, watching videos, or declaring oneself a holistic therapist. That said, seeing a holistic therapist with adequate training and years of experience is safer and may provide more benefits. For this reason, clients can ask about training and history before working with a provider. A holistic provider should not be providing mental health therapy without a license.
Should you pursue holistic therapy?
Holistic therapy can provide various benefits and often takes a person-centered approach to healthcare. Depending on your desires for treatment, a holistic therapist may be a practical choice for you. However, some of these procedures can come with risks and side effects. Before trying a new holistic therapy, talk to your doctor about your unique body and limitations.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. Do not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.
Other mental health treatment options
Some people may avoid trying holistic therapy because they don’t know how to afford sessions or can’t find a provider in their area. Online therapy is a form of talk therapy that can be conducted entirely remotely using the internet through platforms like BetterHelp. When clients attend online therapy, they connect with a professional therapist through video chats or in-app messaging. This option can offer flexibility, convenience, and time and money saved by reducing travel expenses.
Online therapist vs. holistic therapist
An online therapist is a professional therapist who conducts talk therapy through the internet. A holistic therapist is an umbrella term that can describe a wide variety of practitioners, from acupuncturists to massage therapists. In some cases, there can be an overlap between online therapists and holistic therapists. For example, some online therapists may also consider themselves holistic therapists because they incorporate holistic techniques, such as meditation, mindfulness, guided imagery, and other mind-body tools.
Studies have found that online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is as effective at treating depression as in-person therapy. The above study looked at two groups of people—one that underwent ACT in person and one that underwent ACT online—and measured their well-being immediately after six weeks of treatment and again 18 months later. ACT is a form of therapy known for incorporating mindfulness with other talk therapy approaches.
Takeaway
Holistic therapies consider the whole person rather than focusing on fixing a specific illness or issue. A wide variety of therapies can be considered holistic, including acupuncture, massage therapy, complementary medicine, art and music therapies, energy healing, and more. Some online talk therapists incorporate holistic elements, like mindfulness and meditation, into their therapeutic approach. Anyone looking to try holistic therapy should ask about a therapist's training to ensure they are adequately credentialed before beginning holistic therapy. For mental health support, consider contacting a therapist online or in your area.
How do you become a holistic therapist?
In general, mental health professionals must have a master’s degree and be licensed in the state where they plan to practice. As part of the career path to become a holistic therapist, it may be necessary to seek additional training in various holistic modalities.
How long does it take to become a holistic practitioner?
The process to become a holistic practitioner usually takes several years, depending on a person’s past education and credentials. There are many types of holistic practitioners, each with slightly different requirements.
What degree is needed for holistic medicine?
Most holistic medicine professionals attend an accredited naturopathic medical school and complete a professional-level program there. This usually takes around four years.
How do you start a career in holistic health?
The introduction to starting a holistic health career typically involves deciding what type of holistic health professional you wish to become. A few options are becoming an acupuncturist, energy healer, herbalist, massage therapist, or naturopath. Once you’ve made your decision, you can research the necessary education and licensure needed for that specific career.
What is the most popular holistic therapy?
Reflexology is often viewed as the most popular form of holistic therapy. Other popular options include acupuncture, massage, and yoga.
Do holistic therapists prescribe medication?
Only licensed medical doctors, such as psychiatrists, can prescribe medication. Some holistic therapists may be able to prescribe medication if they have a medical license.
What is the difference between counseling and holistic counseling?
Traditional counseling usually involves talk therapy techniques, with counselors speaking directly to clients to help them navigate specific challenges. Meanwhile, holistic counseling often employs a variety of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual practices intended to treat the person as a whole.
What are the tools for holistic counseling?
Holistic counseling involves a wide range of tools. A few of the most common include meditation, yoga, nutrition counseling, Reiki, breathwork, and somatic practices. Many of these tools are meant to calm the nervous system and facilitate physical and mental healing.
What are the popular holistic therapies?
A few of the most popular types of holistic therapy include acupuncture, reflexology, yoga, Reiki, and naturopathy. Holistic therapies are generally intended to help clients achieve personal well-being.
What is the difference between a holistic therapist and a therapist?
A traditional therapist typically uses methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address the behavioral disorder or mental health concern at hand. A holistic therapist may also employ psychology and talk therapy strategies, but they typically implement other mind-body practices as well. Both types of professionals may improve a client’s well-being and address concerns like substance use disorder (formerly referred to as substance abuse), depression, anxiety, and more.
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