Holistic Therapy
Holistic therapy aims to support health and healing by focusing on three key aspects of a person simultaneously: the mind, body, and spirit. This method treats the individual as a whole. By addressing emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being all at once, people gain a thorough understanding of themselves on each of these levels. Holistic therapy encourages overall wellness, helping individuals achieve balance and harmony in all facets of their lives. This comprehensive approach nurtures a stronger connection between the mind, body, and spirit, promoting lasting health and healing.
Holistic Therapy: What is it?
Holistic therapy treatment comes in various forms, tailored to the unique needs of each individual. This approach integrates evidence-based treatments, focusing on overall well-being and drawing inspiration from other therapy types, including:
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Mindfulness practices
- Breathwork
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
This combination is beneficial for patients dealing with multiple symptoms simultaneously. For example, someone with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may experience physical pain and emotional detachment. Holistic therapy addresses these symptoms concurrently, promoting comprehensive healing and well-being.
Windward Mental Health: METRO WEST Holistic Therapy Specialists
Holistic therapists vary in expertise, but at Windward Mental Health, we guarantee top-notch holistic treatments in Metro West. Our comprehensive and caring approach ensures all necessary steps are taken to enhance your treatment. Our mental health professionals are extensively trained in various holistic techniques.
These techniques include a variety of exercises, activities, and educational sessions, allowing us to identify the most suitable therapy for your needs. Whether it involves breathwork or massage therapy, we will use your information, discuss available techniques, and decide together on the best course of action.
As Windward Mental Health offers a range of outpatient psychiatric services for individuals aged 18+ who are stepping down from acute hospitalization or stepping up from other outpatient providers, we can combine our holistic therapies with other treatments. This integrated approach increases the likelihood of finding the most effective solution to your health issues.
In addition to expert treatment from experienced professionals, you will be welcomed to our friendly and accommodating facility. Our aim is to make you as comfortable as possible during your sessions. If you want to benefit from holistic therapy, contact us today to arrange an appointment and discuss your situation further.
Holistic Therapy: How it Works
Holistic therapy begins with an initial check-in and assessment to gauge your current emotional and physical state. In group settings, sharing personal information is usually optional but can provide valuable support as everyone works together.
Following the assessment, your holistic therapist will guide you through activities or exercises tailored to your mental state and condition. These can range from psychological exercises to physical activities. Education is often integrated into sessions to enhance understanding and support overall well-being.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be incorporated into holistic treatment. CBT exercises can be used to spot and correct cognitive distortions, while an enhancement in positive self-talk – where you avoid gaslighting yourself and instead utilize positive affirmations – can further assist with cultivating a healthy mindset.
One of the most common elements found in holistic therapy is breathwork. This practice is used to control and quicken breathing patterns, with the overall goal being to influence your physical, emotional, and mental states. The influence of breathwork can go beyond being a supplemental activity, where, in certain cases, it is the main focus of a treatment session.
Massage therapy might be recommended by your holistic therapist as part of your treatment plan. A holistic massage offers both physical and mental benefits, such as releasing endorphins and increasing energy levels. Other hands-on bodywork techniques can also be incorporated into your plan.
It’s important to address all aspects of your health, particularly if you have a dual diagnosis, which includes both mental illness and physical health issues. For such cases, it is crucial to rely on experts for medication management to ensure comprehensive care.
Another common option with holistic therapy is acupuncture or acupressure. These techniques, which mix physical and non-physical aspects, apply pressure to certain points of the body. These points are seen to correspond with the energetic fields of your body.
It is rare to find a holistic program that doesn’t incorporate meditation in some form. Meditation is proven to benefit both the brain and body by reducing stress, improving sleep, and easing depression and anxiety. In addition to meditation, holistic therapy may include other mindfulness practices such as mindful eating, journaling, and visualization. These practices support overall mental and physical well-being by promoting relaxation, self-awareness, and emotional balance. By integrating these techniques, holistic therapy provides a comprehensive approach to health and healing.
Sensory elements are other wellness practices that some holistic therapists will use. These sensory elements are relaxation techniques that are proven to ease various disorders, including depression, anxiety, and respiratory conditions.
All of these are considered clinical holistic medicine. Although it doesn’t take the form you’d normally associate with traditional medicine, these treatments have all been designed to improve your physical and mental well-being.
Holistic Therapy: Areas Where it Can Help
Before pursuing holistic therapies, you might wonder which areas this treatment can help. In addition to boosting overall well-being, holistic therapy can support improvement in various mental health conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Existential crisis
- Stress
- PTSD
- Schizophrenia
Holistic therapy can also address issues beyond mental health. For instance, yoga is proven to help manage pain, while meditation has been shown to treat conditions like insomnia and irritable bowel syndrome. This versatile approach provides comprehensive benefits for both mental and physical health.
Holistic Therapy Sessions Frequency
There’s a wide assortment of holistic therapy treatments available, each addressing various conditions. Consequently, session frequency can vary significantly.
Treatments like breathwork and massage therapy are typically offered as single sessions on an as-needed basis. Conversely, some treatments occur multiple times a week.
If your holistic therapist designs a program with multiple treatments, your schedule will include sessions at different times. For instance, you might attend yoga three times a week, a psychotherapy session bi-weekly, and consult with a nutritionist monthly. This tailored approach ensures comprehensive care.
The Benefits of Holistic Therapy
Holistic therapies naturally deliver a range of benefits. When you receive holistic therapy treatment, you can expect to experience the following advantages:
Long-Term Management
Mental health conditions require both short-term and long-term management techniques. Holistic therapy supports long-term management by providing coping skills to minimize triggers, helping to manage your condition over time.
Learn More About Yourself
A holistic therapist will guide you to explore thoughts, feelings, spiritual beliefs, physical health, and social connections. Understanding how these aspects interact can uncover areas causing unhappiness and stress.
Address Underlying Causes
Identifying underlying causes is essential for effective treatment. Holistic therapy helps address these causes, enabling you to make positive, long-lasting changes.
Affordable Therapy
Holistic therapy can be a cost-effective treatment option. While some activities may be costly, many holistic practices are affordable, making therapy accessible to more people.
Contact Us Today To Learn More
Contact us in Dedham, MA to learn more about the ways holistic therapy can be utilized to help achieve your mental health goals.
