What is holistic therapy?
Holistic therapists focus on encouraging optimal well-being in mind, body and spirit versus just treating the person's symptoms. This whole-person approach to therapy often integrates mind-body practices such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga and creative expression to support the healing process.
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While traditional therapy approaches focus on returning clients to a previous state of functioning, holistic therapy aims to support clients in achieving total wellness.
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In our work together, you'll notice that I practice what I preach. As I guide you in meditation, you'll see me drop into a deep state of mindfulness with you. We'll practice deep breathing and presence together. A holistic approach is woven into everything that I do and say in our sessions together. And you'll feel that.
Issues a holistic therapist can treat
Origins of holistic therapy
Types of holistic therapy in CA
Mindfulness-based Therapy
Mindfulness is the practice of bringing a non-judgmental awareness to the present moment. Mindfulness practices often involve focusing one's awareness on the physical senses in the present moment and observing them with curiosity.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is rooted in the concept that tension and trauma get stuck in the body by way of nervous system responses to threats over the lifespan. The goal of somatic therapy is to listen deeply to body sensations as they occur to allow the body to release tension and trauma. This restores the body and mind to a sense of safety.
Hakomi Therapy
Hakomi therapy is a body-centered therapy that helps the client uncover unhelpful core beliefs that are keeping them stuck. The therapist creates a safe relationship, encourages mindfulness throughout and supports the client in updating their beliefs with more empowering ones.
Holistic therapy techniques
Benefits of holistic therapy
Avoid unnecessary medications
Most clients who choose to work with me have a strong preference to avoid medications, if possible. Not only to avoid side effects that often come with psychiatric medications but also to avoid being on medication for the rest of their life.
Address the root cause of symptoms
People drawn to a holistic approach want to heal the root cause of the issue, versus just covering up the symptoms. A Western model defines health as the lack of illness, whereas a holistic model of health sees it as optimal well-being.
Experience long-lasting recovery
When you focus on symptom-management, versus healing from the source, you end up chasing symptoms around with no true cure. When you see symptoms as messengers and heal from the inside out, they don't need to crop up anymore.
Seek optimal health and wellness
The medical model is one of disease-management, as opposed to supporting health. A holistic approach encourages health at a fundamental level, allowing you to experience true wellness and vitality, not just the absence of symptoms.
Effectiveness of holistic therapy
Research has consistently supported that meditation and mindfulness practices improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
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Scientific study also supports that guided imagery is an effective tool for reducing anxiety.
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There is a growing body of evidence supporting somatic practices as effective modalities for treating trauma and PTSD.
Getting started with holistic therapy in California
How holistic therapy works
Collaboratively set goals
A holistic approach to therapy honors the client's self-determination. That means that you are the expert on yourself and my job is to support you and your goals. The first session is all about helping you get a clear vision for your therapy.
Get to know your history
Because holistic therapy gets to the root cause of issues, it's important for me to understand your life history such as your childhood, traumatic experiences, relationship history and current lifestyle. I'll be listening deeply to your story.
Work in tandem to support your growth
Once I get a clear sense of your goals and your history, we'll get to work. This includes processing past trauma, helping you express your emotions, empowering you to get your needs met and providing psycho-education on various topics.
Develop a maintenance routine
Optimal mental health is a long-game. The tools and practices you learn in holistic therapy will serve you for a lifetime. We'll work together to fine-tune a self-care routine that keeps your mental health in tip-top shape for the long haul.
Typical holistic therapy session
Body check-in and intention setting
At the start of a session I'll encourage you to check in with yourself to see what you need for the session. There may have been a triggering event you need support with or we might decide to prioritize processing a past trauma.
The deep dive
This is the meat of the session. I'll encourage you to share what's on your heart and I'll be stopping you along the way to stay present with your emotions and body sensations. This is where the magic of holistic therapy happens.
Self-reflections
Once you've done the deep dive, you'll start to have those "aha moments." A memory might resurface, you might acknowledge a part of you that has been holding your pain, you might make new meaning of a situation.
Adapting insights into behavior change
Towards the end of the session, this is where we start to take the deep dive and the reflections and turn it into a new mindset or a new action to practice in the following week. For example, treating yourself with kindness or setting a boundary.
Finding the best holistic therapist
Ask for therapist recommendations
Other holistic practitioners can be a great starting point when looking for a holistic therapist. Do you go to a yoga studio? Ask your instructor for a trusted referral. Do you go to acupuncture? Ask your acupuncturist for a colleague referral.
Research therapists online
If you don't feel comfortable asking for a therapist referral, you can do some online research for a therapist. If you're specifically looking for a holistic approach, try typing into Google "holistic therapist near me" and see what you get!
Take advantage of free consultations
Whether you ask someone for a therapist referral or find a therapist online, definitely vet your options! Most therapists offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to ensure a good fit. And try scheduling 2-3 calls so you have some options.
Listen to your gut
Finding a therapist can be a tricky endeavor. And there's no right or wrong when it comes to choosing the right therapist for you. I recommend you listen to the gut feelings you get when you speak to them. You should feel safe and supported.
Holistic therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Hi there, I'm Natalie!
I can't help but incorporate holistic healing modalities into my therapy work because that is what has been most transformational for me and so many of my clients.
Wondering what to expect?
I offer both in-person therapy in Los Angeles, as well as online therapy in California. I like to say that therapy should be equal parts tears and laughter. I'll do my best to put you at ease.
Still on the fence?
I know that choosing a therapist is a big deal. And I always honor that. Finding someone you vibe with is so important in the healing journey. That's why I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can get a feel for my personality.
I use online scheduling so we don't play phone tag :)
