What is holistic recovery? In fact, holistic therapy, also referred to as body-centered therapy or holistic psychotherapy, is an integrative approach that combines traditional and non-traditional therapeutic approaches that focus on the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Essentially, holistic treatment aims to help people understand and address how challenges in one area of life influence all others.
Hippocrates introduced the notion of holistic treatment more than 2,500 years ago, stating that focusing on one aspect of a person’s life was insufficient to understand them as whole beings. Instead, treatment should focus on a person’s many different characteristics and how they influence one another. Enabling a person to become attuned to their entire identity promotes self-awareness and greater self-acceptance. Call Harmony Hills at 855.494.0357 to learn more about the benefits of a holistic therapy program for mental health recovery.
What Is Holistic Therapy?
Rather than solely addressing specific problems like substance abuse, anxiety, or depression, holistic therapy takes a comprehensive approach. Moreover, it explores the interplay of physical, psychological, and spiritual factors that influence a person’s overall well-being. By delving deeper into these aspects, holistic therapy aims to facilitate healing on a profound level.
For instance, instead of simply focusing on ending drug or alcohol use, holistic therapy seeks to uncover the underlying reasons why individuals resort to substances as a means to cope with distressing thoughts and emotions. Frequently, those struggling with substance abuse have unresolved trauma or untreated mental health conditions that they are ill-equipped to manage in healthy ways. Consequently, their reliance on drugs, alcohol, or both becomes a primary coping mechanism.
By addressing the root causes and providing comprehensive support, holistic therapy offers individuals the opportunity to heal holistically and develop healthier coping strategies. This approach recognizes the interconnected nature of various aspects of well-being and fosters long-lasting positive change.
Holistic Techniques
Holistic therapy utilizes a wide range of techniques to help clients recognize maladaptive symptoms, understand where they come from, and replace them with healthier alternatives. These therapy techniques can include:
- Meditation
- Mindfulness therapy
- Yoga
- Qi-gong
- Massage therapy
- Spiritual counseling
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Adventure therapy
Many holistic therapies have been shown to be effective when used in conjunction with traditional evidence-based treatments such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization therapy (EMDR)
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Trauma therapy
- 12-step therapy
A significant benefit of holistic therapies is that once an individual has learned the basic tenets of most practices, they can easily be incorporated into daily life with little to no expense. For example, meditation and mindfulness can be practiced almost anywhere, in just minutes at a time, for the benefits to be effective.
What Are the Benefits of Holistic Treatment?
Holistic treatment is a comprehensive approach that centers around an individual’s internal needs and innate drive to achieve self-actualization. In other words, the process of becoming the best version of themselves. Through holistic treatment, clients not only discover effective coping skills and tools but also learn how to sustain lasting recovery beyond the treatment environment. The benefits of holistic treatment are numerous:
- A holistic approach offers an extensive range of therapies, ensuring that individuals can explore and find the ones that resonate with their unique needs and preferences.
- Holistic practices like yoga and meditation serve as invaluable coping skills that can be continued post-rehab with minimal to no cost, providing ongoing support and well-being.
- The safe and supportive environment of holistic treatment creates a space where clients feel comfortable reflecting on their recovery needs and goals, fostering introspection and personal growth.
- By combining traditional evidence-based approaches with holistic therapies, the overall well-being of individuals is greatly improved, leading to reduced relapse rates and increased chances of successful recovery.
- Holistic therapies are tailored to address each individual’s specific needs and goals, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective in promoting long-term healing.
Holistic therapy focuses on treating the whole person rather than just symptoms. As a result, it’s more effective than traditional therapies alone. It strengthens personal resolve, self-respect, and accountability while empowering individuals with self-acceptance, self-reliance, and personal empowerment. This comprehensive approach nurtures holistic well-being and fosters lasting transformation.
Learn About the Benefits of Holistic Recovery at Harmony Hills
Holistic recovery draws on an individual’s internal needs and innate drive to become self-actualized or be their best self. Through holistic treatment, clients can then develop the skills and tools they need to manage their mental health for the long term.
At Harmony Hills, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to live their best lives. Our residential mental health treatment center provides comprehensive, holistic care in a safe, supportive environment. Reach out online or call 855.494.0357 to learn about the benefits of holistic recovery at Harmony Hills.
