What is holistic mental health care?
If life is a tapestry, the mind, body, and soul are the intricately woven threads that create it. When one thread frays, the entire fabric is affected. As a holistically focused mental health psychotherapist, I recognize the inherent interconnectedness of our fibers, and feel compelled to use that awareness to learn, grow, and share a journey of profound well-being with others.
In a world where the pace of life often feels relentless, and the demands on our mental and emotional capacity are limitless, it’s essential to seek out all available paths towards self-exploration and wellness. Holistic mental health care is not just a therapeutic philosophy; it is a way of understanding the intricate dance between our thoughts, our bodies, and the depths of our souls. It’s a way of approaching life.
What, exactly, is holistic mental health care? How does it differ from more traditional approaches to mental well-being? More importantly, how does it benefit individuals that are looking for greater mental wellness?
Holistic health care takes a harmonious approach to mental health treatment, allowing for the natural integration of the mind, body, and soul to be at focus. It doesn’t highlight one more than the other or discount the importance of the three working in unison. Upcoming sections of this article will explore and illuminate holistic mental health and how the integration of mind, body, and soul promises not just recovery but a discovery of a life of ultimate well-being.
The Mind
The brain takes in information, but the mind makes meaning of it.
It is here that the profound importance of mental processes, thoughts, and emotions unfold. The mind creates our sense of self, our perspectives. It’s our habits and our beliefs. It guides our actions and shapes our experiences. It is the playground of our inner dialogue and consciousness, and the surface of the depths of our subconscious. To understand the mind is to accept the never-ending process of self-discovery and the way in which we interact with the outside world at any given moment.
Let’s (very loosely) break down some “mind” language: thoughts, emotions, and consciousness.
Thoughts are the products of biological processes in the brain, involving the activation of neural networks. They come in different types:
Automatic Thoughts: These are reflexive and pop up in response to situations.
Core Beliefs: These foundational thoughts shape our worldview and are often formed in childhood.
Cognitive Distortions: These are unnoticed mental filters that can alter our perceptions.
Creative Thoughts: They involve imagination and innovation.
Analytical Thoughts: These are logical and rational, used for critical thinking and decision-making.
Some thoughts happen automatically, like 'mind chatter,' while others are intentional cognitive processes. It's important to note that thoughts don't always reflect objective reality; they are interpretations of information. Thoughts are closely tied to our emotions.
Emotions are our subjective feelings and sensations, stemming from biological processes. They're not just mental states; they also trigger physical changes and affect our behavior and thinking. Over time, they've played a role in our evolution.
Emotions can be brief or long-lasting. In a holistic approach, we see emotions as messages from our inner selves, reflected in our bodies. They're not inherently 'good' or 'bad' but carry important information.
Consciousness is like the lens through which we perceive the world. It includes our awareness of our thoughts and emotions (our inner world) and how we interact with people and things around us (the outer world). Think of it as the ongoing stream of experiences and self-awareness that makes us who we are. To be conscious is to be aware.
Now that we've looked at thoughts, emotions, and consciousness through a holistic lens, let's see how this understanding can make our lives better. Think of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), created by Aaron Beck, as a helpful guide for this journey. It acknowledges how everything in our mind, body, and soul is connected, and it shows us how to use this awareness to improve our overall well-being.
CBT tells us that our thoughts and beliefs shape our emotions, which, in turn, influence our behavior. It's like a chain reaction in our mind, body, and soul, and CBT can teach us how to take control of this process. By understanding the roots of our thoughts and recognizing unhealthy thinking patterns, we gain the power to create positive shifts in our overall health and well-being.
The Body
When one system is out of balance, all systems are out of balance.
In a holistic approach, we recognize the deep connection between our physical bodies and our minds, and this connection is vital for overall well-being. Think of our physical body as a complex web of interconnected systems, much like a well-coordinated orchestra. When one instrument is out of tune, it affects the entire symphony.
One of the key players in this orchestra is the nervous system, which acts as a communication hub between our mental and physical health. Imagine it as the conductor guiding the performance.
Now, here's the fascinating part: our thoughts and emotions have a direct impact on our physical body. They can trigger responses like activating specific regions in the brain and releasing chemicals and hormones. These messengers then communicate with other body systems, telling them how to respond to our current experiences.
So, when we talk about a holistic approach, we mean understanding this intricate interplay between mind and body. It's like fine-tuning each instrument in the orchestra to create harmonious and optimal well-being. If you'd like to explore this concept further, check out this video on the human nervous system.
Popular holistic mind-body practices, like somatic healing, focus on how our physical bodies process and store stress and trauma. These techniques recognize the tight connection between our minds and bodies.
Other methods, such as walking meditation, breath work, tai chi, and yoga, also play a vital role. They all involve using both our minds and bodies to tackle stress-related hormones and help our bodies naturally regain balance.
For instance, in yoga, you use physical postures and controlled breathing to reduce stress and increase well-being. It's like a workout for both your body and mind that helps you feel better overall.
The Soul
Purpose and connection are sounds of the soul.
A holistic mental health approach considers a person's inner world, including their soul, emotions, and spirituality. It acknowledges that finding inner peace, purpose, and meaning are essential aspects of our well-being, as are our spiritual beliefs.
It's important to note that this approach doesn't align with any specific religious beliefs or values. Instead, it recognizes that these beliefs can deeply influence how we think, feel, and act.
Think of it as an invitation to explore your inner self with kindness and curiosity. Just like a journey of self-discovery, it's about understanding the profound connection between your inner world and your mental and emotional health.
Spirituality offers a personal framework for emotional resilience in times of hardship and personal growth, by engaging in the exploration and acknowledgment of one’s spiritual experiences, we can develop greater emotional intelligence, self-awareness and emotional regulation skills.
Differences Between Traditional (Western) and Holistic Therapy Approaches
Holistic therapies and traditional psychotherapy differ in key aspects, including philosophy, treatment approach and goals.
Philosophy: Traditional psychotherapy is rooted in a medical or clinical model focusing on diagnosing symptoms. It addresses psychological issues through a “sick” or “not sick” lens, focusing on pathology. It is often therapist-focused and uses structured therapeutic methods. Holistic approaches understand that individuals are complex beings with interconnected physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions- all of which can be affected during an imbalance. The therapeutic relationship is collaborative and client-centered, allowing for the client to take more a directive role in their treatment direction. Focus is on overall wellbeing, personal growth and self-discovery- not just treating specific symptoms in isolation.
Treatment: Traditional therapies often use structured and standardized interventions that focus on specific symptoms or behaviors. Techniques include talk therapy and specific behavioral modifications. Holistic therapies utilize a variety of approaches that prioritize the whole being as opposed to isolated aspects. Holistic and traditional therapies can, and do, overlap. Many holistic practitioners use traditional therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in conjunction with other approaches like meditation, yoga, and expressive therapies to allow for the greatest overall improvement in wellbeing.
Goals of Treatment: Traditional psychotherapy has one goal- symptom reduction. It is believed that if the symptoms go away enough that a person can function then the job has been completed. Holistic therapies value broader objectives- the overall enhancement of the individual as a total being.
The Mind, Body, and Soul in Harmony
The idea that our mind, body, and soul are interconnected isn't just a theory; it's backed by research and real-life experiences. Think of it like a puzzle where all the pieces fit together to create a complete picture of our well-being.
Research and real-life stories show that when we embrace this holistic perspective, we can boost our mental health, become more resilient to life's challenges, and find a deeper sense of purpose and happiness. It's not just about managing symptoms; it's about transforming our whole lives for the better.
Below are data to support a holistic philosophy to enhanced wellbeing.
Treating Juvenile Onset Fibromyalgia
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