Holistic Psychotherapist Defined
What’s it mean to be “Holistic”?
Exploring Alternative Therapy Medicine
Wellness Concepts in Integrative Healing Methods
This Blog is titled “Holistic Psychotherapist Defined” and is about Holistic Medicine or Natural Medicine. So just what does it mean when we say “Holistic” or “wellness” for example as a Counsellor providing Alternative Therapy? How do we define the term “Holistic” as it relates to the medical field? Nowadays, many practitioners, including myself, define themselves as “holistic” when we provide wellness concepts for clients. But there seems to be some confusion and lack of understanding as to what this term actually means. You might agree with me this is pretty fuzzy. So let’s take time here and define some of the terms such as integrative, alternative, holistic, and complementary medicine.
According to Wikipedia, “The holistic concept in medical practice, which is distinct from the concept in the alternative medicine, upholds that all aspects of people’s needs including psychological, physical and social should be taken into account and seen as a whole. A 2007 study said the concept was alive and well in general medicine in Sweden. This is great news!
Natural Counselling therapy- Alternative Medicine
Some practitioners of holistic medicine use alternative medicine exclusively. Although sometimes holistic treatment can simply mean that a physician takes into account all of a person’s circumstances in giving treatment. Sometimes when alternative medicine is mixed with mainstream medicine the result is called “holistic” medicine. Though this is more commonly termed integrative medicine.
So to know definitively you really have to take time to slow down and ask questions to clarify. For instance, according to the American Holistic Medical Association, it is believed that the spiritual element should also be taken into account when assessing a person’s overall well-being.[4]”
Holistic Psychotherapist- References
2) American Cancer Society. January 2013. Retrieved September 2013.
3) Strandberg, Eva; Ovhed, Ingvar; Borgquist, Lars; Wilhelmsson, Susan (2007). “The perceived meaning of a (w)holistic view among general practitioners and district nurses in Swedish primary care: A qualitative study”. BMC Family Practice 8: 8. doi:10.1186/1471-2296-8-8. PMC 1828160. PMID 17346340.
4) American Holistic Medical Association
Alternative and Holistic Medicine- Options
I’ve been interested in alternative and holistic medicine for the last 15 years. Consequently, I’ve also adopted spiritual practices in my personal life. Largely the reason this happened is fascinating and very common. This occurred when I was getting my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Simultaneously, I was also dealing with some personal challenges in my life.
Fortunately, I started meditating and learning about alternative approaches and techniques. I also received training in clinical hypnosis and guided meditation. This leads me to conclude that I was achieving great success with my clients. They suffered from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and trauma. Additionally, I studied Zen and other forms of meditation. Then I started teaching my clients simple breathing techniques with great success.
In the same span of time, I was also struggling with depression and anxiety. Which I’ve experienced all my life. It’s partially genetic and partially due to abuse and trauma, I suffered ever since I was 15 years old. This abuse last until I was almost 25 years old.
Holistic Psychotherapist Defined- Intimate Relationships
This abuse and trauma also occurred in my intimate relationships with men. Traditional therapy, even though helpful, has its limitations. I’m happy to report that I finally had a breakthrough. This was after I started using alternative approaches in addition to seeing a psychotherapist. We can talk more about that later.
Frankly, I’m determined to find ways to help myself and my clients without the need to rely on medication. Medication can be life-saving in some instances, such as in the case of bipolar disorder or during the initial course of treatment.
However, oftentimes clients are given prescriptions by their primary care physicians who don’t have in-depth knowledge about psychiatric disorders. As a result, there is always some type of side effects. This might include for example having trouble reaching an orgasm! So there is much to consider.
Holistic Psychotherapist Defined- “Stress to Bliss” Guide
You see I always encourage my clients to get properly evaluated by a psychiatrist. It is also recommended that clients see a psychotherapist such as licensed marriage and family therapist such as myself. As well as a licensed mental health counselor or a licensed clinical social worker. Of course, the downside of taking medication is it just alleviates the symptoms. But it doesn’t deal with the root causes of depression or anxiety.
My company, Holistic Coaching International as well as my website www.NaturalStressManagement.com was created to help! As an example, you can access my “Stress to Bliss” Guide which focuses on the whole person. This is in terms of mind, body, emotion, and spirit for identifying both issues and solutions naturally.
For example, when I see a client who is suffering from anxiety and is stressed out or overwhelmed, I assess their lifestyle in general. This includes several areas of their life such as their nutrition, exercise, social support, family life, career, and finances. I believe in an integrative approach to medicine.
Wellness- Chronic Medical Illnesses
Research shows that many chronic medical illnesses, such as diabetes, and high blood pressure are linked to experiencing chronic stress. Which oftentimes is found to be a result of lacking the necessary coping skills. The need for wellness and life skills as well as coping skills is vital. As is the need to reduce stress.
In addition, it is being unaware that your health is more than just your physical health. In other words, it is not enough just to have regular check-ups and take the necessary supplements. It is just as equally important to have emotional and mental health. Including having the tools and coping skills to deal with life’s stresses in the environment.
When I work with clients, we explore the root causes of anxiety and depression. We do this by utilizing traditional psychotherapy. As an example, this might be exploring their family-of-origin dynamics. Alternatively, it might be exploring their belief system and their values as well.
We also discuss their lifestyle. Recommendations are completed based on their individual experiences and symptoms. Sometimes we discuss alternative approaches, such as going to a yoga class. We might also discuss getting a massage or going to a meditation class.
Check out some great Blogs and more!
Life-Changing Holistic Psychotherapist
Holistic Psychotherapist Defined- Wellness Techniques
I utilize several alternatives and complementary medicine approaches in my work with clients with respect to wellness. This includes, for example, clinical hypnosis and guided meditation. Also, it could include the Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as “tapping”. In addition to that, I might utilize Neuro-linguistic programming as well. I also collaborate with other holistic practitioners. This might be, as an example, fitness experts, health coaches, and massage therapists. All of this of course is in each client’s best interests. I think this is essential when dealing with a person from a holistic standpoint. I believe in integrative medicine.
For more information about my holistic and integrative services please visit my website www.NaturalStressManagement.com
You can schedule a FREE 15 min complimentary consultation. Call 561-299-1028 or by visiting https://naturalstressmanagement.com/contact
or simply email me at Matejastriglav@gmaildotcom
Mateja Petje- Blog Resources
In an effort to keep you well informed about wellness, alternative, and integrative medicine’s latest techniques I’ve included more quick links to my other blog posts. While you’re learning more about Holistic Psychotherapy these specific Blog links will assist you with more information. So whether you want to diagnose common symptoms or just absorb general knowledge to educate yourself you will locate it in the Blog section… They will help you understand better. The more you know the better off you will be.
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“Affirmations Your Vocabulary Needs”
Holistic Coaching International New office!
I’m very excited to share with you I have opened my own new office! I’m in the same building I’ve been in for years. However, this is my office. It means so much to me. I have begun to make it my own. What that means to my clients is they will have a safe & very comfortable place to meet with me. I want my clients to be as comfortable as possible so they can have the best experience possible. Most often my clients are in “pain” so I want an environment that puts them at ease.
My Slovenian Roots
It is very important in these times to remember something. I’m originally from Europe. I don’t necessarily think the same way as typical Americans do. Europeans have a different perspective on things. Now my husband is an American. I think this is a plus for you.
I believe I can offer you a different perspective on things you might find helpful. Immigrants for example are having a very difficult time generally speaking in the world today. These added stressors are potentially something I can help with. If you feel I can be of service to you in this area please reach out to me.
I’m from Slovenia. Here is more information about my beautiful country https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/visitors/
14 Best Things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Lovely Ljubljana…one of our new favorite cities in Europe. This town really made a nice impression on us. It’s colorful, it’s lively, it’s compact, it’s very photogenic, and there are more dragons here than museums. This is the kind of city where it is simply fun to stroll and explore without a long list of attractions to visit. Even so …
Best things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Are you ready to feel better or want more information on the history of integrative medicine? Do you have questions about integrative medicine or alternative medicines and their different aspects? In the comments section below please let us know how you like our “Holistic Psychotherapist Defined” Blog. Call me if you have questions about working with me. Thank you for reading the Holistic Psychotherapist Defined Blog. Please share with someone this may help!