What is Holistic Psychotherapy?

You’ve probably heard the term ‘holistic’ thrown around a lot, but what does it mean when it comes to psychotherapy? Let’s dive into the essence of holistic psychotherapy, how it works, and how it compares to traditional psychotherapy.

Holistic psychotherapy is about embracing the full spectrum of our human experience—mind, body, emotions, and spirit. It’s not just about changing thoughts or behaviours; it’s about deep self-inquiry, compassion, and connection to our inner wisdom. This approach recognises that all aspects of our being are interconnected and must be nurtured together.

Holistic vs. Traditional Psychotherapy

Traditional psychotherapy primarily focuses on cognitive and behavioural aspects of mental health. It often involves talk therapy techniques, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which work to reframe thoughts and develop coping mechanisms.

Holistic psychotherapy, on the other hand, goes beyond thoughts and behaviours. It acknowledges that healing requires working with the full spectrum of human experience—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Rather than just asking, ‘What am I thinking?’, holistic therapy encourages deeper inquiry: ‘What am I feeling?’, ‘How do I experience that feeling?’, ‘How does it show up in my body?’, and ‘What is my body experiencing now?’. This approach raises awareness of what is present and any signals that arise. Every signal is a form of communication, even those that are not verbal such as feelings in the body, sensations, visions and even dreams. By tuning into these messages, we gain a fuller understanding of ourselves and our path toward healing.

Working Through the Layers

Think of your inner world like a tangled thread. If you pull too hard, the knot tightens. Instead, with curiosity and care, you find the strand that offers a little movement, gently loosening what’s stuck.

In holistic psychotherapy, we follow the process you are experiencing using different techniques depending on what’s needed in the moment—sometimes focusing on following the river of thoughts that come up, other times grounding into the body, exploring where these sensations at even movements want to go. Each session is a step toward untangling the inner knots, bringing clarity and ease.

Trauma and the Tightened Coil

Holistic psychotherapy sees trauma and wounds not as disorders to be fixed but as an event that occurred causing overwhelm that left an imprint in the body, shaped by our experiences and survival responses. Rather than approaching trauma with a mindset of erasure or control, we meet it with presence and curiosity, allowing it to unfurl at its own pace. The body holds protective patterns—constriction, bracing, numbness—and when given the right conditions, these patterns can begin to soften. Like a coiled spring, trauma unravels through attuned awareness, gentle exploration, and the creation of safety in the nervous system. By honouring the body's instinctive wisdom, we allow the integration of past wounds, fostering resilience and wholeness.

Process-Oriented Work in Practice

In my clinic, I incorporate process-oriented psychology, a method developed by Arnold Mindell, which recognises that symptoms, emotions, and even body sensations are meaningful expressions of our deeper psyche. This approach involves working with dreams, movement, somatic awareness, and relational dynamics to access unconscious material and bring it into conscious awareness. By honouring these signals rather than suppressing them, we create space for profound transformation and self-discovery.

Expanding Awareness and Finding Alignment

Healing isn’t about ‘fixing’ ourselves—it’s about coming into deeper alignment with who we truly are. Holistic psychotherapy helps us build awareness across all dimensions of our being, increasing our capacity to sit with what arises and embrace our full selves with compassion. Through this process, we move towards a sense of inner harmony and authenticity.

What You Won’t Get in My Clinic  

If you’re looking for a purely clinical or diagnostic approach focused solely on symptom management, my practice may not be the right fit. I don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions or rigid treatment plans that don't take into account our uniqueness or what is present for the person sitting in the therapy chair. There is a structure of sorts, but it isn't rigid; there's a fluidity to sessions that occurs in line with Mindell's process work techniques.

Instead, I guide you through a deeply personalised, explorative process where we listen to your whole self—mind, body, emotions, and spirit. This isn’t about suppressing discomfort but about embracing the wisdom within it, allowing for authentic healing and transformation.

Getting the Most from Your Session

To truly benefit from holistic psychotherapy, try to approach each session with openness and curiosity. Release any expectations of how healing ‘should’ look and instead focus on simply being present. Every session is a space for exploration, and your willingness to show up means you are already on the journey back to wholeness. Trust that whatever arises—whether clarity, discomfort, insight, or stillness—is part of your process.

Walking the Journey Together

We are all navigating unique yet interconnected paths. Holistic psychotherapy offers a space for deep exploration, healing, and growth with the benefit of a guide walking alongside you, bringing awareness to signals that we can struggle to see on our own.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—what resonates with you? What has your experience with therapy been like? Feel free to comment or reach out. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Want some help going deeper? Feel you could use a guide to shine a light on your healing journey? To work with me 1:1, please go here.