Not your regular holistic therapy
If you search for a holistic therapist and you may find a wide range of services: massage, reflexology, energy work, nutrition, counselling and psychotherapy. The word “holistic” is used in different ways, so it can be difficult to know what a practitioner means or whether their approach is the kind of support you are looking for.
In this guide, I explain what holistic therapy means in my work, what sessions may involve, how it differs from complementary therapies and what to consider when choosing a practitioner.
What does “holistic” mean in therapy?
“Holistic” means considering the whole person. In a therapeutic context, this can mean paying attention not only to a particular symptom or thought, but also to your emotions, body, relationships, personal history, circumstances and values. Some people also want to explore meaning or spirituality. Many men find it harder to reach for support, which is why therapy for men can look a little different.
For example, if you find it difficult to set boundaries, you might explore the thoughts and feelings involved, what happens in your body when you try, and how earlier experiences or current relationships shape the situation. The aim is not to assume that every difficulty has one hidden cause, but to understand the context that matters to you.
Holistic therapy is not one specific method or a standardised treatment. Practitioners use the term in different ways, and their training and approaches vary. It is helpful to ask what “holistic” means in their practice.
Holistic therapy and complementary therapies
Some practitioners use “holistic therapist” to describe services such as massage, reflexology, aromatherapy or reiki. These are different from psychological therapy, even though both may be described as holistic.
In this article, I use “holistic therapy” to mean psychological and emotional work that considers the whole person. It may involve conversation, reflection and body awareness. If you are looking for a specific complementary treatment, check the practitioner’s training and the service they provide; if you want help exploring emotions or recurring patterns, ask whether the practitioner is qualified and experienced to offer that kind of support.
What can a holistic therapy session include?
There is no single session format. Depending on the practitioner, their training and what you want to work on, a session may include:
- Conversation and reflection: exploring what is happening in your life, your history and the patterns you notice.
- Body awareness: noticing sensations and how emotions may show up physically. Some approaches use somatic methods; you can read more about what somatic therapy is.
- Awareness of stress responses: noticing how stress affects you and what helps you feel more settled. This is not a promise that a session will “regulate” your nervous system in a particular way.
- Parts work: exploring different responses or “parts” of your experience. Internal Family Systems is one model; inner child healing is another phrase people use for exploring younger experiences and needs.
- Working with emotions: exploring feelings at a pace that feels manageable. Read more about emotional healing therapy.
- Spiritual or existential exploration, if you want it: considering questions of meaning, identity and values. Transpersonal therapy includes this kind of perspective.
A practitioner should explain any method they propose, check that it feels appropriate to you and adapt the work to your needs. You should not feel pressured to use an approach you do not want.
What might holistic therapy help with?
People seek therapy for many reasons. You might want support with recurring difficulties in relationships, the effects of past experiences, anxiety or low mood, self-criticism, a life transition or a general sense of being stuck. The focus will depend on what you bring and the practitioner’s training and scope.
No approach works for everyone, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. The fit between you and the practitioner, the nature of your concerns and the approach used can all matter. A good practitioner will talk openly about what they can offer and will not promise a particular result.
Who might holistic therapy suit?
This kind of approach may suit you if you:
- understand some of your patterns but find they continue to affect you;
- want to explore emotions and bodily responses as well as thoughts;
- prefer work that can respond to your circumstances rather than follow a fixed programme;
- are interested in questions of identity, values or meaning.
It may be less suited to you if you want a brief, highly structured intervention for a specific concern. A focused treatment or a particular therapy model may be a better fit. You can discuss your preferences with a practitioner before deciding.
What to expect from a first online session
Many therapists offer sessions by video, though the format varies. An initial meeting may cover what brings you, what you hope to get from the work, relevant background and practical arrangements. You do not need to have everything worked out before you begin; you can take time to decide what you feel comfortable sharing.
For an online session, it can help to choose a private place where you are unlikely to be interrupted and to check your connection beforehand. You can ask the practitioner about confidentiality, the video platform and what to do if the connection drops.
How to choose a holistic therapist
Because “holistic therapist” can mean different things, look beyond the title and ask about the practitioner’s specific qualifications, experience and approach. In the UK, regulation varies by profession and title; some practitioners are subject to statutory regulation, while others may belong to professional bodies or voluntary registers. Check what a registration or membership actually covers.
You could ask:
- What training and experience do you have with the issue I want to discuss?
- What does “holistic” mean in your work, and what methods might you use?
- What happens in a typical session, and how do we review whether the work is helpful?
- Are you registered with a professional body or voluntary register, and what standards does it require?
- How do you work with confidentiality and boundaries?
- What do you do if my needs are outside your training or scope?
- What are your fees, cancellation terms and session arrangements?
You can also notice how the initial conversation feels. Do you feel listened to? Are your questions answered clearly? You should be able to take time to decide whether the practitioner and their approach feel right for you.
Common questions about holistic therapy
Is holistic therapy evidence-based?
“Holistic therapy” covers many approaches, so there is no single evidence base for everything described by that term. Evidence varies between methods and uses. Ask a practitioner what approach they use, what it is intended to do and what is known about it. Be cautious of claims that a method is proven to work for everyone or can guarantee a result.
How long does holistic therapy take?
There is no set duration. The length of therapy depends on your aims, circumstances, the approach and what you and your practitioner agree. Ask about session frequency and how you will review whether continuing is useful; you should not be pressured into a predetermined package.
Can holistic therapy be done online?
Some practitioners offer therapy online, and some clients find that convenient. Whether it suits you depends on your preferences, privacy and circumstances. Ask how the practitioner handles confidentiality and whether online work is appropriate for what you want to discuss.
Where to go from here
If you would like to know more about how I work, visit the Work With Me page. You can also read about holistic coaching and how it differs from therapy in therapy vs coaching.
