What is a holistic practitioner?
Holistic practitioners are holistic healing professionals with a gift in one or more areas of healing. From body workers to homeopaths to hypnotherapists, the holistic medical term has evolved into one that is often difficult to describe or understand. Hopefully this article will provide you with some clarity on what a holistic practitioner is and how to find one that meets your individual needs.
Saying holistic practitioner is similar to saying doctor. While there are general practitioners who cross paths along many paths, most specialize in one or more holistic methods or areas. The main areas of specialization are body-centered therapists, energy-centered therapists, mind-centered therapists, soul- and spirit-centered therapists, emotional release therapists, and trainers / counselors. All of these therapists live to provide a better quality of life for their clients. That can happen through inner balance, self-empowerment, physical ease, or even emotional confidence.
One thing to keep in mind is that many holistic professionals work in many areas. In fact, it is often challenging to limit a physician to one area. For example, a hypnotherapist can also be a chakra therapist, a body worker can also be a spiritual advisor, etc. Also, since the mind-body-soul connection is just that, connected, wherever you start, be it energy work, body work, or even mind, you will find that all of you are affected by work.
Use this article as a guide to exploring the realms of possibility, rather than limiting your options to one area.
Body-centered therapists
Examples of body-centered therapists are body workers, massage therapists, Pilates and yoga therapists, rolfing professionals (often referred to as rolfers), acupressure therapists, myofascial release therapists, and sports massage therapists, reflexologists, thai massage therapists, watsu practitioners, feldenkrais, and alexander practitioners, and movement therapists (this list is provided for an overview, as there are at least 50 types of body-centered therapists).
While each body-centered therapist has their own way of working with clients, many use a combination of movement, breathing, and physical pressure (from massage to trigger points) to allow the body to release tension. This release of tension allows the mind to also find a state of relaxation. Sometimes the state of relaxation is the goal of the sessions, other times, it is the true starting point.
Energy-focused therapists
Examples of energy-focused therapists are integrative energy workers, reiki practitioners, healing touch practitioners, breathing therapists, jin shin do and jin shin jytsu therapists, matrix therapists, applied kinesiologists, orgone therapists, polarity workers, cranial sacral workers, qigong and tai chi Masters. Acupuncturists and practitioners of homeopathy could also be considered energy workers.
Energy workers often work with energy “maps” of the body. They observe where energy is stuck, depleted or overloaded in the body and work with the individual to bring a level of balance to the body’s energy system. This balance also affects the mind and body in general, improving mood on many levels.
Mind-Centered Therapists
Examples of mind-centered therapists are hypnotherapists, neurolinguistic programming (NLP) practitioners, integrative release therapists (IRT), regression therapists, and metaphysicians.
Mind-centered therapists look at the structures of one’s belief systems and how they may conflict with or not support a client’s quality of life. Mind-centered therapists often find the root cause of what stagnant states are and work with the unconscious mind to rethink limiting patterns and beliefs that provide greater resources and confidence for the client to live the life they desire.
Soul and Spirit Centered Therapists
Examples of soul and spirit centered therapists are shamans, angelic teachers, psychic mediums,
intuitive guides and spiritual advisers (who would also fall into the category of coaching / counseling).
Soul- and spirit-centered therapists work with clients in a variety of ways. A shaman can work with a client using soul retrieval to regain a part of their soul that has been “lost” due to trauma. A psychic can offer an individual information about what will happen on his current path if he does not make changes. An intuitive can help a client talk to a deceased loved one. As with the other categories, there are many ways that soul- and spirit-centered therapists work with their clients.
Emotional release therapists
Examples of emotional release therapists are integrative release therapists, somatoemotional therapists, psych-k therapists, and amanae therapists.
Emotional release therapists work with patterns of emotions that are trapped in the body / mind and help the client to move through these blocks toward greater joy and emotional freedom. Many other therapies, including neurolinguistic programming, yoga, shamanic work, and energy work, employ emotional release methodologies.
Holistic Coaches and Counselors
Examples of coaches and counselors are life coaches, empowerment coaches, spiritual and intuitive counselors, holistic psychologists, and nutritional counselors.
Coaches and counselors help clients design and manifest the life, career, business, and health situations they really want. A holistic coach or counselor often works with a client 1-4 times a month setting goals, opening belief systems, and partnering with the client to provide the support they need to move forward in their lives.
As you can see, the term holistic practitioner can be used to refer to a holistic profession trained in any number of areas. Typically, a holistic professional will list their areas of expertise in any of their advertisements to help you determine if they would suit your particular situation.
For information on how to find a holistic practitioner, see my article on ‘Choosing a Holistic Practitioner’ or visit Holistic Hometown (www.HolisticHometown.com) for holistic resources in your hometown and beyond.
Blessings on your journey.