How Integrative Therapy Connects the Mind, Body, & Spirit in Holistic Therapy Sessions
When people seek therapy, they are often unsure of what the process is going to look like once their therapy sessions start. It doesn’t matter how much time they spent researching a therapist or practice, there’s still this air of mystery as they start their healing journey. The path to self-growth and healing isn’t linear and it’s part of why my clients seek out holistic therapy - they want to integrate the mind, body, and spirit into their sessions so they can heal as a whole person. Let’s explore how integrative therapy works to connect the mind, body, and spirit in those holistic therapy sessions so you can get the most out of your therapeutic work.
What is Integrative Therapy?
Sometimes integrative therapy is referred to as holistic therapy – and vice versa. They combine different tools and approaches to fit the unique needs of the individual. The primary focus of integrative therapy is the whole person which means looking deeper into the complex interactions between the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of someone’s life. As a holistic approach to therapy, it’s centered around the mind-body-spirit connection to create a truly individualized treatment plan.
The core principle of integrative therapy is that mental, physical, and spiritual health are closely linked. For instance, stress (a mental factor) can lead to physical symptoms like headaches or high blood pressure, and these physical issues can make someone feel lousy which can affect their spiritual or emotional well-being.
Breaking Down the Health & Well-being Connection
There’s a belief in holistic therapy that when one area of the whole you is hurting, it creates a domino effect with the other parts of you. When your body isn’t running well, it can make you feel ill physically which starts to tear at your self-esteem and break your spirit. If you’re constantly being harassed by someone or told that you’re not special, that will wreak havoc on your mind. As those words run on loop as intrusive thoughts, your anxiety will spike causing you stress which activates your body’s stress response. The longer you stay stressed, the harder it is for your body to regulate your cortisol levels which can lead to major health issues down the line.
See where I’m going with this?
When your health and well-being connection is balanced, your mind and spirit create positive thinking; your spirit and body help with self-healing; and your body and mind create a healthier lifestyle. As those connections break down, you’re more likely to think negatively, eat crappy foods, and feel lousy about yourself and the world around you.
Integrating the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection in Therapy
Holistic therapy may not be someone’s first choice for therapy. It can seem a little “out there” to someone who hasn’t yet explored their mind-body-spirit connections.
Truthfully, it’s not a therapy choice for the close-minded but if you’re just dipping your toe into the water with it, there are two key ways you can start integrating the mind-body-spirit connection into your current therapy sessions.
Practice Mindfulness when you’re in your therapy sessions. As you’re sitting in therapy after you say something you were scared to say, take a moment to notice these things:
Notice Your Body: How does your body feel right now? Do you feel lighter? Does your stomach hurt? Take a moment to figure out what’s happening to your body after you reveal something interesting or something you feel vulnerable about sharing.
Feel Your Breath: Do you feel like you’re breathing quickly? Try a breathing exercise to slow your breathing. Take stock of the sensation of your breath as you inhale and exhale.
Your Mind’s Focus: Did your mind wander or are you still in the present moment? If your mind wanders to a darker place after sharing something with your therapist, tell them about it. After sharing something vulnerable, you might question whether that was a good idea - when anxiety starts creeping up, mention it to your therapist.
Integrate relaxation into your sessions with body-scanning techniques that can be done as you sit in the waiting room before your sessions begin. Start by taking a few slow deep breaths then slowly bring your attention to your body starting at your feet. Take stock of any sensations or pain you might be experiencing as you go from your feet upward to your head. Breathe into the tension you feel by focusing on the sensation and feeling the tension leaving your body every time you exhale. Body scanning doesn’t need to be a practice you only do before your sessions, try it any time you’re feeling stressed and would like to unwind.
Mind-Body-Spirit Treatments in Holistic Therapy
Integrative therapy offers a balanced, well-rounded approach to health and wellness. It encourages people to explore and address various aspects of their lives, leading to a more comprehensive form of healing. Holistic therapy doesn’t just aim to treat illness - it seeks to enhance life quality, making health and well-being achievable and sustainable goals. My clients achieve this through a variety of therapeutic methods that are a mix of traditional and non-traditional therapies. The modalities we use will depend on the ultimate goal, what’s happening in their lives at this time, and how they feel in each session.
The mind-body-spirit treatments I use in holistic therapy include:
Transpersonal therapy
EMDR
CBT
Somatic Therapy
Meditation
Yoga
Reiki Energy Healing
Breathwork
Health & Wellness Coaching
As a trauma therapist, I know some of these modalities are going to help more than others, depending on the client. Holistic therapy treatments should be as unique as the person they aim to help.
Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellness
While holistic therapy is something that everyone can benefit from, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but there’s one core concept I wish more people would integrate into their therapy sessions: taking charge of your health and wellness! Don’t you want to get the most out of your sessions? Taking control of your overall health and well-being is part of that process but I often experience clients who aren’t ready to take control because it’s easier to falsely put the blame of how they feel on others. That doesn’t help in your healing process and it could add hiccups down the road in your healing journey.
Integrative therapy and holistic healing as a whole are about treating the person as a whole - not just addressing their symptoms. I look at the underlying causes of what’s ailing my clients but they have to put in the work! That starts with observing your mind-body-spirit connection and taking the reigns on your overall health and wellness. Are you ready to take control and raise your vibe? Let’s go!