What is holistic counselling and why would you use it?

As today’s fast-paced, often disconnected world ramps up, more and more people are seeking a deeper understanding of themselves, their emotions, triggers, reactions and their overall wellbeing. Traditional talk therapy, though super helpful for many, may not always address the complexity of the human experience. This is where holistic counselling comes in, offering a more integrated approach to mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health. Holistic Counsellors view each individual as already whole. Part of the process is learning how to release the blocks and stagnation as well as plug the leaks in their energy and environment.

Holistic counselling can draw on the ancient wisdom of various traditions as well as

modern therapeutic techniques to support a person’s journey toward remembering their wholeness. It’s about recognising that we are multi-dimensional beings, squeezed into a tiny physical body and for lasting wellbeing, all aspects of our existence must be considered. This approach involves not just the mind and emotions, but the body, spirit, social life, energy and environment, to create a truly comprehensive understanding and healing experience.

What is Holistic Counselling?

At its core, holistic counselling is a form of therapy that recognises the interconnectedness of all aspects of a person’s life.

Each individual has the resources within them to feel balanced and whole again. Unlike traditional counselling or psychology, which may focus solely on mental or emotional health, holistic counselling explores all the avenues that contribute to a harmonious state of being. It believes that healing occurs when these different elements are tuned up, aligned and in balance.

Holistic counselling isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it’s tailored to each individual’s needs, drawing on a wide range of techniques to address specific concerns. These techniques can include many approaches to address energy issues, pain, discomfort, disease, relationships with both self and others, lack of purpose and personal power, decision-making, faith, meaning and purpose, sensitivity and resonance, authentic living, empowerment, sovereignty, speaking your truth, intuition development and so much more. Techniques such as nutrition coaching, energy healing, breathwork, inner child work, bodywork (such as emotional release and therapeutic massage), EFT and EMDR, meditation guidance, entity clearings, spiritual healing, past life regression, sound healing, acupuncture and acupressure, chiropractic and osteopathy and positive psychology are some examples of techniques that work well in combination with the talk therapy component. Holistic counselling is both a philosophy and a practice, helping clients integrate all parts of themselves to foster a sense of unity and wholeness.

WHY Holistic Counselling WORKS Online

One of the most transformative aspects of holistic counselling is that it’s not limited to in-person sessions. Significant healing, learning and success has been demonstrated by experiencing sessions online and this was obviously amplified during Covid times. While talk therapies often relied on face-to-face interaction prior to Covid, a major pivot occurred - because we had to and now holistic counselling is thriving and in high demand in an online setting.

Thanks to modern technology, virtual holistic sessions are now widely accessible, making it easier for individuals to receive support regardless of their geographical location. Online counselling allows you to work with a trained professional from the comfort of your own home, eliminating the need for travel or scheduling conflicts.

In fact, many clients report that online holistic sessions can be even more profound than in-person meetings. The privacy and comfort of being in a familiar environment can help you feel more relaxed and open during your sessions. As holistic counselling often delves into deep emotions and inner work, being in a space where you feel safe and grounded can be incredibly beneficial. The flexibility of online sessions also allows people to integrate holistic practices into their busy lives. Holistic counselling bridges the gap between distance and presence, ensuring you still experience the healing benefits, no matter where you are.

A More Integrative Approach: Combining Talk Therapy with Other Modalities

What makes holistic counselling truly unique is its ability to integrate various healing practices beyond traditional talk therapy. While talking with a trained professional is an essential part of the process, holistic counsellors often bring additional modalities to the table to facilitate deeper awareness and healing.

In my practice at Lighthouse Wellbeing the additional modalities can include:

Energy Healing: This approach works to clear blockages in your energy field and enhance the natural rhythms and vibrations of the body and in doing so restoring balance to your body, mind and spirit. Energy work can be transformative in addressing long-standing emotional wounds that haven’t been resolved through traditional methods.
Breathwork and Meditation: These practices help individuals connect with their inner rhythms, promoting relaxation, emotional release and heightened self-awareness. By focusing on the breath and engaging in meditation, individuals can calm the mind, release stress, increase connection and a sense of peace and gain clarity.
Inner Child Work: Healing the inner child is a profound practice that allows individuals to reconnect with the parts of themselves that may have been wounded during childhood. Addressing these issues can lead to emotional healing, release of old belief systems that no longer servce, self-compassion and a renewed sense of empowerment.
Entity Clearing: Sometimes energy fields are interfered with by spirits that have found themselves a ‘free ride’. They can cause all sorts of issues from negative thoughts to suicidal inclinations, sudden phobias or changes in behaviour and feelings of ‘not being yourself. Clearing this interference can free up spiritual, mental and emotional blocks and raise energy and clarity.
Bodywork and Acupressure: Physical techniques that engage the body help release trapped emotions, alleviate physical tension and promote a deeper awareness of and connection to the body. Bodywork and talk therapy are an excellent combination.
Australian Bush Flower Essences: Flower essences are subtle remedies that provide vibrational healing primarily for emotional conditions. Flower essences work on harmonising negative feelings and belief patterns.
Psychosomatic Therapy: By focusing on the underlying emotional and mental factors contributing to physical ailments, this therapy helps individuals gain a deeper understanding of how their thoughts, feelings and past experiences influence their current health. This holistic approach can alleviate symptoms like chronic pain, digestive disorders or fatigue that often have no clear medical explanation. Psychosomatic therapy also fosters emotional resilience, promotes self-awareness and helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms, leading to improved overall well-being. As it integrates both mental and physical health, it can encourage long-lasting healing and reduce the need for reliance on medications alone.
Soul Retrieval: This is a shamanic energy process that involves the reintegration of lost soul parts. It is analogous to the surgical reattachment of body parts but for our spiritual body or essence instead. It is subtle, gentle and informative.
Positive Psychology Toolkit: This is a whole approach based on Dr Seligman’s building blocks for resilience and wellbeing. The pillars are positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment and health (physical movement, diet and sleep). It also looks at strengths and values, grit and gratitude.
Human Design, Astrology and Numerology: Helpful tools and guides to looking at energy, gifts, challenges and purpose.

By incorporating these diverse practices, holistic counselling offers a multi-dimensional approach to healing. As Carl Jung, the renowned psychologist, famously stated: "The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are." Holistic counselling helps you uncover the full spectrum of your being, empowering you to step into your authentic self.

The Role of Balance and the Middle Path

One of the guiding principles of holistic counselling is the pursuit of balance - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Life is full of opposites: light and dark, joy and sorrow, strength and vulnerability. Holistic counselling emphasises the importance of embracing both aspects of ourselves and finding a middle path of integration - a place of harmony and wholeness.

This is where the concept of shadow work comes in. Shadow work refers to the process of confronting and integrating the hidden or repressed parts of ourselves - the parts that we might not want to face. By acknowledging our shadows, we can gain deeper self-awareness and cultivate greater compassion for ourselves. This process is often deeply healing, leading to personal growth and empowerment.

As the Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu said, "Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom." Holistic counselling encourages you to explore both your light and your shadow, integrating these aspects of your personality for a more harmonious life.

Why Would You Use Holistic Counselling?

You might choose holistic counselling if you’re seeking a deeper connection with yourself, exploring long-standing emotional wounds or looking for a more comprehensive approach to healing. It is ideal for individuals who feel that traditional talk therapy has not fully addressed their needs or for those who wish to incorporate a variety of healing techniques into their personal growth journey.

Holistic counselling is also a wonderful choice if you’re navigating life transitions, seeking emotional support or looking to enhance post traumatic growth. It’s especially beneficial for those wanting to strengthen their mind-body connection, reduce stress and foster a sense of inner peace. Moreover, if you’re someone who is open to spiritual exploration or who desires greater emotional and physical balance, this approach may resonate with you.

Finally, holistic counselling can be an excellent tool for those looking to build resilience, embrace meaning and flourish in holistic wellbeing. By addressing all aspects of your life you create a strong foundation for navigating life’s challenges and embracing its joys.

Conclusion

Holistic counselling offers a transformative, integrative approach to healing and wholeness that goes beyond the mind. By addressing the bodymind, spirit and environment as one, it provides a truly comprehensive path to personal development, spiritual growth and healing. Whether done in-person or online, holistic counselling offers a safe, supportive space to explore your inner world, heal past wounds and create life on your terms.

If you're feeling drawn to explore this multi-faceted approach to wellbeing, consider embracing the journey of holistic counselling. As the ancient philosopher Socrates once said, "An unexamined life is not worth living." Holistic counselling helps you examine all parts of your life, guiding you toward a more balanced, joyful, and authentic existence.

If you would like to know more about Cherie you can click HERE