Holistic therapy is an approach that considers the whole person rather than focusing only on the substance abuse disorder or mental health disorder. This includes their emotions, physical health, daily habits, and more.
It’s an approach that has garnered worldwide attention. The World Health Organization (WHO) published People-Centred Health Care: A Policy Framework, recognizing that health is impacted by social, cultural, and environmental factors. Therefore, it makes sense to get to the root cause of the health issue rather than treat the disease or disorder at the surface level.
For addiction recovery and mental health treatment, holistic therapy has proven to be effective.
What is Holistic Therapy?
- Culture
- Social life
- Lifestyle and behavioral habits
- Personal history and experiences
- Marital status and family considerations
- Overall physical health
- Medical needs
It may include a wide variety of treatments. These range from traditional 12-step programs, family therapy, and medical interventions to art therapy and life skills classes.
Benefits of Holistic Therapy
- It helps uncover and address the root cause of substance abuse or mental health concern. Instead of only easing symptoms, the holistic approach seeks to understand the factors contributing to the problem and empowers the individual to make lifestyle changes.
- It teaches coping skills. Using a wide variety of tools and resources, individuals learn to manage stress, set goals, and avoid old habits that may lead to substance abuse or trigger anxiety.
- It helps the individual learn more about themselves and understand their own tendencies and complex emotions. They learn to identify which areas of life aren't working for them and take charge of changing what they can.
Different Holistic Therapy Techniques
There is no one set protocol for holistic therapy. The whole purpose of the approach is to treat the individual, not the mental health disorder or the substance abuse disorder. Doing this may require a wide range of therapy techniques based on the individual’s unique needs.
These techniques include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Nearly all substance abuse treatment programs and mental health treatment programs use CBT to help individuals recognize mistakes in their thought processes and change the behaviors that are contributing to the issue. When the individual can recognize unhelpful thoughts and unproductive behavior patterns, they can make changes.
Life Skills
- Healthy communication
- Hobby exploration and development
- Meal planning
- Housekeeping
- How to write a resume
- Exercise
- And more
Trauma Therapy
Anger Management
This is not about avoiding anger. Everyone gets angry sometimes. Anger management teaches people how to manage their emotion and understand the consequences of lashing out at someone.
Psychoeducation
With this technique, individuals with substance abuse and mental health disorders are given more information about their condition. They learn about the hazards of substance abuse, how various treatments work, how to manage social situations that test their resolve, and more.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Parenting Classes
The goal is to help parents reconnect with their children and heal broken relationships. In these classes, parents learn effective parenting techniques, respectful communication, anger management, and problem-solving skills.
For parents who have lost custody of their children, parenting classes can be a step toward rebuilding the relationship with their kids. It can also demonstrate to the court system that the parents are committed to becoming better parents and providing for their children.
Complimentary Therapy
- Yoga and deep breathing techniques
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Exercise
- Art therapy
- Music and dance therapy
- And more
Treatment at Everlast Recovery Centers
At Everlast Recovery Centers, we believe in the power of holistic therapy to help individuals and their families recover from addiction and mental health disorders. Our residential facility features a 3:1 patient-to-staff ratio to ensure everyone has the attention and support they need to heal.
We work with people as they recover from substance abuse disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and bipolar disorder. Our holistic therapy approach includes the following:
Our programs include sub-acute medical detox, inpatient treatment, 12-step programs, and medication-assisted treatment.
The WHO reports that one in eight people worldwide have a mental health disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association says that 16.5 percent of people over the age of 11 in the United States have dealt with a substance abuse disorder in the last year.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health or addiction, you’re not alone. At our treatment centers, you’ll find the care, compassion, and expertise you need to guide you through the challenge of recovery.
Every holistic therapy treatment plan is customized to meet your needs. Our role in your recovery is to be here for you as long as you need us, providing the tools and resources you need to thrive. When you’re ready to reclaim your life, contact us.
