Personalized Healing: How Holistic Therapy Addresses Individual Needs
Traditional psychotherapy can be effective for many people. While sometimes effective, it often follows a structured, diagnostic approach that can feel impersonal. Holistic therapy offers a different path. It focuses on the whole person - mind, body, and soul. As such, it aims to tailor treatments to individual needs, promoting personalized healing. This blog post explores and compares diagnosis and treatment planning in each model. It looks first at the traditional model for diagnosis and treatment. Next, it explores the holistic, non-pathologizing approach championed by therapists like Nancy McWilliams.
Traditional Diagnosis
Traditional psychotherapy relies heavily on diagnosis. This means identifying specific mental health disorders based on a set of symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is the primary tool used by clinicians. Health insurance companies require a diagnosis and sometimes cover only specific diagnoses. In the DSM-5, for each “disorder,” there is a list of presenting symptoms. Someone “earns” a specific diagnosis when a certain number of characteristics are present. It categorizes mental health issues into various disorders, each with specific criteria. An individual is diagnosed based on observable symptoms and those they report.
Let's use Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as an example. Paraphrasing here, the diagnostic criteria for GAD include six items. All of these must be present to receive a GAD diagnosis.
1. Excessive anxiety or worry, occurring more days than not, for at least six months.
2. Reported inability to control the worry.
3. Three or more of the following symptoms are associated with anxiety and worry:
a. Restlessness, feeling keyed up or on edge.
b. Being easily fatigued.
c. Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
d. Irritability.
e. Muscle tension.
f. Sleep disturbance.
4. The anxiety or physical symptoms cause significant distress/impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
5. The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition.
6. The disturbance is not better explained by another mental disorder.
We know that there is much more nuance to understanding what is happening with someone who checks all these boxes. A diagnostic label might be limiting or self-defeating. On the other hand, it might provide validation. Regardless, a uniform approach to treating these symptoms works for some people better than others.
Traditional Treatment Planning
Once a diagnosis is made, treatment planning begins. This often includes a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and sometimes lifestyle changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is a common treatment for anxiety and depression. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Medications may be prescribed by a medical doctor to help manage symptoms. This traditional approach is systematic. It aims to address the symptoms of the disorder directly.
While this method has helped many people, it can sometimes feel too clinical. The focus on diagnosis can make individuals feel labeled or reduced to a set of symptoms. Additionally, it may overlook other important factors like relationships, environment, or past traumas. It does not take into consideration any cultural factors that might be in play. It overlooks less measurable influences like spirituality, core values, or multi-generational trauma. In short, it considers only symptoms, not the underlying reasons for them.
Holistic Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach
Holistic therapy takes a broader view. It considers the entire person and their unique life circumstances. Holistic therapists explore various aspects of a person's life. These might include physical health, social relationships, spiritual beliefs, and cultural impacts. This approach recognizes that mental health is interconnected with many areas of life.
A key element of holistic therapy is a personalized conceptualization of presenting issues. It considers what is going on for an individual in the context of their life, time, and place. The same is true of holistic treatment planning. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, holistic therapists tailor their methods to suit the individual's needs. A holistic approach expands the conversation beyond measurable symptoms. It considers the entire body and all its systems. It explores and seeks to understand the psyche. This might include dreams and symbols. It values the immeasurable non-linear ideas generated in the unconscious. It also considers the Jungian concept of collective unconscious. This means it considers an individual's connection to what is happening outside itself, for example, in their family, community, country, or world. The goal of holistic therapy is to create a balanced and fulfilling life. It addresses not only symptoms but the root causes of distress.
Nancy McWilliams and Non-Pathologizing Treatment Planning
Nancy McWilliams is a prominent figure in the field of psychoanalysis. She advocates for a non-pathologizing approach to therapy. Her method focuses on understanding the person as a whole. It departs from a traditional approach that labels them with a specific disorder. This perspective aligns well with holistic therapy principles.
McWilliams emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship. She believes that the connection between therapist and client is crucial for healing. She believes that therapists should foster a supportive and empathetic environment. This helps clients feel understood and valued. In turn, it promotes deeper self-exploration and personal growth.
In non-pathologizing treatment planning, the therapist looks beyond the symptoms. They are curious to understand the client's life story, strengths, and challenges. They work collaboratively with their clients. Together they develop goals and strategies that resonate with the client's needs and aspirations.
Comparing the Approaches
Both traditional and holistic therapies for anxiety have their strengths. Traditional therapy, with its structured diagnostic approach, provides clear guidelines and evidence-based treatments. It's particularly effective for severe mental health issues that require immediate interventions.
On the other hand, holistic therapy offers a more flexible and personalized approach. Considering the whole person and their environment can address underlying issues. It looks for how these might contribute to mental health problems. This method is often seen as more empowering. It helps individuals take an active role in their healing journey.
Nancy McWilliams' non-pathologizing approach bridges these two methods. She suggests a combination of traditional psychotherapy's rigor with holistic therapy's personalization. Her emphasis on understanding the whole person aligns well with holistic principles. At the same time, it acknowledges the importance of addressing specific symptoms and behaviors.
Practical Applications
In practice, combining these approaches can be highly effective. For instance, a therapist might start with a traditional assessment. This foundation of understanding the client's symptoms and challenges is important. Then, they could incorporate McWilliams' non-pathologizing principles to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. The result might be a holistic treatment plan. Perhaps blending talk therapy, body-based or somatic therapy, and depth therapy approaches.
For example, someone struggling with anxiety might receive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal is to provide some immediate relief from their symptoms. Simultaneously, mindfulness practices could be explored to reduce stress. Somatic therapies such as body tracking introduce body awareness. Brainspotting or EMDR to release trauma stored in the body. Talk therapy to explore personal history. Addressing both symptoms and underlying causes, a holistic approach often generates the best results.
The Rezak Therapy Approach
Personalized healing is about more than just treating symptoms. It's about understanding and addressing the unique needs of each individual. Traditional psychotherapy offers valuable tools for diagnosis and treatment. Holistic therapy at Rezak Therapy provides a more comprehensive and empathetic approach. We incorporate Nancy McWilliams' non-pathologizing principles in our treatment planning. We value balanced and effective treatment plans that promote true healing.
Find Support in Healing With Holistic Therapy in Pasadena, CA
Discover the transformative power of holistic therapy, where your mind, body, and spirit are nurtured to achieve true balance and well-being. Our compassionate holistic therapists at Rezak Therapy are here to guide you on a journey toward healing and self-discovery, addressing your unique needs with personalized care. Embrace a holistic approach and take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. Follow these three simple steps to begin healing:
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if Holistic Therapy is right for you.
Begin meeting with a skilled holistic therapist.
Start healing and addressing your unique needs.
Other Services Offered at Rezak Therapy in Pasadena, CA
At Rezak Therapy, we’re here to help you align with your most authentic self. Our holistic therapy approaches include talk therapy, somatic psychotherapy, and depth psychotherapy. In addition to holistic therapy to help you manage and heal from your unique needs, we also offer services for those struggling with post-traumatic stress, couples looking to increase intimacy in their relationships, and The Artists Way Group which is a 12-week adventure of artistic discovery and personal exploration. Our services are available both in-person in Pasadena and online for clients in Los Angeles and throughout California. For more on holistic therapy and our other services check out our blog.
