What Is a Holistic Therapist? A Complete Definition and Overview for Mental Health Professionals

Let’s define the word “holistic.” If you're aiming to be a holistic therapist, it's essential to understand what you're actually practicing... beyond buzzwords and trending tools.

When many people think of the word “holistic,” they picture complementary and alternative tools like sound healing or essential oils. These can be helpful individual tools or modalities within a holistic framework. But on their own, they are not truly holistic.

What Does “Holistic” Really Mean?

And why aren’t individual tools enough?

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term “holistic” means:

“Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole.”

In medicine, it's more specific. Holistic medicine is:

“Characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of an illness.”

In other words, a holistic approach to therapy starts with the big picture. Modalities and interventions matter, but only if they serve a broader, integrated view of the client’s health.

What Is a Holistically Trained Therapist?

A holistic therapist understands that a client’s mental and emotional health is shaped by many different factors, some of which may not seem directly connected to the mind or emotions at first glance.

Beyond treating trauma, stress, or relationship issues, holistically trained therapists also consider factors like:

• Sleep

• Nutrition

• Sunlight and nature exposure

• Environmental toxic load

• Physical health

• Relationship to food and the body

• Loneliness and connection

• Hydration

• Movement and exercise

• Spirituality

• Restoration and nervous system health

• Hormonal health

• Immune system health

• Blood sugar health

• Gut health

• Social determinants of health

• ...And more.

How Holistic Therapists Think

Holistic therapists are skilled at perspective switching; looking at their clients through multiple lenses. They do not assume that all problems stem from one issue (such as trauma or nutrition), even as they recognize the important role each domain plays.

They are capable of holding multiple truths at once. They can zoom into details when needed, without losing sight of the broader context.

Holistic therapists are systems thinkers. They understand that a shift in one area (such as nutrition or sleep) can cause a ripple effect across mental, emotional, and physical health.

They also know they don’t need to be experts in every domain. Instead, they intervene confidently within their scope of practice and refer out to other trusted practitioners when needed.

What Interventions Do Holistic Therapists Use?

This is where it gets fun.

Holistic mental health professionals use interventions tailored to each client’s needs. They draw from evidence-based strategies, clinical expertise, client preferences, and client values.

For example:

• If the client is struggling with a spiritual concern, they may focus on the spiritual domain.

• If the client is open to dietary changes, holistic therapists can offer psychoeducation on nutrient density, blood sugar balance, or digestion.

• If a client is struggling to relax, a therapist may guide them through yoga nidra or introduce calming tools like lavender essential oil.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Holistic therapy is adaptable, integrative, and client-centered.

Are All Holistic Training Programs for Therapists the Same?

In a word—no. And that matters.

Not all holistic therapy training programs teach clinicians to think holistically. Some focus on specific tools or modalities without the big-picture lens. For example, a training might emphasize energy work, spirituality, or nutrition in isolation.

Others may lack grounding in evidence-based practice, relying solely on intuition or spiritual concepts.

These approaches might be considered complementary and alternative, but they’re not fully holistic unless they integrate the whole system and rest on a foundation of both clinical evidence and systems thinking.

Looking for a Truly Holistic Training?

If you’re seeking a training that will help you:

• See the big picture and intervene effectively in the details

• Bridge the gap between spirit and science

• Bring together holism and rationality

• Unite body and mind

• Speak to both ancient wisdom and modern research

We’ve got you covered.

If you're a therapist who wants to learn how to see the big picture and intervene effectively in the details, download our free bundle to access helpful tools to get started or dive head-first into our certificate program.