Holistic Therapy Through Telehealth: A Complete Wellness Approach
How Holistic Therapy Works Through Telehealth: A Comprehensive Approach to Mental Wellbeing
Content warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that could be triggering to the reader.
In recent years, holistic therapy approaches have gained significant traction in the mental health field. More licensed clinical social workers are integrating complementary techniques with traditional talk therapy to help clients heal emotionally, physically, and spiritually. When delivered through telehealth platforms like ReachLink, holistic therapy can make a meaningful difference for individuals facing various mental health conditions or life challenges. Let’s explore how holistic therapy works in a telehealth environment and how it might benefit you.
What is holistic therapy in telehealth?
Holistic therapy delivered through telehealth platforms aims to treat the whole person using a client-centered approach. The fundamental principle behind holistic therapy is that mind, body, and spirit function as an interconnected system. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers work to strengthen this mind-body-spirit connection to promote comprehensive healing. They integrate traditional therapy modalities with complementary approaches to enhance overall wellbeing and support recovery from trauma and other mental health challenges.
Holistic behavioral therapy via secure video sessions
Licensed clinical social workers at ReachLink often combine complementary approaches with evidence-based therapy techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT has proven effective for treating numerous mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. During secure video sessions, therapists guide clients to identify and replace negative thought patterns with more accurate perceptions about themselves and their situations. This therapeutic process typically leads to healthier behaviors and improved emotional states. With practice, clients can learn to recognize unhelpful thought patterns when they occur in daily life.
How does telehealth holistic therapy work? Integrative approaches
ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers may incorporate various complementary techniques to enhance traditional mental health approaches during video sessions. Here are several examples:
Breathwork in virtual therapy sessions
During telehealth sessions, clinical social workers may guide clients through different breathwork techniques to alleviate anxiety and improve self-awareness. These might include:
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Box breathing
- Alternative nostril breathing
- Various mindful breathing exercises
The specific breathing techniques recommended will depend on each client’s unique needs and conditions. If a particular technique doesn’t resonate with a client, ReachLink therapists can suggest alternatives. The telehealth format allows for real-time feedback and adjustments to ensure the approach meets the evolving needs of each individual.
Somatic therapy through video counseling
Somatic therapy addresses the mind-body connection to help with psychological and physical symptoms of various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. Through secure video sessions, ReachLink’s clinical social workers may utilize somatic experiencing techniques to help clients process trauma.
Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, somatic experiencing can help individuals address physical manifestations of trauma. During traumatic events, some people experience a freeze response rather than the typical fight-or-flight reaction. This freeze response can cause stress to remain in the body long after the event has passed. Even through telehealth, skilled therapists can guide clients to recognize and address these physical symptoms, potentially alleviating emotional distress as well. Clinical social workers might combine somatic experiencing with cognitive-behavioral therapy to promote comprehensive healing.
Meditation guidance in telehealth sessions
ReachLink therapists often incorporate meditation techniques into their telehealth sessions to support client healing. For example, they may provide instruction in mindfulness meditation, which involves observing thoughts without judgment and maintaining present-moment awareness. Clients can learn to practice these techniques between sessions to manage acute stress and prevent stress accumulation. Mindfulness doesn’t require lengthy silent meditation; even brief five-minute practices can be effective. During video sessions, therapists can demonstrate these techniques and provide real-time feedback on client practice.
Adapted yoga practices for telehealth
Some ReachLink clinical social workers integrate modified yoga practices into their telehealth therapy sessions. Yoga offers numerous benefits for mental and physical wellbeing, including:
- Better sleep quality
- Reduced stress levels
- Enhanced immune function
- Improved self-esteem
Depending on client needs, therapists might recommend specific yoga practices that can be safely performed at home. They can demonstrate modifications through video sessions to ensure clients can practice effectively between appointments. If one style doesn’t suit a client, therapists can suggest alternatives that might be more beneficial for their specific situation.
How do ReachLink therapists tailor holistic techniques?
ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers are trained in multiple holistic therapy techniques and select approaches based on each client’s unique needs and preferences. Some individuals benefit more from movement-based interventions combined with talk therapy, while others respond better to meditative practices. The telehealth format allows therapists to adapt techniques as treatment progresses, with the advantage of clients being in their home environment where they can immediately integrate practices into their daily routines.
Finding holistic therapy through telehealth
When seeking holistic therapy through telehealth, it’s important to verify provider credentials. ReachLink ensures all their clinical social workers hold at least a master’s degree in therapy or counseling and maintain current state licensure for psychotherapy. Many have additional certifications in specific holistic practices.
Advantages of online holistic therapy with ReachLink
Telehealth platforms like ReachLink make holistic therapy accessible regardless of location. This is particularly valuable for people interested in specific holistic approaches that might not be readily available in their local community. ReachLink’s platform allows clients to connect with licensed clinical social workers nationwide who specialize in various holistic practices. Clients can easily switch therapists until they find one whose approach aligns with their preferences and needs.
The convenience of connecting from home via secure video sessions removes barriers like travel time and scheduling conflicts. Research supports the effectiveness of online therapy for numerous mental health conditions. A 2017 study found that online cognitive-behavioral therapy—a modality commonly used by holistic therapists—was effective for depression, social anxiety, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, among other conditions.
Takeaway
Holistic therapy delivered through telehealth is an integrative approach that promotes healing of mind, body, and spirit. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers integrate traditional psychotherapy approaches with complementary techniques to provide comprehensive care. If you’re experiencing mental health challenges or seeking to improve your overall wellbeing through a holistic approach, consider connecting with a licensed clinical social worker through ReachLink’s secure telehealth platform. Remember that while holistic approaches can be highly beneficial, they should complement rather than replace appropriate medical care for physical conditions.
