Alternative Health Articles
 

What Is A Holistic Practitioner?
By Jennifer Shapiro

Holistic Practitioners are holistic healing professionals
with a gift in one or more areas of healing. From
bodyworkers to homeopaths to hypnotherapists, the term
holistic practitioner has become one that is often
challenging to describe or understand. Hopefully this
article will provide you with some clarity on what a
holistic practitioner is and how to find one that meets
your individual needs.

Saying holistic practitioner is similar to saying doctor.
While there are general practitioners that cross along many
paths, most specialize in one or more holistic methods or
areas. The main areas of specialization are body-centered
therapists, energy-centered therapists, mind-centered
therapists, soul and spirit-centered therapists, emotional
release therapists, and coaches/counselors. All of these
therapists strive to bring a greater quality of life to
their clients. That may occur through inner balance, self-
empowerment, physical ease, or even emotional confidence.

One thing to realize is that many holistic practitioners
work in many areas. In fact, it is usually challenging to
limit a practitioner to one area. For example, a
hypnotherapist may also be a chakra therapist, a bodyworker
could also be a spiritual counselor, etc. Also, since the
mind-body-soul connection is just that, connected, wherever
you begin, be it in energy work, bodywork, or even the
mind, you will find that all of you is affected by the work.

Use this article as a guide to explore the realms of
possibilities, rather than limiting your choices to an area.

Body-centered Therapists

Samples of body-centered therapists are bodyworkers,
massage therapists, pilates and yoga therapists, rolfing
professionals(often termed rolfers), acupressure
therapists, myofascial release and sports massage
therapists, reflexologists, thai massage therapists, watsu
practitioners, feldenkrais and alexander method
professionals, and movement therapists (this list is
provided to offer an overview as there are at least 50
types of body-centered therapists).

While each body-centered therapist has their own way of
working with clients, many use a combination of movement,
the breath, and physical pressure (from massage to trigger
points) to allow the body to release tension. This release
of tension then allows the mind to also find a relaxing
state. Sometimes the relaxation state is the goal of the
sessions, other times, it is the true starting point.

Energy-centered Therapists

Samples of energy-centered therapists are integrative
energy workers, reiki practitioners, healing touch
practitioners, breathwork therapists, jin shin do and jin
shin jytsu therapists, matrix therapists, applied
kinesiologists, orgone therapists, polarity workers,
cranial sacral workers, qigong and tai chi masters.
Acupuncturists and homeopathy practitioners could also be
deemed energy workers.

Energy workers often work with energetic 'maps' of the
body. They look at where the energy is stuck, depleted or
overtaxed in the body and work with the individual to bring
a level of balance to the body's energetic system. This
balance also affects the mind and the overall body,
enhancing ones state of being on many levels.

Mind-centered Therapists

Samples of mind-centered therapists are hypnotherapists,
neuro-linguistic programming practitioners (NLP),
integrative release therapists(IRT), regression therapists
and metaphysicians.

Mind-centered therapists look at the structures of one's
belief systems and how they may be conflicting with and/or
not supporting a client's quality of life. Mind-centered
therapists often find the original cause of what the stuck
states are and work with the unconscious mind to reframe
limiting patterns and beliefs which provide greater
resources and confidence for the client to live the life
they desire.

Soul and Spirit-centered Therapists

Samples of soul and spirit-centered therapists are
shamans, angelic masters, psychic mediums,
intuitive guides and spiritual counselors(who would also
fall into the coaching/counseling category).

Soul and spirit-centered therapists work with clients in a
variety of ways. A shaman may work with a client using soul
retrieval to regain a part of their soul that has been
'lost' due to trauma. A psychic may offer an individual
information on what will happen on their current path if
they don't make changes. An intuitive may assist a client
in talking with a deceased loved one. As with the other
categories, there are many ways soul and spirit-centered
therapists work with their clients.

Emotional Release Therapists

Samples of emotional release therapists are integrative
release therapists, somato-emotional therapists, psych-k
therapists and amanae therapists.

Emotional release therapists work with patterns of
emotions that are stuck in the body/mind and assist a
client in moving through these blocks into greater joy and
emotional freedom. Many other therapies, including neuro-
linguistic programming, yoga, shamanic work and energy work
employ emotional release methodologies.

Holistic Coaches and Counselors

Samples of coaches and counselors are life coaches,
empowerment coaches, spiritual and intuitive counselors,
holistic psychologists, and nutritional counselors.

Coaches and counselors assist clients in designing and
manifesting the life, career, business and health
situations that they truly desire. A holistic coach or
counselor often works with a client 1-4x per month setting
goals, opening belief systems and partnering with the
client to provide the support they need to move forward in
their lives.

As you can see, the term holistic practitioner can be used
to mean a holistic profession trained in any number of
areas. Usually, a holistic practitioner will list their
areas of expertise in any of their advertising to assist
you in determining if they would be a fit for your unique
situation.

For information on locating a holistic practitioner,
please see my article on 'Choosing a Holistic Practitioner'
or see Holistic Hometown (www.HolisticHometown.com) for
holistic resources in your hometown, and beyond.

Blessings on your journey.

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Author's Bio

Jenifer Shapiro, MBA, CHT, CNLP, CYT, CHC, IRT is a
Professional Coach, Holistic Entrepreneur Coach, Web
Designer, and Holistic Practitioner (professionally trained
in Yoga, Shamanism/Soul Retrieval, Meditation,
Hypnotherapy, NLP and Coaching) with 2 successful holistic
businesses. She is the founder of Holistic Hometown,
Holistic University and The Empowerment Centre, and the
consultant for various holistic entrepreneurs, local
colleges, and wellness centers. Her work has been televised
and she currently teaches and consults with clients around
the U.S. Her private practice is in Paoli, PA. She may be
reached at www.TheEmpowermentCentre.com or (610)213-1010. 

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