By Lora Hanna, L.I.S.W. And Donna Sigl-Davies, M.A., P.C.C

The field of counseling has matured tremendously over the years. Rather than a stigma existing for people to "get help", now it is quite acceptable for people to seek counseling for all sorts of issues. Part of what is facilitating this change has been the growth of a counseling niche referred to as Holistic Counseling. While a relatively small group of therapists refer to themselves as holistic counselors, the response from clients and the validation from research are extremely positive. What makes holistic counseling special?

Holistic counseling is first a philosophical stance which emphasizes working with you as a whole person, not just as a medical diagnosis. The process starts with skilled, compassionate listening and a deep sense of presence, creating a safe place where you feel heard and understood and can explore your concerns. In the therapeutic relationship, we will explore your passions and what brings meaning to your life. We will emphasize your strengths and enhance your relationship with your body, Spirit, friends and family.

The therapeutic relationship is more one of facilitating versus prescribing, with the therapist maintaining a steadfast belief in your potential for growth and wholeness. You might come to holistic counseling with a specific problem to address, but find the process so transformative that you ultimately reinvent yourself and find a deeper sense of joy and meaning in your life.

Just as a seed needs ideal conditions in order to develop into a healthy and thriving plant, certain factors are necessary to nurture you in your healing and growth:

1. You need to be able to choose your own therapist based upon your own criteria, not based upon who agrees to accept managed care discounts and regulations. You may choose your therapist on the recommendation of a trusted referral source, due to their area of specialization, or because of your rapport with a particular therapist.
2. Holistic therapists provide you with a much higher quality of therapeutic presence and more individual attention because they can afford to work with a smaller caseload when then are paid their full fee. Managed care's deeply discounted rates, required paperwork, and time spent on billing and collections usually mean that the average managed care therapist has to see many more people and spend less time and energy on each client in order to earn a living. Many managed care therapists are rushed, not fully focused, stressed, and may have interruptions in your sessions.
3. You (not your insurance company) need to be in the driver's seat in developing your treatment plan. Participating in adjunct therapies such as yoga and other forms of body work, for example, are encouraged and integrated into counseling sessions. You do not need to be seen as "sick" to receive services from a holistic counselor. When you're not dependent on managed care's payment for services, you can work on any issue you choose, the way would like to, and for as long as you like.

Both the philosophical stance and the conditions necessary for holistic counseling put your happiness and satisfaction as the ultimate goal. While other forms of counseling may address symptoms, holistic counseling emphasizes personal growth and transformation. Just as you plan for and invest in your future with education and a retirement savings plan, holistic counseling is an investment you can make to improve your happiness and maximize your quality of life.

Donna Sigl-Davies, MA, PCC, provides counseling, Women's Circles and retreats for people reinventing themselves. She specializes in teens, couples/family therapy, integrating mind-body-spirit, mindfulness, simplicity and eco-feminist spirituality. You can reach Donna at 614-431-5944.