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What is a Holistic Practitioner?
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.
About the Author
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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