Holistic Psychotherapy

The field of psychotherapy is well served by cross-cultural approaches to healing.  This is because healing is a holistic process, despite the fact that modern medicine has tried to separate it into different fields, essentially portioning the body into sections, and isolating the mind and emotions all together.  However, somatics dictates that feelings are interspersed throughout the physical and spiritual bodies.  Eastern healing modalities (as well as shamanic, and other indigenous  and varied approaches) and exercises help to provide this holistic perspective.

Mayer posits that this initial disparity between mind and body stems from the Descartes statement, I think therefore I am (Mayer, 2007).    The author explains that bodymind therapies are actually more effective in reality, than those simply aimed at the mind.  This is because cellular memory exists throughout the body.  Thus, methods that combine tapping and verbal cues, for example, are able to address the client’s issues on more levels.

The author touches on identification with the true Self and I think that this is the crux of therapy from my perspective.  While the body and mind may be integrated, many people are living with only a fraction of their soul potential being realized.  This is because it is not focused upon.  We develop our bodies through exercise, and rigorously develop our minds through the mandatory school system (though it is debatable if this is higher development or more of a brain-washing and skill developing).  In any case, to have full psychological soundness,  one must feel a sense of soul.  Therefore, any therapy modalities which touch upon this are of the utmost usefulness in a materialistic, intellectual society which forgets, and is devoid of the most crucial key to satisfaction among humans, that being the well-being of the soul. 

The Eastern healing modalities have a better sense of this and yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong among other modalities all for a sense of energy flow within the body, and a tuning into the energy of the body.  There is however a difference between elemental energies and the higher energies of human faculties which we are capable of obtaining and which bring us peace.  These energies of which I speak may be called higher levels of wisdom.  Controlling the mind through wisdom is necessary and the intellect alone is not able to do this.  A balance of health of mind, body and spirit are needed to achieve this overall sense of well-being.

Resources:

Mayer, Michael. (2007). Bodymind Healing Psychotherapy. Bodymind Healing Publications, Orinda, California