What Is A Holistic Practitioner?

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.

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 http://www.TheEmpowermentCentre.com or (610)213-1010.

Higgins & Burke Six Flavor Tea Bag Assortment, Variety Tea, 120/Carton

In The News:

---

FOXNews
Obama vows to double US output of alternative energy
AFP - 4 hours ago
FAIRFAX, Virginia (AFP) — President-elect Barack Obama pledged Thursday to double US production of alternative energy in three years, as part of a raft of ...
Video: Obama Names Chief Performance Officer AssociatedPress
Obama plans alternative energy boost Energy Risk (subscription)
Obama's green energy plans build hopes, skepticism Reuters
Wall Street Journal Blogs - Scripps Newsall 5,326 news articles

The best alternative medicine for children
CNN - 9 hours ago
Several alternative treatments have been shown to be safe and effective for kids, experts say. "We would both end up miserable," says Kruse-Field. ...

BBC News
Europe Looks to Alternative Sources for Energy
Wall Street Journal - 21 hours ago
By GUY CHAZAN As Europe counts the cost of Russia's latest gas shut-off, there are signs it could give a boost to alternative sources of gas that currently ...
Video: The gas crisis in Europe online france24english
Delo Urging Europe to Look for Alternative to Russian Gas STA - Slovenska Tiskovna Agencija
Europe late with alternative to Russian gas TREND Information
cafebabel.com - guardian.co.ukall 7,364 news articles

CNET News
Linksys offers full wireless alternative to Sonos
CNET News, CA - Jan 7, 2009
After hinting at a "digital stereo" product in The New York Times last week, Cisco unveiled the details of its Wireless Home Audio System today, ...

CNET News
The Wand: Nyko announces a high-tech Wii remote alternative
CNET News, CA - 23 hours ago
In an effort to trump the existing Nintendo Wii remote controller, Nyko is introducing what the company is calling the most advanced Wii remote yet. ...
Nyko brings Wand Wii remote, Charge Station EX and Kama Charge kit ... engadget
all 9 news articles

Hospital Tests Possible Gastric Bypass Alternative
Boston Channel.com,  USA - 2 hours ago
BOSTON -- A new, experimental device could help people lose weight without having surgery. News Center 5's Liz Brunner reported Thursday on the results of ...

Bleacher Report
TAKE 2: An alternative look at the day in sports
Columbia Daily Tribune, MO - 5 hours ago
By DAVE MATTER In our country, if you don’t like the hand you’re dealt in this game called life, you always have this option: Sue the pants off someone. ...
Shanoff's Wake-Up Call: Who's No. 1, Too? SportingNews.com
The BCS: Even Conservatives Want Government Intervention Human Events
all 1,241 news articles

WELT ONLINE
‘There Is No Alternative’ Is No Answer
Forward, NY - 3 hours ago
But the idea of ein breira — there is no alternative — is easily transformed into a refuge for the intellectually lazy, a bankrupt alibi for all manner of ...
Analysis: Iran's stake in the success of Hamas's 'resistance' Jerusalem Post
On the Net: Gaza conflict, 6abc Widget, photo editing 6abc.com
all 538 news articles

BBC News
Airlines Search for Alternatives to Oil as Fuel
New York Times, United States - Jan 6, 2009
Pratt, which has tested alternate fuels in its engines, and others in the aviation industry assert that they will pursue alternatives even in a period of ...
Aviation industry strives to find alternative fuels SmartBrief
Continental ratchets up race to develop alternative fuel for planes GulfNews
Continental First US Airline to Test Biofuels SmarterTravel.com
Scientific American - Bloombergall 260 news articles

Recall presents 'frightening' alternative in Fraser Rec District
Sky Hi Daily News, CO - 2 hours ago
17. Vote “NO” on the recall … and keep our hard working, dedicated and volunteer board members in office. The alternative is frightening.

alternative - Google News

Hoshin Roshi Ryu

Hoshin Roshi Ryu is a scientific system for achieving an awakening of the Kundalini. Developed in the early 1980's by Dr. Glenn Morris, Hoshin is a step-by-step... Read More

Revolutionary Medicine: Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Pain Sufferers

Stripped from the scenes from science fiction novels and films, shockwave therapy is a newage alternative to chronic pain sufferers. Utilized not only on humans for over... Read More

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Infertility

Although health and healing are the common goals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and allopathic medicine, their ideas on the etiology of disease, disease itself and the... Read More

Feeling Frisky? Herbs for Fertility

For thousands of years knowledge of the herbs and wild plants that could increase fertility were the secrets of the village wise women. But after the holocaust... Read More

Alter Your Perceptions

This article first appeared in The Sept. 2004 issue of The ZoneNet newsletterNo matter how fast we run, many of us are haunted by the urge to... Read More

Can Tea Strengthen Your Bones?

It has long been said that caffeine is not good for building strong bones. In fact, drinking more than three caffeinated beverages a day is listed as... Read More

Herb Remedies

Herb remedies are made of natural substances that come from plants. Herbs have been valued throughout history. The Bible tells us Kings journeyed many miles to bring... Read More

Tap Away Your Fears

In my workshops we use energy techniques that involve tapping with your fingers on the ends of the energy meridians on your face, upper body, and hands.... Read More

5 Simple Steps For Ridding Yourself Of Back Pain

Millions of people suffer from back pain unnecessarily when there is actually a very simple solution, according to Jesse Cannone , certified personal trainer and back pain... Read More

The Macrobiotic Approach To Health And Wellness

It may be an ordinary dance studio during the week, but on Sunday mornings this little room in Toronto's west end is transformed by the smells of... Read More

Gout Pain Relief With Cherry Power - How To Ease Pain By Eating Fruit

We can all learn something new every day! And good doctors are constantly alert to learning from all of their patients. It takes a lot to surprise... Read More

4 Natural Home Remedies to Ease the Pain of Sunburn

At some time or another, we've all experienced the effects of sunburn ? be it a light burn or a more heavy burn.Although the sting of regret... Read More

How I Overcame Anxiety/Panic Attacks

Has this ever happened to you, out of the blue, for apparently no reason at all? You suddenly start experiencing any or all of the following symptoms:... Read More

Garlic ? My Favorite Healing Herb

Garlic is a wonderful healing herb and, unlike many of the other herbs, it tastes great and can be incorporated into a variety of meals. Garlic has... Read More

Watch Out for Alternative Medicine Charlatans!

Forget those CrystalsAs an integrative medical practitioner, I keep an open mind to new modalities of evaluating illness and treating disease. My interest and pursuit of complementary... Read More

Shiatsu

What is Shiatsu? Shiatsu, literally means: Shi = 'finger,' Atsu = 'pressure.' By definition, Shiatsu translates into 'finger pressure.' Recognized by Japanese law in 1955, and in... Read More

Preventive Medicine - Ayurveda

It should not be hard for anyone to imagine that man sought medicine to maintain life and gain knowledge since the time of his being pre-hominid and... Read More

Acupuncturists

An ancient Chinese method of pain relief and disease treatment; acupuncturists have used acupuncture effectively over several centuries. Acupuncturists use a treatment where fine, hair-like needle insertion... Read More

Foam Pillows are Changing the way the World Sleeps

For countless people worldwide, getting a good night's sleep on a regular basis is an elusive, if not almost impossible, goal. The causes for this malady are... Read More

Why DO the Japanese Have the Longest Lifespan? Part 2: Live the Lifestyle

Why do the Japanese have the longest lifespan? Last month you learned to eat the things Japanese people eat, and now you will learn how to live... Read More

Aromatherapy - a World of Frangrance

The ancient Egyptians used aromatherapy thousands of years ago. Aromatherapy, a word that derives from 'aroma' meaning fragrance or smell and 'therapy' meaning treatment is based on... Read More

Massage Magic - Music & Touch

What Massage Therapists Do!Have you ever thought what massage therapists actually do? Ideally, they provide a safe, warm and comfortable environment. There are soft clean linens, warm... Read More

Hypnosis Cures For Nail Biting

One little-thought-of application for hypnosis is to help people stop their nail biting habit. While this may not be on par with splitting the atom, it is... Read More

Benefits of Alternative Medicine

With the growing number of people being affected by newly discovered chronic degenerative diseases such as AIDS and chronic fatigue syndrome, Are you worried or wondering....Is it... Read More

Natural Health

Natural Health is a form of alternative lifestyle whereby individuals incorporate natural health remedies and therapies as opposed to conventional forms of living and health. Natural health... Read More

Home Spa and Bodys Adaptation. The More the Better?

The More The Faster The Better?Or Some Words About The Body's Adaptation."Change your mind and you will change your life"Today we will talk about the tendency in... Read More