Today's Holistic Psychology

It begins with a want, something that brings you into therapy. You may want relief from painful emotions or experiences. You may want more from your life than you have or to improve a relationship that has stumped all of your efforts. After discussing your wants, we continue the work by exploring your needs. What do I need in order to get what I want? This question takes us into the holistic world.

We must see what thoughts, feelings and sensations exist within in order to truly understand what your needs are and how and why your needs are not being met. Yes, it is easier said than done. That’s why meditation is so critical to this exploration. You learn how to experience your thoughts without getting lost in them; notice your emotions without reacting to them; experience your sensations without becoming distracted by them. I integrate a few minutes of meditation into most therapy appointments for this reason.

Sometimes, it’s important to discuss the psychological work without meditation if a particularly complex healing trail is being walked. Sometimes, I recommend scheduling a meditation session in addition to therapy, so we can spend thirty minutes, an hour, or longer declustering the compacted thoughts, emotions and sensations. Here is where yoga is introduced because we need to address alignment, posture and the free flow of breath in order for meditation to be beneficial, enjoyable and productive. Each person calls for a unique combination of the three (meditation, psychology and yoga), which is why it’s important to not assume there is an ideal program that will work for everyone.

Sometimes, as we meander through your unique world of needs not yet met, we come across traumas experienced. When this occurs, I integrate doctoral level Energy Psychology principles, a form of treatment typically referred to as the Emotional Freedom Technique which is impressively supported by research. It strategically uses eye movements and finger tapping of specific parts of the body’s meridian network (much like acupuncture without needles or physical discomfort). This is done either in a meditation posture or in a comfortable seat of your choosing, typically depending on where you are in the holistic psychology journey. This work can be done in one session to unblock barriers to continued growth or can be scheduled across several sessions in order to slowly and methodically work through complex traumas that continue to impact daily life in the present. There is also a more individualized form of Energy Psychology (Thought Field Therapy) that can be introduced if necessary.

Another important element to holistic psychology is lifestyle. I mention it here and not in the beginning because the goal of lifestyle integration from a holistic psychology perspective is not what most see as lifestyle improvement. We are still walking the trail of wants and needs, learning more about the self through deepening self-reflection, awareness and clarity of needs. Lifestyle, in support of this journey may involve integrating a hobby that used to bring joy but fell away, spending more time doing specific things in nature to connect to personal authenticity or altering the diet to address physical sensations noticed during meditation.

I like to see these elements as doorways we walk through, integrating meditation, psychology, yoga, energy work and lifestyle on the journey of self-discovery. As you learn more about yourself this opens up a new world for us to walk into which is further clarified by the work that continues. One door opens to another and that to yet another until we move closer and closer to the person who is healed, whole and capable of living a full and vibrant life.

Irene (Irah) Belaga, Ph.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Psychology, Meditation and Yogic Centering for Emotional Health

Mindholistic.com

800-232-5037