What Does a Holistic Approach to Therapy Mean?
- CJ DeMarco
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
A holistic approach to therapy recognizes that our experiences affect more than our thoughts alone.
They can influence our emotions, nervous systems, physical sensations, relationships, beliefs, and sense of self. Healing often happens when we begin paying attention to all of these parts of ourselves rather than focusing on just one.
Many people come to therapy hoping to change the way they think or feel. While those are important goals, our emotional experiences are often closely connected to what is happening in our bodies and nervous systems.
Stress, anxiety, trauma, and difficult life experiences don't just affect our minds. They can show up as muscle tension, disrupted sleep, digestive concerns, fatigue, headaches, feeling constantly on edge, or a sense of disconnection from ourselves and others.
Part of healing involves learning to listen to these signals with curiosity rather than judgment.
In therapy, we may explore not only what you think about an experience, but also what you notice in your body as we discuss it.
We may become curious about emotional patterns, physical sensations, nervous system responses, beliefs about yourself, and the ways past experiences continue to influence the present.
This holistic perspective also recognizes that healing doesn't happen only during the therapy hour.
Depending on a person's needs and interests, complementary practices such as meditation, yoga, spending time in nature, creative expression, sound healing, or other wellness practices may help support the work taking place in therapy. These are not replacements for therapy. Rather, they can serve as meaningful complements that support overall well-being and provide additional opportunities to care for the body, mind, and spirit.
Every person's path to healing is different.
A holistic approach is not about following a specific formula.
It's about understanding the whole person and working together to discover what best supports healing, growth, and lasting change.
About the Author
CJ DeMarco, MA, LPC, is the owner of Bodhi Counseling & Wellness in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. She specializes in EMDR therapy, trauma, anxiety, and Therapy Intensives, helping adults heal through thoughtful, individualized care that honors the connection between body, mind, and spirit.
Learn more about CJ's services:
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