Combining Psychotherapy with Complementary and Alternative Therapies
In order to understand the significance of combining psychotherapy with complementary and alternative therapies (CATS), it's useful to have a little
background on both.
Most people are familiar with the practioner terms "therapist," "psychotherapist" or "marriage family therapist." All of these titles help
differentiate the counseling mental health professional from other types of therapists, such as a massage or physical therapist.
What exactly does a psychotherapist do? It varies widely depending on theoretical background and personal preference. Generally speaking,
psychotherapists counsel individuals, families and groups about psychological well-being. As you can imagine, this can cover a broad amount
of subject matter since all the aspects of our lives - physical, emotional, and spiritual - affect us psychologically.
A psychotherapist theoretical approach has a lot to do with the school he or she attends. Other influences include special trainings, and
certifications and, of course, the person with whom the therapist is working.
A psychotherapist apt to combine natural methods of healing, such as naturopathy and nutrition, would be holistic in nature. Holistic
psychotherapists use any of a wide variety of techniques, such as somatic methods of healing that involve touch. When treating a patient,
the holistic psychotherapist considers the whole person; mind, body and spirit.
There are many different approaches to psychotherapy, but all effective therapy shares common elements, such as helping the client to
process life events and improve overall functioning. As to which type of psychotherapy works best, there is no simple answer. Just
as people respond differently to various foods and drugs, the same therapeutic approach won't work for everyone. Many people find
that a blended approach - one that draws on elements of different schools of psychotherapy - works best.
