Alternative versus holistic therapy: Understanding differences between treatments

Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson, MA
Updated January 19, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

If you’ve been living with mental health challenges, you may have encountered a variety of types of therapy and treatment. Many people opt for conventional or Western medicine, a category of medical treatments that typically aims to identify symptoms and treat the underlying illness. However, nearly 50% of the population in developed nations report using some form of traditional, complementary, or alternative medicine. 

Integrative and holistic therapy are approaches to mental health care that consider and treat the individual as a whole, taking into account the mind, body, and spirit. These non-traditional methods usually include a comprehensive model to improve mental health and well-being. 
Despite their similarities, integrative and holistic therapy have some important differences. While one is not generally preferred over the other, the right treatment option may depend on what works best for you. 

What is integrative therapy?

Integrative therapy is an approach to mental health treatment that combines ideas and techniques from different therapeutic schools of thought. It bridges the gap between conventional and complementary approaches to health. 
As the name implies, integrative therapy often involves integrating various therapeutic approaches. Because of this integration, integrative therapists may work with primary care physicians to develop a well-rounded treatment plan for their clients. 

Goals of integrative therapy

One goal of integrative therapy is to provide the most effective and personalized treatment possible, often by using multiple therapeutic modalities. Another goal of integrative therapy may involve promoting holistic healing. This objective is usually achieved by considering an individual's mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. In many cases, the elements of a person’s life are interconnected; integrative therapy attempts to address all of these factors during the healing process.

What to expect from integrative therapy treatment

Integrative therapists may use a range of therapeutic techniques, including guided imagery, deep breathing, and tai chi. What techniques are used can depend on a person’s specific symptoms and preferences. In many cases, integrative therapy seeks to understand a person’s mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health in a comprehensive way. 

For example, if you have anxiety, depression, or another disorder, you might be prescribed medication to help ease symptoms. However, you might also feel relief after engaging in guided meditation, yoga, or massage therapy. In many cases, your treatment plan could also involve talk therapy, which can help identify the underlying causes of anxiety. In other cases, your integrative treatment may include deep breathing exercises to help manage stress and tai chi to promote relaxation and mindfulness. 

What is holistic therapy?

Holistic therapy is an approach to mental health treatment that focuses on treating the whole person, including their mind, body, spirit, and emotions. To provide a more personalized treatment for patients, this approach often includes complementary and alternative therapies alongside traditional talk therapy. However, unlike integrative therapy, holistic psychotherapy is not usually used along with conventional forms of medicine. 

Prominent goals of holistic therapy

Holistic therapy typically aims to promote well-being by considering an individual's physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. This therapy seeks to create balance within the person, encouraging self-awareness and personal growth. The goals of holistic therapy may include improved overall well-being, reduced stress, and resilience when facing life's challenges.

What to expect from holistic therapy

A holistic therapist may focus on addressing not just the symptoms but also the root causes of an individual's struggles or imbalances. Unlike integrative therapy, which combines conventional and alternative methods, holistic therapy often relies solely on alternative techniques.

For example, if you have an anxiety disorder, a holistic therapist may recommend practices like meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. In this way, holistic therapy can help balance stress and feelings of anxiety with mindfulness and meditation. Holistic techniques might also include changes in diet to help manage stress. 

Both integrative and holistic therapy can focus on treating the whole person, with each taking an individual’s mind, body, and spirit into consideration. However, integrative therapy often combines conventional medicine with alternative methods, while holistic therapy tends to rely solely on alternative techniques.

Which is better: Integrative or holistic therapy?

When comparing integrative and holistic therapies, it can be helpful to understand their main differences. Integrative therapy combines conventional and complementary treatment methods in a coordinated manner. An example might be combining physical rehabilitation, psychotherapy, or medication with complementary approaches like acupuncture, yoga, art therapy, and probiotics.

On the other hand, holistic therapy focuses on treating the whole person, including the mind, body, spirit, and emotions with alternative methods alone. It often includes techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, guided imagery, and deep breathing to help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

The appropriate therapy may depend on a person’s overall needs and preferences. Some people may benefit more from the structured approach of integrative therapy, while others may find that holistic therapy better address their mental health concerns. 

It is often beneficial to consult with a mental health professional in order to determine the most suitable path for your mental well-being. Discussing personal goals, medical history, and preferences with a healthcare professional can help you decide between these two therapy options.

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When comparing integrative and holistic therapies, it can be helpful to understand their main differences. Integrative therapy combines conventional and complementary treatment methods in a coordinated manner. An example might be combining physical rehabilitation, psychotherapy, or medication with complementary approaches like acupuncture, yoga, and probiotics.

On the other hand, holistic therapy focuses on treating the whole person, including the mind, body, spirit, and emotions with alternative methods alone. It often includes techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, guided imagery, and deep breathing to help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

The appropriate therapy may depend on a person’s overall needs and preferences. Some people may benefit more from the structured approach of integrative therapy, while others may find that holistic therapy better addresses their mental health concerns. 

It is often beneficial to consult with a mental health professional in order to determine the most suitable path for your mental well-being. Discussing personal goals, medical history, and preferences with a healthcare professional can help you decide between these two therapy options.

Other types of therapy approaches

Alongside holistic therapy, various other approaches exist within complementary and alternative medicine. These include:

Functional medicine

Functional medicine falls under the umbrella of integrative medicine. It focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases and imbalances in the body rather than simply treating symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners may consider genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors to restore optimal health. This approach may involve dietary changes, stress management techniques, and supplementation to support the body's natural healing processes.

Natural medicine

Natural medicine, also known as naturopathy, emphasizes the body's ability to heal by employing natural remedies and therapies. Natural medicine practitioners may use various treatment methods, including herbal medicine, nutritional counseling, and physical therapies, to promote overall wellness and prevent disease. With the power of nature and a healthy lifestyle, natural medicine may help improve balance and harmony within the body, mind, and spirit.

Homeopathic care

Homeopathy is an alternative medical system that relies on highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body's self-healing processes. Based on the principle of "like cures like homeopathic practitioners believe that substances that cause symptoms of illness in a healthy person can, when diluted, cure those same symptoms in a sick person. Homeopathic remedies come in various forms, such as tablets or liquid solutions, and may be customized to a person’s unique needs and symptoms.

While each therapy approach may bring its own set of benefits, consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any treatment is essential. A professional healthcare provider can ensure the chosen method aligns with your specific health needs and complements any ongoing medical care.

Regardless of the type of therapy you choose, remember that finding the right therapist may also be vital for a successful outcome. Whether seeking a holistic, integrative, or alternative practitioner, you may want to look for an experienced and licensed professional who understands your goals and preferences. That way, they can create a personalized and effective treatment plan for you.

Talk therapy in holistic and integrative approaches

In holistic and integrative approaches to mental health, talk therapy may be a focal point of treatment. This form of therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, involves communication between a patient and a trained mental health professional to address patterns of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

As part of a holistic treatment plan, talk therapy may be more effective when combined with complementary and alternative therapies such as tai chi, deep breathing techniques, and other holistic practices. In many cases, the goal is to enhance the mind-body-spirit connection and improve overall mental health. Integrative therapists may seek to balance conventional healthcare approaches like prescription medication with alternative therapy.

By incorporating talk therapy into holistic approaches, individuals may better understand their emotions, identify roadblocks to optimal mental health, and overcome challenges. Talk therapy can help with improving self-awareness and personal growth, which may lead to a well-rounded and balanced state of well-being.

Online holistic and integrative therapy

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Talk therapy in holistic and integrative approaches

In holistic and integrative approaches to mental health, talk therapy may be a focal point of treatment. This form of evidence-based therapy, also known as behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, or counseling, involves communication between a patient and a trained mental health professional to address patterns of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

As part of a holistic treatment plan, talk therapy may be more effective when combined with complementary and alternative therapies such as tai chi, deep breathing techniques, and other holistic practices. In many cases, the goal is to enhance the mind-body-spirit connection and improve overall mental health. Integrative therapists may seek to balance conventional healthcare approaches like prescription medication with alternative therapy.

By incorporating talk therapy and behavior therapy into a holistic approach, individuals may better understand their emotions, identify roadblocks to optimal mental health, and overcome challenges. Talk therapy can help with improving self-awareness and personal growth, which may lead to a well-rounded and balanced state of well-being.

Online holistic and integrative therapy

Online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also an option for those seeking holistic and integrative approaches to mental health. This method allows patients to connect with trained professionals via the internet, using platforms such as video conferencing, chat, or email. When it comes to holistic or integrative therapy, online talk therapy can often be combined with other digital resources, such as apps for meditation, mindfulness exercises, and virtual support groups, to create a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan.

Online therapy platforms such as BetterHelp can be particularly advantageous for those with limited availability to mental health services, busy schedules, or a preference for remote communication. It can also be useful for those considering integrative therapy since they’re often juggling multiple medical appointments at once. In many cases, online therapy saves time since it can be available from home, enabling you to skip the commute and waiting times. 

Preliminary research has been conducted to determine whether online holistic and integrative therapies are effective, with some studies outlining their efficacy. For example, one small-scale study has demonstrated the benefits of internet-based integrative therapies for managing chronic pain for individuals in rehabilitative care. 

Takeaway

Holistic and integrative therapy may offer a broad and flexible approach to mental health care, addressing the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Combining talk therapy, either in-person or online, with complementary and alternative therapies may help individuals develop a greater understanding of their emotional state, increase their self-awareness, and improve their personal growth. This multifaceted approach can empower people to navigate life's challenges and achieve a balanced state of overall health. To get matched with a therapist specializing in integrative or holistic therapies, visit BetterHelp and answer a few brief questions.
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