Does Holistic Therapy Work? Here’s The Truth

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Does Holistic Therapy Work?

Dec 04, 2025
Holistic Therapy

Have you ever felt like traditional therapy or medical treatments only address part of your struggles and not the root cause? Many people experience stress, anxiety, or chronic pain that seems unaffected by standard approaches. Holistic therapy offers a different path, focusing on the mind, body, and spirit as a whole rather than treating symptoms in isolation. But does it actually work?

At Heights of Health, holistic therapy is more than a conversation. It’s about helping you grow, gain clarity, and develop habits that improve your daily life. Whether it’s reducing anxiety, building resilience, or coping with life challenges, holistic therapy offers practical and effective ways to create positive change.

In this post, we’ll find out if holistic therapy really works. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether holistic therapy could be the right approach for your mental and physical well-being.

What is Holistic Therapy?

Holistic therapy treats the whole person, not just one issue. It combines methods that address emotional, physical, and spiritual health. You may experience:

  • Cognitive approaches like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT, or IFS.
  • Somatic work to release tension through body awareness and breathwork.
  • Energy-based techniques like EFT/Tapping or mindfulness practices.
  • Meditation and stress reduction exercises.

This combination helps clients feel supported as they learn tools to manage their emotions and behaviors. Every session is focused on what matters most to the person seeking help.

How Holistic Therapy Works

Breathwork and somatic exercises

Holistic therapy works by connecting your mind, body, and spirit. Your emotional state affects your physical health, and vice versa. That’s why techniques used in sessions are varied and practical:

  • Meditation and mindfulness: Calm your mind and increase self-awareness.
  • Cognitive practices: Reframe negative thought patterns and improve emotional resilience.
  • Breathwork and somatic exercises: Release tension and regulate your nervous system.
  • Energy-based techniques: Address emotional blocks and past trauma.

At Heights of Health, functional medicine and genetic testing can also guide therapy. These tests reveal root causes of stress, anxiety, or emotional imbalance. By combining these insights with therapy, clients build healthy routines and stronger emotional well-being.

Evidence and Effectiveness

According to research at the University of Minnesota, many people with anxiety and depression use holistic therapy to help manage their symptoms. It shows that many techniques used in holistic therapy are effective:

  • CBT helps with anxiety, depression, and trauma.
  • Mindfulness and meditation reduce stress and improve focus.
  • EFT/Tapping has been shown to ease anxiety and PTSD symptoms.
  • Somatic therapy improves emotional regulation and overall resilience.

Beyond studies, real-life experiences speak volumes. Many clients report feeling calmer, more self-aware, and better able to handle challenges after sessions. For example, one parent shared how their child gained confidence, impulse control, and reduced anxiety after holistic therapy at Heights of Health.

Who Can Benefit from Holistic Therapy?

Parents seeking support for children

Holistic therapy is helpful for almost anyone dealing with stress or emotional challenges. This includes:

  • Adults facing anxiety, depression, or life transitions.
  • Individuals coping with trauma or grief.
  • Parents seeking support for children with behavioral or emotional issues.
  • Anyone wanting better self-awareness, self-esteem, or emotional flexibility.

Sessions are structured to meet individual needs, making them suitable for beginners or those who have tried other therapies before.

Signs Holistic Therapy is Working

You’ll know holistic therapy is helping when you notice changes like:

  • Feeling more in control of your emotions.
  • Reduced stress or anxiety symptoms.
  • Positive shifts in daily habits and routines.
  • Healthier communication and stronger relationships.
  • A sense of calm and balance in challenging situations.

These changes happen because holistic therapy strengthens the mind-body connection, helping your nervous system stay regulated even during stressful moments. Progress can vary, but consistent sessions and practice of learned techniques often lead to lasting improvements.

Common Misconceptions

Some people worry that holistic therapy is “just talk therapy.” In reality, it combines science-based practices with emotional support and energy work. Others think results are instant, but meaningful change develops gradually as you practice new skills. Holistic therapy is for everyone, not just people who are “spiritual.”

Final Thoughts

Yes, holistic therapy can work, but its effectiveness depends on the individual and the condition being treated. Many people turn to holistic therapy because they want more than quick symptom relief; they want real healing that gets to the root of what they’re going through. By supporting emotional balance, nervous system regulation, mindset, and physical well-being together, holistic therapy can create meaningful and lasting change.

Ready to Experience Holistic Therapy That Actually Works?

If you’re tired of temporary fixes and want real healing that supports your mind and body, Heights of Health is here to help. Schedule a session today and take your first step toward emotional freedom, nervous system balance, and a calmer life.

FAQs

How is holistic therapy different from traditional therapy?

Traditional therapy often focuses on thoughts and emotions through talk therapy. Holistic therapy goes beyond that by also addressing the body, energy systems, habits, and root causes of emotional imbalance. At Heights of Health, this may include breathwork, EFT/Tapping, nervous system regulation, and even functional medicine lab testing.

What issues can holistic therapy help with?

Holistic therapy can support people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, emotional overwhelm, life transitions, behavioral challenges, low self-esteem, and relationship issues. It’s also helpful for anyone who wants personal growth, emotional balance, and greater clarity in life.

What happens in a holistic therapy session?

Sessions are personalized and may include talk therapy along with tools like mindfulness, breathwork, Cognitive Behavioral techniques, somatic exercises, and energy methods like EFT. Clients learn practical strategies to manage emotions, release stress, and build healthier habits.

Who is holistic therapy for?

Holistic therapy is for children, teens, and adults. It’s ideal for people who want a natural, whole-person approach to healing, especially if traditional therapy alone hasn’t worked. It’s also helpful for anyone seeking emotional regulation, resilience, personal growth, or nervous system healing.

What can I expect during the first session?

Your first session lasts 60–90 minutes and includes a full evaluation of your emotional, physical, and lifestyle history. Together, you and your therapist will set goals and create a personalized plan for your healing journey.