A Holistic Health Psychologist is a mental health professional who integrates psychology with whole-person healing approaches. Instead of focusing only on symptoms or isolated problems, they look at the connection between mind, body, emotions, behavior, relationships, lifestyle, and even spirituality in a person’s well-being.
Here’s what that usually means:
Core Principles
Mind–Body Connection: Recognizes that psychological distress often shows up in physical symptoms (stress → headaches, gut issues, sleep problems, etc.) and vice versa.
Whole-Person View: Sees mental health as interconnected with diet, sleep, movement, social support, environment, and purpose in life.
Prevention and Growth: Focuses not only on reducing illness but also on building resilience, balance, and fulfillment.
Integration: May draw from conventional psychology, evidence-based therapy (like CBT), and complementary practices (like mindfulness, relaxation, yoga, nutrition, or energy psychology).
What They Might Do in Practice
Use psychotherapy (talk therapy, CBT, ACT, etc.) to address emotional and cognitive challenges.
Incorporate stress reduction tools such as meditation, breathing exercises, guided imagery, or biofeedback.
Explore lifestyle factors (nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene) as part of treatment.
Address the spiritual dimension if the client finds it meaningful (e.g., exploring life purpose, existential concerns, spiritual practices).
Help clients with chronic illness, trauma, or lifestyle-related conditions find balance across multiple areas of life.
Who They Help
People managing stress, anxiety, or depression.
Individuals with chronic pain or illness who want psychological and lifestyle support.
Clients seeking personal growth and life balance.
Those interested in integrating conventional therapy with complementary healing approaches.
Think of it as psychology that doesn’t separate mental health from physical health or life meaning — it addresses them together.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 