A Holistic Approach to Therapy

When we talk about therapy being “holistic,” we mean looking at the whole person — not just one part of your life or one aspect of your struggles. A holistic approach recognises that your mind, body, emotions, relationships, and even your environment are all connected, and each plays a role in your wellbeing.

Holistic therapy sees you as more than a diagnosis or a problem to solve. Instead, it creates space to explore how different areas of your life influence each other and how they can be brought into balance.

The Biopsychosocial Model

One of the most widely used holistic models in therapy is the biopsychosocial model. This way of thinking recognises that our wellbeing is shaped by three interconnected areas:

• Biological – your physical health, genetics, sleep, energy levels, or any medical conditions.

• Psychological – your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and coping strategies.

• Social – your relationships, support systems, work, and community.

By considering all three together, therapy can give a more complete picture of what’s going on in your life, and support you in ways that feel practical and meaningful.

Other Holistic Perspectives

Holistic therapy also draws on ideas that encourage balance, awareness, and integration:

• Mind–Body Connection – recognising how stress, anxiety, or trauma can show up in the body, and how practices like breathing, grounding, or mindfulness can support healing.

• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – psychologist Abraham Maslow suggested that people have different levels of needs, often shown as a pyramid. At the base are our most basic needs, like food, water, and safety. Above that come emotional needs like love, belonging, and self-esteem. At the top is what he called “self-actualisation” — the drive to live authentically, grow, and reach our full potential. Therapy can support you in exploring where you are in this “pyramid” and how your needs are being met (or not) in different areas of life.

• Systems Thinking – looking at the different “systems” in your life (family, work, culture, environment) and how they affect your sense of self and wellbeing.

Why a Holistic Approach Helps

Many people find a holistic approach reassuring because it reflects the truth of how we actually live. Our emotions don’t exist in isolation — they are connected to our health, our relationships, and our environment. By paying attention to the whole picture, therapy can feel more supportive, realistic, and tailored to your life.

Holistic therapy isn’t about being “perfect” in every area. It’s about gently exploring where things feel unbalanced, understanding how they connect, and finding small steps towards greater wellbeing.