A holistic approach means providing support that focuses on the whole person, not just their mental health needs. Support should also consider your physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. In simple terms, “holistic” refers to the understanding of the relationship between all parts of a whole. In problem solving, a holistic approach starts by first identifying an obstacle and then taking a step back to understand the situation as a whole.
When it comes to healthcare, comprehensive problem solving can have a big impact on the quality of patient outcomes. Holistic mental health care involves taking a whole-body approach to healing the mind, body, and soul. With a holistic approach, the patient comes first, not their symptoms or diagnosis. The person, not their diagnosis, symptoms or behaviors, is at the center of treatment, says Brooke Asbury, a mental health therapist at Mirmont Treatment Center, part of Main Line Health.
The objectives of this partnership are to promote holistic practice in healthcare, as well as holistic well-being in individuals and communities. While holistic health has existed for years and continues to grow in popularity, taking a holistic approach within companies is relatively new. This could be specific to the diagnosis, in which case a holistic approach could consider all possible symptoms, or holistic treatment that can be very creative and empowers the patient to take charge of their own care. According to the philosophy of holistic medicine, one can achieve optimal health, the primary goal of holistic medicine practice, by achieving a proper balance in life.
While physicians can be educated to place more emphasis on holistic outcome, providing comprehensive care requires greater integration and teamwork in the care chain. It should be noted that they seemed to be practicing holistically, but not necessarily labeling their practice as “holistic”. In addition to approaching companies and products with a holistic view, the holistic approach can also be used to observe a company's market and audience, whether current or potential. To find a holistic professional in your area, visit the American Holistic Medical Association website.
