What is holistic therapy?
Holistic therapists focus on encouraging optimal well-being in mind, body and spirit versus just treating the person's symptoms. This whole-person approach to therapy often integrates mind-body practices such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga and creative expression to support the healing process.
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While traditional therapy approaches focus on returning clients to a previous state of functioning, holistic therapy aims to support clients in achieving total wellness.
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In our work together, you'll notice that I practice what I preach. As I guide you in meditation, you'll see me drop into a deep state of mindfulness with you. We'll practice deep breathing and presence together. A holistic approach is woven into everything that I do and say in our sessions together. And you'll feel that.
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Are you currently accepting new clients?My practice is currently full. Please fill out the form above to be added to the waitlist or if you need to see someone right away, I highly recommend my colleague Cyla Fisk, LMFT at Her Space Therapy LA.
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Do you take insurance? What is the per-session rate?I choose not to take insurance in my practice to ensure that every decision made about psychotherapy treatment (such as length of treatment, frequency and duration of sessions, therapy modalities, etc.) is between my clients and myself, not a third-party payer. The only way to ensure the highest quality of care and best possible outcomes is to take insurance out of the equation. If you have a PPO insurance plan, I'm happy to provide you with a monthly superbill, if applicable. I also accept HSA and FSA plans to cover the cost of therapy. The rate is $275 per 50-minute therapy session. Longer sessions are pro-rated at the usual rate.
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Do you work with couples, children, teens and families?Nope, I do not. As much as I love the whole fam, I have found that working with individual adults is my true calling. Please see my resources list for amazing therapists with these other specialties.
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What do all of those letters mean after a therapist's name?A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who prescribes psychiatric medication A psychologist is a doctorate level clinician who can provide psychological testing and talk therapy A counselor is a general term for licensed clinicians (such as Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) as well as people who provide other types of counsel (such as a spiritual counselor) A clinical social worker is a clinician who also has an educational background in social justice A therapist is a general term that could describe a number of different types of healing professionals (such as a physical therapist or massage therapist) A psychotherapist is someone who practices talk therapy and often carries the designation of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and helps people with issues in their life related to mental health and difficulties in relationships A life coach can support people in a number of areas of life but isn't licensed by a state board Phew! I am a psychotherapist with an LMFT license.
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How long is a therapy session? How often do I need to go?Therapy sessions are generally 50 minutes in length. From time-to-time I will recommend longer sessions (70 or 90 minutes) for trauma-focused work or other reasons. We can discuss this further in our phone consultation. Weekly sessions are highly encouraged for the first 6-8 weeks of therapy. If you are only able to commit to every-other week to start, we can discuss further in the call if you're a good candidate for that frequency of meetings. I cannot provide therapy for a frequency less than every-other-week.
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How long does therapy take to work?This is completely dependent on the client's severity of presenting symptoms, goals, strengths, readiness to engage in the process and willingness to make behavioral changes outside the therapy room. Shorter-term therapy that is more focused on resolving a particular stressor or life phase typically ranges from about 12-18 sessions, whereas longer-term therapy that is focused more on developing insight and creating lasting transformational change on a deeper level can last 1-2 years or longer.
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What can I expect in a first therapy session?If you have any questions about confidentiality, we will clear those up before getting started to make sure you feel comfortable sharing. We will get very clear on your goals for therapy. This ensures that your therapy is 100% focused on your unique needs and objectives. I will do everything I can to help you feel safe, heard and supported to build your trust in me. You'll share about what's bothering you and I'll ask clarifying questions so that I understand your history, strengths and areas of opportunity. We'll get to work helping you meet your goals! This is completely tailored to you, so it could include increasing awareness, practicing relaxation techniques, reframing thoughts, improving self-compassion or any number of other tools in my toolbox. Lastly, we'll set an intention together for what you'd like to take from our session and put into practice until our next meeting.
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Is everything I say in therapy 100% confidential?Almost! There are rare instances in which I may need to break confidentiality such as if you are a serious danger to yourself or someone else, if you report suspected abuse or neglect of children, elders (aged 60+) or vulnerable adults or in certain legal situations. Here is a full list of situations in which I would need to break confidentiality in therapy.
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Is virtual therapy as effective is in-person therapy?Yes! Research has consistently shown that online therapy is just as effective for individuals as face-to-face therapy. There are also added benefits such as scheduling convenience, not having to pay for parking and gas, reduced time in traffic and not having to worry about childcare. You can have your therapy session in any location that is both safe and private.
Issues a holistic therapist can treat
Origins of holistic therapy
Types of holistic therapy in CA
Mindfulness-based Therapy
Mindfulness is the practice of bringing a non-judgmental awareness to the present moment. Mindfulness practices often involve focusing one's awareness on the physical senses in the present moment and observing them with curiosity.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is rooted in the concept that tension and trauma get stuck in the body by way of nervous system responses to threats over the lifespan. The goal of somatic therapy is to listen deeply to body sensations as they occur to allow the body to release tension and trauma. This restores the body and mind to a sense of safety.
Hakomi Therapy
Hakomi therapy is a body-centered therapy that helps the client uncover unhelpful core beliefs that are keeping them stuck. The therapist creates a safe relationship, encourages mindfulness throughout and supports the client in updating their beliefs with more empowering ones.
Holistic therapy techniques
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Are you currently accepting new clients?My practice is currently full. Please fill out the form above to be added to the waitlist or if you need to see someone right away, I highly recommend my colleague Cyla Fisk, LMFT at Her Space Therapy LA.
-
Do you take insurance? What is the per-session rate?I choose not to take insurance in my practice to ensure that every decision made about psychotherapy treatment (such as length of treatment, frequency and duration of sessions, therapy modalities, etc.) is between my clients and myself, not a third-party payer. The only way to ensure the highest quality of care and best possible outcomes is to take insurance out of the equation. If you have a PPO insurance plan, I'm happy to provide you with a monthly superbill, if applicable. I also accept HSA and FSA plans to cover the cost of therapy. The rate is $275 per 50-minute therapy session. Longer sessions are pro-rated at the usual rate.
-
Do you work with couples, children, teens and families?Nope, I do not. As much as I love the whole fam, I have found that working with individual adults is my true calling. Please see my resources list for amazing therapists with these other specialties.
-
What do all of those letters mean after a therapist's name?A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who prescribes psychiatric medication A psychologist is a doctorate level clinician who can provide psychological testing and talk therapy A counselor is a general term for licensed clinicians (such as Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) as well as people who provide other types of counsel (such as a spiritual counselor) A clinical social worker is a clinician who also has an educational background in social justice A therapist is a general term that could describe a number of different types of healing professionals (such as a physical therapist or massage therapist) A psychotherapist is someone who practices talk therapy and often carries the designation of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and helps people with issues in their life related to mental health and difficulties in relationships A life coach can support people in a number of areas of life but isn't licensed by a state board Phew! I am a psychotherapist with an LMFT license.
-
How long is a therapy session? How often do I need to go?Therapy sessions are generally 50 minutes in length. From time-to-time I will recommend longer sessions (70 or 90 minutes) for trauma-focused work or other reasons. We can discuss this further in our phone consultation. Weekly sessions are highly encouraged for the first 6-8 weeks of therapy. If you are only able to commit to every-other week to start, we can discuss further in the call if you're a good candidate for that frequency of meetings. I cannot provide therapy for a frequency less than every-other-week.
-
How long does therapy take to work?This is completely dependent on the client's severity of presenting symptoms, goals, strengths, readiness to engage in the process and willingness to make behavioral changes outside the therapy room. Shorter-term therapy that is more focused on resolving a particular stressor or life phase typically ranges from about 12-18 sessions, whereas longer-term therapy that is focused more on developing insight and creating lasting transformational change on a deeper level can last 1-2 years or longer.
-
What can I expect in a first therapy session?If you have any questions about confidentiality, we will clear those up before getting started to make sure you feel comfortable sharing. We will get very clear on your goals for therapy. This ensures that your therapy is 100% focused on your unique needs and objectives. I will do everything I can to help you feel safe, heard and supported to build your trust in me. You'll share about what's bothering you and I'll ask clarifying questions so that I understand your history, strengths and areas of opportunity. We'll get to work helping you meet your goals! This is completely tailored to you, so it could include increasing awareness, practicing relaxation techniques, reframing thoughts, improving self-compassion or any number of other tools in my toolbox. Lastly, we'll set an intention together for what you'd like to take from our session and put into practice until our next meeting.
-
Is everything I say in therapy 100% confidential?Almost! There are rare instances in which I may need to break confidentiality such as if you are a serious danger to yourself or someone else, if you report suspected abuse or neglect of children, elders (aged 60+) or vulnerable adults or in certain legal situations. Here is a full list of situations in which I would need to break confidentiality in therapy.
-
Is virtual therapy as effective is in-person therapy?Yes! Research has consistently shown that online therapy is just as effective for individuals as face-to-face therapy. There are also added benefits such as scheduling convenience, not having to pay for parking and gas, reduced time in traffic and not having to worry about childcare. You can have your therapy session in any location that is both safe and private.
Benefits of holistic therapy
Avoid unnecessary medications
Most clients who choose to work with me have a strong preference to avoid medications, if possible. Not only to avoid side effects that often come with psychiatric medications but also to avoid being on medication for the rest of their life.
Address the root cause of symptoms
People drawn to a holistic approach want to heal the root cause of the issue, versus just covering up the symptoms. A Western model defines health as the lack of illness, whereas a holistic model of health sees it as optimal well-being.
Experience long-lasting recovery
When you focus on symptom-management, versus healing from the source, you end up chasing symptoms around with no true cure. When you see symptoms as messengers and heal from the inside out, they don't need to crop up anymore.
Seek optimal health and wellness
The medical model is one of disease-management, as opposed to supporting health. A holistic approach encourages health at a fundamental level, allowing you to experience true wellness and vitality, not just the absence of symptoms.
Effectiveness of holistic therapy
Research has consistently supported that meditation and mindfulness practices improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
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Scientific study also supports that guided imagery is an effective tool for reducing anxiety.
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There is a growing body of evidence supporting somatic practices as effective modalities for treating trauma and PTSD.
Getting started with holistic therapy in California
How holistic therapy works
Collaboratively set goals
A holistic approach to therapy honors the client's self-determination. That means that you are the expert on yourself and my job is to support you and your goals. The first session is all about helping you get a clear vision for your therapy.
Get to know your history
Because holistic therapy gets to the root cause of issues, it's important for me to understand your life history such as your childhood, traumatic experiences, relationship history and current lifestyle. I'll be listening deeply to your story.
Work in tandem to support your growth
Once I get a clear sense of your goals and your history, we'll get to work. This includes processing past trauma, helping you express your emotions, empowering you to get your needs met and providing psycho-education on various topics.
Develop a maintenance routine
Optimal mental health is a long-game. The tools and practices you learn in holistic therapy will serve you for a lifetime. We'll work together to fine-tune a self-care routine that keeps your mental health in tip-top shape for the long haul.
Typical holistic therapy session
Body check-in and intention setting
At the start of a session I'll encourage you to check in with yourself to see what you need for the session. There may have been a triggering event you need support with or we might decide to prioritize processing a past trauma.
The deep dive
This is the meat of the session. I'll encourage you to share what's on your heart and I'll be stopping you along the way to stay present with your emotions and body sensations. This is where the magic of holistic therapy happens.
Self-reflections
Once you've done the deep dive, you'll start to have those "aha moments." A memory might resurface, you might acknowledge a part of you that has been holding your pain, you might make new meaning of a situation.
Adapting insights into behavior change
Towards the end of the session, this is where we start to take the deep dive and the reflections and turn it into a new mindset or a new action to practice in the following week. For example, treating yourself with kindness or setting a boundary.
Finding the best holistic therapist
Ask for therapist recommendations
Other holistic practitioners can be a great starting point when looking for a holistic therapist. Do you go to a yoga studio? Ask your instructor for a trusted referral. Do you go to acupuncture? Ask your acupuncturist for a colleague referral.
Research therapists online
If you don't feel comfortable asking for a therapist referral, you can do some online research for a therapist. If you're specifically looking for a holistic approach, try typing into Google "holistic therapist near me" and see what you get!
Take advantage of free consultations
Whether you ask someone for a therapist referral or find a therapist online, definitely vet your options! Most therapists offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to ensure a good fit. And try scheduling 2-3 calls so you have some options.
Listen to your gut
Finding a therapist can be a tricky endeavor. And there's no right or wrong when it comes to choosing the right therapist for you. I recommend you listen to the gut feelings you get when you speak to them. You should feel safe and supported.
Holistic therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Hi there, I'm Natalie!
I can't help but incorporate holistic healing modalities into my therapy work because that is what has been most transformational for me and so many of my clients.
Wondering what to expect?
I offer both in-person therapy in Los Angeles, as well as online therapy in California. I like to say that therapy should be equal parts tears and laughter. I'll do my best to put you at ease.
Still on the fence?
I know that choosing a therapist is a big deal. And I always honor that. Finding someone you vibe with is so important in the healing journey. That's why I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can get a feel for my personality.
I use online scheduling so we don't play phone tag :)
Questions about holistic therapy in Los Angeles, CA
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Are you currently accepting new clients?My practice is currently full. Please fill out the form above to be added to the waitlist or if you need to see someone right away, I highly recommend my colleague Cyla Fisk, LMFT at Her Space Therapy LA.
-
Do you take insurance? What is the per-session rate?I choose not to take insurance in my practice to ensure that every decision made about psychotherapy treatment (such as length of treatment, frequency and duration of sessions, therapy modalities, etc.) is between my clients and myself, not a third-party payer. The only way to ensure the highest quality of care and best possible outcomes is to take insurance out of the equation. If you have a PPO insurance plan, I'm happy to provide you with a monthly superbill, if applicable. I also accept HSA and FSA plans to cover the cost of therapy. The rate is $275 per 50-minute therapy session. Longer sessions are pro-rated at the usual rate.
-
Do you work with couples, children, teens and families?Nope, I do not. As much as I love the whole fam, I have found that working with individual adults is my true calling. Please see my resources list for amazing therapists with these other specialties.
-
What do all of those letters mean after a therapist's name?A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who prescribes psychiatric medication A psychologist is a doctorate level clinician who can provide psychological testing and talk therapy A counselor is a general term for licensed clinicians (such as Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) as well as people who provide other types of counsel (such as a spiritual counselor) A clinical social worker is a clinician who also has an educational background in social justice A therapist is a general term that could describe a number of different types of healing professionals (such as a physical therapist or massage therapist) A psychotherapist is someone who practices talk therapy and often carries the designation of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and helps people with issues in their life related to mental health and difficulties in relationships A life coach can support people in a number of areas of life but isn't licensed by a state board Phew! I am a psychotherapist with an LMFT license.
-
How long is a therapy session? How often do I need to go?Therapy sessions are generally 50 minutes in length. From time-to-time I will recommend longer sessions (70 or 90 minutes) for trauma-focused work or other reasons. We can discuss this further in our phone consultation. Weekly sessions are highly encouraged for the first 6-8 weeks of therapy. If you are only able to commit to every-other week to start, we can discuss further in the call if you're a good candidate for that frequency of meetings. I cannot provide therapy for a frequency less than every-other-week.
-
How long does therapy take to work?This is completely dependent on the client's severity of presenting symptoms, goals, strengths, readiness to engage in the process and willingness to make behavioral changes outside the therapy room. Shorter-term therapy that is more focused on resolving a particular stressor or life phase typically ranges from about 12-18 sessions, whereas longer-term therapy that is focused more on developing insight and creating lasting transformational change on a deeper level can last 1-2 years or longer.
-
What can I expect in a first therapy session?If you have any questions about confidentiality, we will clear those up before getting started to make sure you feel comfortable sharing. We will get very clear on your goals for therapy. This ensures that your therapy is 100% focused on your unique needs and objectives. I will do everything I can to help you feel safe, heard and supported to build your trust in me. You'll share about what's bothering you and I'll ask clarifying questions so that I understand your history, strengths and areas of opportunity. We'll get to work helping you meet your goals! This is completely tailored to you, so it could include increasing awareness, practicing relaxation techniques, reframing thoughts, improving self-compassion or any number of other tools in my toolbox. Lastly, we'll set an intention together for what you'd like to take from our session and put into practice until our next meeting.
-
Is everything I say in therapy 100% confidential?Almost! There are rare instances in which I may need to break confidentiality such as if you are a serious danger to yourself or someone else, if you report suspected abuse or neglect of children, elders (aged 60+) or vulnerable adults or in certain legal situations. Here is a full list of situations in which I would need to break confidentiality in therapy.
-
Is virtual therapy as effective is in-person therapy?Yes! Research has consistently shown that online therapy is just as effective for individuals as face-to-face therapy. There are also added benefits such as scheduling convenience, not having to pay for parking and gas, reduced time in traffic and not having to worry about childcare. You can have your therapy session in any location that is both safe and private.
