Why Combining Holistic and Evidence-Based Practices is the Key to Better Therapy Outcomes

In today’s evolving mental health landscape, clients are looking for more than just traditional therapy—they want care that speaks to their whole self, not just their symptoms. At Inspired Healing, we’re committed to providing evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which have proven effective for many mental health conditions. However, we also recognize that mental health isn’t just about what’s going on in the mind. It’s about the body, emotions, and even the spirit. That’s why we’re proud to integrate holistic approaches alongside evidence-based practices, offering a more comprehensive path to healing.

Here’s why adding a holistic/alternative approach to evidence-based practices can make a significant difference in therapy outcomes:

1. A Whole-Person Approach to Healing

While evidence-based therapies are backed by research and are invaluable in treating issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma, they often focus on specific problems and cognitive processes. Holistic therapies, on the other hand, look at the entire person—mind, body, and spirit. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, dance/movement therapy, art therapy, music therapy, yoga, and somatic experiencing can help clients connect with their physical sensations, energy, and emotional states in ways that traditional talk therapy may not fully reach.

For instance, someone dealing with chronic stress or trauma may have physical symptoms like tension, headaches, or digestive problems. A holistic approach might include practices like yoga, breathwork, or bodywork, which help release that tension from the body while traditional therapy addresses the mental and emotional aspects. By treating the whole person, we foster deeper and more sustainable healing.

2. Empowering Clients with More Tools for Self-Care

A combination of holistic and evidence-based practices gives clients a more diverse toolbox for managing their mental health. While traditional therapy provides structured interventions like cognitive restructuring or exposure therapy, holistic methods encourage self-awareness and mindfulness that clients can integrate into their daily lives.

For example, many clients find that meditation or guided visualization helps calm their nervous system, especially when combined with the skills they learn in CBT or DBT. Similarly, alternative approaches like aromatherapy or reiki can complement standard therapies by helping clients regulate their stress levels, sleep better, or boost their mood naturally. This empowers individuals to take an active role in their healing journey.

3. Addressing Underlying Causes, Not Just Symptoms

One of the key strengths of holistic therapy is its ability to address the root causes of mental health issues, not just the symptoms. Often, underlying factors like unresolved trauma, poor nutrition, imbalances in the body, or emotional blockages contribute to mental health challenges.

For instance, holistic practices like nutritional counseling, energy healing, creative arts therapies, herbal remedies can provide insight into how physical health and lifestyle impact mental wellness. By looking at how a person’s body, habits, and environment influence their mental health, we can get to the heart of the issue and promote long-term healing rather than just symptom management.

4. Enhancing Emotional and Spiritual Connection

For many people, emotional and spiritual health plays a critical role in their overall well-being. While evidence-based therapies focus on psychological mechanisms, holistic therapies can help clients reconnect with their emotional and spiritual selves. Practices like meditation, breathwork, or Reiki encourage clients to tap into their inner wisdom, process emotions at a deeper level, and find meaning in their experiences.

Clients who feel disconnected from themselves or who are going through major life transitions (such as grief or identity shifts) often find that incorporating these holistic practices helps them gain clarity, feel grounded, and experience a sense of peace that extends beyond traditional therapy.

5. Customizing Treatment for Individual Needs

One of the most significant benefits of combining evidence-based and holistic approaches is the ability to tailor treatment to each client's unique needs. No two individuals are the same, and neither are their healing journeys. While some clients may thrive in a strictly evidence-based framework, others may need the flexibility to explore different methods to find what works best for them.

Offering a blend of therapies allows us to co-create a personalized treatment plan with each client. For example, one client might benefit from a combination of CBT and yoga therapy to manage anxiety, while another may prefer mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) alongside EMDR for trauma recovery. This individualized approach not only honors each client’s preferences and strengths but also enhances engagement and motivation for treatment.

6. Greater Long-Term Well-Being

By combining the precision of evidence-based methods with the nurturing, integrative nature of holistic therapies, clients experience more than just symptom relief—they gain tools for long-term well-being. Holistic practices often promote self-awareness, self-compassion, and ongoing self-care, making it easier for clients to maintain their mental health after therapy has ended.

This dual approach helps clients cultivate resilience, meaning they’re better equipped to handle future challenges. It also encourages them to adopt healthier lifestyle practices that support both their mental and physical health, leading to more sustainable healing.

Conclusion: The Power of Integrating multiple Approaches

At Inspired Healing, we believe that healing is a multifaceted journey. By integrating holistic practices with evidence-based therapies, we create a more comprehensive and personalized treatment plan that honors every aspect of our clients’ well-being. This approach allows us to go beyond symptom relief, supporting clients in achieving greater balance, fulfillment, and resilience in their lives. Whether you’re seeking relief from anxiety, working through trauma, or striving for personal growth, we’re here to guide you with a wide range of therapeutic tools that speak to your whole self.

Ready to begin your healing journey with Inspired Healing? Contact our practice today to explore how we can support you with a personalized blend of evidence-based and holistic care.

Dance/Movement Therapy: How Moving the Body Transforms the Mind

As a board-certified dance/movement therapist, I have seen firsthand how movement can transform lives in profound and often unexpected ways. Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), a somatic approach to mental health, focuses on the connection between the body and mind, encouraging individuals to use their bodies as a means of self-expression, healing, and growth. In a world where words sometimes fail us, movement can speak volumes. Let’s explore the transformative benefits of DMT and why it’s a powerful tool for emotional and physical well-being.

1. Movement as a Language

We are constantly moving—whether walking, breathing, or gesturing—and each movement holds meaning. Dance/movement therapy taps into this nonverbal communication. In a session, movement becomes a way to express emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally, such as grief, anger, or joy. For individuals who struggle to find words to describe their feelings, DMT offers a safe space to "talk" through movement. This form of expression can be incredibly liberating, providing insight into inner experiences and leading to emotional breakthroughs.

2. Regulating the Nervous System

When we experience stress, anxiety, or trauma, our nervous systems can become dysregulated, leaving us in a constant state of fight, flight, or freeze. Through DMT, we use movement to ground ourselves, helping to calm the body and mind. By engaging in mindful, intentional movement, we can shift from hyperarousal to a more balanced state. This regulation not only helps individuals manage stress but also fosters a greater sense of control over their emotions and reactions.

3. Reconnecting with the Body

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, many people are disconnected from their bodies. They may feel numb, experience chronic pain, or struggle with body image issues. Dance/movement therapy helps individuals reconnect with their bodies in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. It encourages them to tune into sensations, breath, and posture, cultivating awareness of how the body holds emotions. This reconnection fosters body acceptance and self-compassion, essential components of healing from trauma, eating disorders, and other body-related struggles.

4. Emotional Release and Catharsis

DMT allows for the release of emotions that may be stored or suppressed within the body. Movement can facilitate a cathartic release, giving individuals permission to experience emotions in their fullest expression. Whether it’s shaking to release tension, swaying to process grief, or stomping to express anger, DMT encourages the physical embodiment of emotion. This release is often accompanied by a sense of relief and lightness, as the body lets go of what it no longer needs to hold onto.

5. Building Trust and Connection

For many individuals, particularly those who have experienced trauma or relational difficulties, building trust can be challenging. In a DMT session, trust is cultivated not only between the therapist and client but also between the individual and their own body. Through mirroring exercises, where the therapist reflects the client’s movements, a sense of attunement and empathy is established. This process can help clients feel seen and understood, enhancing their capacity for trust in other relationships outside the therapeutic setting.

6. Improving Physical Health

While DMT is primarily a therapeutic intervention for emotional well-being, it also offers physical benefits. Engaging in movement can improve cardiovascular health, increase flexibility, enhance coordination, and build muscle strength. The act of moving in a way that feels good—whether through stretching, dancing, or rhythmic movement—can elevate mood, increase energy, and reduce chronic pain. For individuals who may struggle with traditional forms of exercise, DMT provides a gentle, adaptive approach to improving physical health while also addressing emotional needs.

7. Fostering Creativity and Play

One of the most beautiful aspects of DMT is the space it creates for creativity and play. In a world where we are often constrained by societal expectations and rigid routines, DMT encourages freedom of movement. There are no “right” or “wrong” ways to move. This sense of creative exploration can be incredibly freeing, allowing individuals to step outside of their comfort zones, try new things, and tap into parts of themselves that may have been dormant. Playfulness in movement can reignite a sense of joy, curiosity, and spontaneity, which is particularly healing for those experiencing depression or burnout.

8. Supporting Trauma Recovery

Trauma often manifests in the body, and traditional talk therapy alone may not always be enough to address the full impact of trauma. In fact, traumatic memories are often stored in the body as fragmented sensations rather than coherent narratives. Dance/movement therapy works directly with these body-based memories, allowing individuals to process and release trauma through movement. By gently guiding clients to move through their feelings, DMT can help reintegrate these fragmented experiences, fostering a sense of safety and wholeness.

9. Enhancing Mindfulness

At its core, dance/movement therapy encourages mindfulness—being present in the body and fully engaged in the moment. This practice of embodied mindfulness can help individuals cultivate greater self-awareness, reduce rumination, and foster a deeper connection to the present moment. By learning to observe their movements, breath, and sensations, clients develop a greater understanding of how their thoughts and emotions are connected to their physical experiences.

Conclusion: The Body as a Healer

Dance/movement therapy honors the wisdom of the body and its natural ability to heal. By creating a space where emotions can be expressed through movement, clients can access deeper levels of healing, self-awareness, and growth. Whether working through trauma, managing anxiety, or simply seeking greater self-expression, DMT offers a pathway toward holistic well-being—one that recognizes the inseparable connection between body and mind.

As a dance/movement therapist, I am constantly inspired by the resilience of the human body and spirit. Through movement, we can find new ways to connect with ourselves, express our emotions, and heal from life’s challenges. In DMT, every movement matters—and every movement has the power to transform.

Feel free to share this with anyone curious about how dance/movement therapy might help them. If you’ve experienced DMT yourself, what benefits have you noticed? Let’s keep the conversation going!

Could Music Therapy be Right for You?

I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the profound impact that music can have on individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Music therapy is an evidence-based clinical practice that uses music interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Whether working with a child with autism, an adult recovering from a stroke, or someone navigating the complexities of mental health, music therapy offers a unique and powerful avenue for healing and personal growth.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is much more than simply listening to music or playing an instrument for fun. It’s a professional practice where board-certified music therapists design individualized treatment plans that use music in targeted ways to achieve therapeutic goals. These goals can include improving communication, reducing anxiety, enhancing motor function, fostering emotional expression, and even alleviating physical pain.

Music therapy sessions can involve a range of activities, including:

• Active music-making: This could be playing instruments, singing, or improvising.

• Songwriting: Creating and composing original songs, often as a way to express thoughts and feelings.

• Music listening: Guided listening to specific songs that evoke emotions or memories.

• Movement to music: This involves rhythmic movement, which can be particularly helpful in physical rehabilitation.

Benefits of Music Therapy

1. Emotional and Mental Health Support

Music therapy has long been recognized for its ability to improve emotional well-being. Music has the unique ability to tap into our emotions in ways that words cannot. This is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, or grief. In a therapeutic setting, music can provide a safe and supportive environment for emotional expression. It can help people explore their feelings, reduce stress, and find relief from emotional turmoil.

For example, a client who struggles to verbalize their emotions might use music as a medium to express feelings they can’t put into words. Singing or songwriting can offer a powerful outlet for emotional release, while improvising on an instrument can mirror the inner chaos and help bring a sense of calm.

2. Improved Cognitive Function

Research shows that music therapy can stimulate various areas of the brain, making it a valuable tool for people with cognitive impairments, such as those with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or traumatic brain injury. Music can evoke memories and stimulate cognitive pathways that might otherwise remain dormant. I’ve worked with many clients where music has triggered memories, sparking moments of clarity and recognition, even in the later stages of dementia.

Music therapy is also beneficial for children and adults with developmental disabilities, as it can enhance communication skills, improve attention and focus, and promote problem-solving abilities.

3. Physical Rehabilitation

In rehabilitation settings, music therapy can help improve motor skills and coordination. Rhythm, in particular, is a powerful tool that can assist in retraining the brain and body after injury. For example, rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) is often used to improve gait and movement in individuals recovering from a stroke or living with Parkinson's disease. By synchronizing movements to the rhythm of the music, clients can achieve more fluid, controlled motion.

Even non-musicians can benefit from this. Simple rhythmic clapping, tapping, or drumming can provide an engaging and enjoyable way to enhance motor function and build physical strength.

4. Enhanced Social Interaction and Communication

Music is a universal language, and it often serves as a bridge for individuals who have difficulty communicating. For children on the autism spectrum, for example, music therapy can help develop social skills by encouraging interaction through shared musical experiences. I often use call-and-response activities, where the child plays or sings a phrase, and I respond musically. This helps reinforce the idea of communication and turn-taking in a non-verbal way.

For non-verbal individuals or those with limited verbal skills, music therapy can provide a means of expression. They might use instruments to “speak” or communicate emotions through the sounds they create.

5. Pain and Stress Relief

Music has the ability to reduce the perception of pain and alleviate stress. Music therapy has been found to be particularly effective in medical settings, such as during surgery, chemotherapy, or labor and delivery. By engaging with music—whether actively creating it or passively listening—patients can shift their focus away from pain and discomfort. Studies show that music can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to reduced anxiety and improved mood.

For patients in hospice or palliative care, music therapy offers a gentle way to manage physical pain while also providing emotional comfort and spiritual support.

Conclusion

Music therapy is a versatile and dynamic approach to health and well-being that can benefit people across the lifespan. Whether working through physical rehabilitation, enhancing communication, or fostering emotional healing, music offers a non-invasive and highly adaptable way to support individuals on their journey toward better health. As a music therapist, I am continually inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the power of music to nurture, uplift, and heal.

If you or someone you know could benefit from music therapy, I encourage you to explore this powerful form of treatment and reach out to our board-certified music therapist Brad Tata. It may just be the key to unlocking new paths of healing and self-expression.

Why "Private Pay" Therapy May Be a Better Option for You

As a licensed professional counselor and creative arts therapist, I often see clients who wrestle with the decision of whether to use insurance for therapy or to opt for private pay. While insurance can provide valuable coverage, private pay therapy offers several benefits that are important to consider. In some cases, paying out-of-pocket can result in more effective, flexible, and personalized care. Here’s why private pay therapy might be a better option for some individuals:

1. Greater Privacy and Confidentiality

One of the most significant advantages of private pay therapy is the level of confidentiality it offers. When you use insurance, a diagnosis is often required to justify the need for treatment. This means that your mental health records, including your diagnosis and treatment plan, are shared with your insurance company and potentially reviewed by third parties.

Private pay therapy keeps your mental health information solely between you and your therapist. This can give you peace of mind, knowing that your personal details are not being disclosed to anyone outside of the therapeutic relationship.

2. No Need for a Diagnosis

Many insurance providers require a formal mental health diagnosis in order to reimburse for therapy sessions. For some individuals, this may not feel appropriate or necessary, especially if they are seeking therapy for personal growth, relationship concerns, or temporary stressors. You may not fit neatly into a diagnostic category, but that doesn’t mean your concerns are any less valid.

Private pay therapy allows you to engage in therapy without the need for a clinical diagnosis. This flexibility can empower you to focus on the specific issues you want to address, without feeling the pressure to be "labeled" with a disorder.

3. Tailored Treatment Approach

Insurance companies often have limitations on the type of therapy they will cover, the number of sessions allowed, or the duration of treatment. This can restrict your therapist’s ability to fully personalize your care. Private pay therapy eliminates these constraints, allowing you and your therapist to design a treatment plan that best suits your needs.

You are not limited by the number of sessions dictated by insurance. Instead, you can work at a pace that feels right for you and continue therapy as long as you find it beneficial. The ability to customize your treatment approach can lead to more meaningful and lasting progress.

4. Enhanced Therapist Availability

Insurance-based therapists often have large caseloads and may be limited in the amount of time they can spend with each client. They may need to rush through paperwork or manage the requirements set by insurance companies, leaving less time for client care. In a private pay setting, therapists generally have more flexibility in their schedules and can dedicate more time and energy to each client.

This translates into a more focused, present, and responsive therapeutic experience. Your therapist can prioritize your needs and may have greater availability for sessions, communication between appointments, and scheduling flexibility.

5. More Treatment Options

Private pay therapy opens up a wider range of therapeutic options. When insurance is involved, the focus tends to be on treatment modalities that fit into their reimbursement guidelines. While these treatments can be effective, they may not always align with your unique needs, goals, or preferences.

With private pay, you can access alternative therapeutic approaches, such as holistic treatments, creative arts therapies (dance/movement therapy, art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy), longer-term psychodynamic therapy, specialized modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or somatic therapy, which may not always be covered by insurance.

6. You Control Your Investment

When paying out-of-pocket, you are fully in control of your investment in therapy. The financial commitment can encourage a stronger sense of ownership and dedication to the therapeutic process. Knowing that you are actively choosing to invest in your mental health can foster a deeper engagement with therapy, ultimately contributing to more significant outcomes.

Additionally, many therapists offer sliding scale fees or payment plans to make private pay therapy more accessible. While it may feel like a financial burden at first, the long-term benefits of investing in your mental health and well-being can far outweigh the initial costs.

7. No Restrictions on Frequency or Duration of Therapy

With insurance, you may face restrictions on how many therapy sessions you can have in a certain period. These limits are often set by the insurance company, not based on what you and your therapist feel is necessary for your healing and growth. In contrast, private pay therapy gives you and your therapist the freedom to determine how often you meet and for how long, based on your needs rather than external restrictions.

Is Private Pay Therapy Right for You?

Choosing between private pay and insurance-based therapy is a highly personal decision that depends on your circumstances, values, and financial situation. While insurance may be a great option for individuals seeking short-term treatment for specific mental health conditions, private pay therapy offers a level of privacy, flexibility, and personalized care that is often unmatched.

If you value having full control over your therapy, want more confidentiality, or are looking for a tailored, long-term therapeutic relationship, private pay therapy could be a better fit for you. Ultimately, the most important thing is finding the type of therapy that will support your growth, healing, and overall well-being.

Remember, investing in your mental health is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself, and the benefits of therapy—whether through insurance or private pay—can be truly transformative.

By focusing on what you need as an individual and exploring all of your options, you can make an informed decision that will help you move forward on your journey toward mental wellness.