As the field of psychotherapy turns its eyes increasingly toward holistic counseling tactics, some practitioners are finding value in a nearly 100-year-old therapy model.
Since 2020, the therapy industry has seen a renaissance, not only when it comes to the number of patients enrolled in counseling programs, but in the methodologies being practiced as well. As we bid farewell to 2024, holistic therapy takes center stage as the dominant force in the industry, putting a decisive end to an era defined by mechanistic treatment. Holistic therapy expert Rachel Wittwer •head therapist at Milmela - explores the shift and seeks to explain why we are seeing this new development.
Wittwer, a disciple of famed American therapist Carl Rogers, extols the holistic methodology as being particularly helpful in dealing with the collective trauma brought on by the pandemic, which goes far to explain its current popularity. Now, as her practice and many others are reporting, holistic models are quickly becoming the standard while also being combined with other models both new and old, such as bodywork, breathwork, and, as in Wittwer's case, Rogerian therapy.
Rogerian therapy was developed in the 1940s and has remained relatively constant since then. However, by hybridizing the Rogerian model - which is non-directive, or, in plain terms, non-judgmental - with modern psychotherapy techniques, Milmela and other practices like it seek to bring new life to this stagnant branch of the integrative field.
During these sessions, practitioners seek to foster genuine, honest connections between all parties involved. The goal is to create a space where emotional growth is the only objective, and where the stigmas that participants may have about traditional psychotherapy can be set aside - just as Rogers taught all those years ago.
In September 2024, Marquette University released a report on the broader impact that hybrid approaches like Wittwer's have had on the industry. They explained that, even as the psychotherapy industry seeks to address a broad range of problems in this transitional period, integrative and holistic approaches have proven invaluable as a tool to build relationships with new patients both in person and in a telehealth setting.
These methods also have helped to open up new avenues for diversity and inclusion, allowing therapists to connect with patients on equal ground regardless of race, religion, and background.
Wittwer concludes, “In my work, I place great value on peace and trust - central values that I actively bring into the counseling relationship. It is important to me that you find yourself in an environment of warmth and attention, in which active listening and honest exchange pave the way for personal growth and possible solutions.”
Additional details can be found at https://www.milmela.ch
