Holistic Psychotherapeutic

Holistic Psychotherapeutics

by

L.T. Force, Ph.D.

Gerontologist

I remember as an undergraduate Psychology student, the discussion was about: “what is best therapeutic intervention?”. Is it the engagement with talking therapy or the use of psychotropic medication to address psychological imbalance caused by stress or depression. The standard answer was the combination of both - would probably be the best intervention. Fast forward to today - with our emphasis, as a field, on complimentary approaches, i.e. mindfulness, meditation, reiki, yoga, massage therapy, exercise….etc. - the conversation has expanded. I think we can all agree there can be a shift in paradigm - from the Bio-Psycho-Social approach to that of a: Cognitive-Energy-Movement approach. The underlying beliefs are:

• “Internal States and External States are a reflection of each other”

• “Movement = Change”

• “Change = Movement”

And as such, with the advances and integration of technology a new field has evolved: “Holistic Psychotherapeutics”

Definitions and Framework

Holistic Psychotherapeutics (n.)

An integrated mental health treatment approach that combines psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, mindfulness-based practices, behavioral strategies, digital mental health platforms and lifestyle interventions to support whole-person healing and optimal psychological functioning.

“Holistic Psychotherapeutics” refers to a comprehensive, multimodal therapeutic framework that addresses psychological distress and behavioral health conditions through the coordinated application of biological, cognitive-emotional, relational, and contemplative methods.

It integrates:

• Pharmacologic interventions to regulate neurobiological pathways

• Psychotherapeutic strategies grounded in evidence-based practice

• Mindfulness and meditative training to enhance self-regulation, awareness, and emotional resilience

• Behavioral and lifestyle modifications that reinforce sustainable change

This model conceptualizes the individual as an interconnected mind–body–environment system and employs cyclical assessment, intervention, and reflective recalibration to promote enduring psychological well-being.

“Holistic Psychotherapeutics” is a whole-person framework that acknowledges the truth that healing does not occur through one pathway alone, i.e., it is not just about the use of a medication. “Holistic Psychotherapeutics” embraces the synergy of medication, psychotherapy, mindfulness, meditation, spirituality, and the lived experience of the individual.

This approach recognizes human beings as dimensional—aligned with the “Theory of Dimensionality” *—where biology, biography, and behavior form a unified tapestry.

“Holistic Psychotherapeutics” encourages people to move from chaos to clarity through a cyclical process of:

1. Stabilizing the nervous system (pharmacology)

2. Expanding insight and agency (psychotherapy)

3. Strengthening presence and self-regulation (mindfulness & meditation)

4. Translating awareness into action (behavioral change)

5. Repeating the cycle with renewed clarity

The “Holistic Psychotherapeutics Model” (HP Model) is a four-dimensional, cyclic therapeutic system integrating mind, brain, body, and behavior.

Core Components:

1.  “Holistic Psychotherapeutics”: Pharmacology, Psychotropic stabilization and Neurobiological balancing

2. Cognitive–Emotional Processing

Insight-oriented therapy, CBT/DBT approaches, Meaning-making and narrative work

3. Mindfulness & Meditative Practice

Breath-work, Present-moment training, Attention and awareness cultivation

4. Behavioral Activation & Lifestyle Alignment

Decision-making patterns, Sleep, nutrition, movement and Habit formation & accountability

Operational Cycle:

Assess → Stabilize → Engage → Reflect → Integrate → Reassess

The Outcome Focus of “Holistic Psychotherapeutics” is:

• Emotional regulation

• Functional improvement

• Identity realignment

• Purpose, presence, and resilience

• Whole-person clarity and recovery

In summary, change is work. If it is decided, in concert with your Practitioner, that medication is an option for treatment - the most powerful approach would be the use of psychotropic medication coupled with digital mental health :wellness support and complementary health practices. As noted in the image above - the Heart and Capsule are embedded within each other, i.e., Holistic Psychotherapeutics”..

——————

• Theory of Dimensionality

The Theory of Dimensionality (Force, 2003), is a theoretical construct promoting both an appreciation and understanding of the Stages of Development – coupled with an appreciation and understanding of the importance of the “Dimensions”, e.g. Health, Finances, Relationships, Self-Concept, Family, Career, Caregiving, Children, Spirituality…etc. within that particular stage.

The Theory of Dimensionality paradigm is:

Ph = S + D

Personhood = Stages + Dimensions