JOURNAL REVIEW HOLISTIC APPROACH
Journal Review: A Holistic Review of Persons
Summary
“A Christian worldview that takes seriously the idea of personhood as a holistic unity
presents an ideal perspective from which to explore human behavior as an expression of
biological, psychological, and social influences” (Entwistle, 2009). Throughout history treating
physical and mental health has been separated, and it is considered incompatible to merge to two
together. This article challenges those thoughts and gives a different perspective regarding
incorporating spirituality to mental health sessions.
Entwistle (2004) used all this information and exemplified it calling it Enemies
Paradigm. The supporters of each approaches considered that they were correct in these findings
and the others were wrong, that the idea to introduce religious beliefs in any mental or physical
treatment was not just illogical but also potentially dangerous. On the flip side, the paradigm
stated that the use intervention based on science or logic was hazardous for individuals of faith.
The holistic view of an individual incorporated both biopsychosocial and spiritual
realities as well as recognizes the legitimacy and boundaries of naturalistic science without
resting importance of the fundamental spiritual nature created in the imagen and likeness of God.
I like looking at each client through a holistic lens because it allows us as counselors to deeper
our understanding of the client.
To use this holistic approach in psychological practice may bring ethical issues about
how to work with patients with their religious beliefs (Entwistle, 2009). Individuals who are
passionate about their own religious beliefs may try to hide them psychological needs. This is
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something to consider when incorporated spirituality in the therapeutic encounters. It is also
important to consider that each state has different regulations regarding licenses, certifications,
training, and educational credits. Any metal health professional using this approach has to
consider the clients own individual spiritual framework, and how to be sensitive of the client’s
own belief systems.
Religiously based interventions include several different therapeutic techniques based on
spiritual or religious beliefs that have been designed to provide benefits to client with mental
health issues. These practices may include prayer, meditation, and scripture reading, among other
things. One of the major ethical concerns that this intervention model creates is how it can be
viewed from one person to another. In order to avoid ethical issues, professionals have to
demonstrate their competence in the use of technique. This means getting an explicit informed
consent from the client.
Professionals must be aware of client’s belief system and their overall vulnerability. Due
to the nature of the relationship between client and mental health professional a power
differential is inevitable. Clients are looking for help for a distress or concern from a professional
who holds their ethics to a high standard. Professionals should explore their client’s religious
framework in order to use it as a component to the psychotherapy to protect their well-being. It is
also important to stay cautious and make sure you talk extensively with the client. “Some
religious based intervention may produce harm in some individuals having adverse effect, such
as Satanic Ritual Abuse or others that reflect a healing of memories approach” (Entwistle, 2009).
Clients must be recognized as a holistic personhood unit and religious practice approaches had to
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assist them to orient and redeem human life, not to be used as isolated therapeutic technique
(Entwistle, 2009).
Reflection
I was not sure what my response would be when I first read to article. I took me to read
through to gain my own opinion on the matter. I gained several insights from reading the article,
it was about the ethical boundaries of religion-based approach. Professionals have to be clear
about the inherent powerful position in the client-mental health professional; always having on
mind to protect their client vulnerability or disability, always considering that if they have doubts
about a technique or approach it is better ask to a colleague for second opinions in order to avoid
legal or ethical issues.
The main reason for being interested in this particular article, it was because it supported
the concept that I have that human being has to be treated as a holistic individual; with different
needs to fill out. As a mental health provider this is something we can experience every day.
Clients that have all their basic needs satisfied but they are in the search of something else that
fill out the needs of their heart of soul. All different part (biological, psychological, spiritual) has
to be integrated to each other and become a unit. I would like to learn about all different
psychotherapy approaches to have more resources to assist my current and future clients.
Application
As a mental health provider, I would make sure to meet my clients where they are
mentally without pushing them to do anything they are not ready for. Having a deep sensitivity
for who my client is personally will help me with this. Before I incorporate any kind of holistic
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approach, I will make sure that I obtain consent from my client. Going forward I would like to
use these findings in my own therapeutic encounters. Recommending different techniques such
as meditation, prayer, or yoga can all be helpful for my clients to find a sense of relaxation.
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