12 - Holistic and Alternative Medicine as Adjunctive to Psychotherapy

Abstract

This chapter addresses the need for alternative and holistic medicine while striking a note of caution to both the unwary consumer and the well-meaning professional. Psychotherapists are often called upon to make recommendations or to otherwise comment on various alternative treatments that the client may be considering or already using. As a licensed provider, one may be held accountable should there be untoward effects on one's client from such use after one has given one's positive or even implied recommendation. With appropriate knowledge, however, alternative medicine can be a valuable adjunct to psychotherapy. Alternative medicine includes wide disparate procedures like relaxation techniques, yoga, New Age approaches, spiritual healing, and prayer. The latter often includes prayers offered by others on behalf of someone who does not know he or she is being prayed for. Because those who dispense alternative and holistic medicine often are not health professionals but often mystics, cultists, self-appointed experts, and even health spa employees, the public is not accorded the protections found in the regulated healthcare system. Despite the dangers inherent in some alternative treatments and the precariousness of relying on nonvalidated techniques while rejecting validated ones, many alternative treatments have merit, especially when used as adjuncts to traditional medical treatments and even psychotherapy.