What is Holistic Therapy?

Are you drawn to therapy that embraces a holistic perspective, integrating the mind, body, and spirit?

Step into the heart of our holistic therapy practice, where we go beyond just treating symptoms and instead embrace a whole-person approach to well-being. Here, we focus on nurturing not only the mind but also the body and spirit, creating a space for optimal wellness to thrive. 

What is wellness exactly? You probably see and hear the word all the time. Well, to me and for our purposes, Wellness is a holistic concept that embodies a balance of the body, mind, and spirit. In holistic therapy, wellness is viewed as an integration of various layers, each contributing to an individual’s overall state of well-being. Here are some of those layers: Physical Wellness, Emotional Wellness, Mental Wellness, Social Wellness, Spiritual Wellness, Occupational Wellness and Environmental Wellness. Each type of wellness represents a different aspect of an individual’s overall well-being, and achieving balance in these areas contributes to a holistic sense of health and vitality, creating Wellness!

In our sessions, you’ll experience a unique blend of traditional therapy with mind-body practices like mindfulness, meditation, Somatic (body based) techniques, and sound healing. 

While traditional therapy methods focus on restoring clients to a previous state of functioning, our holistic therapy strives for a more significant goal – achieving total wellness. The intention is to guide you toward a state where your mind, body, and spirit align.

Embody. Experience. Explore.

Throughout our work together, you’ll observe that I too embody the principles I share. I’m not simply teaching you something. We do it together. You’ll experience a felt sense of this gentle work, together!  Together we’ll explore the transformative power of deep breathing, awareness and presence. Are you ready to explore this holistic mind-body-spirit approach to therapy?

Why Choose Holistic Therapy?

I get it! I’ve been where you are now. I’ve been the client on the sofa, trying to answer the tough questions, trying to figure it all out, crying until I felt I couldn’t possibly cry another tear. It gets better, this I know! Not only have I had the beautiful honor of witnessing this growth alongside others for almost 15 years, but I too am deeply changed by therapy. Now, I don’t have all the answers to give you, but I can help you find them. I am still a beautiful, evolving work in progress, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We are meant to evolve, to grow, to flourish and to thrive!

“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.”
– Shauna Niequist

Have you ever said or thought any or all of the following? "I don't want to take a pill" “I'm afraid of going on medication” “I don't want to just put a bandaid on it” or “I don't want to put something unnatural in my body” If you said heck yeah I have…then holistic therapy may be perfect for you!!

Medicine is not my go-to. I will try all other things first. Many clients choosing to work with me have a strong preference to avoid medications, if possible. This choice is motivated by the desire to sidestep potential side effects often associated with psychiatric medications. Additionally, the goal is to maintain autonomy over their well-being without depending on medication throughout their lives. Of course, I realize that there are certain diagnoses that are better supported with medication or we may decide for a temporary additional level of support and I will gently encourage that to be something you address with an Integrative Psychiatrist who becomes a member of your healing team! Someone I will work collaboratively with for your best care

  • You want to look for the root cause of what's going on:

Individuals opting for a holistic approach seek to understand and heal the fundamental causes of their concerns. This approach prioritizes addressing and resolving the root issues rather than merely alleviating symptoms. Unlike the Western model, defining health as the absence of illness, the holistic perspective perceives optimal well-being as achieved through comprehensive understanding and resolution of core issues.

  • You don't want just a quick fix:

Prioritizing symptom management can lead to an ongoing process without a lasting resolution. By understanding symptoms as signals and fostering internal healing, individuals can achieve sustained recovery over time, without relying on constant searching or dependence on immediate solutions.

  • Journey Toward Optimal Health and Wellness:

While the medical model focuses on disease management, the holistic approach transcends this, advocating for foundational well-being. By nurturing health at its core, individuals can not only attain true wellness and vitality but also go beyond the mere absence of symptoms, fostering a holistic state of well-being.

Holistic Therapy can help with

In holistic therapy, anxiety is understood not as an opponent, but as a natural part of your experience—a companion that once played a protective role in your life. Our holistic approach to anxiety therapy is focused on revealing the valuable insights within these symptoms. Together, we work towards genuine healing.

When it came to trauma therapy in the past, talking about traumatic experiences was the “go-to”, fueled by the optimism that conversation alone could be a catalyst for healing. Although that can be helpful, it’s important to understand that it also falls a bit short…here’s why:

Trauma isn’t just about the events that unfolded; it’s about how our minds and bodies respond when faced with a situation that overwhelms our coping abilities.

Once the danger subsides and we address trauma effectively, a sense of safety is restored, and tension is released from both the mind and body. Yet, when trauma persists without healing, it can manifest as various mental and physical health challenges.

Holistic Therapy integrates the mind, body, heart and soul. Holistic approaches to trauma treatment go beyond the mind, extending their care to the body. Deeper healing is possible when you include the body. During sessions, this might involve me guiding you to slow down, heightening your awareness of the sensations that surface in your body. 

In holistic trauma treatment, the control is in your hands. Trauma often leaves us feeling out of control, making the healing journey most effective when you regain a sense of empowerment. While my role is to support and guide, the ultimate authority rests with you.

Taking a holistic approach to grief means honoring your mind, body, and soul throughout the grieving process. But what does this actually look like?
First, it’s important to recognize that grief isn’t limited to the loss of a loved one. It can also arise from various life experiences where we feel a profound sense of disconnection.

Loss can come in many forms, such as the death of a pet, a breakup, losing a job, or navigating significant life transitions that challenge our sense of identity.

Throughout our lives, we encounter numerous events and transitions that evoke feelings of loss. By allowing ourselves the time and space to acknowledge and honor these losses, we pave the way for a life filled with joy and freedom.

Traditionally, grief has been understood through the lens of stages, famously outlined by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Building upon this framework, David Kessler introduced a sixth stage called “Finding Meaning.”

While these stages provide a helpful structure for understanding grief, it’s essential to recognize that the grieving process doesn’t walk a linear path. This journey rambles, wanders, shoots forward and then boomerangs back! 

A holistic approach to grief incorporates mind-body practices to support healing. This might involve mindfulness techniques, cultivating self-compassion, engaging in self-care rituals, relationship specific rituals, practicing guided meditation, and embracing what we call the 3 Cs of Grief.

Through these holistic practices, we’ll journey toward healing that acknowledges our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Together, we create a space where you can honor your grief, find solace, and ultimately discover new, adapted meaning and renewal in your life’s journey.

Navigating the complex world of women’s mental health is like walking through a maze of societal expectations. The modern woman is tasked with juggling various roles and identities, each with its own conflicting demands.

In a society where we’re expected to embody contradictory ideals—being attractive yet respectable, ambitious yet accommodating, and so on—it’s no wonder many of us feel like we’re constantly falling short.

As women, we face relentless pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty, success, and behavior, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. This pressure can take a toll on our mental well-being, trapping us in a cycle of self-doubt and dissatisfaction.

But here’s the key: You don’t have to play by society’s rules. You have the power to redefine what success, beauty, and fulfillment mean to you. It’s about embracing your own unique values and priorities and living authentically in alignment with them.

As a holistic therapist specializing in women’s mental health, I’m here to support you on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Together, we’ll explore your values, challenge limiting beliefs, and create a plan for living a life that feels truly fulfilling and meaningful to you.

Embarking on the journey from deciding to have a baby to navigating the first year of your baby’s life is a profound time of transformation and challenge. It’s a journey that can stir up a whirlwind of emotions and experiences, and it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

Did you know that 1 in 5 women face mental health struggles during this period? That’s why it’s crucial to have the right support in place.

Here are some of the hurdles you might encounter along the way:

  • Making the decision to start or expand your family
  • Learning about preconception and fertility
  • Dealing with fertility and health issues
  • Coping with the loss of a miscarriage
  • Considering options like IUI and IVF
  • Navigating the challenges of the IVF process and multiple transfers
  • Coping with pregnancy symptoms
  • Figuring out family leave
  • Creating a birth plan
  • Processing traumatic birth experiences
  • Managing sleep deprivation when caring for your newborn
  • Defining parental roles
  • Coping with perinatal mood disorders
  • Struggling with breastfeeding
  • Choosing childcare options
  • Dealing with “mom guilt” and societal pressures

And this list only scratches the surface.

During this time, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the challenges without the additional support you need.

That’s where working with a holistic therapist who specializes in supporting women through the fertility journey and the perinatal period can make all the difference. With compassionate guidance and a deep understanding of the mind-body connection, we can help you navigate this journey with greater ease and resilience. You don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

On the opposite end, let’s delve into the intricate journey of perimenopause and menopause with compassion and understanding. These transitions can have a profound impact on women’s mental health and mood, and it’s essential to navigate them with care.

Let’s start by exploring the differences between perimenopause and menopause. Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, marked by fluctuating hormone levels and irregular menstrual cycles. Menopause, on the other hand, is the point at which menstrual periods cease altogether, typically occurring around the age of 50(ish).

During these transitions, women may experience a range of emotional and physical symptoms. These can include:

  • Emotional Symptoms: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression.
  • Physical Symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, and changes in libido.

Understanding and identifying these symptoms is crucial for effective screening and assessment, ensuring that we address your unique needs and experiences with precision and empathy.

In our sessions, we provide a supportive space where we explore various interventions tailored to your specific journey through perimenopause and menopause. Drawing from mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and somatic/polyvagal approaches, we equip you with tools to enhance emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and coping strategies during this phase of life.

Additionally, if you’d like, we’ll recognize the value of support groups as a powerful resource for navigating this transition. Connecting with others who are on a similar journey can provide validation, empathy, and shared experiences that foster healing and growth.

That’s where working with a holistic therapist who specializes in supporting women through perimenopause and menopause can make all the difference. With compassionate guidance and a deep understanding of the mind-body connection, we can help you navigate this journey with greater ease and resilience. You don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s empower you with knowledge and tolerable steps to navigate perimenopause and menopause with confidence and resilience. Together, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, honoring the unique path of each individual as we embrace the changes of this transformative phase of life.

Holistic Therapy Methods

Mindfulness-Based Therapy Approaches

Gently scanning the body, bringing awareness to each body part with the intention of promoting relaxation.

Cultivating awareness of the breath without attempting to alter it — noting the rate, depth, and movement within the body.

Establishing an accessible “anchor” for your awareness — a focal point to return to when the mind inevitably wanders. We’ll discuss the 4 anchors: Breath, Mantra or Affirmations, Sound, and Body.

We’re going to work with our senses here, all 5 of them! Engaging your senses by observing things you can see, things you can touch, things you can hear, things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.

Observing thoughts entering and leaving the mind without attachment, akin to clouds drifting in the sky.

Somatic Therapy Approaches

Recognizing that as you discuss issues in therapy, your body may naturally seek movement as a way to release tension and trauma. This can include stretching or subtle trembling, allowing for a physical release.

Visualizing someone or something you love and bringing awareness to the body sensations associated with safety—whether it’s warmth, expansiveness, or a cozy feeling.

Similar to a pendulum’s swing, this technique involves guiding your awareness back to something soothing each time you feel overwhelmed, fostering a gentle oscillation between distress and comfort.

 When addressing a distressing issue, deliberately slowing down and taking it one tiny step at a time to prevent becoming overwhelmed or dissociated, ensuring you stay present in the moment.

This tool serves as a regulatory mechanism, helping us shift our attention from internal experiences to the external environment. By doing so, it calms our self-protective responses and serves as a reminder that we are present in the here and now. Visually scanning the room for a 180-degree view of your surroundings. This practice aids in settling the nervous system. Also, taking it a step further and noticing colors in your surroundings and deeply noticing and labeling.

How effective is Holistic Therapy?

At our holistic therapy practice in Hermosa Beach, where we’ll explore the powerful impact of holistic therapies on mental health and well-being. Through compassionate and supportive care, we harness the transformative potential of practices like meditation, mindfulness, guided imagery, and somatic techniques.

Research consistently shows that meditation and mindfulness practices are powerful allies in improving mental health. By embracing these practices, we can reduce stress and anxiety, bringing a sense of calm and balance to our lives.

Similarly, scientific studies highlight the effectiveness of guided imagery as a tool for reducing anxiety. By engaging the power of visualization, we can tap into our innate capacity for relaxation and inner peace.

Furthermore, there’s a growing body of evidence supporting somatic practices as effective modalities for treating trauma and PTSD. By reconnecting with the body and exploring gentle movement and awareness techniques, we can release stored tension and trauma, fostering healing and resilience.

At our practice, we integrate these holistic approaches into our therapeutic work, providing you with a nurturing environment to explore and heal. Whether you’re seeking relief from stress, anxiety, or trauma, we’re here to support you on your journey towards greater well-being and vitality.

What to Expect When Working with Me as a Holistic Therapist

Collaboratively Set Goals:

Getting to Know Your History:

Working Together for YOU:

Developing a Maintenance Routine:

What to Expect In a Holistic Therapy Session

Body Awareness/Check-in and Intention Crafting : At the beginning of each session, we take a moment to  tune into your body and set an intention for our time together. This is your opportunity to connect with yourself and identify what you need support with. Whether it’s navigating a recent triggering event or prioritizing the processing of past trauma, we create a safe space for you to share and be seen and heard.

Let’s Dig In : Now,  we dive into the heart of the session. You’re encouraged to open up and share what’s on your mind and in your heart. As you share, I’ll be right there with you, guiding you to stay present with your emotions and body sensations. This is where the true magic of holistic therapy unfolds, as we explore the depths of your experiences, your emotions with compassion and curiosity and connection with the felt sense.

Nurturing Self-Awareness and Understanding : As we  journey deeper, you may start to experience clarity, recognition, an unearthing, a “lightbulb moment” if you will.  Memories may resurface, and you may gain new insights into yourself and your experiences. It’s a time for self-discovery and growth as you acknowledge parts of yourself that have been holding onto pain and make new meaning of past situations.

Embodying insights through behavioral adaptations: As we near the end of the session, we take the  insights gained from our deep dive and self-awareness and begin to explore how they can evolve into new mindsets and actionable steps for your daily life. Together, we discuss ways to shift your mindset or implement new behaviors, such as practicing self-compassion or setting healthy boundaries, to support your journey of healing and growth until we meet again.

Finding the right Holistic Therapist for you

Friends, other practitioners or acquaintances can be a great starting point when looking for a holistic therapist. Ask around for referrals and then contact them.

Whether you ask someone for a therapist referral or find a therapist online, definitely take your time and move at the pace that feels right for you!! Most therapists offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to ensure a good fit. I encourage scheduling 2-3 calls so you have some options. Gather your questions, see how you feel when talking to them.

There’s no right or wrong when it comes to choosing the right therapist for you. I always encourage you to listen to the gut feelings you get when you speak to them. It should feel like a “100% YES!” You should feel seen, heard, safe and supported.

Hi, I’m Marilyn!

I hold multiple certifications in the field of therapy. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, I am also a Certified Holistic Therapist. This includes being a Certified Trauma-Informed Therapist, Certified Breathwork Facilitator, Certified Sound Healer, and Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT 300). By integrating different healing approaches, we can address the emotional impact of trauma and experience profound transformation and personal growth. 

I have witnessed for myself and for my clients, a deep healing and transformation with Holistic therapy. It is my hope that if this resonates with you and you feel safe that I am the person to accompany you on this journey, then I would love to hear from you. I will also gently remind you to sit with it, check in with your body, see what is coming up for you and take action based on that. Your body and nervous system know!

Heal Your Mind, Body, and Spirit With Holistic Therapy in Hermosa Beach, CA

My goal is for you to experience true healing on a deeper level – one that encompasses your mind, body, and spirit. Life experiences can have a lasting impact, but it doesn’t have to define your life. Through traditional talk therapy and holistic approaches, we can work together to process and integrate your experiences, build resilience, and create a fulfilling life beyond trauma. If you’re ready to take the first step towards healing, let’s connect. I’m Marilyn Ashley, a holistic therapist servicing Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, CA. If you’re ready to take the first step:

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Heal Your Mind, Body, and Spirit Through a Holistic Therapy approach