Psychotherapy as it relates to complementary healing methods ranging from aroma therapy to yoga: a review of the users of complementary methods

Abstract

The objective of this study has been to elucidate the relation between psychotherapy and complementary methods from the point of view of those undergoing or interested in them. The term “complementary methods" encompasses alternative or borderline methods of healing the body and the mind that are not subsumed under the heading of regular treatment methods applied by the “healing" professions (physicians, psychotherapists, psychologists, priests, spiritual advisers). The results indicate that psychotherapy, as viewed by those polled, mainly serves the purpose of promoting personal development, boosting self-confidence, and bringing about mental well-being. The emphasis in complementary methods, in contrast, seems to be placed on inducing relaxation, on their magic power, and on their ability to confer wisdom. Complementary methods are perceived as adopting a holistic approach, and this is deemed beneficial to the body and the mind. Unlike psychotherapy, they are not stigmatized as a “treatment of a disease". Complementary methods are viewed as a “low-threshold" or “easy-access" solutions recommended, for example, by friends or relatives. Because of this easy accessibility, there is the danger, however, that complementary methods are applied to problems for which psychotherapy is a much more viable and meaningful option.

Key words:
Psychotherapy; Complementary methods; Alternative psychotherapeutic methods; Esotericism