Psychology, once considered a pseudo-science, has grown to become a prominent scientific field. Like any other field, psychology is constantly changing and evolving, and as such, the demands placed on its practitioners also grow and change. One of the newer trends in psychology is referred to as holistic psychology, and the careers associated with it are becoming more popular.
Definition
Holistic psychology attempts to understand every facet that might influence a patient's actions and behavior. This includes everything from psychological theories and cataloging mental disorders to the patient's spirituality and nutrition.
Studies
Practitioners of holistic psychology must look at every possible angle to interpret a person as a whole. As such, those who intend to have a career in holistic psychology should be aware of a variety of scientific fields and should attempt to become well read in several of them.
Time
Since every patient is unique and complex, practitioners of holistic psychology are likely to spend more time with individual clients.
Location
Holistic psychology is more likely to operate as a branch within a large hospital or to be a part of a small, alternative medicine practice. This type of psychology, while accepted, is still far from mainstream.
Contacts
Since it's not feasible for a single practitioner to be educated in every field that holistic psychology encompasses, the practitioner should develop professional relationships with physicians, psychiatrists and others who are experts in their respective fields.
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