Holistic Therapy in Orange County, CA.

What Is a Holistic Approach?
Holistic therapy is about treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. At Friendly Recovery, we take that seriously by offering care that blends physical wellness, emotional healing, and mental clarity. Whether you join us through Outpatient (OP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), or secure Telehealth, your personalized plan can include everything from nutritional counseling and fitness training to educational support, life coaching, and both one-on-one and group therapy. Every element is designed to work together, helping you develop self-awareness, inner strength, and the real-life tools needed to thrive.
“I used to think healing meant fixing what was wrong with me. But this process taught me that I was never broken, I just needed space, support, and the right tools to come home to myself.”
– Jasmin

Principles of Our Holistic Approach
Integration: Combining evidence-based therapy with wellness practices like movement, mindfulness, and nutrition.
Personalization: Your care is tailored to your specific needs, preferences, and goals.
Empowerment: You’re an active participant in your healing, not just a patient receiving treatment.
Wholeness: We support the whole you, in mind, body, and spirit.
The History and Rise of Holistic Therapy in Psychology
Holistic therapy draws inspiration from healing traditions that have been practiced for thousands of years. In the West, the shift toward whole-person care gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, when clinicians like Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn began integrating mindfulness, meditation, and body-based practices into clinical settings. Today, holistic psychotherapy is supported by hospitals, private practices, and behavioral health centers, such as Friendly Recovery. The American Psychological Association (APA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Why Holistic Care Works
Healing becomes more effective and sustainable when all parts of your life are supported. At Friendly Recovery, our holistic approach helps uncover the root causes of mental health struggles and builds practical strategies for moving forward. Here’s how it helps:
Anxiety & Stress: Soothes the nervous system and provides you with tools to self-regulate.
Depression: Reconnects you with activities and values that restore meaning
Trauma & PTSD: Supports safe emotional processing through mind-body practices.
Bipolar Disorder: Encourages emotional balance and improved self-care routines.
Relationship Challenges: Builds communication skills and emotional awareness.
Substance Use Disorders: Offers whole-person support for long-term recovery and relapse prevention.

“For the longest time, I thought I was just tired. But I wasn’t tired—I was overwhelmed, numb, and running on autopilot. Holistic therapy helped me reconnect with myself and finally start living with intention.”
– Marcus
Holistic Therapies & Techniques
Your sessions are customized to fit your needs and may include:
Talk Therapy: Individual and group sessions to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Somatic Work: Mind-body practices to release stored trauma and tension.
Breathwork & Meditation: Techniques that help calm anxiety and increase focus.
Nutritional Counseling: Understanding how food and wellness affect mood and mental clarity.
Fitness & Movement: Physical activity to boost energy, reduce stress, and support brain health.
Life Coaching & Education: Build confidence, set goals, and gain practical tools for everyday challenges.
Advantages of a Holistic Approach
Here in Orange County, Friendly Recovery is more than just average mental health therapy. We offer a full spectrum of mental health and wellness services under one supportive roof. Here’s why clients trust us:
Clinical & Wellness Integration: We blend therapeutic care with wellness activities for comprehensive healing.
Levels of Care: Available through OP, IOP, PHP, and telehealth, support that fits your life.
Safe, Supportive Environment: Our center feels like a refuge, friendly, compassionate, and judgment-free.
Results-Driven: We’ve helped hundreds of individuals achieve real, lasting improvements in their mental health.
Programs for Men & Women: Our trauma therapies are delivered through a distinctive men’s mental health program and a unique women’s mental health program.
Getting Started with Friendly Recovery
Here’s how to begin:
- Book a Consultation: A simple, confidential call to explore if our approach is right for you.
- Match With a Provider: We’ll connect you with a therapist and wellness team tailored to your needs.
- Verify Insurance: Many of our services are covered by insurance. Our staff will help you verify benefits quickly and easily.
What to Expect in Your First Session
In your first session, you’ll meet with a therapist to explore your goals, challenges, and areas of life you’d like to strengthen. From there, we’ll design a custom care plan that may include therapy, fitness, mindfulness, life coaching, exercise, or other supportive practices, all available through outpatient programs (OP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and telehealth services.
Here’s why people trust our approach:
Personalized Plans: No cookie-cutter care, everything is adapted to you.
Multi-Modal Support: Access everything from therapy to movement and nutrition in one place.
Flexible Formats: Choose in-person or online therapy options.
Proven Tools: Walk away with practical techniques you can use daily, at home, at work, and in your relationships.
Collaborative Process: We work with you to understand your preferences and pace, which helps shape your care plan.
Whole-Person Care: We look at everything that can help you feel better.
At Friendly Recovery in Tustin, CA, we keep things flexible because we know life doesn’t always follow a set schedule. Whether you’re looking for the structure of a Partial Hospitalization Program or the support of an Intensive Outpatient Program, we’ve got you covered. Need something more laid-back like Outpatient Care? Or the ease of Telehealth from home? We’ve got those too. Our nurturing team is here to guide you with care!
Holistic Therapy FAQs
What conditions does holistic therapy treat?
We treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, substance use disorders, and more—always with a whole-person lens
Is it spiritual or religious?
While it can include a spiritual element if that’s meaningful to you, our approach is secular and focused on evidence-based healing.
How is holistic therapy different from regular therapy?
While it can include a spiritual element if that’s meaningful to you, our approach is secular and focused on evidence-based healing.
Is it covered by insurance?
Many of our holistic therapy services are delivered by licensed professionals and are covered. We’ll help you check or verify your insurance online.
Can I combine holistic therapy with medication or psychiatry?
Yes. Holistic therapy can be an excellent complement to psychiatric care and medical treatment plans.
How soon will I feel better?
Many clients notice increased self-awareness and reduced stress within the first few weeks. Deeper transformation builds over time.

Heal as a Whole Person
At Friendly Recovery Center in Tustin, CA, holistic therapy is more than a treatment—it’s a way of helping you come back to yourself. Whether you’re struggling with mental health challenges or just want a more balanced life, our compassionate team is here to guide you toward lasting clarity, health, and fulfillment.

Medically Reviewed By: Shahana Ham, LCSW
Shahana Ham, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She specializes in client-centered care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.