Holism is the belief that there is a wholeness principle or driving force in everything in the Universe. When applied to counselling this implies that every client, every person, has a striving for wholeness within them that is directing their efforts to improve their lives, feel more whole and be more able to participate in the whole of society and nature.

Holistic Counsellor, Mary-Louise Parkinson explains: “The Holistic approach is based on trust and openness. It is a willingness to explore oneself with someone you feel is safe and has the capacity to empathise and above all, is authentic.”

She continues: “Holistic counselling is not an academic exercise – it is an experience of heart and soul and warmth and a capacity for relationship. We try to move from the head to the heart. When someone comes for a Holistic counselling session we look at the whole being. What is happening with the breath? How are they holding their body? Clients are taught how to release stress, to relax, which allows emotions to be released more freely, without chiselling away, they just fall like autumn leaves.”

Holistic Counselling, as a counselling philosophy and practice, is based on the following principles:

• Respect for the individual as a whole person rather than a cluster of symptoms or problems.
• Understanding the individual as a member of a wider familial, social and political context which profoundly influences her/his life.
• Reverence for the individual as the expert on her/his own life who will be empowered by discovering the answers to (their own) questions and problems in their lives.
• Acknowledging that it is the basic right of every human being to be loved and acknowledged and feel good about themselves.
• That it is not the right or responsibility of the counsellor to direct, give advice or problem solve for the individual they are counselling.
• The Holistic Counsellor must have experienced their own counselling (as a client) and self development as well as having completed required accredited study in psychology and counselling techniques.

Mary-Louise suggests if you are feeling not quite balanced, perhaps feel as though something is missing in your life, then come and give Holistic counselling a try. She believes that counselling is a way of keeping people on the path and is a necessary part of one’s overall health plan. She structures her fees to be affordable for all.

Prior to counselling on the NSW South Coast, Mary-Louise practiced in Sydney on the Northern Beaches. She is available for Holistic counselling sessions at the Ulladulla Alternate Healing Centre in Ulladulla. For bookings call Mary-Louise on 0418 865402 or the Ulladulla Alternate Healing Centre on 4454 5154.

Mary-Louise is available for one-on-one personal counselling sessions during weekend yoga retreats. If you would like to have a personal session with Mary-Louise, please book in advance when registering for your retreat.