Holistic Health or the Biopsychosocial Model
Holistic Health or the Biopsychosocial Model (BPS) posits that biological, psychological (thoughts, emotions, and behaviors), and social factors all play a significant role in human functioning. ***** “Founder”: George L. Engels (1913-1999) “… nothing will change unless or until those who control resources have the wisdom to venture off the beaten path of exclusive reliance on biomedicine as the only approach to health care". – G. L. Engels ***** I agree with this and maintain we have physical, intellectual, social, emotional, vocational and spiritual needs - the neglect of which reduces the ability of one to withstand the effects of stress. And we live in socio-economic conditions that can enhance or demean our long-term well-being. In Holistic or Biopsychosoical (BPS) counseling a counselor does a “whole-health” inventory which is much more thorough than the initial intake. This would not likely be done in the first session because it is very directional and therefore doesn’t give the client the opportunity to talk about what she / he wants to address. Here is an outline of the whole-health inventory I use. Personal Well Being – the Biopsycho part of Holistic Health or BPSPHYSICAL HEALTH• Nutrition (and “anti-nutrition” including alcohol, junk food, caffeine and nicotine consumption) • Sleep • Exercise • Check in with Dr/NP (weight, blood pressure, blood work including hemoglobin, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and thyroid functioning) SOCIAL – Relationships with… • Partner • Friends • Parents or Guardians • Children or Dependents
• Personal time or “down-time” • Hobbies • Good sense of humor SPIRITUALITY • That which gives meaning to one's life and draws one to transcend oneself. • Knowing our purpose(s) or gifts • Religious practice • Volunteering INTELLECTUAL • Our brains need regular and diverse stimulation. OCCUPATIONAL • We thrive on meaningful, paying work. Social – Economic Well Being – the Social part of Holistic Health or BPSBASIC NEEDS• Food security – always has groceries • Clothing – especially in northern climates • Shelter – safe pleasant housing • Access to health care including dental, vision, hearing, dietary, etc. CAREGIVING AND EDUCATION • Child care or elder care • Education INCOME • Income – over the poverty line • Job security COMMUNITY LIFE • Safe recreational areas including parks, pools, hiking trails • A valued role in the family, work and community. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • Culture / race – addressing possible discrimination • Gender / sexual orientation – discrimination You can find easy to use forms at: Would a counselor use every part of the holistic health list for every person? No. And even with those people for whom a whole health inventory is done, a counselor would be more likely to check the “Personal Well Being” list since these are things that the client has the capacity to modify (personal empowerment.) Achieving positive change in “Social-Economic” variables is very often beyond the client’s control. The counselor’s role in this situation may be one of advocacy – helping the client get access to services that she/he might normally not have access to, or even know exist! A more in-depth coverage of holistic health / biopsychosocial model can be found at my sister site: Further Reading and Video
BooksHolistic Health Social Determinants Videos The opening to “Supersize Me” Where a great proportion of the people are suffered to languish in helpless misery, that country must be ill-policed and wretchedly governed: a decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization. - Dr. Samuel Johnson, 1770
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