Holistic Counselor

Become a Holistic Health Counselor – Education & Licensure Guide

“Earning a degree in school counseling has enriched my approach to helping students by adding color and variety. Without this background, I might have viewed my career as straightforward and by the book. However, being a counselor allows me to see each student holistically, deeply understand their developmental stages, and create tailored approaches to help them succeed in the future.”

Brandelyn Hall, MSM, MASC, Director of Upward Bound, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Treating just one aspect of a client’s issues is sometimes not enough for a practitioner. Therapists who want to take a comprehensive approach that includes caring for a client’s emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being should consider branching out into a career as a holistic health counselor.

The integrative approach holistic health counselors use can help clients obtain optimal wellness rather than just treating one symptom at a time. For example, a client with cancer will need care from an oncology team but can also benefit from a nutritionist, alternative medicine provider, and a holistic health counselor who can help them heal through multiple modalities.

In addition to counseling education, holistic health counselors may have training in complementary treatments such as massage therapy, nutrition, acupuncture, nursing, Chinese medicine, and more. If a holistic health counselor can’t provide the needed services, they will refer their client to trusted practitioners and coordinate with them to produce comprehensive care.

Mental health counselors, including holistic health counselors, are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2025), there will be an estimated 19 percent growth in jobs in this field between 2023 and 2033. An increased number of insured Americans and a higher rate of referral to counseling versus incarceration for drug offenders are the primary reasons for this uptick.

The goal of holistic health counseling is to care for the entire patient. If that sounds like an exciting career path, keep reading to learn what it takes to enter this profession.

Brandelyn Hall is the dedicated director of Upward Bound at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. With a master’s degree in school counseling, Hall brings over a decade of experience and passion to her role. She leads a comprehensive pre-college program that holistically prepares high school students for college life’s academic, social, and emotional challenges.

Hall is most proud of her profound ability to positively impact students’ lives by providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed in higher education. Through her leadership, Upward Bound not only focuses on academic readiness but also addresses the personal development and well-being of each student, ensuring a well-rounded preparation for their future college endeavors.

How has graduating with a master’s in counseling enhanced your career?

Hall:
Earning a degree in school counseling has enriched my approach to helping students by adding color and variety. Without this background, I might have viewed my career as straightforward and by the book. However, being a counselor allows me to see each student holistically, deeply understand their developmental stages, and create tailored approaches to help them succeed in the future.

For instance, programming for a brand-new freshman who is 14 years old must differ significantly from that for a high school senior who is 17 or 18. Their developmental needs are distinct and not in the same mental space. Especially in the post-Covid era, I’ve noticed student needs shifts and adapted our responses accordingly. This adaptability has made our program stand out within the TRIO spectrum, demonstrating our commitment to addressing the unique needs of our students.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective master’s in counseling student?

Hall:
My advice is to know your reason for being there. Being in the program can be both triggering and healing. Having a…