The Habitual Competencies of the Holistic Practitioner

Dewald
23.06.23 03:06 PM Comment(s)

Introduction

Applied holistic practitioner competencies are exceedingly in demand as conscious and active change agents begin to recognise the value of alternative, integrated experiential learning opportunities. These professionals apply holistic practices to unlock the optimal performance of participants, for example, through coaching sessions. Holistic practitioners are committed to supporting businesses in achieving optimal performance through a comprehensive approach addressing the whole person, including mental, emotional, and physical aspects.
In this post, we discuss these competencies which are expressed through practitioners' value sets. The implicit competencies are embedded in the person's authentic and unique character. Practitioners are thus endowed with competencies which are expressed through qualitative aspects of their habitual behaviour, grounded in value sets. The notion of 'habitual' refers to the practitioner's solutions-driven approach as an authentic, rarified, and deep-seated application of specific competencies rather than a reactionary impulse or mere reflex behaviour originating outside the locus of control and registering as a threat or imposition. The significance is that practitioners apply solutions with discretion, discernment, and intent, rising to the occasion and accepting challenges as learning opportunities. 

Establishing Trust and Rapport

One of the essential habitual behaviours that characterise the holistic practitioner entails the cultivation of trust and establishing rapport with their participants. Trust is built on authentic and trustworthy foundations that are universally recognised. Practitioners engage to establish rapport with clients based on the principles, norms, deeds, habits, and practices which people commonly identify with and relate to on a deeply personal level. This empathic personal approach creates a safe and comfortable space wherein participants are free to share their deepest fears and concerns.

Empowering Clients

Holistic practitioners support participants to discover why it is essential to make sound decisions, express their learning desires, and make the right choices regarding behavioural changes towards challenging the status quo. Participants learn to understand their traditional perspectives and recognise the patterned behaviours and typical reactionary impulses that stifle change. The empowerment journey develops self-confidence and belief in their abilities, and participants ultimately take responsibility for their actions. Empowering participants to understand their own abilities, practitioners thus assist them in realising their potential and taking the first step to life-changing and lasting actions. After all, actions speak louder than words. This is particularly true for authentic action that is embedded in who we are and springs from our true intentions as change agents.

Creating a Plan

Holistic practitioners make fine observations to determine the participants' learning responsibilities and assist them in making the necessary behavioural changes to support their learning styles. For example, the practitioner may demonstrate that the learning cycle contains the participant's whole experience, including both problem and solution states, and incorporates the best-fit thinking and learning styles, combined to express the desired action rather than a learned 'habit' in the common sense. This experience is part and parcel of the emerging learning opportunity. Participants are thus guided and prepared for the necessary behavioural changes and the original implementation thereof, and remain accountable for their progress while having realistic achievable goals.

Making Changes Visible

Behavioural changes occur when actions are mutually agreed upon. The right changes are made under the right circumstances, the correct actions are taken and so on. These changes are then made visible, indicating the nature of the agreement and the participants' readiness for the realisation of authentic habitual behavioural actions to ensue. The holistic practitioner supports participants in this process, ensuring that the changes are consistent, accompanied by an understanding of the agreed-upon actions and initial intent.

Providing Ongoing Support and Encouragement

Practitioners develop experience and knowledge of the various techniques and methodologies to best support their clients. It is understood that lasting change is not conceived at once. Having established trust and rapport, practitioners provide vital ongoing support, encouraging participants in developing new, positive habits to be maintained for a lifetime.

Conclusion

The unique habitual qualities of the practitioner's character determine the personal approach. It starts with their ability to establish trust and rapport with their clients and empower them to make lasting changes that positively impact their lives. Creating a plan, making changes visible, and providing ongoing support and encouragement are also key habits of a successful holistic practitioner. They possess the skills, knowledge, and mindsets to transform lives through an integrated and holistic perspective. In every fulfilling practitioner intervention, both practitioner and client obtain an enriched vision of a world in which each enjoys optimal health and well-being. Moreover, all participants have a shared responsibility in giving expression to the right practice.
Dr Pieter du Toit
Specialisation: Change Management, Aviation Management, Business Management, Human Resources, Coaching and Business Leadership