Episode 1: My Journey to Becoming a Holistic Therapist and What It Really Means
THE HOLISTIC THERAPIST PODCAST
Episode 1: My Journey to Becoming a Holistic Therapist and What It Really Means
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EPISODE SUMMARY
In this debut episode LeNaya Smith Crawford gets personal, sharing the journey that led her to become a holistic therapist and why she believes true healing requires more than what traditional therapy alone can offer. From her roots as a pastor's daughter to her clinical training, yoga teacher certification, and her own healing journey through depression, burnout, and grief, LeNaya shares how all of it shaped the way she works, heals, and leads today.
She introduces The Holistic Therapist Framework, a five layer approach to healing that honors the fullness of who we are, and makes the case that becoming a holistic therapist starts not with your clients, but with yourself.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- True healing requires addressing all five layers of who we are: physical, energetic, mental and emotional, spiritual, and communal. Talk therapy alone is not enough.
- The Holistic Therapist Framework is a science and soul approach to healing that honors the whole person, not just the mind.
- Becoming a holistic therapist starts with your own healing journey. You cannot lead others where you have not been willing to go yourself.
- Therapy, body based practices, spirituality, and ancient healing modalities do not compete. They work together. You do not have to choose between science and soul.
- Healing does not only happen inside the therapy room. It expands into our communities, our relationships, and the way we live our lives every single day.
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PRACTICES AND MODALITIES MENTIONED
- Yoga and movement
- Breathwork
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Sound healing
- Trauma informed therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Journaling and affirmations
- Chakra awareness and energetic practices
- Community based healing
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JOIN US AT THE SECOND ANNUAL HOLISTIC THERAPIST CONFERENCE
The Second Annual Holistic Therapist Conference is happening October 1st through 4th 2026 at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina. Early bird tickets are open now and this is the best price you will see for this experience.
Grab your early bird ticket here: https://lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/holistic-therapist-conference
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STAY CONNECTED
If today's episode resonated here are a few ways to stay connected and go deeper:
Join the Newsletter
Get weekly reflections, tips, journal prompts, affirmations, and activities on taking a holistic approach to the way we work, live, and expand as women who help, heal, and lead. When you join you will also get instant access to the Holistic Healer Starter Kit including:
- Introduction to Holistic Mental Health Workshop
- Drink As You Pour: A Virtual Holistic Healing Retreat for women who help, heal, and lead
- The Power of Holistic Mental Health PDF
Sign up here: https://lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/newsletter
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WORK AND HEAL WITH LENAYA
Ready to go deeper? Here is how we can work together:
- Heal: Explore healing offerings and retreats: https://www.lenayasmithcrawford.com/heal
- Learn: Explore courses, certifications, and the Holistic Therapist Academy: https://www.lenayasmithcrawford.com/learn
- Grow: Business mentorship and coaching for healers and therapists: https://www.lenayasmithcrawford.com/business-mentorship
- Speak: Book LeNaya to speak, lead a workshop, or facilitate trauma informed yoga, breathwork, meditation, or sound healing: https://www.lenayasmithcrawford.com/speaking/guest-facilitation
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FOLLOW LENAYA
- Instagram: @lenayasmithcrawford
- Threads: @lenayasmithcrawford
- TikTok: @lenayasmithcrawford
- Website: lenayasmithcrawford.com
- Get in touch: hello@lenayasmithcrawford.com
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ABOUT LENAYA
LeNaya Smith Crawford is a licensed holistic therapist, trauma informed facilitator, yoga and breathwork teacher, sound healer, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of The Holistic Therapist Academy and creator of The Holistic Therapist Framework, a five layer approach to integrative healing for therapists, healers, and wellness professionals ready to expand beyond the therapy room.
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DISCLAIMER
The content shared on The Holistic Therapist Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. LeNaya Smith Crawford is a licensed therapist but is not your therapist. Nothing shared in this podcast should be taken as personal mental health advice or used as a substitute for working with a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support please reach out to a licensed professional in your area.
