A Multidisciplinary Review on the Psychological Healing Functions of Beauty and the Possibility of Introducing Beauty Psychotherapists as a Convergent Profession

This study aimed to explore the psychological functions inherent in the beauty experience and to investigate their potential as a structured form of non-medical emotional support. To this end, a systematic literature review was conducted to academically define the psychological healing functions of beauty and to establish a conceptual framework for a new hybrid profession, the ‘Beauty Psychological Therapist.’ The findings revealed that the interpersonal dynamics in beauty treatments—including empathy, listening, and rapport-building—are similar to fundamental psychotherapy techniques, suggesting that the beauty professional’s role can extend into psychological and emotional domains. This interaction was shown to have a direct connection to core theories of psychotherapy by positively influencing self-esteem, self-efficacy, stress reduction, and emotional stability. In conclusion, beauty provides a holistic healing function that simultaneously satisfies both external fulfillment and internal psychological support. This research offers an academic foundation for expanding the professionalism of the beauty industry and supports the potential introduction of the ‘Beauty Psychological Therapist’ role. This new paradigm could serve as a valuable solution to fill the non-medical support gaps within the national mental health and welfare system, becoming a new paradigm for the modern beauty industry.