Therapy: although it’s often a taboo word, it’s a necessary practice. Whether or not one has experienced a traumatic event, counseling offers a space where individuals can learn to process their daily life in a healthy and productive way. However, the usual talk therapy, although widely popular, isn’t always the best form of treatment. For some, other forms of therapy are more practical or comfortable because they help process emotions that can be otherwise difficult to express.
EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, more commonly known as EMDR, is a type of psychotherapy that allows the participant to work through traumatic experiences with the help of a professional. According to the Cleveland Clinic, EMDR consists of going through specific eye movements while verbally processing trauma. Trauma is stored in human brains differently than regular memories; it can’t fully heal if one doesn’t address it directly. EMDR allows the mind to access trauma in a unique way which lessens the physical and mental side effects one can deal with after having a traumatic experience.
Animal Assisted Therapy: Animal assisted therapy is a form of treatment for many conditions such as anxiety, addiction, autism and depression. According to Psychology Today, the bond that forms between a patient and their therapy animal creates a comfortable atmosphere that can encourage the patient to open up. Although the most common type of animals used are dogs, other popular animals include birds, cats and horses. For people who struggle feeling comfortable in one-on-one talk therapy, using animals can help them feel more at ease and allows the therapist to do their work better.
Art: Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses art forms such as painting, drawing and sculpting, to help individuals reduce stress, explore emotions and improve their overall mental health. According to Husson University, art therapy is a growing field in mental health care that helps individuals express and process their thoughts and feelings that might be difficult to put into words. Guided by licensed art therapists, individuals will create art and reflect on their work to help explore and understand their emotions and experiences. Unlike traditional therapy, art therapy focuses less on talking and more on the power of creativity and how self-expression can be a powerful tool that can help patients work towards emotional well-being.
Yoga: Yoga therapy is a specialized form of yoga that uses specific poses and breathing techniques to promote both mental and physical well-being. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, yoga therapy has been shown to ease symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Yoga therapy promotes mindfulness and helps individuals better understand their mind and body. This alternative therapy not only addresses physical symptoms but also supports emotional and psychological healing.
While talk therapy remains a highly effective form of therapy for many individuals, alternative therapies offer a diverse way to promote better understanding of one’s self. Methods such as EMDR, animal assisted therapy, art therapy and yoga all provide a unique approach that addresses an individual’s psychological and emotional well-being. These alternative approaches help people express themselves, find comfort and process emotions, showing the many paths people can take to improve their overall well-being.
