Psychotherapy is the most common form of therapy. It’s the treatment of mental disorders by using talk therapy and other therapies, as opposed to medications for treatment. The most popular type of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to reduce the symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many others.
Traditional types of therapies aren’t the only effective therapies. There are a variety of different types of therapies and even a combination of different therapies that work better than just traditional psychotherapy.
#1: Adventure Therapy
Adventure therapy combines community, nature, and exercises as therapy. The idea behind adventure therapy is that nature and recreational activities can help improve physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. A session in adventure therapy may consist of:
- Hiking
- Nature walks
- Rock climbing
It’s an effective treatment for teenagers and young adults experiencing mental health issues, and it’s also highly effective for those suffering from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief, PTSD, schizophrenia, substance abuse disorders, and trauma.
#2: Art Therapy
Art therapy combines therapy with the use of expressive arts, such as painting, drawing, and other creative processes. You also don’t need to be a skilled artist to engage in art therapy; all you need to do is be willing to give the process a try. This is a popular technique used with children, since it’s often difficult for them to verbalize their feelings.
For adults, art therapy works well for those suffering from addiction. It offers a new way of dealing with negative emotions, rather than abusing various substances to numb emotions. Art therapy is also effective in treating those with body dysmorphic disorder.
#3: Dance/Movement Therapy
Studies have shown that exercising can help improve mood, so the same can be said about dance/movement therapy. This combines therapy with dancing to help release endorphins, the group of hormones that trigger positive feelings in the body. Because of this, it’s a great non-traditional type of therapy for those suffering from anxiety and/or depression.
#4: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
EMDR is one of the newest types of alternative therapies, but it has already shown some promising results. In an EMDR session, the patient focuses his or her eyes on swinging pendulums, moving their finger back and forth, and engaging all five senses to change the way the brain processes and stores trauma.
This is just as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy in victims of sexual abuse. EMDR alleviates the stress and bad memories associated with a traumatic event, such as this. When seeking therapy, sexual abuse victims are also urged to consult a lawyer: https://www.rosenfeldinjurylawyers.com/sexual-abuse.html.
#5: Music Therapy
Music therapy is similar to art therapy in that it uses the creative process of making music to promote a positive mental well-being. Music has always had a positive impact on people of all ages and all cultural backgrounds, so it’s a very effective form of therapy. Music therapy sessions can include:
- Listening to music
- Playing music
- Guided imagery
- Dancing
Music therapy has been effective in treating those with Alzheimer’s disease, autism, depression, and substance abuse disorders.
#6: Play Therapy
This type of therapy may not actually be considered nontraditional because it’s very commonly used with children. Like art, play helps children express their emotions in ways that they may not be able to otherwise. Playing is also how children learn cognitively, socially, and emotionally.
For adults, there’s a type of “play” therapy known as sand tray therapy. This technique uses a sand tray and small toys to create a reflection of the patient’s personal life. Sand tray therapy works well for children who have been victims of neglect and for children and adults who have been victims of abuse.
#7: Yoga and Meditation
Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India, and focuses on breathing, meditation, and physical postures. It’s a multi-beneficial practice that has a positive effect on both mental and physical health. Combined with mindful meditation, yoga can help those suffering from addictions, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
While yoga and meditation may be a little less structured, all of the other therapies combine psychotherapy techniques with their specific creative outlet or process. Traditional psychotherapy may not be effective in some people, or maybe even a little intimidating to someone who has never gone through therapy. This is where a nontraditional form of therapeutic practices can be helpful in the healing process.