New styles of therapy developed over the last few years have been quite breathtaking. The science behind the way patients are treated in the likes of both physical and private drug rehab centres is quite incredible, shifting the focus from simple conversations to using animals, art and so much more.
The therapy and counselling landscape is forever changing, and here are some of the more intriguing and exciting methods people are getting their lives back on track at present.
Music Therapy
The vast majority of us love music, and we may not know it but many of us will also have a rather therapeutic relationship with it. Music is a go-to when we want to kick back and relax, and it’s an approach many therapists are now taking too.
It’s an evidence based approach that involves really engaging with music, from listening to reflecting on pieces as well as creating music under the guidance of a therapist, with certain compositions reflecting different moods and getting to the root of a problem.
It’s typically used to help reduce stress and improve sleep and has proven to be effective in treating a wide range of patients, from cancer patients to those suffering addiction, as well as it proving particularly popular with those struggling with dementia.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is one of the more creative therapy techniques these days and is popular with both children and adults alike.
It will typically see patients undertaking creative tasks such as colouring, painting, drawing and even the likes of sculpture and pottery, with the results of their work examined for psychological and emotional overtones.
It’s all about the interpretation in the work and can be a really useful way to explore emotions and trauma, as well as grief and any personality disorders.
Dance Therapy
You might not consider yourself much of a jiver but dance therapy is on the rise and is a mental health treatment that can use someone’s physical movement to determine their psychological and emotional functioning.
It’s used across a variety of different illnesses from Parkinson’s disease to treatment for the likes of depression, anxiety and even eating disorders, with it often used in a group setting in a bid to calm the likes of depression. However, it is also a method used by counsellors to combat other issues such as domestic violence, self-esteem and family conflicts.