For most people, the word therapy conjures images of a patient lying on a couch while a therapist sits above them, taking notes about everything they say. This was how therapy was conducted for a long time, and it was effective to a point. Unfortunately, through television, movies, and even cartoons, popular culture perpetuated the notion that this was how therapy always happens, and it became a deterrent for many.
The fact is that therapy is multidimensional and can take on many forms, such as an adventure therapy program, a type of experiential therapy. Traditional therapies that focus on talking through thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences are valuable in addiction and mental health treatment but might not be for everyone. Experiential therapy for addiction allows people to do tasks or activities instead of solely focusing on thoughts and feelings. This approach works well for all people, especially those who do not want to or have difficulty talking about their feelings and experiences.
What to Expect from an Adventure Therapy Program
An adventure therapy program, also called wilderness therapy, is an experiential therapy that enhances talk therapy with hands-on activities. The goal of adventure therapy is to improve overall wellbeing through group activities that take advantage of the healing powers of nature. Adventure therapy activities involve a challenge and have an element of risk, whether perceived or actual. The risk factor forces clients out of their comfort zones and pushes them to trust themselves and other group members. Most activities rely on group participation to encourage cooperation, which helps clients improve their communication and interpersonal skills.
Some of the activities offered in an adventure therapy program include:
- Camping
- Water sports
- Ziplining
- Rock climbing
- Hiking and backpacking
- Surfing
- Mountain Biking
Through adventure therapy for addiction, clients challenge their perceived limitations and find an outlet for thoughts and feelings that they have difficulty verbalizing. Activities are led by trained therapists who provide the encouragement and support to guide you through the experience. Following the activity, a discussion about the experience helps internalize thoughts and feelings and relate them to your treatment goals.
Art Therapy for Addiction
Art therapy for addiction uses the creative process as a healing tool. Art therapy is led by a professional therapist who has had specialized training. Clients can be fearful of the process when they feel they do not have the artistic ability. However, you do not need to be artistic to reap the benefits of art therapy. The healing comes from the process, not the work itself. Many who suffer from addiction have underlying issues, including trauma, stress, chronic pain, chronic illness, and mental health disorders. These individuals turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism for their unresolved pain, resulting in addiction. Particularly in the early stages of recovery, many people struggle to communicate. Art therapy allows a client to explore thoughts and feelings and find nonverbal ways to express them.
Some of the activities available in art therapy include:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpting
- Photography
- Creative writing
- Scrapbooking and collage
- Digital art
Music Therapy for Addiction
Music therapy for addiction is the evidence-based clinical use of music to achieve therapeutic goals. Administered by a credentialed music therapist, this experiential therapy is well-established and effective for many applications. Music therapy can include singing, playing instruments, writing songs, composing, or just listening to music. You do not need musical talents or skills to benefit from music therapy.
There are many proven benefits of music therapy, including:
- Improved communication and social skills through experiencing music with others
- Development of coping skills to manage thoughts and feelings
- Self-reflection and self-awareness
- Increased happiness and motivation
- Decreased blood pressure
- Improved memory
- Pain management
Music therapy improves mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing, helps manage stress, and reduces the symptoms of depression.
Discover the Benefits of Experiential Therapy for Addiction
Experiential therapy takes on many forms and has many uses for addiction and mental health treatment. Experiential therapies can help people process difficult emotions and trauma while helping them build communication, interpersonal, and coping skills. Discover how experiential therapy can enhance your addiction treatment today.
