5 Abstract Therapies, Explained

When you hear the word “therapy,” you probably picture a patient lying down on a couch, with a psychiatrist sitting opposite of them. And the psychiatrist, of course, has glasses atop their nose and a notepad in their lap. This is a common and conventional depiction of therapy—and sometimes it is a true image. In other cases, however, this couldn’t be more inaccurate.

Conventional therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and interpersonal therapy—which all fall under the category of talking therapies. There are, however, other forms of therapy that don’t revolve around an individual talking to a professional about their problems. These more abstract practices revolve around something(s) different entirely: art, music, dance, drama, and even the great outdoors. Here’s a closer look at these 5 less-conventional therapies:

1) What Is Art Therapy?

In Sum…
Some individuals prefer to express their emotions through their creations, instead of through conversations—which makes art therapy the perfect intervention for them. According to the American Art Therapy Association, “art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, the creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.” Notice the word “profession”—art therapy is a real vocation, which is mastered by real clinicians. These professionals specialize in art therapy and go on to work with individuals in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, crisis centers, and community clinics.

How Does It Work?
Art therapy stemmed from the recognition of art’s ability to heal an individual. That being said, you are not engaging in art therapy simply by coloring in a coloring book or drawing a picture on a canvas. Instead, art therapy can only be administered by those who have completed the required training, certification, and state licensure. These certified professionals utilize the power of art—from painting to molding clay to sculpting objects—to engage an individual’s mind, body, and spirit in ways that are not accomplished through verbal communication.

2) What Is Music Therapy?

In Sum…
Many of us have experienced the healing power of music—but did you know that it’s also the basis of a clinical therapy? According to the American Music Therapy Association, “music therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.” Like art therapy, music therapy can only be practiced by a certified professional who has graduated from an approved music therapy program.

How Does It Work?
Once a music therapist has assessed the needs of a given client, they can begin treatment, which often involves creating, singing, moving to, or listening to music. The ultimate foundation of this therapy is music’s ability to help individuals express themselves—particularly those who find it difficult to communicate their emotions otherwise. This form of therapy has proven to aid physical rehabilitation, relieve effects of dementia, help victims of brain injury regain speech, and comfort hospitalized patients.

3) What Is Dance Therapy?

In Sum…
Remember how I said some people are better at expressing themselves through their creations? Not only does this ring true, but it extends into the power of dance/movement therapy. According to the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) this form of therapy is, “the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual.” Again, dance/movement therapy is practiced by real professionals who have graduated from an approved program or obtained their Master’s with dance/movement therapy training from qualified instructors.

How Does It Work?
A given dance/movement therapy session varies based on the participants’ needs and abilities. That being said, it may involve simpler or ordinary movements, as well as more challenging dancing. Additionally, this form of therapy is practiced in a variety of settings, such as nursing homes, day cares, health promotion programs, and rehabilitation programs. Dance/movement therapy is able to help a wide range of individuals in these varying settings, due to its simple concentration (on the power of movement) and ability to mold to an individual’s abilities.

4) What Is Wilderness Therapy?

In Sum…
Simply spending some time outside offers a plethora of mental health benefits: it’s proven to ease anxiety and depression, relieve stress, and boost one’s creativity. This goes to show that nature has the qualifications to offer therapeutic care—which is exactly why wilderness therapy has come to be! This form of therapy, otherwise known as outdoor behavioral healthcare, addresses behavioral and mental health issues by immersing an individual in nature. People of all ages can undergo wilderness therapy, but this approach is most popular among adolescents and young adults.

How Does It Work?
Wilderness therapy uses nature expeditions, team building exercises, and skills training to challenge and transform an individual’s unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. It is designed to mirror everyday challenges, only the individual is free to face them without negative influences. Undergoing wilderness therapy ultimately assists one in developing self-confidence and healthy communication skills; additionally, it teaches one to forego negative or unhealthy behavior.

5) What Is Drama Therapy?

In Sum…
Another abstract approach to therapy and communication is drama therapy, which is simply the use of drama or theater processes to achieve therapeutic goals. According to North American Drama Therapy Association, “it can provide the context for participants to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis.” Furthermore, individuals can delve deeper into their emotions and experience through dramatic roles.

How Does It Work?
Drama therapists first assess their client’s specific needs and then design an approach that will most benefit those needs. These approaches may involve improvisation, storytelling, theater games, and enactment; however, most drama therapists utilize performance, text, or ritual to some degree to enhance the therapeutic process. Like many other abstract therapies, drama therapy ultimately emphasizes and utilizes the power of creation to assist patients in expressing themselves in ways they couldn’t otherwise.

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