What Are Alternative Therapies?

Alternative therapies include animal therapy, meditation, music or art therapy, wilderness therapy, or exercise. Alternative therapies are becoming more mainstream, as providers and clinicians discover people respond to different types of treatment in different ways.  Included below are five alternative therapies that you might experience during treatment.

1. Animal-assisted therapy

Many therapy professionals are now including animal therapy as part of the recovery process. Animals have a way of calming us through unconditional love. Animals also show us how to live in the moment. Animals can also teach us to be gentle and kind with ourselves and with each other.

2. Meditation

Meditation provides a way for us to calm our minds. During treatment, people can feel anxious or overwhelmed by the process of recovery. Meditation allows for focus and clarity. Meditation can also provide a way for us to get in touch with our higher power. In a relaxed, meditative state, all things are possible.

3. Music or art therapy

Many treatment centers engage in music and art therapy as a form of self-expression. Often it is difficult to understand or process our feelings; however, we can express our feelings in artistic ways. Drawing a picture of your family may help to get in touch with the emotions related to your family.

4. Wilderness therapy

In nature, there are no boundaries. The serenity of being in nature is powerful. It can help us to see the bigger picture and to learn that nature has a way of taking care of itself. In treatment, wilderness therapy may help you get focused on your recovery and to see the bigger picture, while having a few unforgettable adventures.

5. Exercise

Whether one participates in cardio workouts, yoga, or stretching, exercise can help one during recovery. Exercise releases endorphins, which are hormones that make us feel good. Exercise helps to clear the cobwebs from our minds and energizes the body. Exercise also serves to get us out of our heads. During recovery, we process emotions and think about where to go from here. Exercise, even a brief walk, can help center yourself in an effort to focus on recovery.

Cottonwood Tucson has gained international recognition for being a leader in clinical care of co-occurring disorders. Providing an integrative approach to the treatment of co-occurring disorders, our programs heal mind, body, and spirit.