When you think of “therapy” what comes to mind? For most, the word often brings up a scene of a therapist in a chair, and a patient on a couch seated next to a box of tissues. But there are a number of unique therapeutic practices that replace the traditional form of talk therapy with something new. If you’ve tried the traditional form of talk therapy in the past and it wasn’t for you, then here are some alternatives. Take a look below!

Wilderness Therapy

Being in nature seems to immediately reduce stress and anxiety levels for most people. So, it makes a perfect environment to do therapy! This can involve a short hike and chat, or an extended retreat. These programs can be wildly successful. In fact, one research study found that 83 percent of participants maintained positive changes one year after completing the program. Of course, when seeking out a wilderness therapy program — Ensure the staff is clinically trained and compassionate, otherwise the program may do more harm than good.

Hypnotherapy

While hypnosis has always held a sort of taboo, evidence shows that it actually works. When done properly by a licensed and trained professional in a therapeutic session, hypnotherapy can be a very effective way to manage your pain or worries. Although don’t expect any flapping of hands or magic words. Through hypnosis, a therapist puts the patient in a relaxed and suggestible state, which helps the patient internalize and visualize strategies for change. It’s not “woo-woo” science — it actually works.

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Do you love horses? This type of therapy may be perfectly suited for you. Equine-assisted psychotherapy uses horses to calm and comfort the patient. For children with autism, this type of therapy can be life-changing. Research shows riding horses helps them improve their social skills and decrease their hyperactivity. Working with horses requires the patient to understand their own behavior, control their reactions, and become very self aware. By seeing how the horse responds to their behaviors, it can demonstrate how they can better behave with others.

Online therapy

Has the idea of traditional therapy kept you from trying it? Between busy schedules, weekly commitments, and stigma it can be hard to make the commitment to going to therapy in person. Online therapy offers a level of convenience and privacy that removes many of the barriers that may have prevented you from working with a therapist in the past. It works just like in person therapy, but can be done over the phone or through video chat. For those who don’t want to speak to a therapist in person, messaging therapy is also a great way to do therapy at your convenience. Give it a try.

Gestalt Therapy

In this interesting type of therapy, the client pictures an empty chair and imagines someone is sitting in it. That person could be your partner, a family member, or even themselves. The individual then acts out a conversations which is meant to role play how an actual interaction would go. By performing both roles, the individual can receive valuable insight into interpersonal conflicts.

The Best Therapy The Type That Works For You

Everyone’s personality is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. That doesn’t mean you should give up in your search for therapy. If you find yourself jaded from your past experiences or eager to try something new, these unique therapies may work well for you!

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