Strange Modern Therapy Methods

For many in the world, therapy is a quintessential part of their everyday life. Approximately forty percent of adults in the United States suffer from some sort of anxiety. Anxiety can also lead to depression causing a great need for psychological help. According to a study made in 2005, around 27% of adults have tried therapy to help them cope with various issues. Many other adults lack confidence with opening up to others and letting their vulnerability show, which is perfectly okay. Everyone is different and should be treated differently. From personal experience, I know that therapy can be very helpful, but can take a few different therapists until you find the right one that meshes with your personality well. When one cannot find a therapist they may give up and suffer alone. Obviously, no one deserves to suffer. If you are one of those people that can't find someone that works, why not try one of these methods? You might find some great success.

Have you ever seen a horse in person? Or rather, have you ever ridden a horse? I know I have not. The logic behind this method is surprisingly sound. Riding a horse requires self confidence and control of the situation. Horses are timid animals, and thus become scared quite easily. To be able to control a horse without it bucking you off its back or running around mindlessly, the rider must conquer any anxieties they have about the situation. The therapist aims to guide the rider into growing in a few main categories: accountability, responsibility, self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and self-control. Due to horses ability to be quite neutral, only mirroring what the rider acts as, they become great companions to those with anxiety. With the help of the therapist, the rider will potentially be more assertive, self-assured, independent, and also have greater problem solving skills. Equine therapy is not just riding the horse. The method also includes feeding and grooming. Though, this method may not be the most average or common way to have therapy, Equine therapy is tested and shown results. So if you are an animal lover and can't find relief in one on one therapy, why not give it a shot?

During the past decade, much research has been accomplished regarding the effect of Psilocybin on the brain. Psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, allows the user to have an "experience" which can potentially be therapeutic. In studies, 83% of the 18 people within the case group reported that after a year, the "mystical experience" allowed the user to have improved mood, less anxiety, increased life satisfaction. Around 90% reported that there were positive changes in behavior according to families. There are many more studies being conducted on a rather steady basis on the actual helpfulness of the Psilocybin therapies. Though, this isn't available to the public yet as of 2018, I have a feeling that if positive movements are made in showing evidence of positive mental health therapy, then we could see it made readily available within the next decade.

Sand Tray therapy and Sandplay therapy are quite similar, but today we are going to discuss Sand Tray Therapy. Sand Tray therapy is a form of therapy that allows the patient to express themselves while simultaneously opening up about what is going on in their mind. The patient will use sand as a tool to fully realize their inner feelings whereas the therapist will watch and ask questions along the way. This differs largely from Sandplay therapy, as the therapist only analyzes the actions of the patient during that session. Sand Tray therapy is a great way to allow a patient to express themselves in a non-upfront way. The patient has time to create and overall express their feelings in a way that does not involve having to reveal themselves too much. Typically, children are a prime patient for this treatment, but that does not mean that adults are not allowed to utilize it as well. Sand based therapy has been available for quite some time, so I don't see it going anywhere. If it sounds like something that would work for you, give it a try!

Therapy can be a great way for a patient to receive treatment without relying solely on medications. Though, there are many other types of therapy and some even more bizarre, I focused mainly on the therapy that seemed bizarre to me. Also, I have refrained from discussing past therapy methods as some were rather aggressive and quite brutal. The early psychological advancements were necessary to reach where we are today, but we do not need such actions like Trepanation anymore. These problematic methods have been retired and should stay in the past. Furthermore, I support the advancement of mental health treatments and hope only the best for the future of these treatments.