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6 Unique Types of Therapy and What to Know About Each
Your path to healing might not be on a couch. It could be on a hiking trail, in a garden or in the pages of a book. Explore unique types of therapy to see if your journey aligns more with creating or connecting with the world around you.
When many people picture therapy, they imagine talking one-on-one with a therapist in an office. While that’s a valid and effective format, the world of mental health support is much broader and more diverse than you might think. There are many unique therapeutic approaches that incorporate everything from nature and animals to literature and yoga. If you’re seeking a less conventional path to well-being, these different types of therapy could be a great fit for your journey.
1. Nature therapy
As the name suggests, nature therapy involves spending time outside in nature. Whether you’re spending time in “green spaces” surrounded by foliage or “blue spaces” by the water, exposure to these elements can increase your overall well-being by making you feel calm and increasing your mood. These spaces are also associated with decreased feelings of depression, anxiety and stress, as well as improved memory, attention and cognitive flexibility.
Nature therapy can help offset time spent on devices and in front of screens, clearing your mind and reducing overstimulation. There are many directions you can take if you’re interested in this type. If you prefer more adrenaline-boosting activities, you can try rock climbing or white water rafting. For a more peaceful pace, consider working in a garden or simply taking walks in a nearby forest, park or arboretum.
2. Play therapy
From enhancing communication and empathy to teaching healthy coping skills and self-esteem, play therapy has numerous benefits. It can also help address ADHD, PTSD, anxiety and depression. While it is primarily intended for children, adults can benefit from play therapy as well.
There are three overall types. Child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is designed for children aged 3 to 10 years who are experiencing behavioral or emotional issues. A therapist directly guides CCPT, and each toy is selected to help navigate particular emotions. In contrast, non-directive child-centered play allows kids to play uninterrupted, encouraging freedom of expression. During cognitive behavioral play therapy, therapists use play scenarios to resolve negative thought patterns.
3. Bibliotherapy
You may have heard of art or music therapy, but you may not be familiar with bibliotherapy. These types all fall under the larger umbrella of expressive therapy. Bibliotherapy uses books to guide individuals as they explore and reflect on their own lives. Introducing a “third” interlocutor into the space — the book — can help you feel less alone. Reading also boosts empathy and tolerance through exposing the reader to perspectives or themes that might be outside of their comfort zone.
Your therapist will likely recommend specific literature to help you navigate personal challenges. If you’re interested in working with a particular therapist or already seeing one, you can ask them if they have experience with bibliotherapy. You can also look out for professionals with a certification from the International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy.
4. Integrated Yoga Therapy
If you’ve tried yoga, you may have already felt some of its therapeutic benefits. However, integrated yoga therapy is practiced one-on-one with a certified yoga therapist. Unlike traditional yoga instructors who teach the physical practice, a yoga therapist focuses on an individual’s particular mental or physical health issues. Integrated yoga therapy can help address depression, anxiety, PTSD, brain injuries and even chronic pain.
This therapy can provide you with coping skills that extend far beyond your sessions. You’ll receive an education on how the mind-body connection works and, in some cases, information about how dietary changes can impact your overall well-being.
5. Animal-assisted therapy
Animal-assisted therapy supports your mental health by using trained animals in therapeutic settings. Unlike service or emotional-support animals, the trained animals are guided by professionals who structure interactions between individuals and the animals. This unique type of therapy can reduce stress and anxiety, offer emotional support, and even benefit heart health.
You can try canine-assisted or equine-assisted therapy if you like dogs or horses. Other options included sessions with smaller animals, like guinea pigs, or interactions on farms with larger animals, like cows.
6. Healing touch therapy
Healing touch therapy is a form of energy therapy that holistically considers the mind, body and spirit. It comes from the idea that individuals are fields of energy that constantly interact with their surrounding environment, including other people. Unlike a massage therapist, a professional administering healing touch therapy may not physically touch you. Whether they make direct contact or float their hands over your body, the goal is to balance and realign your energy flow to connect your mind, body and spirit and to remove blockages.
As is true for many holistic therapies, healing touch therapy is not intended as a medical treatment or “cure.” Professionals have used it to promote relaxation and better sleep, and it works particularly well when paired with other forms of therapy.
Tips for starting or trying a new type of therapy
If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are a few tips to help you find a type of therapy that works for you:
- Talk to your community: If you’re comfortable, speak to friends and family about their therapy experiences. Everyone is unique, but hearing from those you trust can help you think through your options. You can also talk to your other health care professionals who have insight into your needs.
- Stay open: You can always try something new without committing to it. Whether it’s a type of therapy or a therapist themselves, you are allowed to walk away from what’s not working for you. This mindset can help you try new things with more confidence.
- Review your insurance: Look over your insurance plan and ask your provider questions to determine if you can enhance the affordability of your care.
- Compare formats: Some forms of therapy offer telehealth options, while others require in-person practice. Consider what aligns with your needs, comfort level and schedule as you look into unique types of therapy.
Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a therapeutic approach that resonates with you personally. Trust your intuition as you explore your options.
Embracing a world of healing options
The world of therapy is rich with diverse and creative options. Whether you find solace in nature, connection through animals or insight through literature, there’s a path that can meet you where you are. The most important thing is to honor your own needs and preferences on your mental health journey to find the support that feels most authentic for you.
