At The Behman, we emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to our treatment plans. Our complementary therapies form a cornerstone of this approach and provide different intervention options that are designed to enhance our patients’ therapeutic journeys. Available alternative treatments at The Behman include equine psychotherapy, art therapy, dance movement and music therapy, art therapy, yoga and physiotherapy.
EQUINE PSYCHOTHERAPY
An equine therapy session typically consists of specific tasks and challenges to overcome, with the aid and guidance of horses. There is NO riding involved and no specific skills are necessary to take part in these sessions.
Once the session ends, the patients along with their therapists reflect on the experience and the emotions that were evoked by the interaction. Sessions are offered for individuals, couples, families, or groups on both inpatient and outpatient basis.
Horses are an exemplary illustration of how animals can aid and improve the well-being of individuals. Horses have extraordinary abilities to mirror and reflect human behaviours and attitudes, thanks to their nature as highly sensitive prey animals. Thus, the equine-human bond enables expression in those who have difficulties articulating their feelings or feel mistrustful towards those around them.
The aim behind this mode of treatment is for the recipient to become more aware of disturbing thoughts and core beliefs that they may hold about themselves. This realization helps them regulate their feelings and behaviours towards self and others. Therapeutic outcomes revolve around improving communication and problem-solving skills, which in turn improve self-esteem. This form of engagement has also proven to help individuals establish healthy boundaries and relationships with others.
Equine therapy can be useful with a wide range of mental health conditions, such as trauma, addictions, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and behavioural conditions.
ART THERAPY
Carol Hammal, MA, conducts art therapy groups at The Behman’s addiction unit every Thursday at 1:30 pm in addition to individual sessions and consultations in other units as required.
Participants are asked to visually express a topic introduced by the art therapist depending on the identified therapeutic goals. Art therapy sessions are conducted in both group and individual formats using a variety of art materials. Groups can be a powerful therapeutic approach that allows patients to fully express themselves in a safe and non-judgmental setting.
Once the session ends, the patients along with their therapists reflect on the experience and the emotions that were evoked by the interaction. Sessions are offered for individuals, couples, families, or groups on both inpatient and outpatient basis.
Using art therapy as part of the treatment program is essential in allowing patients to express what they are unable to articulate. More importantly, it often achieves what verbal therapy cannot, mainly due to art’s ability to externalize the unconscious using minimal effort from the participant.
Since art therapy is also used to both diagnose and treat mental illness, it may often assist in the initial diagnosis phase for many patients.
Art therapy is for everyone and no art skills are necessary to participate. At The Behman, art therapy has been an integral part of the inpatient addiction rehabilitation program in particular through regular weekly groups, allowing patients to integrate their treatment goals with their mental wellbeing and creativity.
YOGA
Unlike other forms of yoga, Sivananda yoga is less athletic, and the training revolves around relaxation and emphasizes proper breathing. It has 5 main principals: Proper breathing, exercise, relaxation, healthy diet, and positive thinking and meditation.
Practicing Sivananda yoga helps you control your mind, decrease physical
and mental tension, improve the health and flexibility of your back, and if you
improve your diet, attain a high standard of health.
Anyone can
practice this form of yoga as it can be adapted to different needs and
capabilities. Prior knowledge or practice of yoga isn’t necessary.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Treatments at the Physiotherapy Unit include electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, manipulation and hands-on-treatment, therapeutic exercises, positioning, and splints, ambulation, and gait training. After initial evaluation, the physiotherapist develops a treatment plan with specific goals and using selected suitable techniques. The plan usually also includes self-help exercises that the patients can do on their own and a follow-up phase to monitor progress.
Physiotherapy aims to provide a person-centred approach to treatment in
order to optimize functional potential and encourage maximum independence.
Physiotherapy can help with physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, and general health and fitness.