What Kinds of Therapies are Used?
At the CERTS group, we believe that various types of therapy are the key to successful recovery. Our residential treatment programs have a structure based upon Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), while blending traditional talk therapy with experiential therapies (equine assisted psychotherapy, art therapy, adventure therapy, music therapy, etc.) to achieve a longer lasting, more powerful change.
Overview of Therapies
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: Dialectical behavior therapy is a cognitive-behavioral approach focusing on the psychosocial aspects of treatment. The goal of DBT is to transform negative thinking patterns and destructive behavior into positive outcomes. The effectiveness of DBT can help people diagnosed with eating disorders, anxiety, stress and depression.
Equine-Assisted Therapy: Equine therapy helps girls address thoughts and feelings. When interacting with a horse, they must use their bodies and hearts to feel and react in the moment. Horses can sense emotions like aggression and anger, and may become stubborn in response. If someone is anxious, the horse might also be nervous. When the horse approached by someone who is calm and open, it is more likely to respond in a kind and loving way.
Adventure Therapy: Adventure therapy is often conducted outdoors, though sometimes it can be indoors. This type of therapy includes activities like camping, hiking, navigating ropes courses, rock climbing, sailing, and cooperative games. Adventure therapy allows girls to take calculated risks and explore personal issues in a safe, supportive environment under the guidance and support of mental health professionals.
Art Therapy: Art therapy blends traditional therapy (DBT, specialized groups) with artistic mediums like dance, yoga, piano, ceramics, photography, painting and more. Art allows troubled girls to access and release pain in a way that is powerful, creative and safe. Whether it’s through writing a story, painting a picture or composing music, arts can channel negative emotions into beautiful compositions.
Experiential Therapy: Experiential therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses expressive tools and activities to re-enact or re-experience emotional situations. These role-playing, acting, props, arts and crafts, music, animal care, guided imagery or other forms of recreation re-enact emotional situations. Clients focus on the activities and through experiencing them; they can identify emotions related to success, disappointment, responsibility and self-esteem.
Play Therapy: Play therapy is the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process where trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help patients prevent or resolve psychological difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development. Play therapy is a way of helping a child on their unique developmental level. Play therapy works best in a safe relationship between the therapist and client, where the child can freely and naturally express positive and negative feelings.
Contact Us
If you think your daughter could benefit from the multiple types of therapy we offer at the CERTS Group, contact an admissions advisor. You can also email us at info@certsgroup.com for general information.