Alternative Treatments to Psychotherapy
Written by Cicely Green, LCPC
While psychotherapy remains a cornerstone of mental health treatment, there exists a diverse array of alternative approaches that offer unique perspectives and techniques for - promoting holistic healing and well-being; accessing the subconscious; and reconnecting the mind and body. From ancient practices rooted in mindfulness and spirituality to innovative modalities harnessing the power of technology, these alternative treatments challenge traditional notions of therapy and offer new pathways to mental health recovery.
In this blog post, we’ll name eight alternative treatments to psychotherapy, shedding light on therapeutic options available to those seeking support for their mental health concerns. Whether you're curious about non-traditional approaches or are searching for complementary methods to enhance your current therapeutic regimen for the new year, this list of alternative treatments promises to broaden your understanding of mental health care and empower you to make informed choices about your healing journey.
Nature Healing
The most reliable form of healing comes from nature and sun exposure. Due to systemic oppression, Black communities are more likely to live in urban areas and neighborhoods where green spaces are not invested in. When we do travel to nature, we are often the ‘only ones’ with fear of overt racism, especially in the red states. Through nature and hiking groups such as Unpopular Black, Negus in Nature, and Black girls trekkin — we get closer to accessing nature equally and safely. We acknowledge the Indigenous for paving the way.
Somatic / Mind Body / Meditation / Movement + Exercise
A common Eastern practice, the word ‘soma’ comes from the Greek word meaning ‘body’ hence why somatic therapy puts the body as the central point of focus. Somatic work allows access to the pause between reactivity and response helping to regulate behavior. It reduces complex PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and the impact of exaggerated stress responses (fight, flight, fawn, or freeze). Gentle movement, meditation, stretching, and exercise allows the body to calm down and be present in the moment. It gives space to process at our preferred pace and cope with daily life.
Psychedelic & Recreational Drugs
Some states are using recreational drugs as a restorative practice to heal the effects of racism in the Black community. According to Vice News, utilizing shrooms has been shown in certain studies to “rewire the brain to reduce symptoms of depression.” Esketamine spray has been shown to help with treating depression when other antidepressents haven’t worked. Additionally, large clinical studies are revealing the benefits for those with PTSD, depression, anxiety and phobia related illnesses to pair therapy with MDMA, found in molly. Marijuana has also shown components of helping reduce anxiety, and LSD is being introduced in clinical trials to treat generalized anxiety disorders. If we deconstruct the way society has criminalized and demonized drug use, we open up a whole other door of opportunities for healing within the Black community.
Hypnosis
Hypnotherapy focuses on accessing the subconscious mind, where deeply rooted beliefs, emotions, memories, and behaviors reside. By inducing a state of trance, deep relaxation and heightened suggestibility, hypnotherapy allows therapists to work directly with the subconscious to address underlying issues and facilitate positive change.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture offers a compelling alternative to psychotherapy by harnessing the principles of traditional Chinese medicine to promote holistic well-being and emotional balance. Through the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body, acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms, regulates energy flow, and alleviates physical and emotional imbalances. As a non-invasive and drug-free therapy, acupuncture can be particularly appealing to individuals seeking alternative approaches to addressing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress. By restoring harmony to the body-mind-spirit connection, acupuncture fosters relaxation, reduces symptoms of distress, and enhances overall resilience and emotional well-being.
Afrofuturism, Art & Creativity
Art and creativity offer a powerful alternative to traditional psychotherapy for Black people, providing a culturally affirming and expressive outlet for healing and self-expression. Through mediums such as afrofuturism, writing, visual art, music, dance, and storytelling, individuals can explore and process complex emotions, cultural identity, and experiences of racial trauma in a safe and empowering environment. Art therapy honors the rich cultural heritage and resilience of the Black community while providing opportunities for self-discovery, empowerment, and collective healing. By tapping into the transformative power of creativity, Black individuals can reclaim agency over our narratives, foster connection and solidarity, and cultivate pathways to healing and liberation.
BDSM
Consent and communication is the foundation of BDSM and kink. As a pathway towards sexual healing and liberation, it allows assault survivors to take back their power by having autonomy of what they do and don't want. It allows women to feel empowered within a society that tells women to shrink and comply. BDSM can help with boundary setting and negotiations; exploring what one finds pleasurable, such as role playing; and connecting the physical and emotional self.
Financial Therapy
While money is not the cure for happiness, it is a tool to access the things one wants in life such as freedom and autonomy. Increased net worth and salary is correlated with improved mental health. Keeping the dollar within Black businesses and Black individual lives longer ignites the generational wealth that we have been denied for centuries. Reading this blog post and connecting with a financial advisor, accountant, or financial content creator can be a way to unpack your relationship with money, no longer be a victim to capitalism’s consumerism and materialism, increase financial literacy, and make financial and investment decisions that you are aligned with you.