High ropes and high notes: The healing power of music, art, and movement
Sometimes, learning to trust yourself and others happens best when you鈥檙e standing 35 feet above the ground. Sometimes, expressing yourself through music or art is the best way to let out painful feelings. And sometimes, just having a shared experience can be powerfully healing.
Many patients find healing through music, art, or recreation. These effective ways to treat mental health and substance use disorders are known at Huntsman Mental 人妻中出视频 Institute as expressive therapies.
That鈥檚 because they tap into our innate need to express our thoughts and emotions鈥攚hether it鈥檚 through creating a song or a painting, building a sense of belonging in a group, or feeling a sense of accomplishment and control. Many patients鈥攌ids and adults alike鈥攖hink it鈥檚 the best part of treatment. They can experience joy, do something that is more fun or more interesting than they thought, and learn from shared experiences.
Huntsman Mental 人妻中出视频 Institute is unique in having 22 full-time and 16 part-time credentialed music, recreation, and art therapists on staff鈥攎ore than anywhere else in Utah or surrounding states
How it works
Music, art, and recreation are powerful therapies for mental health and substance use disorders
Music
- Listening
- Singing
- Song writing
- Playing instruments
- Relaxation techniques
Art
- Drawing
- Painting
- Collage
- Sculpture
- Coloring
Recreation
- Leisure education
- Psychoeducational games and puzzles
- ROPES course
- Problem-solving tasks
The soundtrack for success
Music improves emotional health by creating a safe container to tap into emotions.
Emily Polichette, Neurologic Music Therapist at Huntsman Mental 人妻中出视频 Institute, says there鈥檚 which is why it helps so many people find success.
鈥淢usic engages throughout the cortex and white matter of the brain to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. The same regions of the brain process emotions, memories, and autonomic physical sensations,鈥 Polichette explained.
Huntsman Mental 人妻中出视频 Institute is partnering with the on several projects, many with the and the . The work ranges from studying group drumming for cancer patients to developing a creative arts therapy curriculum and certificate programs to help more people engage in arts and health.
Painting a brighter future
Art therapy provides a window into a new, stronger identity that many patients haven鈥檛 experienced for a long time鈥攊f ever.
Whether it鈥檚 painting, making a collage, or sculpting, art therapy helps patients express themselves in ways they often can鈥檛 with words. The creative process allows them to problem-solve as well as identify, work through, and manage emotions. From small 人妻中出视频ren to adults, it鈥檚 not about the final product, but the healing that happens while they鈥檙e creating.
Patients often discover new insights about them-selves while enhancing self-control and their ability to take control of their lives鈥攅specially when practicing mindfulness. Sharing their art with others helps them face uncomfortable feelings and provides a valuable sense of connectedness and the opportunity to appreciate others鈥 creativity.
Healing in action
The young woman stood there, staring up at the collection of ropes and cables high above the ground, shaking her head no, convinced she couldn鈥檛 do it. But her recreational therapist suggested she only climb as far as she wanted鈥攅xplaining success comes in small steps. With the encouragement of her group, and her therapist holding the belay rope, she carefully inched her way up the ladder.
After making it to the top, she paused for a long while, gaining courage from everyone cheering her on. Then she slowly stepped onto the foot cable and, little by little, made her way toward the other side of the climb. Focusing intently on her breath and the goal she set for herself, she continued across the cable, gaining confidence with every step. She reached the end with a sigh of relief, a huge smile, and roaring cheers from her peers down below.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to know our edge of comfort vs. discomfort. A lot of things we want are just outside our comfort zones, and we have to push ourselves a little to get them鈥攂ut not too far to panic.鈥
The ROPES course, or Recognizing Opportunity Through Problem-Solving course, allows for participants to recognize opportunity through problem-solving during a supportive and positive therapeutic experience鈥攆lying in the face of the isolation those with substance use disorder and other mental health issues often feel. Activities in the air and on the ground both inside and outside, help people find their edge of comfort, improve communication skills and trust, and gain a sense of belonging.
When patients are not using the ROPES course, therapists and other team members use it to provide outreach to community members, educating them about ending mental health stigma and the resources offered by Huntsman Mental 人妻中出视频 Institute.
Recreation-Based Programs We Offer
Camp Au鈥檝enture for Kids
Every kid deserves the chance to go to camp, including those with autism. More than 14 dedicated facilitators use recreational therapy to give autistic 人妻中出视频ren a place where they can meet other kids in similar situations, make their own choices, be themselves, and have a fun camp experience without the social barriers and pressures that can exist in our society.
Camp Brave & Bold
Camp Brave & Bold is a ropes course and community-based summer program designed for 13-17 year-olds. While this camp is designed to build belonging, community, and empowerment for teens across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, all are welcome! Our dedicated facilitators offers a unique approach to building confidence and connections through recreation.