Holistic Therapies

At Aristo Behavioral Health, we believe that healing extends beyond conventional treatment approaches. Our holistic therapies integrate complementary practices that nurture the mind, body, and spirit, helping clients achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life. These therapies, such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, music therapy, and recreational activities, provide a well-rounded approach that enhances the recovery process and promotes overall well-being. Holistic therapies are especially effective in addressing the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical health, offering clients deeper insight and new coping mechanisms.

Whole Person Approach to Healing

The foundation of holistic therapy lies in treating the whole person instead of just the symptoms of their mental health challenges. This approach aligns with our mission to provide compassionate, individualized care that fosters resilience and long-term recovery. By incorporating holistic treatments, we help clients reconnect with themselves, process difficult emotions, and explore non-traditional avenues for healing. According to studies on clinical holistic medicine, these therapies enhance recovery by addressing existential pain and repressed emotions, allowing clients to regain a sense of responsibility and empowerment​.

Yoga and Meditation: Mindfulness in Motion

Yoga and meditation are central to our holistic therapy program at Aristo. These practices help clients develop mindfulness, which is essential for managing stress and improving emotional regulation. Yoga offers a physical outlet for releasing tension while promoting flexibility, balance, and body awareness. Combined with meditation, it helps clients cultivate a calm, focused mind, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Benefits of Yoga and Meditation:

  • Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Studies have shown that yoga and meditation can lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone.
  • Improves Emotional Regulation: These practices help clients manage intense emotions, making it easier to cope with challenges without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Enhances Mental Clarity: Regular meditation improves focus and concentration, providing clarity for decision-making and problem-solving.

Art and Music Therapy: Creative Expression for Emotional Release

Art therapy and music therapy are powerful tools for self-expression. These modalities allow clients to explore their feelings and thoughts in a non-verbal way, unlocking insights that might be difficult to access through traditional talk therapy alone. Art and music foster creativity, provide emotional release, and help clients connect with their inner world.

How Creative Therapies Support Recovery:

  • Emotional Processing: Clients can express complex emotions, such as grief or anger, that may be challenging to articulate in words.
  • Stress Relief: Engaging in creative activities reduces stress and promotes relaxation.
  • Self-Discovery: Art and music therapy provide a safe space for exploring personal identity, beliefs, and experiences, encouraging clients to rediscover joy and passion.

Outdoor Recreational Activities: Healing in Nature

At Aristo Behavioral Health, we are fortunate to be surrounded by the natural beauty of Puget Sound, which provides the perfect backdrop for our outdoor recreational activities. Engaging with nature is an essential part of holistic healing, offering clients a way to reconnect with the world around them while supporting their mental and physical well-being.

Outdoor Activities Offered:

  • Hiking: The trails around Puget Sound offer a peaceful escape into nature, encouraging mindfulness and physical activity.
  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Exploring the serene waters of Puget Sound helps clients build confidence while enjoying the calming effects of water.
  • Beachcombing and Wildlife Watching: These activities promote a sense of wonder and relaxation, helping clients stay present in the moment and reduce stress.

The Benefits of Nature in Recovery:

Research has shown that spending time in nature reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Additionally, outdoor activities provide clients with a break from the intensity of treatment, allowing them to experience the simple joys of life while building a foundation for long-term well-being.

Process Groups 

After participating in holistic therapies, clients at Aristo Behavioral Health engage in process groups, where they can reflect on the emotions and experiences that surfaced during their activities. These groups offer a structured environment for sharing, helping clients process difficult feelings while gaining insights from their peers. Led by experienced therapists, these sessions help clients integrate their holistic therapy experiences into their overall recovery.

Why Process Groups Matter:

  • Emotional Integration: Process groups provide an opportunity to explore emotions that arise during holistic therapies, allowing for deeper healing.
  • Peer Support: Sharing experiences in a group setting fosters connection and empathy, reducing feelings of isolation.
  • Therapeutic Reflection: Clients gain a better understanding of how their holistic therapy experiences contribute to their personal growth and recovery.

Begin Your Holistic Healing

Our holistic therapies empower clients to reconnect with their inner selves and the world around them. Learn more about how the holistic approach of our inpatient mental health facility.