The Top 7 Types of Therapy You’ve Never Heard About

The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.

These days, there are so many types of therapies available to try out. You can find more than six types of therapies that just specialize in trauma, for example. You can try group therapy, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and more! There are so many ways to find healing for any type of mental health concern or stress.

There are also many therapies that aren’t so mainstream, which we’ll discuss today. If you’re interested in the rare types of mental health treatments out there, here’s a list of the top six you should know about.

Horse Therapy

Did you know you can get therapy from horses? No? Now you do! Horse therapy, also known as “equine therapy,” is a type of therapy focusing on caring for and riding horses. Caring for any animal can be therapeutic, but many treatment centers utilize horse therapy due to the temperament and nature of horses.

Horses are calm, gentle, and sensitive to human emotion. Being able to befriend a horse, clean him, ride on his back, and care for his needs can help you:

Feel empathy
Exercise
Feel like you have a purpose
Smile and laugh
Have fun
Learn a new skill
Make a horse friend

You can also do horse therapy alongside an equine therapist or regular mental health therapist. Some treatment centers for children and adolescents also offer this option. Find out of there is an equine therapy center near you by doing a quick internet search.

Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy is a unique type of therapy that helps a client rewrite their own “narrative.” It is focused on creating a positive self-story, in which the client can be whoever they want to be and need to be to protect themselves, learn new skills, and learn self-love.

For clients who struggle with self-image, this type of therapy can be so healing. Some types of narrative therapy will have you write a story in which you are the main character, and you control your life, personality traits, and goals in the story.

You can utilize this therapy to apply those traits and goals to your real life, as well.

Hypnosis

You may have heard of hypnosis before, but did you know that it is available as a mental health treatment? Hypnosis is helpful in finding and treating hidden memories, especially in cases of trauma. However, you should exercise caution when seeing a hypnotherapist. Make sure the therapist is licensed and experienced in mental health conditions.

During hypnotherapy, you will experience hypnosis techniques and will be professionally guided into a hypnotic state by the therapist. You should drink a lot of water before arriving and let the therapist know if you need to stop the session at any time.

Primal Therapy

Primal therapy is characterized by “giving in to” primal urges in your day-to-day life to cure your inner child. These urges can include:

Screaming in the woods
Bawling on the floor
Breaking things (in a safe and controlled environment)
Going for a brisk run through a field
Swimming nude in a lake or river (in a safe and secluded environment)
Eating a primal diet (paleo diet)

A therapist who specializes in this type of therapy will give you exercises to practice on your own or within the office. You may see aspects of primal therapy in other types of therapy. For example, there are some grief therapists who set up “anger rooms” where you can punch a punching bag or break something in a safe environment.

Water Therapy

Water therapy works best for those who feel safe in the water. It involves being submerged in water during meditation. You will often do this on your own time, not with another person. Swimming is another form of water therapy, and it can offer exercise for your body, which is good for you as well.

Wilderness Therapy

Wilderness therapy should only be done voluntarily, as it can be difficult for your body and mind if you are forced into it.

Wilderness therapy often occurs as an excursion in a group. You will sign up to go out in the woods for a certain number of days with a therapist and other people in your group. You will learn skills such as:

Camping
Wildlife survival
Hunting (in some cases)
Fishing
Crafting
Tracking
And much more!

You can learn a lot from being out in the wilderness. However, it can be terrifying and difficult for someone who is not prepared. Be sure to get a good rundown of what you’ll be doing before you partake in this therapy type. Make sure there’s a way for you to opt-out or go home in the middle of the excursion if you need to do so.

IV-Infusion Therapy

For those who like mixing physical health with mental health, IV infusion therapy is one way to do so. It often involves going to an IV-treatment center where you will be equipped with an IV in your vein. The doctor on staff will administer saline and vitamins to help you feel refreshed. This concoction often includes Vitamin D and B, as well as Vitamin C. However, you can tailor it to your needs.

Before going to an IV infusion center, make sure the therapist on staff is a licensed medical professional. You should also speak to your primary care physician to make sure the therapy will work for you. You’ll likely need a blood panel to be done to check your vitamin levels before the treatment.

Why Consider an Alternative Therapy?

Alternative therapies are a great way to learn more about yourself and the world in a unique environment. Although not all of the therapies are traditional mental health therapies, they can be utilized to help you heal from distressing symptoms of mental health conditions or happenings in your life.

As with any treatment, consult with your primary care doctor or regular therapist before trying one. Some treatments may cause adverse effects in certain patients, so it’s best to get a professional’s advice before starting.