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Ecopsychology: Healing Your Mind With Nature 

“Nature is not only nice to have, but it’s a have-to-have for physical health and cognitive functioning1.” Spending time outdoors is vital for personal well-being. Ecopsychology seeks to not only reap these benefits but expand them to use the natural world for mental health recovery.

What Is Ecopsychology?

Ecopsychology explores humans’ relationship with the natural world. It examines how nature and the human psyche are interconnected and how this relationship can impact physical, mental, and emotional health.

Humans are fundamentally connected to nature. We evolved in and adapted to natural environments. When we spend time in nature, we can experience a number of positive benefits, such as reduced stress, improved mood, increased creativity, and enhanced problem-solving skills. When we are disconnected from nature, we can experience stress, depression, and loneliness.

Ecopsychologists, such as Renee Baribeau3, seek to understand and use this connection to reconnect with nature that is meaningful and beneficial to our lives. They put these ideas into action, specifically in mental health and addiction recovery, to nourish the mind, body, and spirit.

Theodore Roszak created 8 guiding principles that ecopsychologists follow4:

  1. We all should access and feed our ecological unconscious, or core human identity.
  2. Our ecological unconscious is intrinsically tied to the natural world. We come into this world with a connection to nature.
  3. Ecopsychology helps people recover by using the outdoors as a source of healing and rejuvenation for the human psyche.
  4. Ecopsychology seeks to create more environmental awareness and a sense of wonder for the natural world.
  5. It also promotes taking responsibility for maintaining nature.
  6. We can see nature as an equal, not something to dominate.
  7. Ecopsychology emphasizes personal empowerment. It views us as an interconnected entity but does not support mass consumption/large-scale domination.
  8. There is a synergistic interplay between humans and nature, “the needs of the planet are the needs of the person, and the rights of the person are the rights of the planet.”

Using these principles, ecopsychology heals the person and the planet. In a recovery setting, ecopsychology encourages patients to focus on their interconnectedness with the natural world to help them rediscover their true selves. 

Ecopsychology in Practice: Nature Therapy and Wilderness Immersion

Nature therapy is a core element of ecopsychology. It’s a therapeutic approach involving time in nature to promote healing and personal growth. This can look like outdoor individual counseling, group therapy, or workshops. Sometimes, therapists incorporate elements like animal therapy or horticulture therapy. 

Some providers prioritize natural healing by incorporating wilderness immersion. During these programs, you spend an extended period of time in natural, often remote, settings. These immersive experiences provide an opportunity to disconnect from the modern world, reflect on life, and deeply reconnect with nature. You may participate in adventure therapies such as rock climbing or hiking.

Both approaches utilize experiential learning. The therapist or group leader will use natural elements to emphasize specific lessons within therapy, such as self-reflection, resilience, and mindfulness. They may introduce therapeutic interventions complimenting the outdoors, such as nature meditation and art therapy. Nature therapy leverages the calming and restorative qualities of natural environments to address issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Ecopsychology Benefits for Mental Health

Incorporating ecopsychology into your treatment plan provides an opportunity to heal in ways that traditional therapy may not offer. Studies show that nature therapy can improve attention, lower stress, and enhance mood5, which can relieve symptoms of certain mental health conditions. For example, spending time outdoors can decrease anxiety and depression symptoms6. 

Nature can also improve immune system functioning7 and enhance sleep due to natural light, vitamin D exposure8, and physical activity. Good health is vital for a successful recovery.

Building Eco-Connection

Eco-connection refers to the deep and inherent relationship between human beings and the natural world9 and is a fundamental concept in ecopsychology. This concept highlights that humans are not separate from nature; instead, they are intrinsically connected to and dependent on the natural world.

Ecopsychology practices eco-connection by using the human:nature relationship to not only help people but also to benefit the environment. In recovery, you may participate in horticulture therapy, which has psychological benefits and replenishes and maintains the earth. 

Strengthening your bond with the planet can improve your well-being, and it’s easier to do than you may think. Simply taking a mindful nature walk, nature journaling plants and animals you see, outdoor yoga, and nature photography can all help you feel closer to the earth. As you bolster this relationship, you may find it easier to benefit from ecopsychology in your recovery. 

Ecopsychology and Climate Change

Ecopsychology provides a therapeutic framework to help patients cope with anxiety about environmental challenges, sometimes called eco-grief. With the scale of ecological and climate crises, it’s normal to feel uneasy about the path our planet is on; however, ecopsychology can help you address these emotions and find ways to manage them. 

Ecopsychology validates eco-grief and encourages being mindful in your relationship with the natural world (how do you treat Earth?). Moreso, it emphasizes power in numbers. Ecopsychology believes that relying on social systems to process these feelings and enact change10 is one of the best ways to ease anxiety. You may be more likely to problem-solve ways you can make a difference when you have the support of others. 

For example, you could educate yourself on climate change and raise awareness for various issues, such as deforestation. Doing so can help you feel more in control of your future and aligned with the planet. 

Future of Ecopsychology

As society begins to see the importance of human connection to nature, and the climate crisis, ecopsychology will continue to make a lasting impact. Moving forward, there may be more specific ecopsychology practices and nature wellness programs put into place—for mental health recovery and general health and well-being. 

More research is needed to incorporate these principles into mainstream healthcare; however, programs and people are seeing the benefits. If you’re curious about your eco-connection and programs that focus on ecopsychology, talk to your doctor or a nature therapist. You may find that this approach can have a lasting impact on your recovery and life. 

How to Talk to Your Provider

If you’re interested in adding nature therapy or wilderness immersion into your recovery, reach out to your primary care physician. You can talk to them about what you’re hoping to gain from these therapies, and they can help you find an appropriate nature therapy provider that fits your needs. Once you meet with the provider, consider asking these questions to see if this approach is a fit for your recovery:

  1. What specific nature-based practices or interventions do you offer?
  2. Do my recovery goals align with the benefits of nature therapy/wilderness immersion? 
  3. What can I expect during a typical nature therapy session?
  4. How will you evaluate my progress and adjust the therapy plan if needed?
  5. Is insurance coverage available for nature therapy, or will it be an out-of-pocket expense?
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Overcoming Addiction with Biblical Faith: Embracing God’s Guidance and Support

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Disclaimer: Healing from addiction can be an incredibly spiritual experience. There are a variety of resources available to help individuals on their journey to recovery, each of which may be used in a unique and personalized way. Everyone’s path to sobriety and healing is different, and the following provides just one perspective.

God has the power to rescue you from addiction. As Corinthians 10:13 reads ““No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

You might see Him working through talented counselors, therapists, and doctors, or a divine intervention (miracle!). In any case, you don’t have to walk the journey alone. You can use this knowledge to bolster your faith and your recovery efforts. But you need to know where to start.

You and your care team may decide on going to rehab. You can go to a Christian rehab to receive faith and science-backed recovery opportunities. 

Understanding Addiction

Addiction is a complex disease that could affect anyone, regardless of their background, religion, economic status, or gender. Addiction can even change the way your brain works1. That’s why stopping can feel like such a monumental feat—even with God at your side.

Stopping substance use can also make you sick, which may only reinforce your need for more drugs, alcohol, or medications. Depending on your unique situation, you may need to detox in a medical facility (or a residential rehab with detox) for your safety. Here, doctors monitor your symptoms and can prescribe comfort medications for withdrawal symptoms. 

Process addictions impact your brain2 in the same way, too. Though you won’t get physical withdrawal if you stop watching porn or spending too much money, it can cause a lot of emotional distress and grief. As with substance addictions, behavioral addictions can also separate you from your family, loved ones, and God.

Addiction affects your mind, body, and spirit. That’s why treatment must, in turn, reach your mind, body, and spirit. For some, the spiritual component can feel crucial. 

The Role of Faith And Spirituality in Recovery

If you’re a believer, incorporating your faith into recovery could be the key for your success. Connecting to God and learning more about who you are in Him can give you the encouragement, hope, and strength to recover.

Finding Unwavering Faith

With God’s help, you can grow your faith as you rely on Him for delivery. As with all trials of this world, including addiction, God promises to see us through. Sometimes, you won’t be able to go back to the life you lived before addiction. But that’s okay. A new start might be exactly what God intends. 

Holding fast to truths like this can offer encouragement. God doesn’t promise an easy life. He also doesn’t promise to answer prayers. But He does promise to work all things for your good. Look at these verses:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

These promises can strengthen your faith—whether you’ve just started your recovery journey or have years of sobriety under your belt.

Leaning on God’s Strength

Limitless strength through God can help you throughout your recovery journey. It’s not always easy to feel strong, though. Especially if you’ve relapsed—again or for the first time—or unintentionally hurt someone you love because of your addiction. In these difficult moments, you can look back at God’s word (and your own life) to see examples of His strength and mercy. 

And remember, your strength doesn’t have to come from you. So, part of your recovery journey could include admitting you need help. Then, you can ask God for strength and take comfort in sharing your yolk with someone who can endlessly bear it. 

Many verses from the Bible3 talk about strength—it’s something we’ve needed for decades. Here’s one from Philippians:

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4: 12-13

And from Isaiah,

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” Isaiah 40:29

Alone, these verses and truths may not help you much. True change and joy often takes prayer, meditation on these truths, and voicing your struggles to others.

Seeking Divine Intervention And Guidance

Your first step in seeking God may already sit on your shelf: your Bible. But having one doesn’t mean you’ll automatically know how to find the passages you need—it’s a big book! So, you can connect with a member of your church, your pastor, an elder, or a Biblical counselor to help you use your Bible well.
You can also use Bible studies on addiction and recovery. YouVersion has dozens of free Bible studies on a variety of addictions, including pornography.

addiction bible reading plans

Many Christian authors have also covered the topic of addiction and recovery. Redemption House lists books about addiction, shame, recovery, and how you can rediscover hope. 

You can listen to resources on addiction, too. Plenty of podcasts discuss addiction in Christians, how they’ve healed, and their own personal stories with recovery. You can see a non-exhaustive list here. 

Finding Support in Religious Communities

Your church might have resources and advice for addiction recovery. You can also ask your pastor, elders, or someone else on your church’s team for advice and direction. Even if they don’t know how to help you right away, you at least won’t be alone as you look. 

You can also use the internet to find faith-based support groups. Celebrate Recovery has peer support meetings available around the world. Some 12-Step meetings identify God as the Higher Power mentioned in the Steps—or, you can make God your Higher Power. You decide which direction to go. Here’s a few other steps you can take:

  • Reach out to religious leaders in your local area. They can provide advice and support or connect you with people in the community who can.
  • Attend religious services or events at local places of worship. This can be a great way to meet people and make connections.
  • Join an online forum or chatroom related to your religion. Here, you can find support from people who have similar beliefs.
  • Use services offered by your local church or other religious organizations. These may include counseling, support groups, or other resources that can provide support.
  • Research organizations or charities that focus on providing spiritual support. These may offer programs, events, or other services that can provide support.

Developing a Spiritual Practice

You can create your own spiritual practice of recovery through Bible studies, prayers, and meditation. Try crafting one or more prayers for your recovery journey, either alone or with someone who can offer guidance. 

For example, you might come up with a prayer to combat the flashbacks that once prompted you to drink. Rather than forcing down the thought or feeling, you redirect it into a prayer to God. And if you’ve told people about your struggles, you can text or call them and have them start praying for you, too. Here’s some other examples:

  • Start your day with prayer: Take a few moments each morning to thank God for the gift of a new day and ask for His guidance throughout the day.
  • Read the Bible: Spend some time each day reading the Bible. You can work through a Bible study, go chronologically, or pick a book in the Bible to dissect and apply to your life.  
  • Memorize scripture: Commit one or 2 Bible verses to memory each day, or choose a life verse for your recovery journey and memorize it. 
  • Journal: Take some time to write down your thoughts and reflections on your spiritual journey.
  • Attend church: Make it a priority to attend church services regularly and participate in church activities, like small groups and Bible studies.
  • Practice acts of service: Take time to practice acts of service to others, such as volunteering in your community or helping a friend in need.
  • Reflect on how you can live out your faith: Spend some time each day reflecting on how you can live out your faith in your daily life.
  • Spend time in nature: Take time to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation.
  • Give thanks: Take some time each day to thank God for all his blessings.

Connect With Others

You can also start going to small groups at your church. These connect you to others at your church and may provide a space that feels safe to share. And, going to these groups keeps you continually connected to God’s Word, your church, and your hope in Christ.

Serving can keep you busy and productive, all while helping others. Your church likely has plenty of volunteer opportunities available, either within your church (like nursery, coffee, and decorating) or with outside organizations, like college ministries.  

But sometimes, you need more than the help of your church and the people in it. And while prayer, Bible study, and meditation can strengthen and sustain your recovery, you may need professional help to heal efficiently.

Integrating Professional Help And Treatment

Faith-based and evidence-based treatments can, and do, mix. You don’t have to sacrifice either one to see results. 

Many, if not all, therapists and counselors accept and welcome people of all religions and backgrounds. They’ll respect your preferences and beliefs, even if it means you don’t always agree with their counsel. Working with a licensed therapist connects you to evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed therapies. 

These therapies can change the thoughts leading to addiction, strengthen your morale, and give you added hope in a dark time. 

Medical Treatment for Addiction

Withdrawing from substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines present significant detox dangers. That’s why it’s usually best to detox in a medical facility or a residential rehab with detox. The doctors and other professionals there may prescribe medications to help with your withdrawal symptoms and keep you safe.

A multidisciplinary treatment team can help you find, and keep, your recovery. Your faith will only bolster it. 

Discover Your Hope Everlasting

Your addiction likely won’t go away after a prayer or 2—if it did, recovery wouldn’t be a life-long journey. But keeping your eyes on God, meditating on His promises, connecting with others in your faith, and seeking professional help can all make your recovery journey fruitful. 
You can browse our collection of faith-based Christian rehabs to see photos, pricing, reviews, and more.

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Growing Past Addiction With Horticulture Therapy

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Gardening can be more than a relaxing pastime. It also has clear mental health benefits—and it even supports addiction recovery. Rehabs with horticultural therapy help patients get grounded, literally. This treatment can inspire an appreciation for nature, give you a new hobby, and help you get to know yourself again. 

What Is Horticultural Therapy (HT)?

In horticultural therapy, a therapist guides you through nature-based activities.1 That could mean gardening, weeding, or just spending time outside. You might even learn how to cook the food you grow.

Horticultural therapy looks different for everyone. In some programs, you’ll tend to a small window box of herbs. Others, like Mountainside Treatment Center, have more outdoor space for clients to explore. 

mountainside treatment center campus
Mountainside Treatment Center in Cannan, Connecticut has plenty of outdoor space for clients to explore.

What to Expect in HT, Whether Your Garden’s Big or Small

Specially trained therapists facilitate HT2 in rehab. You might see them one on one, or meet with a group of your peers. Treatment takes place in a natural setting, like a greenhouse, outdoor garden, or vegetable patch. In any of these places, you’ll learn about gardening and what different plants need to survive. Then, you’ll put it into practice. 

Like most complementary therapies, HT also invites you to process your feelings. You might talk while you’re watering, or check in after you finish weeding for the day. Specifically, gardening teaches patients to be mindful.3 This skill is hugely important during addiction recovery.

How Can Gardening Help With Addiction?

Plants don’t judge you.4 They don’t know if you have an addiction or any other diagnosis. The way you treat them is the only thing that matters. And what’s more, they depend on you for care. You’ll learn how to show up for them every day, doing your best even if you feel your worst. And that skill can help you commit to every phase of addiction recovery. 

Experts at Enlightened Solutions, a rehab focused on sustainability, believe that gardening echoes the cycle of recovery.5 They explain:

“This lesson that all things must grow, live, perish, and in turn be put back into the land is a part of our holistic outlook on recovery and living.” 

In their program, gardening becomes a metaphor for your personal growth. The act of starting rehab can be a challenge, even before you begin treatment. HT reminds patients that letting go of the past is empowering. And what comes next can be beautiful.

enlightened solutions garden
Enlightened Solutions in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey shows clients how gardening echoes the cycles of recovery.

The Benefits of HT in Rehab

Rehabs around the world use horticultural therapy to treat mental health issues, including addiction. And even after treatment, the benefits of gardening can support your ongoing recovery. 

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

Horticultural therapy helps people heal from more than one diagnosis at a time. If you’re recovering from addiction and a co-occurring disorder, this treatment might be a great fit. Gardening is especially helpful for patients with certain mental health issues,6 like depression and anxiety. 

Stress Relief

Stress raises your risk of addiction.7 So throughout recovery, it’s important to engage in calming activities. And data shows that horticultural therapy relieves stress.8 Having regular access to plants—either indoors or outdoors—can greatly improve your mental health.

summit malibu campus
Summit Malibu in California teaches clients how to cook with veggies they harvest themselves.

Nutrition

Scientists believe that growing the food you eat may have physical health benefits.9 And in rehabs like Summit Malibu, it’s easy to see why. After coming in from the garden, patients here learn how to cook with their own harvest. This process can help you reconnect to your own body, and find joy in healthy hobbies. It can also teach you about the importance of nutrition during recovery. 

“Everything you do in the garden is an act of love.”

Gardening lets patients connect to nature. Every day you can see, feel, and even taste your own impact on the world around you. At rehabs like Mountainside Treatment Center, that perspective is crucial. Sheree Surdam, overseer of their horticultural therapy program,10 explains why.

Gardening gives “people a sense of purpose and stewardship over the natural world,” she says. “Everything you do in the garden is an act of love.”

Root Yourself in Recovery

A healthy plant is tangible. When you smell a rose you grew, you’re breathing in joy of your own hard work. And by learning to nurture your garden, you can learn to nurture yourself. 


Compare rehabs with horticultural therapy to find the right program for you.

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4 Alternative Therapies for Trauma

Healing from trauma is complicated, and nonlinear. Symptoms can last for years after you get to safety—and they can change over time. What comforts you on a Monday may be triggering on Tuesday. It can be frustrating to feel like you’re not healing fast enough, even when you’re actively trying to get better.

That frustration can be valuable, if you let it motivate you. Healing is, in part, the process of getting to know yourself again. And in rehab for trauma, you can achieve that in any number of ways. You might even experiment with different forms of treatment, until you find the ones that work best for you. These non-traditional therapies can be powerful components of your recovery.

Somatic Healing

Emotional trauma impacts physical health.1 Research even links childhood trauma to heart disease in adults. As a result, experts believe that body-based therapies can support emotional recovery from trauma.2 One study reported that these treatments are “more effective for trauma than currently used cognitive (‘top-down”) and exposure therapies.”

Somatic therapies—or body-based therapies—focus on the mind-body connection. Treatments help you address the trauma stored in both your brain and your body, at the same time.

Bodywork

Studies show that receiving safe, healthy touch can help you process traumatic experiences.3 For example, massage and other types of bodywork may help people heal from the emotional impact of sexual assault.

Trauma and Tension Release Exercises (TRE)

These exercises help patients let go of physical and emotional tension. During a session, you’ll shake your body in a safe, gentle way. Experts say that TRE mimics the natural feeling of shaking in response to trauma.4 And that sensation can “relieve tension, reduce hypervigilance” and increase feelings of well-being. If you’d like to try TRE, make sure you learn it from a trained practitioner. Once you’re comfortable with the exercises, you can also use them as a type of self-care.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Also called tapping, EFT teaches patients to tap on acupressure points5 to relieve stress. Studies show that emotional freedom technique relieves trauma symptoms,6 sometimes completely. EFT can also treat clinical depression and anxiety. 7

Mindfulness-Based Treatments

Mindfulness helps with emotion regulation,8 which is a common issue for trauma survivors. This umbrella term refers to a variety of techniques. Some rehabs offer yoga classes, and others teach you how to meditate. But this approach isn’t right for everyone.

If you have a history of trauma, mindfulness can be triggering. As psychotherapist and trauma researcher David A. Treleaven writes, some patients find “meditation can actually end up exacerbating symptoms of traumatic stress.”9 Researchers caution that mindfulness techniques can “destabilize clients who are particularly prone to flashbacks,10 rumination, or easily triggered trauma memories.”

What works for you might trigger someone else. If you’d like to try healing through mindfulness, make sure to get professional support. These techniques aren’t right for everyone, but some patients find them extremely helpful.

Meditation

Data supports meditation as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).11 This spiritual practice also has physical health benefits.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

According to experts in mindfulness at Brown University, MBCT “combines training in mindfulness meditation practices with principles from cognitive therapy.”12 Whether you attend 1:1 or group sessions of MBCT,13 your therapist will guide you through meditations and cognitive exercises. You may also have homework between sessions. MBCT can treat the symptoms of PTSD.10

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

In many ways, this therapy is similar to MBCT. For example, you’ll likely go through treatment with a group. But instead of using cognitive therapy, patients learn a wider variety of mindfulness techniques. After about 6 weeks of MBSR, patients go on a brief meditation retreat.14 Experts agree that these mindfulness exercises can relieve trauma symptoms.15

Non-Traditional Talk Therapy

Mindfulness teaches you to focus on the present moment. Other treatments help you understand the past. In some types of talk therapy, patients learn to live with traumatic events. You might describe or even re-experience your most difficult memories. The goal is not to trigger you, but to help you process what happened.

Psychodynamic Therapy

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “psychodynamic therapy focuses on the psychological roots of emotional suffering.”16 Patients work closely with a therapist to get to the root of their symptoms. Short-term psychodynamic therapy17 includes a finite number of 1:1 sessions. Some therapists recommend a much longer treatment program. In that case, you’ll spend the first few sessions free associating, as your therapist gets to know you. Psychodynamic therapy can help with PTSD18 and related conditions, including addiction.

Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)

By telling your story, you can take control of it. During NET, patients tell the stories of their lives.19 You’ll focus on traumatic memories, and also talk about some positive ones. Your therapist guides you to re-experience painful emotions, but stay in touch with the present moment.

Inner Child Work

This treatment is just what it sounds like—recognizing that a version of your younger self lives on within you. There are countless ways to connect with your inner child.20 For example, you could write them a letter. You can also meditate, picture their face, and start a conversation. It can be especially helpful to ask them simple questions, like “how do you feel?” or “what do you need to feel safe?” This work can bring up repressed feelings and even memories. If you’re new to recovery, it’s best to embark on inner child work with a guide, like a therapist or other professional.

Creative Therapies

Talk therapy can be central to recovery. But it’s not the only way to heal. Creative pursuits help patients unlock deeper emotions and repressed memories. They can also help you release physical, emotional, and even spiritual pain. These therapies empower you to express yourself, working through trauma in the process.

Art Therapy

In art therapy, you’ll create visual art as a way of connecting with your feelings. Sessions may take place 1:1 or in a group setting. By sharing your creations with other people—including your therapist—you practice self-expression. If you enjoy making art, this can become a healthy coping mechanism in the long term. Art can also help you externalize traumatic memories,21 making it easier to live with them.

Music Therapy

Music therapy can alleviate many symptoms of PTSD.22 According to experts, it’s especially helpful for addressing “negative affect and mood alterations.” Because it has such an emotional impact, listening to or playing music may help you regulate your feelings. It can even help outside of therapy sessions. For example, listening to a happy song might help you calm down after being triggered.

Dance Movement Therapy

Experts write that dance therapy “enhances resilience” in trauma survivors.23 There are several reasons for this. For example, dance helps people feel whole by including the body in the process of emotional recovery. As a result, it may reduce dissociative symptoms for people with PTSD. Dance can also build up your confidence. This encourages patients to find joy in the process of healing.

Trauma Recovery on Your Own Terms

Living through trauma changes you. You probably won’t ever return to who you were before. But there’s always a way forward. Recovery is the process of finding the path that works best for you, and takes you exactly where you need to go. With the right kind of treatment, you can build a life you love. And you get to decide what that means.

Find out more about what happens in rehab for trauma recovery, including types of therapy, lengths of stay, housing, and pricing.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

  1. Ho, G. W. K., Karatzias, T., Vallières, F., Bondjers, K., Shevlin, M., Cloitre, M., Ben-Ezra, M., Bisson, J. I., Roberts, N. P., Astill Wright, L., & Hyland, P. (2021). Complex PTSD symptoms mediate the association between childhood trauma and physical health problems. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 142, 110358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110358 [↩]
  2. Grabbe, L., & Miller-Karas, E. (2018). The trauma resiliency model: A “bottom-up” intervention for trauma psychotherapy. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 24(1), 76–84. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390317745133 [↩]
  3. Strauss, J., & Lang, A. (2012). Complementary and alternative treatments for ptsd. PTSD Research Quarterly, 23(2), 2–7. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/publications/rq_docs/v23n2.pdf [↩]
  4. Case report of a former soldier using tre (Tension/trauma releasing exercises) for posttraumatic stress disorder self-care. (n.d.). JMVH. Retrieved from https://jmvh.org/article/case-report-of-a-former-soldier-using-tre-tension-trauma-releasing-exercises-for-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-self-care/ [↩]
  5. Flint, G. A., Lammers, W., & Mitnick, D. G. (2006). Emotional freedom techniques. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 12(1–2), 125–150. https://doi.org/10.1300/J146v12n01_07 [↩]
  6. Church, D., Hawk, C., Brooks, A., Toukolehto, O., Wren, M., Dinter, I., & Stein, P. (2013). Psychological Trauma Symptom Improvement in Veterans Using Emotional Freedom Techniques. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 201(2), 153–160. https://doi.org/10.1097/NMD.0b013e31827f6351 [↩]
  7. Bach, D., Groesbeck, G., Stapleton, P., Sims, R., Blickheuser, K., & Church, D. (2019). Clinical eft (Emotional freedom techniques) improves multiple physiological markers of health. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 24, 2515690X18823691. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X18823691 [↩]
  8. Lee, M. Y., Eads, R., & Hoffman, J. (2022). “I felt it and i let it go”: Perspectives on meditation and emotional regulation among female survivors of interpersonal trauma with co-occurring disorders. Journal of Family Violence, 37(4), 629–641. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-021-00329-7 [↩]
  9. SoP. (2018, January 28). Is mindfulness safe for trauma survivors? The Science of Psychotherapy. https://www.thescienceofpsychotherapy.com/is-mindfulness-safe-for-trauma-survivors/ [↩]
  10. Boyd, J. E., Lanius, R. A., & McKinnon, M. C. (2018). Mindfulness-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: A review of the treatment literature and neurobiological evidence. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience : JPN, 43(1), 7–25. https://doi.org/10.1503/jpn.170021
    [↩] [↩]
  11. Talkovsky, A., & Lang, A. (2017). Meditation-based approaches in the treatment of ptsd. PTSD Research Quarterly, 28(2), 2–10. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/publications/rq_docs/V28N2.pdf
    [↩]
  12. What is mindfulness based cognitive therapy? | mindfulness center | brown university. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.brown.edu/public-health/mindfulness/ideas/what-mindfulness-based-cognitive-therapy [↩]
  13. Schroevers, M. J., Tovote, K. A., Snippe, E., & Fleer, J. (2016). Group and individual mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (Mbct) are both effective: A pilot randomized controlled trial in depressed people with a somatic disease. Mindfulness, 7(6), 1339–1346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-016-0575-z [↩]
  14. Boyd, J. E., Lanius, R. A., & McKinnon, M. C. (2018). Mindfulness-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: A review of the treatment literature and neurobiological evidence. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience : JPN, 43(1), 7–25. https://doi.org/10.1503/jpn.170021 [↩]
  15. Khatib, L., Riegner, G., Dean, J. G., Oliva, V., Cruanes, G., Mulligan, B. A., & Zeidan, F. (2022). The effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on trauma in victims of gun violence: A pilot study. Mindfulness, 13(4), 1032–1041. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01858-yfOctober [↩]
  16. Psychodynamic psychotherapy brings lasting benefits through self-knowledge. (n.d.). Https://Www.Apa.Org. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2010/01/psychodynamic-therapy [↩]
  17. Chapter 7—Brief psychodynamic therapy. (1999). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64952/ [↩]
  18. Schottenbauer, M. A., Glass, C. R., Arnkoff, D. B., & Gray, S. H. (2008). Contributions of psychodynamic approaches to treatment of PTSD and trauma: a review of the empirical treatment and psychopathology literature. Psychiatry, 71(1), 13–34. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.456.4171&rep=rep1&type=pdf [↩]
  19. Narrative exposure therapy(Net). (n.d.). Https://Www.Apa.Org. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/narrative-exposure-therapy [↩]
  20. Healing trauma through inner child work | cptsdfoundation. Org. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://cptsdfoundation.org/2020/07/20/healing-trauma-through-inner-child-work/ [↩]
  21. Campbell, M., Decker, K. P., Kruk, K., & Deaver, S. P. (2016). Art therapy and cognitive processing therapy for combat-related ptsd: A randomized controlled trial. Art Therapy : Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 33(4), 169–177. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2016.1226643 [↩]
  22. Landis-Shack, N., Heinz, A. J., & Bonn-Miller, M. O. (2017). Music therapy for posttraumatic stress in adults: A theoretical review. Psychomusicology, 27(4), 334–342. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5744879/ [↩]
  23. Martinec, R. (2018). Dance movement therapy in the wider concept of trauma rehabilitation. Journal of Trauma and Rehabilitation. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327418865_Dance_Movement_Therapy_in_the_Wider_Concept_of_Trauma_Rehabilitation [↩]
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Naturopathic Medicine for Addiction Recovery

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Naturopathy is a type of medicine based on the idea that the body can heal itself. Instead of just treating your symptoms, naturopaths teach you healthy, sustainable habits. For example, you might alter your diet, take supplements, or start working out. And over time, these gentle changes support your body’s natural impulse to be well. 

A naturopath’s job is to identify the obstacles to your health, and help you move past them. And in a rehab with naturopathic treatments, this can be an important part of addiction recovery. 

What Is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is sometimes called an alternative medicine.1 According to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians,2 these specialists are versed in “certain areas of study not covered in conventional medical school. At the same time, aspiring naturopathic doctors receive training in the same biomedical and diagnostic sciences as MDs.” Naturopaths with the right training can even work as primary care providers. 

By law, naturopaths are licensed differently in various locations.3 In the U.S., for instance, insurance only covers this type of treatment in certain states. If you want to try naturopathy, talk to your rehab, and your insurance provider, about your options. 

Treating Addiction With Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a clearly established practice, and not an umbrella term. Many rehabs combine this approach with complementary holistic treatments, like energy healing. And yes, these activities can be part of a naturopathic treatment plan. But you won’t always receive them from the same provider. 

Some rehabs take a naturopathic approach to every aspect of addiction recovery. Others combine naturopathy with more traditional therapies. Either way, most naturopathic doctors4 use similar techniques to help you start healing. 

Nutrition

Most naturopaths will assess your dietary habits, and may suggest changes. This can have a major impact on addiction recovery. Many drugs damage your digestive health.5 And every drug has unique effects. Your personal history will inform your course of treatment. A naturopath might recommend that you take supplements, or cut out certain foods.

Some facilities, like Maison Ila, may even suggest intermittent fasting. At this treatment center, you’ll consult with a naturopath to learn about nutrition. Your bespoke meal plan will then be based on their suggestions. Every menu includes local and seasonal ingredients, sourced from the lush French countryside. 

Ila Maison bedroom
Treatment at Maison Ila in France is tailored to each guest, including bespoke meal plans.

Hawaii Naturopathic Retreat also has a strong focus on nutrition. Clients may try one of several dietary plans, like therapeutic fasting, or a raw food diet. They also offer sugar-free and salt-free options. Each plan is “anti-inflammatory, high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.”6 The goal is to detoxify the body not only from drugs, but also from harmful chemicals. 

Naturopathic Medications

In many areas, licensed naturopaths can prescribe controlled substances.7 So in some programs, your naturopath may treat you using medication. And you might end up taking a well-known Western medication—or you might not. 

Naturopathic doctors can also prescribe botanical medicines to treat addiction.8 For example, some naturopaths use kratom, an herbal painkiller, for patients with opioid use disorder. Others, like the team at The Hermitage Centre, use naturopathy during initial detox. 

The Hermitage Centre patio
Detox regimens are highly-personalized at The Hermitage Centre in Gold Coast, Australia.

Homeopathy

Although it’s a distinct type of treatment, homeopathy is often used by naturopathic doctors.9 And in some ways, it’s very similar to botanical medicine. Homeopathic remedies10 are very small—sometimes microscopic—doses of natural plant extracts. These treatments are usually delivered in pill form. 

While some studies show that homeopathy can treat addiction,11 more research is needed. But if you’re curious about this approach, a naturopath can answer your questions. Rehabs like Le Center for Health and Wellness recommend homeopathy during rehab—but only with close supervision. 

IV Drip Therapy

Pills aren’t the only way to ingest medication. In some areas, naturopaths can legally prescribe IV drip therapy.12 In this controversial method, clients receive vitamins, minerals, and nutrients intravenously. Supporters say IV drip therapy can treat addiction and other mental health issues. But many disagree. 

Ather Ali, a doctor of naturopathic medicine and health researcher at the Yale School of Medicine, falls squarely in the middle. According to his research, IV therapy is a placebo.13 But it’s often an effective one. And “when your child falls down and scrapes their knee, you give them a kiss,” he told NPR. “There’s value in that.”

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy14 can refer to most hands-on healing modalities. Massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, and some physical therapy techniques fall into this category. If they have the right training, your naturopath might offer these treatments during rehab. Or, they might refer you to another specialist for complementary therapy. 

At The River Source, in Arizona, regular naturopathic massages help improve clients’ sleep patterns. These sessions help you let go of the physical and mental stress of recovery. 

The River Source
The River Source in Arizona City uses a holistic approach to treatment.

Exercise as Addiction Treatment

Most primary care providers recommend exercise.15 But, as one study found, few recommend specific types of exercise. This leaves patients wondering what to do next. Naturopathic doctors Jennifer Gibbons and Osemekhian Okojie write that people with their expertise  “are uniquely qualified” to give clients more guidance. “The training we receive in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and biochemistry allows us to go beyond the general and broad fitness recommendations that one can find in an average health magazine,” they explain. 

At Hawaii Naturopathic Retreat, exercise is a big part of recovery. Clients go for walks, take yoga classes, and spend time at the gym. And with locations near Kealakekua Bay and Hilo Bay, “opportunities for self-guided exercise are almost limitless.”16 But even if you work out on your own, you’ll be following a treatment plan, tailored to help you recover. 

These activities affect more than your level of fitness. Researchers believe that exercise can also treat addiction.17 Preliminary studies show that working out helps normalize dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in both addiction and the feeling of satisfaction.18 And regulating it can improve both your physical and mental well-being. 

Mental Health Recovery

Le Center Health Wellness Bellevue
A peek into Le Center for Health and Wellness, located in Bellevue, Washington.

Naturopathy doesn’t only heal the body; it also supports mental health. At Le Center for Health and Wellness, lifestyle counseling is an essential part of treatment. And clients at Birch Wellness Center can get naturopathic treatment for anxiety, depression, and stress.

This approach may look different from traditional talk therapy. And it may not be right for everyone. But you don’t necessarily have to choose. Some centers invite you to combine naturopathy with other forms of treatment. The goal is to help you heal as effectively as possible. And that means something different for each client. 

Naturopathy Clears the Path to Recovery

This branch of medicine is rooted in profound trust. Naturopaths don’t just treat your symptoms. They might not even diagnose a cause. Instead, their job is to support you in the natural process of healing. With fewer barriers, and more effective tools, you can take the lead in your recovery journey. And when you’re empowered to heal yourself, life becomes far more sustainable. 


To start planning your recovery, learn more about rehabs that offer naturopathic treatment, including their locations, insurance coverage, and complementary therapies.

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Reiki in Rehab: Soothing the Spirit

The gentle practice of Reiki promotes inner peace and natural self-healing. And in addiction treatment, holistic rehabs use Reiki to support clients through the physical, mental, and emotional changes of early recovery. But how exactly does Reiki work, and is it actually effective? 

What Is Reiki?

Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. In Japanese, the word reiki means “universal life energy.” Practitioners act as a conduit for this energy, using their hands (with or without physical touch) to transmit it to the receiver.   

Reiki is about overall wellness.1 According to practitioner Teri Kersting, “As a holistic health practitioner, you’re looking at mind, body, and spirit. It’s very healing in all respects.”

What Happens in a Session? 

Reiki usually takes place in a relaxed environment, similar to what you’d expect during a massage. There may be soft music playing to help you relax. You’ll remain clothed and lie on a massage table or sit in a chair. If you have physical pain, you can get into any position that will be comfortable for you to be in for the duration of the session. 

Throughout the session, the practitioner will lay their hands on or near you in various positions, and may also draw symbols above your body. These are intended to clear negative energy and realign your chakras. 

Sessions normally take 60-90 minutes, but can be shorter or longer depending on your needs. And like talk therapy, it can also be done remotely.

Do I Need to Do Anything While Receiving Reiki? 

Your only job during the session is to relax. Some people fall asleep, which is completely okay and doesn’t interfere with your ability to receive its benefits. There’s no right or wrong way to receive Reiki.  

What Will I Feel During Reiki? 

Everyone experiences Reiki differently—and you may feel differently from session to session depending on your state at the time. Some people feel warm or tingling sensations at the site of the practitioner’s hands. Others see colors or other visuals, or have dreams. Emotional and physical feelings are said to indicate a release of stuck energy. Some people feel nothing at all, which is also perfectly normal. 

How Will I Feel After Reiki? 

Most people feel relaxed, grounded, and in a better mood after Reiki. You may choose to discuss what came up for you during the session with your practitioner, but this is optional. You’ll likely be advised to drink plenty of water throughout the day to hydrate your body as your energy recalibrates. You can return to your day as usual, and even drive, immediately following. 

Will My Reiki Practitioner Respect My Boundaries? 

As part of creating a trauma-sensitive environment, your practitioner should respect all of your requirements for feeling safe. You may ask them not to lay their hands directly on you, and request any changes you need to feel comfortable, such as adjusting the volume of the music or temperature of the room. As with any therapy, feel free to voice any questions or concerns at any point before, during, or after the session.  

How Many Sessions Do I Need? 

One Reiki session may be enough to lift your spirits or help you through a hard moment. More sessions may be necessary for stubborn or ongoing issues. You may opt for a series of sessions, based on your treatment goals. Reiki can also be used as a regular part of maintenance and self-care. As Kersting says, “It helps us center at the end of the day. Also, it helps us prepare for the day ahead, and all the stresses and anxieties that can come up.” 

Who Can Administer Reiki?

There are 4 levels of Reiki training. At level 1, practitioners can do Reiki on themselves, and at level 2, they can perform it on others. 

While some alternative medicine professionals hold high accreditations that require years of schooling, Reiki is known for being easy to learn and apply, and courses for each level can be completed in as little as a day.  

Where Is It Available? 

Reiki is often offered at holistic rehabs as a complement to other clinical and alternative therapies. If you want to continue after residential rehab, many practitioners offer it as a standalone therapy. Some massage therapists incorporate aspects of Reiki into their practice—though this looks different than a typical Reiki session. 

What Can Reiki Treat? 

Intended to regulate the nervous system and support your body’s natural healing abilities, Reiki can be used to treat a wide range of conditions.2 Reiki master and practitioner Melanie Hoffstead says her clients report relief from depression and chronic pain: 

“People who come to me who’ve suffered for many years with arthritis, with quite a few treatments, seem to be almost pain-free. People who suffer from depression seem to be able to have more of a sense that life can be more manageable.” 

Because there are no medical conditions that preclude people from receiving Reiki, it can be applied in almost any setting, and is even used in some hospitals. It can also be used to support substance abuse recovery. 

Reiki and Your Recovery 

Recovery is rewarding, but is inevitably challenging at times. This is especially true in the early stages as you confront deeply held wounds and adjust mentally and physically to a life without substances. Reiki can provide much-needed calm and comfort during tough times. 

The “feelings of peace, centeredness and an ability to cope better with the challenges of life”2 this technique offers can be valuable to people struggling in the early stages of sobriety. In fact, studies show that Reiki eases alcohol withdrawals3 by reducing cravings and helping people achieve a sense of harmony through their own, natural processes.

Enlightened Solutions in New Jersey uses Reiki to help their clients restore their mind-body connection: 

“For men and women who are in treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, reiki healing is especially helpful.4 Addiction tears apart the mind/body relationship and disconnects a person from themselves. Being in such heightened states caused by stimulant substances or depressed states caused by depressant substances, alters the energy flow of the body. Releasing old energy helps those in treatment release emotions which they have held onto for some time. Reiki directly encourages the therapeutic process for healing mind, body, and spirit.”

Sivana Bali in Canggu incorporates Reiki into their treatment program as part of their alternative therapy5 offerings. “While practitioners may vary widely in technique and philosophy,” says their team, “Reiki is commonly used to treat emotional and mental distress as well as chronic and acute physical problems, and to assist the recipient in achieving spiritual focus and clarity.” 

Is Reiki Real?

Some claim that Reiki is pseudoscientific, and research supporting its effectiveness is limited. But numerous studies do seem to draw similar conclusions about its benefits. One study on Reiki for alcohol withdrawal3 confirmed previous findings about its positive effects: 

  • Release of fear, negative thoughts, and emotional strain 
  • Reduced anxiety and depression 
  • Improved self-confidence 
  • Increased hope 
  • Relaxation and better sleep 
  • Reduced heart rate and blood pressure
  • Less pain 

Researchers found that “reiki can produce effects like tranquility, peace, relaxation, reduced depression and increased energy level, which supports the results of greater harmony, joy and energy in this study.”

Even for those who are skeptical about energy healing, the healing power of touch6 has proven benefits for human well-being. According to medical journalist Naveed Saleh, MD, MS, “Mechanistically, it makes sense that Reiki and many other types of touch therapy could mediate the release of neurotransmitters like reward-processing dopamine and oxytocin.” And, adds Saleh, “The combination of gentle touch and personal attention may also be soothing to people who are coping with pain and stress.”

Limitations of Reiki

Reiki can surface suppressed emotions, and it’s helpful to be able to process these with a talk therapist. As a complementary therapy, it should be used to support your primary treatment plan. Reiki practitioners don’t provide diagnoses and shouldn’t be expected to treat severe conditions on their own. It may not be for you if you prefer a more evidence-based approach to healing.

Is Reiki Right for You? Discover Alternative Addiction Treatment

Energy healing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But as Reiki is a safe, gentle practice with no contraindications, there’s very little risk involved in trying it. The safe space that rehab provides is a great place to try new things, and many people find Reiki to be a helpful addition to their care. 

As Kersting says, “Everything in the universe is energy, including emotions. When we have emotional blocks that we hold onto, that can affect our pure life force energy. Reiki is about helping to release those blocks.”
Explore rehabs that offer Reiki to see their facilities, learn about their programs, and reach out to their admissions staff directly.