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When attempting to locate a nontraditional therapist/healer,
caution is advised, as many depressed or ill individuals will seek
out the nearest person who calls himself therapist. Not all individuals
who present themselves as healers, caretakers, counselors or therapists
are such, and may be there just to take your money, feeding off
of the many, many desperate individuals.
Nontraditional methods of healing can take many forms, such as
clergy, elders, and even nonhuman healing. What do I mean by nonhuman
healing? Strong and documented research has clearly shown that pets,
dogs and cats, decrease the blood pressure of nursing home residents.
Is this a form of therapy, a form of healing ? Of course it is.
It is not your traditional one-on-one talk therapy, but clearly
there are benefits of having pets.
For this author, nature is one of the most healing avenues I have
ever experienced. I have trees in my yard that I planted as seedlings,
that are now 12-15 feet tall. They comfort me, give me shade, give
me solace. I watch them change with the seasons, and I talk to them.
They speak to me every time the wind blows through their leaves,
branches, and pine needles, and I listen to their song.
Therapy can come in a variety of forms, and may include all living
things. It can be an ocean, a breeze, or a flight of migrating geese.
It can be that pet greeting you when you get home. It is a matter
of being aware of the many different forms, stepping outside your
shoes and looking at things differently, to quote Dr. Hammerschlag.
We need to stop and take the time and look. And when we look, we
will see, hear, taste, smell, and find peace and healing in all
aspects of our lives.
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