What is non-traditional therapy?
A non-traditional therapist can be detrimental as well as helpful. It is the charlatans, the con artists that take advantage of others that give therapy an atrocious name. Even credentialed therapists have crossed the boundaries of ethics. In the nineteen eighties it was the psychologists, social-workers and psychiatrists that over billed, and spent less time with their patients. The insurance companies slowly got wind of this atrocity and started demanding and dictating what psychometrics can be used with a given diagnosis. When health care providers start complaining about insurance companies they need to look in the mirror, and realize many caused the problem as well as patients suing at the drop of a hat. Malpractice rates sky rocketed, therapy fees increased, and the patient ended up paying the consequence.
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, which are now 12-15 feet tall. They comfort me, give me shade, and 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.