Sculpting …dance…drama…snowshoeing…swimming…tennis—or perhaps a game of billiards? Most of us associate these kinds of pastimes with the fun and relaxation we look forward to on weekends and during vacation. But at the Brattleboro Retreat, these activities also play a crucial role in the serious business of recovering from mental health and addiction challenges.
Historically, the Retreat has always recognized and supported the value of recreation and creative art activities in the healing process. This remains a distinguishing feature of our treatment philosophy and commitment to an integrated programming approach.
“We try to see each patient in terms of their unique abilities and potential as fully functioning individuals,” explains Tim Jungclaus, director of the nine-member Therapeutic Services (TS) department. “People respond to different methods of expression and learning, and we help facilitate growth through a variety of safe and supported activities for children, adolescents and adults.”
In the 1800s, patients were involved in endeavors such as gardening, farming, and furniture making. In fact, the Retreat led the way in this regard, having established several therapeutic firsts among U.S. hospitals including the first gymnasium and first indoor pool. At one time, patients also enjoyed an on-campus bowling alley.
Today, you’ll see patients exploring different kinds of pursuits from yoga, drawing, and painting, to swimming, ropes courses and even karaoke.
“Consider a patient, for example, who is struggling with depression,” says Certified Recreation Therapist, Becky Cameron in describing the therapeutic benefits of a group juggling activity. “In the process of experimenting with various objects and acquiring the patience to juggle more smoothly, this group initiative helps promote team work, self confidence and focus.” Engaging in any physical activity and exercise is an important part of helping alleviate depression.
“When a person has success in a movement therapy activity, they can turn that into gains related to self-esteem, building trust and breaking out of any isolation that may be holding them back clinically,” adds Lynn Huston, registered dance movement therapist. “If a child has problems with impulse control, rhythmic dance and stop and start activities can help instill boundaries, self control and cooperation.”
Art Therapy at the Retreat can include a topic like boundaries and transitions or be an open studio, which are just some of the approaches of this modality. Many patients are often better able to express themselves in non-verbal ways.
“It’s not just the subject of the art, but it’s also the materials chosen, the process.” explains Registered Art Therapist Wendy Baxter. “If someone is always choosing the same materials, it may mean they’re stuck somehow in their treatment. At that point I will suggest trying another medium to help them take a risk, which may ultimately help them move forward with issues like self-esteem, feeling in control, and accepting feedback.”
In 2008 the Retreat introduced animal-assisted therapy to its list of TS offerings, and the program has proven to be hugely successful. Trained volunteers (and their trained and certified pets) make weekly visits to programs and units throughout the Retreat where they facilitate structured interactions between patients and their animal companions (mostly dogs).
“People are often better able to connect with their emotions and memories in the company of a pet,” says Creative Arts Therapist Sarah Balascio, who helped launch the program. “Animals don’t judge, they just accept; and that has incredible power for people who are struggling mentally and emotionally.”
The Retreat’s 5th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit Children’s Therapeutic Services will take place on Wednesday, August 4, 2010. To learn more, visit 2010 Golf for Kids.
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