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Return to Your Values in Tennessee’s Affirming Rehabs

From the majestic Appalachian Mountains to the melodic voices crooning down Nashville’s Music Row, there’s a lot of beauty in Tennessee. This pretty place can make addiction treatment relaxing and joyful. If you’re looking for a welcoming setting to start your recovery, a luxury rehab in Tennessee could be a great fit. 

Heal According to Tennessee’s Strong Principles 

Tennessee’s rich history of working hard, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures spills over into modern life. And when you go to rehab there, those principles can also shape your treatment.

Recover in Tennessee’s Restorative Nature

All across Tennessee, you’ll find flowing rivers, sprawling forests, and ancient mountains. Many of the state’s rehabs boast large campuses with plenty of room for reflection. Some offer meandering walking trails and tranquil places to enjoy the view.

Smoky Mountain Lodge sits on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clients can take full advantage of their location by hiking to see the park’s gorgeous views. Recovering in peaceful nature can keep you grounded and centered throughout the healing process. 

cumberland heights tennessee
Cumberland Heights in Nashville

Stay Active With Experiential Therapies  

Many treatment centers in Tennessee offer experiential therapies, inspired by the area’s traditions and geography. For example, horses are an important part of Tennessee’s history and culture.1 Treatment centers like The Ranch Tennessee honor that heritage in their equine therapy program. On their expansive 2,000-acre ranch, equine-assisted therapy is a major component of treatment. By caring for the resident horses, clients learn more about themselves and practice building relationships.

Tennesseeans are also known for their taste for adventure. Rehabs like the ARCH Academy, which treats adolescent boys, tap into this mentality with adventure therapy. Clients can go canoeing, hiking, or fly-fishing to bond with their peers and learn new skills. These experiences invite teens to express their feelings in a new context.  

Get Into the Rhythm of Recovery in Music City

Home to country, rock ‘n’ roll, and the blues, Tennessee is famous for its music scene.2 And if music is important to you, professionally or personally, it can be a powerful tool during treatment.

This is especially true at rehabs like Recovery Unplugged Nashville. That’s why they designed their entire program around music. Their unique brand of music-assisted treatment can improve your depression, anxiety, mood, and chronic pain during recovery. They have a fully equipped jam room, group music therapy, and even songwriting sessions to help you express yourself through song. Plus, they frequently hold open mic nights and performances by other artists in recovery for sober fun. 

Relax in Family-Style Accommodations 

For many people, community is an important part of recovery. That’s why some programs have a strong focus on building relationships. In these rehabs, you can connect with like-minded people who want to support you in your journey toward wellness. 

In Tennessee, many rehabs offer family-style housing to support those connections. At centers like Morningstar, a women’s rehab outside of Nashville, clients live in a lodge with 5 other women. You and your housemates will cook dinner together, go on day trips, and attend the same group therapy sessions. Discovery Place offers treatment for men using a similar approach. Sober relationships are essential for long-term success in recovery,3 and family-style rehabs allow you to start forming them early on. 

the ranch tennessee
The Ranch Tennessee in Nunnelly

Find Identity-Affirming Treatment in Tennessee

Everyone’s recovery is as unique as they are. So finding a rehab that supports the most important parts of your identity is a crucial part of treatment. Many Tennessee rehabs offer specialized care for clients of different identities.

Gender-Specific Care

Attending rehab is a vulnerable experience. And for some people, it feels safer to be vulnerable around people of the same gender. What’s more, people of different genders face different obstacles to recovery. Going to a gender-specific rehab can help some clients access effective treatment.

In Tennessee, it’s easy to find a women-only or men-only rehab.  Morningstar, for example, has a women-only campus. Other programs, like Cumberland Heights, offer separate treatment for men and women on the same property. They even break down their men’s group into age-specific programming, recognizing how your stage of life can affect your recovery. 

Gender-specific treatment isn’t always a priority. And even if it is, these binary options might not meet your needs. In that case, you might consider a rehab that offers affirming treatment for LGBTQ+ people. These programs can be a good fit for people of many different genders and sexualities. Such supportive environments empower clients to live out their own highest values.  

Faith-Based Recovery

As you work to be your best self, spirituality can guide you forward. Many people find comfort and inspiration in faith-based treatment. In these rehabs, the tenets of a particular belief system inform every aspect of recovery.  

S2L Recovery, for instance, uses 7 Christian principles as the framework for their treatment program. They use lessons from the Bible to help you develop a deeper faith and sense of resilience. This can set you up for success after you complete treatment. If your faith is important to you, then it can be an excellent foundation for your ongoing recovery. 

Other faith-based treatment centers follow the 12 Steps, a well-known recovery philosophy. At The Next Door, in Nashville, treatment “integrates 12 step recovery, faith, and evidence-based practices to address the needs of the whole woman – mind, body, and spirit.” 

discovery place tennessee
Discovery Place in Burns

How to Travel to and Around Tennessee

More than half of the U.S. population lives within about a day’s drive of Nashville.4 But if you’re coming from farther away, you’ll most likely want to fly.

Flying Into Tennessee 

If you’re traveling from abroad, you’ll likely fly into Nashville International Airport (BNA), which serves 22 different airlines with over 585 nonstop flights daily. BNA is centrally located in Tennessee.

If you’re going to rehab in western Tennessee, flying into the Memphis International Airport might bring you closer to your treatment center. And for people attending eastern Tennessee rehabs, the Chattanooga Airport is closest.  

Getting Around Tennessee

Most of Tennessee’s public transit options are in metropolitan areas, so you’ll probably have to rely on private transportation to get to your treatment center. Because of this, many rehabs will pick you up from the airport directly, making the last leg of your journey that much simpler.

With any mode of transport, it’s a good idea to have a support person travel with you to rehab. This is an emotional time. When someone else is handling the logistics, you can stay focused on starting recovery.

Recover, Relax, and Reconnect in a Tennessee Rehab

If you’re thinking about addiction treatment, it might feel like life has gotten away from you. In Tennessee, rehab can be a safe place to gather your strength. Here, you’ll be healing among people who welcome you just as you are, and share many of your values. Even if you’ve never been to the state before, treatment here can feel like coming home to yourself.


Visit our list of rehabs in Tennessee for information on their amenities, pricing, experiential treatments, and more.

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Should You Travel for Addiction Treatment? Pros and Cons of Local vs. Destination Rehabs

Attending rehab marks the start of a new chapter in your life. No matter where you go, you’ll be entering a time of great change. As positive as this may be, it’s also very stressful. For some people, it’s helpful to change every aspect of their life at once; traveling to a new environment can kick-start that process. For others, it’s better to focus only on their internal changes, without being distracted by external stressors. 

It’s important to choose an environment that will support your healing process. There’s no right or wrong place to heal, just the right place for you. If you already have a location in mind, you can narrow your search to that geographical area. If not, you might want to weigh the pros and cons of traveling for addiction treatment versus staying close to home.

Why Travel to Rehab?

There are luxury rehab facilities all over the world. Some of the programs that suit you best might be located in other states, or even other countries. If you’re at all interested in travel, it can be inspiring just to consider these options, whatever you ultimately decide.

180 sanctuary
180 Sanctuary At PuriPai Villa in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand offers trauma-informed, integrated care in the picturesque mountains of Northern Thailand.

Pros of Traveling to Rehab

Research suggests that a change of scenery may have a positive impact on neurochemistry.1 According to Aaron Heller, an assistant professor in the University of Miami’s Department of Psychology, there is “a connection between real-world exposure to fresh and varied experiences and increases in positive emotions.” In layman’s terms: just the act of visiting a new place or having a new experience might make you happy. 

Destination rehabs tend to offer activities that are unique to the area, which you may not be able to access at home. These programs encourage clients to actively build better habits, in place of unsustainable behavior. And remember, healing can be fun! Various rehab centers offer a wealth of adventure therapies, such as skiing, scuba diving, or even going on safari. 

Local culture can also have an impact on your inpatient experience, even if you don’t completely explore the surrounding area. In some cases, the cultural context within the rehab center itself is extremely impactful. Tony Tan, the CEO of 180 Sanctuary At PuriPai Villa, has worked at multiple destination rehab facilities in Thailand. He explains, 

“The client experience is also unique, because there are clients from all over the world that are coming together: from the States, Australia, Europe, and Asia. They each bring with them a different aspect of their experience. That really strengthens their awareness in their recovery journey.”

Traveling to rehab may give you the inspiration you need to restructure your relationships. You’ll have the chance to connect with people who have a great diversity of life experiences, which can help you view your own life from a fresh perspective. What’s more, this geographical distance can provide you with emotional distance from negative influences. This is an excellent opportunity to step away from toxic relationships, whether you’re setting permanent boundaries or just taking a much-needed break.

Cons of Traveling to Rehab

Distance can be powerful. Depending on your personal experience, that may have a positive or negative impact on your mental health. The act of traveling itself can be difficult, especially if you’re struggling to keep yourself safe. Most rehab facilities will provide clients with transport to and from the airport, but being alone on a long flight may still be a risk. You may need to ask for more support, and plan around more logistics, if you’re headed to a distant location.

These aren’t the only logistics to consider. If you plan to use insurance to pay for your stay at rehab, you may need to do more legwork to ensure you’ll have adequate coverage. Some insurance plans cover you overseas, but not all; for example, Medicare and Medicaid generally don’t cover treatment at a destination rehab.2

After you arrive at a destination rehab, you may face some communication barriers.  If you choose to take a break from all outside communications during treatment, this may be less of a concern. However, you might choose to keep working while you attend rehab. If you plan to stay in touch with work, friends, or family during your stay, be mindful of the time difference. You’ll also want to be sure that you have access to internet and cell phone service, and that these amenities are permitted by your program.

crosspointe recovery
Crosspointe Recovery in Sherman Oaks, California features on-site medical detox and a focus on wellness in a private, homelike setting.

Why Attend a Local Rehab Program?

Travel is a great opportunity for some clients, and an overwhelming prospect for others. There are also many compelling reasons to start treatment closer to home.

Pros of Local Rehab

Attending a local rehab can significantly decrease the number of logistics you’ll have to manage. For instance, if you’re concerned about your safety while traveling, a local rehab facility will be much more accessible. This course of action also has financial benefits. Your insurance may or may not cover travel costs, and it will be easier to file a claim for treatment with a nearby facility.

If you have commitments you can’t step away from, such as work, school, or family, it’s far easier to stay connected from a local rehab. That’s true even for inpatient programs. Your loved ones will be able to attend in-person family therapy without traveling to see you, and you won’t have to worry about a time difference when you connect with people online. 

Staying local will also give you access to more affordable treatment options, like IOPs or PHPs. You might even choose to live at home while attending intensive, daily therapy. This option isn’t right for everyone, but it can be much more cost-effective. 

No matter where you’re located, rehab is a big change. If the idea of getting to know a new location while you’re just beginning to get to know yourself again feels like a barrier to treatment, traveling to rehab might not be right for you. 

Cons of Local Rehab

Although it can be daunting to travel to a new place, it’s often difficult to heal in the same place where you experienced trauma.3 It’s important for clients to live in a very safe and supportive environment while they’re beginning recovery. If you’re considering rehab, it’s quite possible that your current living situation doesn’t meet these criteria. In that case, living at or near your home while you attend treatment may be counterproductive.

As you begin recovery, it can be helpful to temporarily isolate yourself from external sources and reminders of stress as a part of your relapse prevention4 approach. Your current surroundings might contain triggers you have yet to work through. One researcher notes that people in recovery are most successful when they  “avoid people, places, and things associated with using.” If you don’t take space from those difficult stimuli, it can be hard to start the healing process.

Even if you’re not concerned about being triggered, staying nearby will give you access to many more distractions. You may be tempted to leave treatment in order to deal with a family or work emergency, or you may feel like you’re missing out on a party that you know is happening close by. It’s far easier to set aside these urges when you’re physically isolated from those events. Distance may make it easier to stay focused on the tasks at hand.

Transitioning Out of Rehab

After you complete inpatient treatment, your focus will change. As you reacclimate to living in the wider world, it’s important to move slowly and deliberately in order to guard against relapse. Many clients choose to attend additional aftercare programs immediately after they leave rehab. You may not know whether this is the right path for you until you’re part of the way through your initial treatment program.

Attending an aftercare program abroad, or in another state, can afford you even more time and space away from the triggers you might encounter at home. This slow, gentle transition lets you learn about yourself in a new context, and gives you plenty of time to prepare for what comes next.

If you attend rehab close to home, it may make more sense to stay in the area for aftercare. These programs do even more to ease your transition back into your daily life. You’ll be able to get support not just around your own mental health, but also in the specific context of your work, relationships, and daily activities.

Wherever it Starts, Healing Is a Journey

Wherever you choose to attend rehab, it’s important to make space for yourself to grow and change. Recovery is not an easy or simple process, and you won’t be “fixed” right away. Although a change of scenery may improve your mood, it won’t change your identity. 

As you consider your options, remember that transitioning into and out of rehab can be jarring even in the best of times. Some people find it helpful to mark these major changes with a geographical transition, but that’s not the right choice for everyone. Anywhere you begin recovery, it’s up to you to do the serious work of healing.

Learn more about luxury rehabs, near you and abroad, here. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Local vs. Destination Rehab

Why should I consider traveling for rehab?

Traveling for rehab removes you from your usual environment and triggers, allowing you to focus on your recovery without distractions. It’s also an opportunity to experience a new location and gain a fresh perspective.

Is traveling for rehab more expensive than staying local?

It depends on the specific rehab center and location. While some destination rehabs may be more expensive, others may be comparable or even more affordable than local options. Additionally, some insurance plans may cover the cost of travel and out-of-state treatment.

What should I look for in a destination rehab center?

When looking for a destination rehab, it’s crucial to find one that is aligned with your values and tailored to your unique needs. The program should offer a combination of evidence-based and complementary therapies that makes sense for you. You may choose a setting that appeals to you, in a culture that inspires your recovery. As with any treatment center, make sure the staff is qualified to help you achieve your treatment goals and that programming can support you into lasting recovery.

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“The Land of Smiles”: Rediscover Peace With Rehab in Thailand

Recovery in Thailand - Buddha statue

Watch: The LuxuryRehab team visited Thailand to learn more about its unique appeal as a treatment destination.

Between 1946 and 2019, Thailand was under the rule of a man named Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Adulyadej was the ninth ruler of Thailand, and in 1987, he was conferred as King Bhumibol the Great.

King Bhumibol the Great spread joy across the country of Thailand, and at his coronation ceremony at the Grand Palace on May 5, 1950, he promised his people that he would have an unfaltering determination to eliminate hardships from all people living in Thailand, regardless of race and religion.

King Bhumibol the Great’s legacy is one of hope, joy and happiness.

It’s one of peace and love that, to this day, continues to resonate throughout the entire country. Arguably, King Bhumibol the Great’s most famous words are these:

“Thailand was built on compassion.”

The reason we share this story is simple.

Thailand, whether it’s the people, the culture or the geography, is a country that exudes human empathy and tranquillity.

And it’s because of this that it is regarded as one of the top destinations for rehabilitation for everyone, regardless of location or ailment.

A Unique Cultural Experience

thailand temple

Thailand is the cultural hub of the world. It’s the place where many Westerners fly to during their youth for a sense of exploration, adventure and self-discovery.

It’s also a place where many adults escape to for tranquil yoga retreats, calming meditation sessions and peaceful riverside picnics.

Family

There are many prominent pleasantries about the culture in Thailand. First and foremost, family matters.

In Thailand, it’s normal for extended families to live closely with one another, and it’s common for young children to be raised in-part by grandparents, aunts and other older relatives.

Respect

Secondly, respect is important. Like many countries in Southeast of Asia, the Thai people show a great deal of respect for one another and welcome tourists with open arms.

Positivity

Lastly, Thailand promotes positivity. The entire country is shrouded in spirituality, and it is a place known for its monasteries and laid-back atmosphere. In short, Thai culture is centred around the notion of a healthy mindset.

Being surrounded by people who greatly respect both themselves and their communities, and who take care of their loved ones, can be extremely rewarding for those going through recovery.

It can help encourage a sense of self-worth in those who suffer from mental health issues like depression and also encourage someone to treat their body well if they’re suffering from addiction, for example.

A Culture That Promotes Holistic Wellness

At centers like The Dawn or Clarity Thailand—which are located on the outskirts of the northern town, Chiang Mai—wellness is built into the very foundations of recovery.

The view of mind and body as one is a big part of the Thai recovery experience, and centers like these include holistic activities like yoga, meditation and mindfulness when they treat patients.

By including these activities, a person going through treatment can learn the ways of the Thai people and build a positive foundation for the future, learning lessons that they can carry and practice with them for the rest of their lives.

For example, The Dawn is an AACI-accredited drug and alcohol rehab in Thailand where clients meet regularly with an English-speaking Buddhist Monk and undergo Asian influenced therapy, alongside a Westernized clinical program that adopts an evidence-based approach. It’s the best of both worlds.

Inexpensive Recovery Options

Rehab can cost a lot of money. And while it’s worth it to turn your life around, it’s often more attractive to look at rehab options overseas.

Not only is it less expensive, there’s also more privacy because you’re away from family and friends, and because places like Thailand are culturally different, there’s a lack of judgement, too.

In Thailand, rehab is cost-effective. For example, 180 Sanctuary At PuriPai Villa in Northern Thailand starts from $8,000 to $24,000 for a 14-day to 90-day program. Compare this to Bayside Marin in California, which is priced at $42,000 for the same time period, and the benefit of going abroad for treatment becomes a lot more appealing.

Treatment centers in Thailand are comparable with anywhere else in the world. Patients get luxury accommodation, meals, massages and the chance to experience the adventurous spirit of Thailand, all for less than the cost of attending rehab at home.

Thailand: A Promise Land for Health and Happiness

rehab in Thailand /caption]

Thailand is a country with its priorities in order.

Oftentimes in the hustle and bustle of the West, we can lose sight of the things that truly matter to us, and we land in sticky spots—it’s the reason wellness centers exist. Escaping these daily pitfalls and negativities for a far-off land like Thailand, then, can change everything.

Rejuvenation is at the very core of the country. It’s a place where one can be both lost and rediscovered in the tranquil mountains, and it’s a place where all expectations about what life should be are removed, leaving you with only what’s important.

The Thai people have a willingness to help others, and the country allows them to do so.

Browse our collection of luxury rehabs in Thailand. Read reviews, view their facilities, compare prices and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Thailand

What types of addiction treatment programs are available in Thailand?

Thailand has a range of addiction treatment programs, including detox, inpatient and outpatient rehab, and aftercare services. Luxury rehabs in Thailand offer specialized programs, such as programs with a focus on spirituality.

What should I expect when attending rehab in Thailand?

You can expect personalized treatment in a tropical, peaceful environment with comfortable accommodation and amenities to enhance the recovery experience at a luxury rehab in Thailand. Many centers offer evidence-based therapies and holistic treatments, such as massage and yoga.

What are the benefits of attending a luxury rehab center in Thailand?

Benefits of attending a luxury rehab in Thailand include access to high-quality care, personalized treatment, luxury accommodations, tranquil environments, and wellness activities such as spa treatments.

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Top 5 Reasons Why Spain Is the Perfect Place for Rehab

View of Malaga

Spain is the healthiest country in the world, according to Bloomberg’s Healthiest Country Index.1 In fact, by 2040, the country is expected to have the highest life expectancy at 86 years old, surpassing the likes of Japan and Switzerland.

Perhaps it’s all the sunshine and siestas. Or maybe it’s the paella and olive oil. Whatever it is, the Spanish are evidently doing something right with their lives, and if you’re looking for a fresh perspective and a place for rehabilitation, Spain might just be the place for it.

Here’s why.

1. Healthy Eating Habits

salad healthy eating Spain

The low-fat diet is old news. Instead, the Mediterranean diet—supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts—has been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease and increase life expectancy.2

Of course, diet alone won’t alter your life forever, but healthy eating has many benefits to both the mind and body. Good food gives us energy and makes us happier within ourselves. It promotes positive thinking and helps us focus, and if you’re looking to make sincere changes in your lifestyle and regain balance through rehab, what you eat is a great place to start.

2. Temperate Weather Conditions

sea view Spain

Spain is notoriously known as “the place in the sun.” In the summer months, much of the country basks in glorious and humid sunshine, while the rest of the year remains hot and occasionally rainy throughout.

Rehab requires time to think, time to relax and time to switch off. And believe it or not, the weather plays a big part in this process. The sun makes us feel more positive, and it encourages us to breathe deep, reflect and heal.

3. It’s a Culture-Infused Paradise

seville plaza de espana

Spain is shrouded in mystery and history, and the country dates back to well before 1512 (when the country officially became “Spain” as we know it). During the 16th Century, it was the most powerful country in Europe, and consequently, Spain is soaked in rich tapestries, churches and fortresses alike.

This culture-rich country makes for the perfect place for exploration, adventure and self-growth. Chances are, if you enter rehab in Spain, you’ll discover new and exciting things to check out every day, which will impact your healing and help you connect with what’s important.

4. The Locals are Lovely

Malaga feria Locals in Spain

Spaniards are lovely. They’re an open people and, oftentimes, they don’t shy away from speaking truths and showing appreciation. Unlike the preconceptions of communication that exists in the U.S. and U.K., Spaniards typically put up fewer barriers. So they often welcome visitors with open arms.

When it comes to rehabilitation, then, there’s a lot to learn from the Spanish way of life. They operate with good moral practice in mind and often demonstrate important values that can be overlooked.

5. It’s a Slow Pace of Life

Spain, by all intents and purposes, does not operate a fast pace of life. They’re a stress-free society that believes things will work out on their own. In fact, a famous Spanish expression is “mañana mañana,” which translates to “tomorrow morning.”

Of course, if you’re entering rehab in Spain from another country and exploring the local culture, this slow pace of life can be quite the culture shock, but a sense of stillness is something that should be sought during rehab, and Spain provides the perfect breeding ground for this.

Year after year, Spain is voted as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. In 2017 alone, it received more than 80 million tourists,3 surpassing the U.S., the U.K., Italy and Mexico.

And for good reason.

The Spanish lifestyle is designed to promote rest and recovery. It’s the perfect place to switch off and forget the hardship of everyday life, and its hot climate, healthy diet and welcoming culture make it the perfect location for rehabilitation and healing, regardless of where you’re coming from.

To find out more about rehabs in Spain, watch our video series above or explore our list of luxury treatment centers in Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Spain

What makes Spain an ideal location for rehab?

Spain offers a range of rehab centers staffed by experienced professionals, a pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, healthy cuisine, and opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

What types of addiction can be treated in Spain’s luxury rehab centers?

Rehabs in Spain provide treatment for a variety of addictions including alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, and co-occurring mental health disorders.

What are the benefits of choosing a luxury rehab center in Spain?

Advantages of luxury rehabs in Spain include personalized treatment plans, a holistic approach to healing, luxurious accommodations, a supportive and compassionate environment, and a chance to start a new life in a beautiful and inspiring setting.

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Helping With Horses: What You Need to Know About Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

EAP Treatment for Addiction - Luxury Rehab

Horses have stood side-by-side with humans for centuries. And now, we’re working with horses to treat addiction and mental illness.

Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP), also known as equine assisted therapy (EAT) or simply equine therapy, is a rapidly growing form of addiction recovery. It involves using horses to achieve therapeutic goals as designed by a health professional, the benefits of which include improved motor skills, sensory processing, and better social interaction.

Here’s what you need to know about equine therapy, and why it’s an effective way to treat those challenged by addiction and mental health issues.

What Is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Equine assisted psychotherapy is a highly specialized form of therapy that uses horses to help treat those suffering from trauma and addiction. Founded at the Sierra Tucson treatment center in Arizona, equine therapy has now been introduced in North America, in the U.K. and across much of Europe, and for good reason. Don Lavender, Programme Director at Camino Recovery, explains:

“It’s become a really effective therapy. We are working with addicts to teach how to work with personal boundaries and the boundaries of the self and others, as well as some healing. It’s therapeutic for the human because they get to learn connection with others. If they’re isolated and they’re using drugs, they will learn how to replace that with connection.”

Get a peek into equine therapy with Don Lavender from our visit to Spain.

Equine therapy takes an activity-based approach to healing to promote personal growth, responsibility and positivity. It’s designed to break down the barriers that prevent positive communication and encourage healthy interactions, first with the horse, and then with those around us.

How Does Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work?

The common misconception about equine assisted psychotherapy is that it involves horseback riding. In actuality, there is no riding of horses involved in this form of treatment. Instead, equine therapy is about groundwork. It’s about learning how to speak the language of the horse and build a connection with it through a series of ground-based activities.

One example is lunging. In short, lunging is getting the horse to move around the pen with you. You can pull on a horse’s rope and drag it around the pen next to you, or you can develop a “join up” and walk in unison with the horse at its own free will. It’s the latter that you want to achieve, but to do this requires the patient to understand, read and tend to the horse’s emotions.

A big reason why equine assisted psychotherapy is so effective is that the horse emulates a non-judgmental, open and entirely honest human being. They are a “divine mirror” to human emotion and give a patient the ability to understand how certain actions and behaviors affect those around them.

sierra tucson equine psychotherapy
Sierra Tucson in Arizona uses equine therapy to “explore emotional regulation, relationships, and present-moment mindfulness.”

What Are the Benefits of Equine Therapy?

Oftentimes, those suffering from addiction, trauma and mental health issues suffer in silence. It’s not a matter of having no support around you, but rather, it’s about failing to open up and validate hardship.

Working with horses, then, breaks down these barriers to effective communication and healing. It helps people adjust their perceptions and focus on attending to the needs of something other than themselves, and consequently, it builds a bond of trust and support.

When it comes to horses, we consider them to be non-judgmental creatures. As Don explains:

“Horses are perfect animals to do this, because every cell of their being is to join up and connect.”

And that’s what using equine therapy in treatment is all about. It’s about togetherness and understanding the needs and requirements of other people, it’s about building confidence and self-esteem, and it’s about improving both verbal and non-verbal methods of communication.

Healing Through Experience

Psychotherapy is often dubbed “talking therapy.” In the media, it’s depicted as a person lying on a sofa explaining their problems to a therapist and the therapist asking, “how does that make you feel?” And for many, this is an effective way of treating addictions and trauma, but treatment shouldn’t be limited to verbal communication.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is a non-verbal method of therapy that uses experiential principles1 to encourage positive behavior. To accomplish simple tasks, a patient must first learn and understand “the language of the horse” and build a connection through non-verbal communication methods like body language.

From there, they can begin to understand how their communication approach affects the horse and learn how to improve on it, working to better understand themselves—it’s the understanding of one’s self that’s the ultimate goal to better recovery.

Find out more about the best treatment centers offering equine therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is equine-assisted psychotherapy?

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that involves interacting with horses as a means of promoting emotional growth and healing.

What conditions can be treated with equine-assisted psychotherapy?

Equine-assisted psychotherapy can be effective for treating a variety of mental health and behavioral issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and relationship problems.

What should I look for in an equine-assisted psychotherapy program?

When choosing an equine-assisted therapy program, look for a reputable rehab with certified therapists, trained horses, and comprehensive surrounding support.

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Luxury Treatment in New England: A Visit to McLean Hospital

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While New England might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of luxury addiction treatment in the U.S., McLean Hospital’s Signature Recovery Program definitely puts it on the map. As a Harvard Medical School affiliate, McLean offers a level of clinical excellence that can be hard to find in addiction treatment. Its 2 beautiful locations include McLean Fernside in a historic bed and breakfast overlooking the city of Boston in the distance, and McLean Borden Cottage in a spectacular mansion on Penobscot Bay. This facility’s accommodations hold their own against the best luxury centers out there.

Watch as our team gets an inside look into McLean’s Signature Recovery Program.

Steeped in History

Arguably the most historic region in the United States, New England is home to Revolutionary War battlefields, quaint small towns, and historic institutions. One such institution is McLean Hospital, founded in 1811. Originally a mental health facility, in the late 1960s McLean recognized the importance of treating addiction and began offering addiction treatment programs. They now offer programs across the spectrum of care at a number of locations. Paired with another historical institution, Harvard (which is in fact the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S.), McLean has hundreds of years of experience and some of the greatest minds in the world to draw from.

McLean Hospital Belmont Campus
Administration building on McLean’s main campus in Belmont, MA

Evidence-Based Care

“Our Signature Recovery Programs are based on proven methods and scientific inquiry that informs treatment.”

– Rocco A. Iannucci, MD, Mclean Fernside Director

As a treatment program embedded in a research hospital, the decisions made at McLean Signature Recovery are based on research and evidence-based practices. That shone through especially when discussing their thoughts on group therapy. Typically, a luxury center might de-emphasize group therapy, but at McLean they believe it to be an important part of treatment.

frame 9053One of the rooms typically used for group therapy at McLean Borden Cottage

As McLean Fernside’s Director Dr. Rocco Iannucci explains, “Group therapy has been shown to be uniquely effective for treatment of substance use problems. There’s a way in which peer-to-peer interactions that are facilitated by an experienced and well-trained clinician can really add to recovery in a way that just the one-on-one interactions may not. People can bond with each other. They can communicate with each other in a different sort of way.”

International Leadership

“McLean is a world-class leader in terms of measuring treatment outcome. Back in 1994 we developed something called the BASIS and the Perceptions of Care. Those are two instruments that really look to see whether people are improving or not… And that is a product that is actually used by institutions all around the country and internationally. They use our instruments. So I like to think that they’re looking to McLean as the gold standard in terms of quality of care in the substance abuse arena.”

– Philip Levundusky, PhD, ABPP

Not surprisingly, institutions around the world look to McLean as a leader in the field. As Director of McLean’s Psychology Department Dr. Philip Levundusky told us, they are especially excited about a consulting relationship they’ve had over the past 6 years with a major rehabilitation centre in Abu Dhabi, helping a relatively new program bring their substance abuse capabilities to a world-class level.

McLean also frequently provides care to international clients and is able to cater the program to each individual’s cultural needs. McLean’s Middle East Center for Culturally Informed Care is one result of that, and has a proven history of helping clients from that part of the world.

Deconstructing Stigma

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McLean’s Deconstructing Stigma display at Boston Logan Airport

An example of McLean’s leadership in driving the conversation around addiction and mental health can be found in their Deconstructing Stigma campaign. This campaign features stories from people affected by mental illness, using their real names, and real stories. Participants volunteered to be part of this campaign in order to help tear down the stigma surrounding mental illness and it is hard to miss—with 8-foot-tall photos and stories encompassing an entire hallway at Boston Logan Airport.

See all the stories and learn more about this powerful campaign at the Deconstructing Stigma website.

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