Specific support Different forms of therapy fit needs of students
T
here are over 50 different types of therapy ranging from art therapy to animal therapy, according to Psychology Today. The most common form of therapy is known as psychotherapy, which, according to the National Alliance of Mental Health, involves talking to a trained therapist. Along with psychotherapy, other forms of therapy can help fit specific needs of an individual. "There are specific treatment protocols for different diagnoses that are really helpful,” Mental Health and School Counseling Coordinator for the HSE School District, Brooke Lawson, said. “The field of mental health treatment has really evolved over the years, and what works for one person might be different for another person because we are all so different. Art therapy, music therapy, etc. are really helpful for some
Trained therapy dogs from Paws & Think visit libraries to help kids read. Photo courtesy of Shannon Gaughan Kelly. Background art by Lily Thomas.
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people.” An alternative form of therapy is animal therapy. A local organization called Paws & Think provides Marion County and its surrounding counties with several animal therapy programs. According to
Tiger Times
Lily Thomas
thomalil000@hsestudents.org
Shannon Gaughan Kelly, the Youth Services Program Coordinator at Paws & Think, they partner with libraries, youth agencies, healthcare facilities, schools and detention centers to bring comfort and support in the form of therapy dogs. Some of the programs Paws & Think offer include Paws to Read, Pawsitive Corrections and Paws to Comfort. Paws to Comfort sends a therapy team to visit someone who has experienced a traumatic event. “Dogs are non-judgmental, so they are comforting and help improve social skills,” Kelly said. “Also, petting dogs makes us feel relaxed because our bodies produce dopamine and serotonin.” Aside from trained therapy animals, pets at home can provide support as well. Senior Jenna Piccininno believes that taking care of her dog makes her feel good because she is helping someone else. She also enjoys bonding with her dog by taking her for walks and giving her treats. “It's that unconditional love that you have with a pet,” Piccininno said. “She's always there for me when I need her, when I need some love and some comfort.” Piccininno also uses journaling to help her with her mental health. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, journaling can be especially beneficial to those
dealing with anxiety, stress and depression as it can help an individual work through their emotions. “Being able to just put all of those feelings and thoughts onto paper is just very freeing,” Piccininno said. “And it kind of allows me to come to conclusions about things and sort out a lot of things that I might not even realize were bothering me.” When she journals, Piccininno also includes good events that happened or things to be grateful for. Piccininno recommends that other students try journaling and spending time with animals. Similarly to journaling, art therapy can also assist people with sorting through feelings. Art therapy utilizes techniques like drawing, sculpting, painting, collaging and more. According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy allows for self-expression, visual communication and can be empowering. Lawson recommends that any students who may be struggling, particularly with emotional or social issues, start by reaching out to their counselor. There is also a school social worker and a mental health therapist who can help students who need more intensive support. “If a student is struggling I would certainly recommend they consider therapy,” Lawson said. “In all honesty, we could all benefit from meeting with a therapist. Engaging in therapy can help people learn more about themselves, learn strategies for better self-care, and just overall be a generally healthier person.”
March 2022
