Menu
Alternative approaches to Wellness
| New Jersey |
Achieve mental wellness through our online alternative therapy approaches
Traditional therapy has served many of us well, but we aim to serve with excellence. That’s why we incorporate non-traditional therapies and alternative wellness in our practice in addition to talk therapy. What is considered “alternative” today might become mainstream tomorrow, especially as evidence supporting its efficacy grows.
-
Online & In-Home Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
-
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy
-
Creative Art Expression Therapy
Online & In-Home Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
We understand that for many clients, receiving ketamine assisted therapy comes after other treatment interventions have failed. KAP has been shown to reduce the symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, chronic pain and more.
Read more about alternative wellness, online & in-home ketamine assisted psychotherapy, safety, research and alternatives. As always, reach out to us directly with any questions!
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy
Compared to traditional Exposure Therapy, Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) uses virtual reality technology to create simulated environments for patients to engage in therapeutic exercises. As a result, VRT helps patients overcome phobias, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions by exposing them to their fears in a controlled, safe environment.
Creative Art Expression Therapy
Our therapists incorporate art & creativity into the therapeutic process In addition to talk therapy. Sometimes it's hard to find the words to express how we are feeling. Art can be a helpful support tool in therapy to help with communication, expression, mindfulness & grounding.
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
OUR PROCESS, YOUR JOURNEY
We understand that for many clients, receiving ketamine assisted therapy comes after other treatment interventions have failed. KAP has been shown to reduce the symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, chronic pain and more.
In addition, we want to ensure that you feel confident and education in your treatment decision. Read more about alternative wellness, ketamine assisted psychotherapy, safety, research and alternatives. As always, reach out to us directly with any questions!
Mental health Conditions Treated with Ketamine
- PTSD & Trauma
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Depression
- Chronic Pain
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Chronic Pain
- Panic Disorder
- Substance Misuse & Addiction
WHY is KAP Considered as
AN ALTERNATIVE WELLNESS therapy?
In addition to understanding Ketamine Treatment, there may be benefit in understanding why Ketamine is considered an “alternative wellness” therapy. Remember, what is considered “alternative” today might become mainstream tomorrow, especially as evidence supporting its efficacy grows. Furthermore, Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is considered an alternative therapy for several reasons:
Historical Use
Ketamine was originally approved as an anesthetic for surgeries and has been used in medical settings for this purpose since the 1960s. Its use in psychotherapy is a relatively recent development, diverging from its traditional medical role.
Psychedelic Experience
In sub-anesthetic doses, ketamine can induce a psychedelic experience. This altered state of consciousness can facilitate deeper introspection and a different perspective on one’s problems, which can be therapeutically beneficial when combined with psychotherapy.
Rapid Onset of Action
Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine can provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms, sometimes within hours.
Regulatory Status
While the FDA has approved a nasal spray form of ketamine (esketamine) for treatment-resistant depression, the broader use of ketamine in psychotherapy remains off-label in many jurisdictions.
Stigma & Misunderstandings
In addition to misunderstanding of it effects, Ketamine’s association with recreational and illicit use can make some view its therapeutic use skeptically.
Holistic Approach
Not only are the benefits of KAP seen in it’s pharmacological effects, but also it’s impact on the therapy process. Specifically, this alternative wellness approach combines the drug’s effects with psychotherapy to address the patient’s psychological and emotional needs holistically. This combination approach is what differentiates KAP from simply administering ketamine.
Interested in Ketamine Assisted Therapy?
Click here to visit the Ketamine Therapy Information Page to Learn more
Healing outside the Box
Our therapists incorporate art & creativity into the therapeutic process In addition to talk therapy. This type of therapy is based on the belief that the creative process can be used as a tool for self-expression and personal growth. To support this alternative wellness approach, clients are encouraged to explore their emotions, thoughts, & experiences through a variety of creative mediums. These mediums include drawing, painting, sculpting, and writing. Sometimes it’s hard to find the words to express how we are feeling. Art can be a helpful support tool in therapy to help with communication, expression, mindfulness & grounding.
How art is used in Online Therapy
Too often, clients may feel pressured to find “the right thing to say”. That’s why we incorporate art in our online therapy services. In fact, to make it even easier, we mail our clients an Art Box. Customized based on each client’s needs, ArtBoxes are provided at no additional cost to our clients, and are sent directly to your home.
Some of the items that we like to start out with, For example, many clients start with items such as drawing pads, drawing pencils, paint and paint brushes, clay and watercolors. Our experienced therapists will walk you through the process of becoming familiar with the tools and how to use the supplies to best support the therapeutic process.
Who can benefit from Our Alternative Wellness supports?
To start, creative therapy has been widely used to facilitate communication, regardless of age and skill level. Furthermore, all skill levels and abilities can use creative therapy supports. Therefore, with an open mind, creativity may open up new, helpful tools. In addition to communication supports, using art and creativity can be an effective treatment for those experiencing developmental, medical, educational, social or psychological differences. Finally, listed below are some of benefits of creative online therapy:
- Strengthened Distress Tolerance
- Higher Engagement in therapy
- Increased Sense of Confidence
- Increased Self-Awareness
- Reduced Anxiety & Stress
- Better Communication Skills
virtual reality therapy In Mental Health
Compared to traditional Exposure Therapy, Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) uses virtual reality technology to create simulated environments for patients to engage in therapeutic exercises. As a result, this alternative wellness approach helps patients overcome phobias, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions by exposing them to their fears in a controlled, safe environment.
How does VRT work with online Therapy?
We have made every effort to make VR accessible to our clients. Specifically, we provide each client with a VR headset at no additional cost to them. Additionally, clients also receive a quick-start guide to make the use of VR easy and stress-free. Then, our experienced therapists will walk you through the process of becoming familiar with the headset and app so that you can begin using it immediately.
VRT has been found to be
an effective treatment support for issues such as:
ADHD
PTSD
Chronic pain
Eating Disorders
OCD
Phobias
Depression
Anxiety & Panic
Request an Appointment!
We’ll reach out to you within 24 hours
Mindfulness practices
for stress reduction
Another alternative wellness approach we’ve seen to be helpful is the use of mindfulness practice for stress reduction. This is the act of intentionally focusing on and gaining awareness of your senses and present state, absent from judgment or interpretation. Moreover, it can be practiced formally, such as during meditation or guided imager, or it can be practiced during daily activities such as washing dishes or folding laundry.
WHY TRY mindfulness as AN ALTERNATIVE WELLNESS Support?
Overall, the goal of mindfulness is to allow our minds to be still and to limit our default brain-behavior of overthinking, overanalyzing and stressing out. Because mindfulness can be easily applied in between sessions, therapists and clients use this approach to support therapeutic progress.Furthermore, this will strengthens stress tolerance, sense of clarity, and ability to regulate emotions.
On the positive side, mindfulness can be simple, easy-to-do practice including:
- Mindful Breathing
- Body Scan
- Self-Compassion Statements
- 5 Senses
- Gratitude Reflection
Client Testimonials
See what New Jersey residents are saying about online therapy and Mind by Design Counseling