In chapter 3 it states, "adventure therapists are in a clinical relationship with their clients to seek or support positive changes in their thinking, feeling, and acting." This is played out in this type of therapy through the "ABC-R triangle: emotional response (Affect), acting out or withdrawn (Behavior), or irrational or problematic thoughts (Cognition), integrated around the systemic Relationship(s) of the individual and their therapist, field staff, peer group, family, and community" (Gass, Gillis, and Russell 2012).
Some of the main qualities that AT has is that it is focused on what types of treatment work the best for the adventure therapy clients. This is adjusted client to client. One of the wonderful things about AT is how much it is about meeting the client where they are, getting to know their needs, and figuring out ways to meet those needs. This requires the therapist to tailor the therapy to each individual client. One of the qualities of AT that stands out most to me is its focus on positive psychology. That is the approach where the therapist finds what is working for the client and really focuses on increasing those feelings actions and thoughts, instead of the opposite, which is focusing on eliminating the negative thoughts (Gass, Gillis, and Russell 2012).
The first type of therapy I would like to compare AT to is Music Therapy. Music Therapy is "the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program." One similarity between Music Therapy and AT that stands out most is how each therapy is so individualized to the client. It is also a very personal experience that comes with letting yourself as the client see what it is you need to work through.
The next type of therapy I am interested in comparing to AT is group therapy. There are a lot of similarities between group therapy and AT. "Adventure therapy is primarily a group and family treatment that views the peer and family group relationships as foundational to the process of how the therapy works. A high value is placed on the milieu of the peer group, using the impact of a positive (and negative) climate of peers" (Gass, Gillis, and Russell 2012). Group therapy is another type of psychotherapy that allows people in the group to learn from others through sharing experiences and offering advice to each other. This allows the members to have a safe place to interact and practice their new behaviors.
The last is psychodynamic therapy. There is a lot of the psychodynamic theory that makes AT what it is today. In the book it talks about if there was a situation where a client had a distorted view of themselves the therapist would present them with a treatment that would bring these thinking errors to light for everyone to see and understand, as errors. This is just one of the ways in which AT is molded to fit the need of the client. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the psychological roots of emotional suffering. It includes a lot of self-reflection and self-examination, and the use of a relationship between the therapist and the patient to get a glimpse into the problematic relationship patterns in the patient's life. One part of the way this is carried out that is so similar to AT is that the goal of psychodynamic therapy "is not only to alleviate the most obvious symptoms but to help people lead healthier lives." If you would like to learn more about this, click here.
Citations
American music therapy association. Retrieved from: www.musictherapy.com
Gass, M. A., Gillis, H.L., Russell, K. C. (2012). Adventure therapy: Theory, research, and practice. New York, Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.
Shedler, Jonathan K. (2010). Psychodynamic psychotherapy brings lasting benefits through self-knowledge. American Psychologist, Vol. 65. No.2. Retrieved from: http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2010/01/psychodynamic-therapy.aspx
Some of the main qualities that AT has is that it is focused on what types of treatment work the best for the adventure therapy clients. This is adjusted client to client. One of the wonderful things about AT is how much it is about meeting the client where they are, getting to know their needs, and figuring out ways to meet those needs. This requires the therapist to tailor the therapy to each individual client. One of the qualities of AT that stands out most to me is its focus on positive psychology. That is the approach where the therapist finds what is working for the client and really focuses on increasing those feelings actions and thoughts, instead of the opposite, which is focusing on eliminating the negative thoughts (Gass, Gillis, and Russell 2012).
The first type of therapy I would like to compare AT to is Music Therapy. Music Therapy is "the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program." One similarity between Music Therapy and AT that stands out most is how each therapy is so individualized to the client. It is also a very personal experience that comes with letting yourself as the client see what it is you need to work through.
"(Music therapy) can make the difference between withdrawal and awareness, between isolation and interaction, between chronic pain and comfort - between demoralization and dignity." -Barbara Crowe (past president of the National Association for Music Therapy.)
The next type of therapy I am interested in comparing to AT is group therapy. There are a lot of similarities between group therapy and AT. "Adventure therapy is primarily a group and family treatment that views the peer and family group relationships as foundational to the process of how the therapy works. A high value is placed on the milieu of the peer group, using the impact of a positive (and negative) climate of peers" (Gass, Gillis, and Russell 2012). Group therapy is another type of psychotherapy that allows people in the group to learn from others through sharing experiences and offering advice to each other. This allows the members to have a safe place to interact and practice their new behaviors.
The last is psychodynamic therapy. There is a lot of the psychodynamic theory that makes AT what it is today. In the book it talks about if there was a situation where a client had a distorted view of themselves the therapist would present them with a treatment that would bring these thinking errors to light for everyone to see and understand, as errors. This is just one of the ways in which AT is molded to fit the need of the client. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the psychological roots of emotional suffering. It includes a lot of self-reflection and self-examination, and the use of a relationship between the therapist and the patient to get a glimpse into the problematic relationship patterns in the patient's life. One part of the way this is carried out that is so similar to AT is that the goal of psychodynamic therapy "is not only to alleviate the most obvious symptoms but to help people lead healthier lives." If you would like to learn more about this, click here.
Citations
American music therapy association. Retrieved from: www.musictherapy.com
Gass, M. A., Gillis, H.L., Russell, K. C. (2012). Adventure therapy: Theory, research, and practice. New York, Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.
Shedler, Jonathan K. (2010). Psychodynamic psychotherapy brings lasting benefits through self-knowledge. American Psychologist, Vol. 65. No.2. Retrieved from: http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2010/01/psychodynamic-therapy.aspx
Hey Leslie!
ReplyDeleteI think its interesting that you chose to focus on music therapy, as me and others chose to do that topic as well. Group therapy is also a therapy that I feel is very pertinent to AT and it's functioning. I like that group therapy focuses so much on having a safe place. I feel like that concept is apparent in a AT settings as well.
After reading this blog, I really felt like I got a lot of insight about the other therapies you focused on. I think it's great how much you included from the book about these AT and how it relates and differs from the ones you focused on, you can tell you paid special attention to the qualities of AT in the chapter. I think you did a good job, thanks!
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