Holistic Therapies within Abbeycare

Call our local number 01603 513 091
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Call our local number 01603 513 091
Request Call Back
Call our local number 01603 513 091
Request Call Back


Please note Holistic Therapies as part of the Abbeycare programme are currently suspended due to Covid-19 conditions. 

For current status updates please contact our admissions team direct on 01603 513 091.

Holistic Therapies are a combination of many different therapies interested in healing, repairing, soothing, re-aligning, repairing, reconnecting, and recovering the human body.

When considering the word Holistic the body is separated into three areas. The mind, the physical body and the spirit once separated they are put back together and treated as a whole.

Once identified that the body is comprised of three parts that join together to work as one, Holistic Therapies can now be introduced. This approach is inclusive and healing.

Therapies within Abbeycare are Holistic in nature as the desire is to treat and heal the whole person - Mind, Body and Spirit.

Defining Holistic Therapies 

The term Holistic Therapies is an umbrella term to cover all types of therapy that are interested in promoting non-medicated healing within the human mind, body and spirit.

The term Holistic means looking at the ‘whole person’ whilst including the interdependent parts that make the ‘whole person.’

The parts relating to mind and body i.e. Physical and Psychological can be identified with comparative ease however the same cannot be said about the spirit.

When looking to define the spirit the tendency is to look within for the answers and ask just what is the ‘spirit?’

Dictionary definitions try to explain ‘the spirit’ as the realm interested with the emotions and character of a person. Stating this is non-physical part of a human being.

Physical and Psychological Health Problems are generally treated with medicine from a Doctor or Psychiatrist. Holistic Therapies do not follow the medical model and the prescribing of medications to treat conditions.

So how do you medicate ‘the spirit?’ In short, the spirit cannot be medicated as in fairness it cannot be defined enough to be treated by a medical model. If read correctly ‘the spirit’ changes for each and every person and follows no set rules.

Consider a period of ill health such as a broken bone. It is quite clear this is a physical problem after x-ray and resetting it takes time to heal.

During this time pain medication may be administered.

After the cast is removed walking returns, it's hard at first but gets easier. Now let’s consider the Psychological impact this may have.

Perhaps outdoor activities were enjoyed and now house bound. The mood begins to sink, a fog creeps over the mind and low feelings turn into Depression.

Antidepressants are prescribed and administered, after a while, feelings become more hopeful, the leg begins to heal and mild exercise returns.

Where is ‘The spirit’ in all this? Let’s say the spirits were good before the accident as was physical and mental health.

After the accident ‘the spirit’ sunk and the character changed. A once happy person with a positive focus on life had become de-motivated, listless with little or no interest in life.

In this example the physical health affected the mental health and they both affected the person's’ spirit. This example could be repeated placing mental health or ‘the spirit’ first to describe how all three areas are interlinked.

Physical Health Problems – Mental Health Problems – Low Spirit

Mental Health Problems – Physical Health Problems – Low Spirit

Low Spirit – Mental Health Problems – Physical Health Problems

So how does ‘the spirit’ get low or sick?

Difficult life circumstances such as: substance use, grief, relationship problems, job loses, financial and family issues can all contribute to emotional disruption. And a low spirit.

Holistic Prescriptions are non-evasive, gentle, respectful and consider the whole person and the interdependent parts listed above. They focus on the symptoms and underlying causes.

They can bring about positive changes and promote holistic recovery.

Types of Holistic Therapies at Abbeycare

Abbeycare offers a comprehensive drug and alcohol programme. This programme is known as a therapeutic programme and is interested in recovery. 

Both the words therapeutic and recovery denote – the return to health prior to the use of problematic substance use.

If drugs and alcohol were removed, after withdrawal, the body would begin to Physically recover. But what about the mind and spirit?

This is where Holistic Therapies come in such as:

  • Group Work Therapy 
  • Individual Counselling
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • 12 Step Philosophy
  • Motivational Enhancement Therapy
  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Light Exercise
  • Healthy Balanced Diet
  • Introduction to community recovery
  • Massage Therapy
  • Aftercare

From the above list it can be noted that both CBT and 12 Step follow the same pattern as a Holistic one.

CBT considers negative thinking and behaviour patterns that are underpinned by painful feelings or emotions.

The 12 Step Philosophy considers addiction as disease that centres in the mind, the body becomes chemically dependent on drugs and/or alcohol and the spirit dies.

Holistic Therapies and Recovery from Substance Use Disorders

Recovery at Abbeycare is holistic i.e. a whole person approach is adopted. Consideration is given to the following three areas mind, body and emotions or feelings:

The mind – addiction can cause internal turmoil. Accepting the problem is the use of substances, removing them, then talking in group therapy, in a safe, confidential place calms the mind.

The body – addiction can cause physical health problems, and, in most cases, detox is required. Abstinence from substances restores the body to healthier more energised place.

Emotions and Feelings – addiction can bring about feelings of guilt, shame, anger, regret, remorse, low self-worth and self-pity. Making a decision to embrace recovery and stop using alcohol or drugs can reverse those feelings.

Programmes can last from 14 to 28 days however for a complete transformation to occur Abbeycare recommends 28 Days.

Detox and Withdrawal

Holistic Therapies during detox and withdrawal have been shown to have many benefits. Talking through feelings, meditation and light exercise all create ease.

The introduction of specific Holistic Therapies throughout the detox period can make the process easier by reducing any physical or mental stresses the body undergoes whilst withdrawing the substance.  

Rehab

The rehab programme offers:

  • Therapeutic Group Work
  • One to one session with specialist trained addiction/recovery staff
  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Outdoor walks
  • Healthy balanced diet
  • Exercise sessions (on request)

Aftercare

Aftercare is supportive, inclusive, empowering and promotive of long-term sobriety.

Participants in the Aftercare programme can make strong connections with others and build lasting and meaningful relationships.

In modern times ‘stress’ can be a huge motivator to relapse. One of the many benefits of Aftercare is a safe place to talk with like-minded people. Talking through stresses instead of acting on them has been shown to reduce relapse.

Holistic Therapies and Spirituality

Spirituality and a spiritual way of life is centred around living a productive and harm free lifestyle. The intention is to live by principles that promote kindness to others.

An illustrative way to show spirituality in action is to show the opposite.

The Seven Deadly Sins can be shown to illustrate this.

  • Pride
  • Greed
  • Wrath
  • Envy
  • Lust
  • Gluttony
  • Sloth

The opposite of these are considered spiritual principles.

  • Humility
  • Selfless
  • Concern for others
  • Contentment
  • Love
  • Sharing and caring
  • Willingness

Looking at both lists the second list outlines a kinder way of live, a spiritual way.

The second list is only a short list as many spiritual principles can be added.

Holistic Therapies are designed to promote human kindness and contentment and the therapists that deliver these therapies are interested in the well-being of their clients.

A Holistic environment works in a loving and caring way to bring about positive changes to the ‘whole’ person.

An example of Holistic Therapies working in a spiritual way is the 12 Step Philosophy.

This philosophy is written with concern for the human spirit and its restitution to a place prior to addiction.

The reparation required to return to a place of happiness and contentment requires a thorough and in depth ‘look’ for those answers.

The intention of ‘spirituality’ within the 12 Steps is to replace human defects with spiritual principles. An example of this may be replacing ‘anger’ with ‘love.’

Spirituality – is the absence of harm to oneself or others. Spirituality is learning how-to live-in harmony with a set of positive values and morals.

Talking therapies, meditation, yoga, light exercise, a balanced diet and introduction to mutual aid groups and philosophies all combine to deliver a Holistic Programme.

Why choose Holistic Therapies?

Holistic therapies may look at the symptoms and underlying causes of physical and psychological issues by a trained Therapist.

Or they can be delivered in a general manner to give quick results, consider Yoga, Meditation or Massage.

They can also be used to compliment Western Therapies and are being used increasingly in Spa Days to promote a feeling of health and wellbeing for participants over a short period of time.

During a stay in rehab Holistic Therapies if carried out daily can provide immeasurable rewards for the participant.

Those recovering from alcohol and drug use may not have taken care of their bodies for many years.

Here are some of the benefits of Holistic therapies:

  • Consider the whole person
  • Treats the symptoms as well as looking at the underlying causes
  • Are complimentary with western medicines
  • Work to restore the body’s natural balance
  • Improve quality of life
  • Encourage the body to self-heal
  • Address countless physical issues from aches and pains to drug/alcohol withdrawal
  • Reduce symptoms related to psychological conditions from chronic stress to drug/alcohol cravings
  • Are non-evasive and non-medical
  • Once taught can be practiced at home
  • Can improve sleep pattern
  • Are adaptable to the participant
  • Can awaken the spirit

Points to consider before taking part:

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Medicines that may interfere with therapy
  • Mobility or physical restrictions
  • Psychological conditions that may not respond well to Holistic Therapies

If there are any points to consider it is recommended, they are discussed with the therapist before commencement.

Frequently Asked Questions

“I don’t like Yoga as I have mobility problems will I have to take part?”

Yoga can be adapted to suit mobility level. If problems with walking exist Chair Yoga can be performed stretching the upper torso and arms.

This can feel really refreshing to the muscles of the upper body. At Abbeycare encouragement is given to try new or different activities.

Keeping an open mind is a key component to recovery. And if it doesn’t work out alternative therapies can be chosen such as meditation or massage therapy.

“Are Holistic Therapies necessary for recovery from Alcohol and Drugs?”

There are many different types and philosophies of recovery. Abbeycare deliver a Holistic Model as a tried and tested model of recovery.

The therapeutic community is a chosen way of living in the residential rehab as it promotes care and understanding between peers and staff committed to the long-term recovery from substance use disorders.

“What is a Therapeutic Community?”

A therapeutic community is a group of like-minded people all striving to achieve a similar goal. The goal at Abbeycare is long-term cessation from alcohol and drug use.

Everybody involved in this goal from therapist to programme participant are working to achieve an atmosphere of recovery. In a safe, non-threatening, caring and considerate manner.

When everybody works together to achieve a similar goal in harmony. The living environment becomes therapeutic.

“Why is massage a Holistic Therapy?”

There are many different types of massage. The main aim of massage through rubbing and kneading various muscles groups is to relieve pain and return the body to a re-aligned state.

Reducing tension and strain in the body’s muscles will improve feelings of well-being. So, although a physical therapy the rest of the body also benefits.

“Will Holistic Therapies work if I am using alcohol or drugs?”

Holistic Therapies are not a cure for any of the human conditions from substance use disorders to depression.

They work to alleviate stresses, pains and worries in a non-evasive manner. As no medications are prescribed, they are considered safe practice.

Holistic Therapy vs Biofeedback Therapy

Holistic therapies focus on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while biofeedback therapies specifically monitor and modify physiological responses, illustrating how biofeedback therapy works by providing real-time feedback for self-regulation.

If using drugs/alcohol caution should be administer when performing any type physical exercise.

Some Holistic Therapies are physical such as Yoga and massage.

Abbeycare is constantly evolving and introducing new therapies.

Abbeycare strives to deliver a Holistic programme of therapies to those attending rehab. This programme begins as soon as the resident picks up the phone to discuss rehab with a member of the admissions team.

Therapists are professional, kind and considerate in their roles and programme participants are encouraged to mirror this approach and show respect and consideration to one another.

This ethos creates a safe, caring and productive environment to recover in. The whole programme has been designed to continue working in this manner for the full duration of the residents stay.

Abbeycare believes a Holistic approach allows for positive changes to made in an environment conducive to recovery from alcohol and drugs.

The environment in which alcohol and drugs have been used may have been stressful and hostile.

Abbeycare wants programme participants to feel comfortable from the moment they enter. And safe in the knowledge that they have made the right choice for recovery.

If you visualise yourself free from alcohol and drugs living a happy and productive life?

And wish to learn more about our Addiction Treatment or Holistic Therapy Programme call our free 24/7 Helpline on 01603 513 091 or fill out the form below to speak to a trained addiction counsellor.

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