In recent years there has been a growing trend of integrating Western psychotherapy with traditional Eastern medicine practices. While many see the two approaches as conflicting, there are several commonalities. The goal of both is to alleviate suffering. Each has a treatment plan and diagnosis of what ails us. And they both help guide us in becoming our best selves. Mental health treatment therapy programs that incorporate practices from both philosophies are highly effective at assisting individuals to overcome chronic and persistent mental health disorders.

At Harmony Hills, we believe in the many benefits of incorporating Eastern meditative practices with Western psychotherapy because we see the positive outcomes daily in our residential treatment center. Contact us at 855.494.0357 to learn how our evidence-based and holistic approach to mental health treatment can help you or your loved one.

What is a Meditative Therapy Program?

Meditative therapy is a practice that connects the mind and body to help people increase calmness, relax, and enhance their physical and mental well-being. There are many types of meditation, and they can be guided or unguided and focused on insight or tranquility. Examples include:

• Mindfulness mediation
• Body-scan meditation
• Zen meditation
• Mantra meditation
• Loving-kindness meditation

Mindfulness meditation can include mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), both of which are highly beneficial in mental health treatment. Mindfulness meditation can target different issues, such as depression or anxiety. It involves the practice of being aware of and engaged in the present moment and being open, aware, and accepting.

What Are The Benefits of Meditative Therapy?

Research indicates that meditative therapy affects our physiological (body) and psychological (mind) well-being positively. Some physiological effects include lower heart rate, reduced respiration rate, decreased stress, a lowered state of physical arousal, and changes in brain wave patterns. The psychological and emotional benefits include:

• Increased self-awareness
• Better stress management skills
• Increased emotional well-being
• Improved working memory
• Greater empathy for oneself and others
• Better management of mental health symptoms
• Increased tolerance and patience

While researchers do not fully understand how meditative therapy works, countless studies have demonstrated that meditative techniques have a range of positive effects on psychological well-being and overall health.

The Importance of Holistic Healing for Mental Health

The relationship between our thoughts, emotions, and physical health has meaningful impacts on our overall well-being. The symptoms of mental health disorders impact all areas of life, so effective mental health treatment should foster holistic healing. Mental health treatment often focuses solely on reducing or managing symptoms rather than considering the whole person, making treatment less effective. The result is that people feel hopeless and frustrated and believe that mental health treatment does not work.

As part of a  comprehensive treatment plan, holistic approaches to mental health treatment help promote self-care that strengthens the potential for lasting recovery. Significant benefits of holistic healing include the following:

• Encourages a healthy diet and exercise
• Can reduce the need for medications
• No harmful side-effects
• Fosters the development of coping skills
• Easy to implement
• Promotes relaxation and stress reduction
• Cultivates patience and tolerance

The techniques learned in holistic therapy can be practiced anywhere, so clients can draw on these techniques outside of treatment to manage their mental health symptoms.

Contact Harmony Hills for Meditative Therapy Near Tampa, Florida

At Harmony Hills, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live their best life. Our residential treatment center provides compassionate, comprehensive mental health treatment in a safe and supportive environment for a range of mental health disorders, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• PTSD
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizoaffective disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Dual diagnosis

Discover the benefits of meditative therapy near Tampa, Florida, at Harmony Hills. Reach out to us online or call 855.494.0357 to learn how to help you or your loved one gain back control.