September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide prevention often involves traditional talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These approaches focus on exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, guiding individuals through verbal expression. However, for some, words may not always be sufficient or accessible.
Alternative therapies offer individuals diverse ways to access their emotions, process trauma, and work through mental health struggles, especially when verbal expression may be too challenging or limiting. These therapies can stand alone or complement traditional approaches, allowing therapists and clients to build personalized treatment plans. Each modality has its unique methods for facilitating healing, emotional regulation, and personal growth.
Somatic and Trauma-Informed Therapies: Body-Centered Healing
Somatic and trauma-informed therapies focus on the mind-body connection, emphasizing how physical sensations and movements can influence emotional states. These approaches are particularly effective for individuals dealing with trauma or suicidal thoughts, where emotional pain may manifest physically. Somatic therapies aim to regulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which plays a crucial role in emotional and physiological responses to stress.
Techniques such as breathwork, mindful movement, and body awareness help clients reconnect with their bodies and release stored tension. Somatic experiencing and polyvagal theory are commonly used to help individuals feel more grounded, secure, and in control. These approaches also promote self-regulation, enabling clients to navigate emotional distress and reduce the intensity of suicidal thoughts.
By addressing how the body holds and expresses emotional pain, somatic and trauma-informed therapies provide a holistic approach to suicide prevention. They help individuals release unresolved trauma, regulate their emotional responses, and regain a sense of balance and safety.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Focusing on the Present
Mindfulness-based therapies such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teach clients how to focus on the present moment and observe their thoughts without judgment. These practices can reduce the intensity of suicidal thoughts by helping individuals detach from the mental narratives that fuel emotional distress. Mindfulness fosters emotional regulation, self-compassion, and acceptance, creating space for individuals to experience difficult emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them.
For those experiencing intense suicidal ideation, mindfulness can provide a grounding practice that enhances coping skills and emotional resilience. By learning to observe their thoughts and emotions from a place of calm awareness, clients can develop healthier relationships with their inner experiences, reducing the likelihood of becoming overwhelmed by distressing feelings.
Creative Arts Therapies: Expressing Emotions Through Art, Dance, and Drama
Creative arts therapies encompass a range of modalities, including art therapy, dance/movement therapy, and drama therapy, all of which provide powerful means for individuals to express emotions that may be difficult to verbalize. These therapies use creative processes as tools for healing and self-discovery, offering alternative ways to explore and communicate complex inner experiences.
- Art Therapy: Art therapy provides a non-verbal outlet for individuals to express emotions and experiences through visual means. Clients use various artistic mediums—such as drawing, painting, or sculpture—to create tangible representations of their internal worlds. This process allows them to externalize and manage emotions that might otherwise be overwhelming. Art therapy can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with suicidal ideation, as it offers a way to process and transform difficult feelings into something concrete and manageable.
- Dance/Movement Therapy: Dance/movement therapy harnesses the power of movement to help individuals express and process emotions. This form of therapy encourages clients to use their bodies as instruments of communication, allowing them to release stored tension and connect with their emotions in a physical way. For individuals who feel disconnected from their bodies or who struggle with verbal expression, dance/movement therapy provides a somatic pathway to healing and emotional regulation.
- Drama Therapy: Drama therapy uses role-play, storytelling, and theatrical techniques to explore emotions and behaviors. By stepping into different roles and enacting various scenarios, clients can gain new perspectives on their experiences and emotions. Drama therapy allows for safe exploration of difficult topics, enabling clients to experiment with different ways of being and expressing themselves. This modality can be particularly effective in helping individuals work through trauma and develop coping strategies in a supportive and creative environment.
These creative arts therapies provide clients with alternative avenues to explore and express their inner worlds, fostering emotional resilience and supporting the healing process in ways that complement traditional talk therapy.
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Emerging Modalities
Psychedelic-assisted therapy, though still in the experimental stages for many therapeutic practices, is gaining recognition for its potential in treating depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. Under controlled conditions, substances such as MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine have been used in therapeutic settings to help individuals process trauma, confront emotional pain, and find new perspectives on their experiences. Integration therapy, which involves processing insights gained during psychedelic experiences, helps individuals work through their emotions and experiences after the session, ensuring that the benefits are sustained.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy offers a unique approach by potentially allowing clients to access parts of their psyche that may be difficult to reach through traditional methods. While this approach is still emerging and is typically offered in specialized settings, it represents a promising frontier in mental health treatment and suicide prevention.
Combining Traditional and Alternative Therapies
For many individuals, combining traditional talk therapy with alternative therapies offers a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. For example, a client may participate in somatic therapy to regulate their body’s stress responses while also engaging in cognitive-behavioral therapy to address negative thought patterns. This integrative approach allows therapists to tailor treatments to the unique needs of each individual, providing multiple avenues for healing and growth.
Contact us today to find the therapist who is right for you.