complementary and alternative therapies
art therapy, yoga or pet therapy – explore alternative approaches to healing
With so many therapeutic approaches available, it can be overwhelming to know which path to recovery is right for you.
While traditional treatments like talking therapies and medication remain the most accessible and commonly recommended options, there is also a growing range of evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies. These non-traditional approaches are typically used alongside standard treatments, offering additional support in recovery.
People turn to complementary and alternative therapies because:
- Traditional approaches don’t work for everyone
- They offer a holistic, mind-body approach to wellbeing
- They can provide relaxation, grounding and stress relief
- Some people prefer natural or non-medical options
- They can be useful additions to traditional treatments and improve the overall quality of life.
It’s always a good idea to discuss any new approaches or treatment options with your GP to ensure they’re safe and appropriate for you.
examples of alternative therapies
This resource is designed to help you navigate complementary and alternative therapies and provide clarity on which approaches may best support your individual needs and wellbeing. Below we present some evidence-based examples of such therapies:
creative and expressive arts therapies
Creative therapies don’t require artistic skills. They focus on the process of creating as a way of expressing thoughts and feelings, especially those that are difficult to find. Examples include:
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Drama therapy
- Dance/movement therapy
- Poetry or writing therapy.
Our centre in Invergordon runs expressive arts sessions where service users are encouraged to draw or paint as a way of reflecting on their mental health and personal experiences. These sessions are very open and person-led, allowing individuals to explore emotions creatively and at their own pace.
“Art helps me say things I can’t put into words.”
“Painting the stones with kind messages helped me feel more positive – and I gave one to a friend too.”
Participants of our resource centre in Invergordon talk about their experience with art therapy.
Research shows that art therapy has a wide range of effects. It can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. For people experiencing schizophrenia, art therapy helps address negative symptoms such as social withdrawal, low motivation and reduced self-esteem. For autistic children, it offers a non-verbal outlet to express emotions, build communication skills, and support social and emotional development.
somatic therapies
Somatic means relating to the body and these therapies use the mind-body connection to regulate emotions, increase awareness of self and boost positive feelings. Mental health impacts physical health and certain emotions might for example feel stuck in the body.
Examples of somatic therapies include:
Somatic experiencing (body-oriented trauma therapy)
Somatic experiencing is a gentle therapy designed to help people recover from trauma and chronic stress. It works on the idea that trauma happens when the body’s natural fight, flight or freeze response gets stuck, causing ongoing physical and emotional tension.
This form of therapy helps people become aware of their body sensations and slowly releases this trapped stress in small, safe steps without having to relive the trauma fully.
Yoga therapy and breathwork
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines movement, physical postures, breathing techniques, relaxation, mindfulness and meditation. Yoga helps the body enter a state opposite to stress, promoting balance and relaxation. Research shows that yoga can be a valuable add-on treatment alongside therapy and medication, offering safe and supportive benefits for a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
“Your yoga class may be the only hour in your day when you are not with your phone and the notifications that come with that. That’s why all our studio spaces are strictly no-phone zones. While we love a chat in reception, our studios are intentional spaces for quiet reflection. Group exercise and meditation can be a great addition to an otherwise digital day.”
Change Mental Health partnered with TRIBE, a yoga studio with locations in Edinburgh and London. You can read our insight piece ‘Belonging on the Mat’ here.
Body-focused mindfulness
Mindfulness means paying full attention to the present moment – really noticing what’s happening right now without judging it. It helps to reduce stress, enhance emotional regulation and improve overall wellbeing.
Mindfulness is a key part of two traditional talking therapies, but you don’t need therapy to practice mindfulness. It’s something you can do on your own. People who score higher in mindfulness experience less depression and anxiety, and repetitive negative thinking.
Physical exercise interventions
Physical activity can benefit individuals biologically (e.g. reducing inflammation, enhancing brain function), psychologically (e.g. boosting mood and self-esteem) and socially (e.g. promoting meaningful interaction and support). One study shows that running therapy had similar effects to antidepressant medication on mental health, emerging as a great addition to traditional recovery methods.
animal-assisted therapy or pet therapy
It is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that uses animals to support emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing. Qualified therapists facilitate structured interactions between patients and animals – often dogs, cats or horses – based on specific therapeutic goals. These sessions promote trust, connection and emotional support.
Pet therapy has shown particular promise for individuals with:
- Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) also in veterans
- Autism
- Schizophrenia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Students under stress
- Patients in hospital or long-term care settings.
Bella has been a much-loved presence at our Stafford Centre service in Edinburgh for over 10 years. She brings a calming and supportive influence to the service, offering comfort during difficult moments and helping to ease anxiety. Her gentle nature also encourages social interaction, often acting as a bridge that helps service users connect and build friendships.
By fostering human-animal interaction, pet therapy can lead to:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Emotional regulation and social functioning
- Enhanced cognitive and physical wellbeing.
“Bella is very sensitive and therapeutic”
“Bella makes me feel better.”
“If you’re feeling stressed, she comes over to you and you feel better clapping her”
Participants of the Stafford Centre talk about their experience with pet therapy.
play therapy
Play therapy is a special type of therapy that helps children express their feelings, cope with difficult situations and improve their emotional and social skills. Play is a natural way for children to communicate. During the therapy, a trained therapists uses toys, games and creatives activities to understand and support he child.
This type of therapy is most helpful for preschool and school-aged children, especially those who:
support
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
other support
Impact Arts
Impact Arts is a Scottish charity that works to help people and communities transform their lives through art and creativity. They host a range of free creative projects across Central Scotland. You can sign up to join or refer someone you support using email hello@impactarts.co.uk or call on 0141 575 3001.
Give a Dog a Bone…and an animal a home
An animal charity that tackles loneliness and animal rehoming by supporting the over 60s to afford a rescue pet companion.
Contact them at 07969 742 858, email hello@giveadogabone.net or visit their website for more information.
Every Body Moves
A charity that connects disabled people to inclusive and accessible activities across the UK. Their website has a search bar where you can find activities near you, like yoga or feel-good walks.
