Healing the Core of Addiction Dolphin Therapy

Dolphin Therapy

When you think of dolphins, what do you picture? These beautiful creatures are known for their intelligence and playfulness. But did you know dolphin therapy is also used to help people with disabilities, mental health issues, and substance abuse disorders?

What Is Dolphin Therapy?

Dolphin therapy is also known as marine mammal therapy. It involves swimming with dolphins in the open water or interacting with them through touch or play sessions in an indoor facility. Dolphin therapy can treat a variety of conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. It’s also been shown to be effective at helping people regain their independence after injury or illness.

The idea behind it is that being around dolphins helps improve mental health because they are naturally social creatures who enjoy spending time with humans just as much as humans enjoy spending time with them! Dolphin therapy has been used since the 1960s when Dr. Joan Coombs in New Zealand introduced it as an alternative treatment method for children with learning difficulties such as ASD and ADHD.

However, its popularity has grown significantly over recent years due to research showing positive results from this therapy, which includes activities such as swimming alongside friendly marine mammals such as whales or seals too!

Dolphin Therapy with Wild Dolphins vs. Captive Dolphins

Does dolphin therapy take place with dolphins in the wild or in captivity? Usually, dolphin therapy takes place with dolphins in captivity. Very few places offer this treatment in the wild, although a small number exist.

There are multiple outspoken groups regarding the treatment of dolphins who are kept in captivity for dolphin therapy. However, most dolphins enjoy a long, fulfilling life, enjoying a close bond with their trainers and the individuals in treatment.

Is Dolphin-Assisted Therapy Evidence-Based?

One of the primary questions surrounding dolphin-assisted therapy is whether this form of treatment is evidence-based. Many people would argue that it’s not, but this side of the argument typically stems from the fact that it’s not a mainstream treatment, with no factual background in how this therapy works.

Many scientific studies focused directly on dolphin therapy’s benefits have produced positive results backed by scientific evidence. Using control groups and alternative forms of treatment with large groups of people, scientists, marine biologists, trainers, and mental health professionals have concluded that dolphin therapy does provide significant, provable mental health benefits.

Can Dolphin Therapy Help in Addiction Treatment?

Many holistic-focused rehab facilities have recently engaged in dolphin-assisted therapy for substance abuse disorders. Can dolphin therapy help in addiction treatment?

The simple answer is yes; it can help with addiction treatment and be incredibly effective. This is especially true in the case of dual-diagnosis disorders, where mental health disorders become a primary focus in combination with drug or alcohol addiction.

If dolphin therapy is proven effective for PTSD and other mental health challenges, it’s only correct to assume that it can provide as many benefits for substance abuse, especially if you’re an advocate of dual-diagnosis and co-occurring disorders.

Dolphin therapy is most effective when combined with more traditional forms of treatment like cognitive-behavioral therapy, talk therapy, dual-diagnosis treatment, and other effective psychotherapies. The specific occurrence of dolphin therapy would fall under the category of holistic treatment, which has also produced favorable results with activities like equine therapy, surf therapy, and more.

The Healing Powers of the Ocean Itself

The ocean has long been a driving force for many different types of healing. This isn’t a new age or temporary line of thinking—the knowledge of the healing powers of the ocean dates as far back as ancient Rome.

Even in those very early days of our civilization, people used the ocean to heal broken bones and remedy other physical ailments. The minerals and sodium properties in the water provide significant physical advantages, and the aura and atmosphere in the ocean’s proximity provide mental healing.

The ocean produces a calming effect for several reasons. When you’re in the water, finding blue ocean in addiction treatment is a term used to become one with the rhythm of the sea and its current.

Imagine for a moment the freedom you would have if you were a natural part of the ocean, allowing yourself to move back and forth with the natural movement of the tides. Entering the ocean and achieving this form of mental synchronicity is what many believe provides the healing of the spirit and mind during ocean therapy.

Communing With Dolphins in Their Natural Waters

Communing with dolphins in their natural waters is a rare opportunity many don’t get throughout their lifetime. Swimming with these fantastic creatures in their domain is said to provide a mixture of serenity and excitement that can’t be duplicated in any other way.

All humans possess a bit of a wild side through our natural connection to animals through generations and generations of cohabitating. Something clicks within our mind and spirit when we share a space with wild animals, bringing out a side of us that rarely has a chance to rise to the surface.

Connecting with these parts of our brains is incredibly therapeutic, and this is what happens when you commune with dolphins in their natural waters.

Another significant aspect of dolphin therapy is the atmosphere of Hawaii. The environment, which includes a beautiful ocean, sun, and beaches, all play a role in your recovery process. When you’re at the beach, you can enjoy the scenery and relax with your deepest thoughts while focusing on healing.

Your mind will be free from worries so that you can focus on enjoying yourself instead of worrying about what’s going on in your life back home. You’ll be able to spend time with other people who are also recovering from their illnesses or addictions because they have also gone through similar experiences!

The Unique Healing Properties of Hawaii

From the whispering winds and spraying seas of the ocean to the majestic aura of the mountains, Hawaii presents an environment that promotes healing in nearly every way possible. The mind wanders to the mental properties of the landscape, but you’re also afforded physical benefits just by navigating the complicated terrain.

Simply taking walks or touring the natural wonders of Hawaii promotes physical healing and requires a certain fitness level. Without thinking about it, the island can help you achieve higher bodily, spiritual, and mental wellness levels.

The volcanoes provide another healing dynamic, with local legends and folklore tied to the healing benefits of these giant, living, breathing mountains. Many ancient tales speak of volcano Gods who emerged and offered people second chances of opportunities for mending and healing.

The locals have long believed in the healing properties of Hawaii, and millions of tourists pass through every year to obtain a small portion of these mystical benefits. Hawaii provides intense, evocative healing because of the picturesque landscape, much like the healing provided during dolphin therapy.

Evocative Healing of Dolphin Therapy

Dolphin therapy and wandering around beneath the ocean’s surface in general provide a certain degree of evocative healing during and after these exercises. What is evocative healing?

Evocative healing uses intense sensory imaging to trigger certain feelings and memories that invoke healing. These are typically good memories and can help you revisit times you may have forgotten because of the years of masking things with the numbing powers of drugs and alcohol.

Dolphin Therapy at a Holistic Treatment Center

Dolphin therapy combined with additional holistic treatment can be one of the most effective ways to recover. The simultaneous healing of the mind, body, and soul allows clients to truly get in touch with every element of their being.

This is a great way to think of holistic treatment: If dual-diagnosis treatment is effective because it heals mental health disorders alongside substance abuse disorders, holistic healing takes it one step further and heals the soul. It’s a trifecta of therapy that allows you to rediscover yourself, heal things you may have buried, and learn about substance abuse and your subconscious.

Finding Lasting Recovery at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab

Exclusive Hawaii Rehab is the leading holistic treatment option in Hawaii and one of the premier holistic rehabs in the United States. Dolphin therapy is one of the dozens of holistic treatments we provide clients in a comprehensive care plan that is individually catered to all who enter our facilities.

In addition, comprehensive aftercare plans are provided to ensure clients maintain recovery long after their time with us has passed. Contact a member of our compassionate Intake Coordination staff for more information about how you can swim with the dolphins and achieve recovery.