High ropes and high notes: The healing power of music, art, and movement
Sometimes, learning to trust yourself and others happens best when you’re standing 35 feet above the ground. Sometimes, expressing yourself through music or art is the best way to let out painful feelings. And sometimes, just having a shared experience can be powerfully healing.
Many patients find healing through music, art, or recreation. These effective ways to treat mental health and substance use disorders are known at Huntsman Mental Health Institute as expressive therapies.
That’s because they tap into our innate need to express our thoughts and emotions—whether it’s through creating a song or a painting, building a sense of belonging in a group, or feeling a sense of accomplishment and control. Many patients—kids and adults alike—think it’s the best part of treatment. They can experience joy, do something that is more fun or more interesting than they thought, and learn from shared experiences.
Huntsman Mental Health Institute is unique in having 22 full-time and 16 part-time credentialed music, recreation, and art therapists on staff—more than anywhere else in Utah or surrounding states
How it works
Music, art, and recreation are powerful therapies for mental health and substance use disorders
Music
- Listening
- Singing
- Song writing
- Playing instruments
- Relaxation techniques
Art
- Drawing
- Painting
- Collage
- Sculpture
- Coloring
Recreation
- Leisure education
- Psychoeducational games and puzzles
- ROPES course
- Problem-solving tasks
The soundtrack for success
Music improves emotional health by creating a safe container to tap into emotions.
Emily Polichette, Neurologic Music Therapist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, says there’s which is why it helps so many people find success.
“Music engages throughout the cortex and white matter of the brain to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. The same regions of the brain process emotions, memories, and autonomic physical sensations,” Polichette explained.
Huntsman Mental Health Institute is partnering with the on several projects, many with the and the . The work ranges from studying group drumming for cancer patients to developing a creative arts therapy curriculum and certificate programs to help more people engage in arts and health.
Painting a brighter future
Art therapy provides a window into a new, stronger identity that many patients haven’t experienced for a long time—if ever.
Whether it’s painting, making a collage, or sculpting, art therapy helps patients express themselves in ways they often can’t with words. The creative process allows them to problem-solve as well as identify, work through, and manage emotions. From small children to adults, it’s not about the final product, but the healing that happens while they’re creating.
Patients often discover new insights about them-selves while enhancing self-control and their ability to take control of their lives—especially when practicing mindfulness. Sharing their art with others helps them face uncomfortable feelings and provides a valuable sense of connectedness and the opportunity to appreciate others’ creativity.
Healing in action
The young woman stood there, staring up at the collection of ropes and cables high above the ground, shaking her head no, convinced she couldn’t do it. But her recreational therapist suggested she only climb as far as she wanted—explaining success comes in small steps. With the encouragement of her group, and her therapist holding the belay rope, she carefully inched her way up the ladder.
After making it to the top, she paused for a long while, gaining courage from everyone cheering her on. Then she slowly stepped onto the foot cable and, little by little, made her way toward the other side of the climb. Focusing intently on her breath and the goal she set for herself, she continued across the cable, gaining confidence with every step. She reached the end with a sigh of relief, a huge smile, and roaring cheers from her peers down below.
“It’s important to know our edge of comfort vs. discomfort. A lot of things we want are just outside our comfort zones, and we have to push ourselves a little to get them—but not too far to panic.”
The ROPES course, or Recognizing Opportunity Through Problem-Solving course, allows for participants to recognize opportunity through problem-solving during a supportive and positive therapeutic experience—flying in the face of the isolation those with substance use disorder and other mental health issues often feel. Activities in the air and on the ground both inside and outside, help people find their edge of comfort, improve communication skills and trust, and gain a sense of belonging.
When patients are not using the ROPES course, therapists and other team members use it to provide outreach to community members, educating them about ending mental health stigma and the resources offered by Huntsman Mental Health Institute.
Recreation-Based Programs We Offer
Camp Au’venture for Kids
Every kid deserves the chance to go to camp, including those with autism. More than 14 dedicated facilitators use recreational therapy to give autistic children a place where they can meet other kids in similar situations, make their own choices, be themselves, and have a fun camp experience without the social barriers and pressures that can exist in our society.
Camp Brave & Bold
Camp Brave & Bold is a ropes course and community-based summer program designed for 13-17 year-olds. While this camp is designed to build belonging, community, and empowerment for teens across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, all are welcome! Our dedicated facilitators offers a unique approach to building confidence and connections through recreation.