TITLE

Adding Exercise to Therapy May Make It More Effective

DESCRIPTION

Is there a relationship between the addition of exercise to psychotherapy?  This is a fairly new area of research that attempts to use good scientific methodology to answer the question. “Several recent studies have concluded that mental-health treatments are more effective when they’re combined with physical activity programs, supporting the idea that therapy can be about far more than just talking…. Why does exercise have such a strong effect on mental health? That’s a question researchers are still studying, but there seem to be multiple pathways. Studies have long shown that working out releases feel-good endorphins, and animal research suggests it can also increases the brain’s supply of neurotransmitters, which may improve mood and decrease stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise has also been shown to boost blood flow to and stimulate nerve growth in the brain, which can improve cognitive health and function, potentially leading to psychological benefits including the prevention or improvement of depressive symptoms. Physical activity is also linked to better sleep, which is itself beneficial for mental health.” (Each of the red phrases is an active link to a particular study regarding the topic under discussion.)

The article discusses how therapists have added exercise to therapy and provides interesting materials of therapists have worked to make the treatment more holistic for better health overall.

SOURCE

Time, February 17, 2023, by Jamie Ducharme

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://time.com/6255359/exercise-during-therapy-effective/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=sfmc&utm_campaign=newsletter+brief+default+ac&utm_content=+++20230226+++body&et_rid=207786296&lctg=207786296

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/yc5j9pc8

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•According to the article, how might the addition of exercise to psychotherapy enhance the benefit of the therapy?

•What types of issues appear to benefit from adding exercise to therapy?

•If you were a practicing therapist, what type of advice regarding exercise would you tell your client.  What evidence would you use in your discussion?