# data[].attributes.body
light therapy

# data[].attributes.body
Aromatherapy is an alternative therapy that uses essential oils (oils extracted from plants) for healing and it is believed that these oils can relieve certain disorders such as anxiety and insomnia. These oils can be used in different ways, such as in creams, oil burners, massaged straight onto the skin or by adding drops to a warm bath. For example, lavender and camomile essential oils are thought to be relaxing and help with trouble sleeping and are often sold in spray bottles to spray straight onto pillows before going to bed.
Advantages of aromatherapy
o Healing properties
Many informal studies and reviews show evidence that aromatherapy with certain oils is extremely effective on mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
o Safe and Natural
Aromatherapy with essential oils is considered safe and non-toxic for human inhalation. Essential oils are derived from plants , and if processed naturally , are a completely organic substance.
o Ease of use
Aromatherapy is a simple therapeutic procedure, with readily available products, and requires no professional supervision. The simplest method involves inhaling the product from its container so there is no learning curve involved in treating yourself.
o Availability
Essential oil companies are easy to find and easy to access
Disadvantages of aromatherapy
o Allergies
Because the oils are derived from plants, some people with certain plant or seasonal allergies could be sensitive to certain essential oils.
o Lack of medical research
o Side effects
o Cost
Although for the most part affordable, certain services can be expensive and not everyone may be able to afford to buy their own oils and products

# data[].attributes.headline
Therapeutic Photography 
Therapeutic Photography is the name for photo-based activities that are self-initiated and conducted by oneself (or as part of an organized group or project), but where no formal therapy is taking place and no therapist or counsellor needs to be involved.
Therapeutic Photography techniques are photographic* practices, where the intended goal is to produce positive change in individuals, couples, or families — but they also include broader Social Action Photography techniques where the goal is to improve well-being, reduce social exclusion, and create positive change at community, societal, national, or international levels. 

Strengths
•	Patients can forget about their illness for a while and escape intense emotions. 
•	increasing self-knowledge, awareness, and well-being
•	improving relationships with family and others
•	activating positive change
•	reducing social exclusion
•	assisting rehabilitation
Weakness
•	Expensive as some people mightn’t afford camera. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Therapeutic Photography 
Therapeutic Photography is the name for photo-based activities that are self-initiated and conducted by oneself (or as part of an organized group or project), but where no formal therapy is taking place and no therapist or counsellor needs to be involved.
Therapeutic Photography techniques are photographic* practices, where the intended goal is to produce positive change in individuals, couples, or families — but they also include broader Social Action Photography techniques where the goal is to improve well-being, reduce social exclusion, and create positive change at community, societal, national, or international levels. 

Strengths
•	Patients can forget about their illness for a while and escape intense emotions. 
•	increasing self-knowledge, awareness, and well-being
•	improving relationships with family and others
•	activating positive change
•	reducing social exclusion
•	assisting rehabilitation
Weakness
•	Expensive as some people mightn’t afford camera. 

# data[].attributes.body
Light therapy/ bright light therapy/ phototherapy

Treatment for seasonal affective disorder.

Sit near a light therapy box.

Box gives off light similar to natural light outside.

Affects brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep.

Also helps with other types of depression and sleeping disorders.

Strengths-

Alternative for antidepressants during pregnancy/ breastfeeding.

Increase effectiveness of antidepressants or psychotherapy.

Side effects are not dangerous.

Weaknesses-

Eyestrain, headache, nausea, irritability/ agitation.

For those with bipolar- can trigger mania.

To reduce side effects-

Move farther away, take breaks, and decrease treatment time.

Not a cure. Eases symptoms and increases energy.

Can take a few days or a few weeks to see improvement.

# data[].attributes.body
Our biological clock keeps our body rhythms and sleep wake cycles in sync with the light - day cycle of the earth. When light enters the eye, it activates the hypothalamus in the brain which reduces the production of the sleep hormone (melatonin). The light also acts to the release of a variety of other hormones and affects the body temperature.

Light therapy uses specialised artificial light to treat mood disorders, it is also useful in normalising sleep and behaviour in people with dementia.

This therapy is also useful for people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. Current criteria requires that this occurs for 2 consecutive years.
the therapy should start one week before depressive symptoms tend to being or as soon as they begin. this should be tapered as the day lengthens.

Strengths:
- Accessible to most as it is cheaper than alternative therapies.
- Available to complete at home.
Weaknesses:
- Side Affects; Agitation, Insomnia, Nausea and Headaches.
- Only benefits the individual if their depression has a seasonal component
- Individuals with bipolar disorder are at risk of manic symptoms.

# data[].attributes.body
Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to try to treat conditions or change habits.

What happens in a hypnotherapy session
1. Usually have a chat with a therapist to discuss what you wish to achieve as well as agree on what methods your therapist will use.
2. The hypnotherapist may
 Lead you into a deep, relaxed state
 Use your previously agreed methods to help push you towards your goals
 Gradually bring you out of the trance
During the hypnotherapy, you are fully in control and can disagree or decline to take on the therapist’s suggestions if you don’t want to.
Hypnosis doesn’t work if you don’t want to be hypnotised.
Advised to not to undergo hypnotherapy if you have psychosis or certain types of personality disorder, as it could make your condition worse.
Hypnotherapy isn't usually available on the NHS.

Risk factors
In the UK, hypnotherapists don't have to have any specific training by law. This means hypnotherapy can be offered by people with little training who aren't health professionals. Also meaning that they may not hypnotize you and scam you for your money as private hypnotherapy sessions can cost anything from £50 upwards.
When looking for a private hypnotherapist:
• choose someone with a healthcare background – such as a doctor, psychologist or counsellor
• if you have mental ill health or a serious illness (such as cancer), make sure they're trained in working with your condition
• if you're looking for a therapist for your child, make sure they're trained to work with children
Hypnotherapy for phobias
Phobias work on a subconscious level. This means that no matter how much we tell ourselves that what we fear isn’t life-threatening, our mind and body will still react with fear. The aim for hypnotherapy for phobias is communicate and open the subconscious and change the way we react and feel towards your phobia. T overcome your phobia your hypnotist will put you in a relaxed state, but you are in control the whole time, and talk you through getting over your fears. If you don’t know where your phobia comes from you may have to have a few sessions with a therapist.

# data[].attributes.body
Light Therapy: Light therapy is a way to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and certain other conditions by exposure to artificial light. During light therapy, you sit or work near a device called a light therapy box.

Strengths:
- Lights are 5 to 20 times brighter then normal lights therefor they can treat faster.
- LED technology can be used for convenience of patients.
- Studies show it produces better results than natural healing.
- Can be used for many types of mood disorders to lift mood.
- There are little side effects and it is non-invasive.
- It can be used to supplement therapy.

Weaknesses:
- If the light is too strong this can result in sunburn and headaches.
- Some of the side effects are headaches, insomnia, sunburn, fatigue, dry eyes and nose, hypomania (an extended period of heightened mood). Most of these can be reduced by reducing the light intensity.

# data[].attributes.headline
Music Therapy 
It stimulates brain function controlling cognition, speech, movement, emotions, etc. It meets all the individuals needs. 
Pros 
- It helps individuals who have communication impairments
- It aims to improve physical rehabilitation
- It provides emotional support for all and increases motivation
- It can improve respiration, lower blood pressure, relax muscle tension and reduce heart rate and blood pressure 

Cons 
- Can be a memory trigger 
- Can cause emotional flooding 
- It can induce anxiety 
- It can create false memories, distress and confusion to patients 
- Can in some cases, cause over-stimulation 

# data[].attributes.subject
Music Therapy 
It stimulates brain function controlling cognition, speech, movement, emotions, etc. It meets all the individuals needs. 
Pros 
- It helps individuals who have communication impairments
- It aims to improve physical rehabilitation
- It provides emotional support for all and increases motivation
- It can improve respiration, lower blood pressure, relax muscle tension and reduce heart rate and blood pressure 

Cons 
- Can be a memory trigger 
- Can cause emotional flooding 
- It can induce anxiety 
- It can create false memories, distress and confusion to patients 
- Can in some cases, cause over-stimulation 

# data[].attributes.headline
Hypnotherapy
First, you'll usually have a chat with your therapist to discuss what you hope to achieve and agree what methods your therapist will use. 
After this, the hypnotherapist may:
•	lead you into a deeply relaxed state
•	use your agreed methods to help you towards your goals – for example, suggesting that you don't want to carry out a certain habit
•	gradually bring you out of the trance
Strengths- relaxation benefits of hypnosis can be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders; can improve mood 
Weaknesses-can’t be used on people who have psychosis or certain types of personality disorder as it can’ make it worse. In the UK, HYPNOTHERAPISTS don’t have ay specific training by law so it means hypnotherapy might be offered by people with little training who aren’t health professionals. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Hypnotherapy
First, you'll usually have a chat with your therapist to discuss what you hope to achieve and agree what methods your therapist will use. 
After this, the hypnotherapist may:
•	lead you into a deeply relaxed state
•	use your agreed methods to help you towards your goals – for example, suggesting that you don't want to carry out a certain habit
•	gradually bring you out of the trance
Strengths- relaxation benefits of hypnosis can be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders; can improve mood 
Weaknesses-can’t be used on people who have psychosis or certain types of personality disorder as it can’ make it worse. In the UK, HYPNOTHERAPISTS don’t have ay specific training by law so it means hypnotherapy might be offered by people with little training who aren’t health professionals. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Music Therapy
Psychological therapy designed to promote positive changes in emotional wellbeing and communication through music. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Music Therapy
Psychological therapy designed to promote positive changes in emotional wellbeing and communication through music. 

# data[].attributes.body
Pros
- Improves mood, reduces blood pressure, and lowers the respiratory rate.
- Effective solution to alleviate mood disorders
- Improves communication and social behaviours

Cons
- May cause false memories, distress and may confuse for those who have dementia
- May trigger bad memories
- Not everyone likes music
- Can't help those with hearing and cognitive impairments
- Patient may be sensitive to high volumes