Over the past decade, Wolf Therapy has become a more prevalent type of holistic therapy that has worked for Post-Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD) in kids and veterans, and for people trying to overcome a substance use disorder (SUD). Society has probably taught you that wolves are dangerous, which they are to a certain extent. Hearing about the Big Bad Wolf in fairy tales has given wolves a bad rap when they actually can relate to humans more than you may think.
The pack
Wolves are perceived as vicious, strong animals, but they also have a strong desire to think about the pack before they think of themselves individually. When a wolf gets injured, they will not compromise the survival of the other wolves and will fall back into the hierarchy of the pack. When they become stronger, they will come back into the fold and work their way back up in the ranks to instinctively protect one another from outside threats.
The commonality
Looking at the hierarchy of a wolf pack, a 12-Step program resembles how the groups take care of their newcomers. People relapse and have problems that can compromise their sobriety. Like wolves, groups try their best to protect newcomers and help with their survival in their program and in their life. Wolves are considered very social amongst their pack which allows them to work together. Being of service to one another in a 12-Step program forms a unity that is unbreakable when everyone is all in.
The depiction
Wolf Therapy is used to help humans connect with wolves to assist a person, for instance, who has struggled with addiction relearn empathy, setting boundaries, and learning how to forgive in their sobriety. Wolves who are trained and certified are notorious for taking the down walls and defensive guards that were brought up with addiction. Learning to reenter the world without the use of drugs and alcohol is not an easy task for someone with an addiction and having the assistance and nurturing spirit of the wolf, gives them the innate ability to elevate recovery in the right direction.
Humans and wolves have been traced back to the days of the Native Indians, so wolf therapy is nothing new. The good news for people who use wolf therapy is that they are using a therapy that will give them new insight on how to cope when the tough gets going.
Offering a full range of recovery and mental health services, Valiant Living offers “Expanded Recovery” to enrich our clients’ lives in mind, body, and spirit. Through evidence-based therapy options and the endless adventure of Colorado, Valiant fosters connection, encouraging clients to get connected to themselves, their peers, their families, and their higher power. With the power of recovery, clients are restored to full health and experience life-changing healing. Call us today for more information: 303-536-5463
