Endurance based psychotherapY™
Welcome to the world of Endurance Based Psychotherapy™, where we explore the powerful role of endurance sports like running and cycling in addiction recovery. Combining physical activity with counseling, we help individuals tap into the mental and physical benefits of endurance sports to overcome addiction. These activities promote discipline, mental resilience, and a healthy routine, offering a natural outlet for stress relief and emotional regulation. Whether you’re new to fitness or an experienced athlete, our program integrates exercise into recovery plans, helping you build strength, focus, and a renewed sense of purpose on your journey to sobriety.
What is Endurance Based Psychotherapy™?
Endurance Based Psychotherapy™ is a propriety form of therapy that integrates cardiovascular exercise/training such as running or cycling during counseling sessions. It is coupled with the collection and analysis of biometric and psychometric data to track progress and efficacy in treatment.
Does it work?
Endurance sports like running and cycling play a critical role in balancing the brain’s chemistry, particularly through their effects on dopamine and serotonin—two neurotransmitters closely linked to addiction and recovery. Dopamine is the brain’s “reward” chemical, often hijacked by addictive substances to create feelings of pleasure. Over time, substance use depletes natural dopamine levels, making it harder for individuals to feel joy or motivation without external substances.
By incorporating endurance sports into addiction counseling, we help individuals naturally boost their dopamine production. Activities like running and cycling trigger the brain to release dopamine in healthy amounts, creating a natural “high” that rewards persistence and effort. In theory, this rebalances the brain’s reward system, helping individuals feel good without substances.
Similarly, endurance sports boost serotonin, the “happiness” neurotransmitter that regulates mood and well-being. Regular exercise increases serotonin levels, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression, which are often underlying factors in addiction. Through consistent training, participants in recovery not only strengthen their bodies but also stabilize their mood and enhance emotional resilience, making it easier to stay on the path of sobriety. By understanding and harnessing the natural power of these neurotransmitters, our approach uses endurance sports to support both the mind and body in recovery.
Between sessions, clients will complete a range of psychometric assessments designed to evaluate their emotional, psychological, and behavioral progress. In addition, they will track relevant biometric data, such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activity levels. This data will help clients monitor their overall well-being, identify patterns, and recognize any fluctuations in their physical and mental states. Clients will use this information to assess the effectiveness of their current strategies, detect early signs of stress or relapse, and make informed adjustments to their training and recovery plans. This process is intended to promote self-awareness, enhance decision-making, and support the client’s ongoing progress toward their goals.
What steps do I need to take to try Endurance Based Psychotherapy™?
The first step is to contact your therapist about Endurance Based Psychotherapy. Your therapist will send a waiver for Walk and Talk Therapy / Endurance Based Psychotherapy™ for you to complete. Based on information provided, your therapist may request additional steps such as consulting with your physician.