Aquatic Psychotherapy Sessions
What is Aquatic Psychotherapy® (AQT)?
Aquatic Psychotherapy® (AQT) is an emerging, experiential approach to mental health and wellness that intentionally incorporates water and the qualities of water into the therapeutic process.
Rather than simply changing the location of a traditional therapy session, AQT explores how water can become an active part of the therapeutic experience. Movement, buoyancy, sound, rhythm, sensory input, nature, mindfulness, body awareness, play, and even the symbolism of water can create new opportunities for emotional regulation, insight, connection, and healing.
AQT may take place in, on, or near water and can be adapted to the needs of the individual, couple, or group.
Is Aquatic Psychotherapy® just traditional therapy done in the water?
No. While conversation and traditional psychotherapy techniques may certainly be part of a session, Aquatic Psychotherapy® is much more than relocating therapy from an office to a pool.
In AQT, the therapeutic environment is intentionally considered. The movement of water, buoyancy, sound, sensory experiences, connection with nature, changes in body awareness, and opportunities for movement and experiential learning may all become part of the therapeutic process.
The goal is not simply to do therapy around water, but to thoughtfully explore how the unique properties and experiences of water can enhance therapeutic work.
Do I have to know how to swim or get into the water?
Not necessarily. One of the guiding ideas of Aquatic Psychotherapy® is that therapeutic work can happen in, on, or near water.
Some experiences may involve swimming, floating, walking in shallow water, or other water-based activities. Others may take place beside a lake, river, ocean, pool, fountain, or other blue space without entering the water at all. Some practitioners may want to do some AQT with you right in their office by setting up water as a backdrop using water-type pictures, sound, and water visualizations.
Your comfort level, physical abilities, therapeutic goals, environmental conditions, and safety are all considered when determining what type of experience is appropriate. Participation in a particular aquatic activity should never be assumed simply because you are participating in AQT.
What should I expect before my first Aquatic Psychotherapy® experience?
our AQT instructor or clinician will meet with you beforehand to review the experience and go over the logistical details so you know what to expect.
Depending upon the activity, this may include the location, what to wear or bring, water comfort and swimming ability, physical considerations, weather and environmental conditions, transportation or equipment needs, privacy considerations, safety procedures, and the type of activities that may be involved.
This is also an opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns, and determine whether the planned experience feels appropriate for you. Because AQT can occur in many different environments, preparation is an important part of creating an experience that is both therapeutically meaningful and as safe and comfortable as possible.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Many clients use out-of-network benefits or a superbill for possible reimbursement. We’re happy to discuss options and provide documentation.
Is Aquatic Psychotherapy® the same as aquatic physical therapy?
No. Aquatic Psychotherapy® should not be confused with physical therapy performed in water, sometimes called aquatic physical therapy or aquatic rehabilitation.
Aquatic physical therapy primarily addresses physical rehabilitation, mobility, strength, balance, pain, or other physical-function goals and is typically provided by appropriately trained physical therapy professionals.
Aquatic Psychotherapy®, by contrast, focuses on mental, emotional, relational, and psychological goals and incorporates water or blue-space environments into the therapeutic process.
There are many valuable professions and wellness practices that use water. What distinguishes AQT is the intentional integration of water with psychological principles and therapeutic interventions by appropriately trained professionals working within their professional scope of practice.
How can I experience or learn more about Aquatic Psychotherapy®?
There are many ways to experience Aquatic Psychotherapy®, and you do not have to begin with traditional individual therapy.
Experiences may include individual sessions, couples kayaking, therapeutic groups, guided floats, workshops, retreats, and other opportunities designed to introduce people to the restorative and therapeutic possibilities of working in, on, or near water.
Mental health professionals and other appropriate practitioners can also explore educational opportunities, Aquatic Psychotherapy® training, consultation, professional community, and the developing pathway toward AQT certification.
Visit our Offerings & Programs page to explore upcoming Aquatic Psychotherapy® experiences and find the option that feels right for you.
The Science of Water & the Nervous System
How does water affect the nervous system?
Being in and around water can shift the body toward a calmer, more regulated state, slowing the breath, softening muscle tension and supporting the parasympathetic “rest and restore” system. Buoyancy reduces physical strain, which can help the body feel safe enough to process emotion.
Can aquatic therapy help with trauma?
Water can provide a regulated, supported environment that helps the nervous system stay within a tolerable range while processing difficult experiences, which is why we integrate trauma-focused methods like EMDR. As with any trauma work, pacing and safety always come first.
Why does water calm the nervous system?
A combination of factors: rhythmic sensory input such as sight, smells, sounds, and movement, as well as buoyancy and gentle pressure, and our deep evolutionary relationship with water. Together, these cues can signal safety to the body.
Is Aquatic Psychotherapy® evidence-based?
Aquatic Psychotherapy® is an emerging field, and research specifically evaluating AQT as a defined psychotherapy model is still developing.
However, AQT draws upon a growing body of research and established clinical concepts involving psychotherapy, nature-based interventions, blue-space exposure, mindfulness, movement, embodiment, nervous-system regulation, therapeutic relationships, and experiential approaches.
Research into blue spaces and structured water-based activities has reported promising associations with mental health and well-being, while systematic reviews also emphasize important limitations in the existing research and the need for more rigorous studies.
Aquatic Psychotherapy® is committed to continuing to explore, document, and contribute to this developing evidence base. Explore the Research Behind AQT here: Research
Can therapists incorporate Aquatic Psychotherapy® into the approaches they already use?
Yes. Aquatic Psychotherapy® is designed to complement rather than replace a clinician’s existing therapeutic orientation. Think of it as a framework that can be used with many different modalities of therapy.
A clinician may explore ways of integrating water-informed and experiential principles with approaches they already use with clients. The application will look different depending upon the therapist’s professional training, population, environment, clinical orientation, scope of practice, and level of AQT education.
Training in Aquatic Psychotherapy® helps professionals think beyond simply “How can I take my therapy outside?” and instead begin asking, “How can the qualities of water intentionally contribute to the therapeutic work I already do?”
As with any specialized clinical approach, professionals are responsible for practicing within their licensure, competence, ethical requirements, training, and applicable laws and regulations. Clinicians interested in finding out more about integrating this work can explore and find out more here: Professional Training or by contacting Sandra directly.
Blue Mind, Floating & Experiential Therapy
What is Blue Mind?
“Blue Mind” describes the mildly meditative, calm and connected state many people enter when near, by, on, in, or under the water. The term was popularized by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols in his book of the same name.
What is the psychology of floating?
Floating reduces sensory load and physical effort, which can quiet a busy mind, lower stress, and create a spacious, open state that supports reflection and emotional release and parasympathetic relaxation. Many people choose to float on the water after an aquatic session but it is not required or even encouraged if you are not comfortable being in the water.
Blue Mind and burnout - how are they connected?
Chronic stress keeps the nervous system in overdrive. The restorative, low-demand quality of water can help interrupt that cycle, which makes it a natural fit for burnout recovery.
Why does experiential therapy work?
Experiential approaches engage the body and senses, not just words. Because much of stress and trauma is held in the body, working experientially can reach places that talk alone sometimes cannot.
Could an Aquatic Psychotherapy® Session be right for me?
If you feel restored near the water, think more clearly when you are moving, or simply want to experience therapy in a different way, Aquatic Psychotherapy® may offer a meaningful alternative to traditional office-based therapy.
You don’t have to be a swimmer or know exactly what kind of experience you are looking for. AQT can be adapted to your comfort level, goals, and interests—from talking beside a peaceful lake or stream, to moving or floating in the water, participating in a group experience, or exploring your relationship through a couples kayaking session.
Sometimes healing begins by changing not only what we do in therapy, but where and how we experience it.
Curious about what AQT might look like for you? Ask about what AQT session would be right for you. Contact us today.