Navigating the labyrinth of life

Psychiatrist Dr Leverne Mountany and clinical psychologist Jocelyn Hall have introduced a non-traditional therapy technique to Life Riverfield Lodge in Neitgedacht.

The pair have created a labyrinth at the facility to help patients heal.

“Labyrinths are sort of like mazes, except that there are no walls only a path to walk,” explained Mountany when the labyrinth was officially launched on 9 March.

“It is used as a therapeutic tool to encourage meditation by patients, visitors and staff to become more mindful.”

Life Riverfield Lodge is an in-patient facility, located in Nietgedacht, which treats patients with substance abuse problems and mental illness, and helps with rehabilitation after neurological and spinal disabling injuries. The labyrinth is wheelchair accessible.

“With mental health, as important as it is to listen to your doctors and get medication, you also need to take a holistic approach to treatment,” explained Adele Steenkamp, the marketing and clinical standards specialist for Riverfield.

“The public is welcome to come see the labyrinth, and Mountany and Hall’s company, Tabula Rasa, will be offering workshops in the future.”

Guests invited for the opening were allowed to travel the structure during their visit, which was built in about three weeks and hosts flowers and other small plants in its design.

Musician Mathys Roets was invited to the launch, as he had been a patient at Riverfield after a motorcycle accident left him in a wheelchair. “I learned so much when I was here nine years ago, they teach practical tools to help you carry on with life [through rehabilitation]. They help their patients to become ready for life again,” Roets said.

“I think the labyrinth is a fantastic idea. When you go through something difficult, the future can look kind of daunting, but the psychological, mental and physical stimulation of travelling the labyrinth will remind people to just hold on to one dream as you move forward.”

Details: www.tabula-rasa.co.za