Paddling Through Progress: Dragon Boat Racing and Therapy Unveiled

Years before I was a therapist - I started paddling with dragon boat teams in Barrie. First my dad’s work team, then a local more competitive team that build on my love for the water sport. I progressed to high performance racing, along with coaching. For over a decade my summers have included nights on the water translating my knowledge and love for the sport to new and experienced paddlers. I love watching a new team go from holding paddles wrong then progressing to a rhythmic team accelerating in the water.

Why am I droning on about dragon boat racing on a mental health blog?

In reflection upon my love for the sport - and missing so many amazing people I have met in the boat over the years - I discovered an unexpected parallel to the transformative journey of therapy. As a dragon boat coach and a proponent of mental health, I've witnessed the incredible strides individuals make in both settings. The shared essence lies in the meticulous process of progress, the collective effort of a team, and the undeniable payoff that extends far beyond the water or therapy office.

The Dragon Boat Stroke and Therapy Progress:

1. **Set Up:**

Just as a paddler prepares for the stroke with a focused set up, therapy sessions serve as the groundwork for personal growth. In that hour, you set the stage, aligning your intentions and goals. The first step in both dragon boat racing and therapy is crucial, laying the foundation for what follows.

2. **Catch:**

The catch phase in dragon boat racing involves a synchronized entry into the water. Similarly, therapy catches onto your thoughts and emotions, delving into the depths of your psyche. Within an hour, breakthroughs happen, and revelations surface. It's a beginning, a moment of understanding that initiates change.

3. **Pull/Drive:**

The power of the dragon boat stroke lies in the pull and drive – the force that propels the boat forward. In therapy, this equates to the hard work and commitment put into change. The hour in the office becomes a catalyst, but it's the continued effort between sessions that propels personal development forward.

4. **Exit:**

Just as a paddler smoothly exits the water, therapy sessions conclude with a sense of closure and reflection. It's a crucial phase to assimilate insights, prepare for the next stroke or session, and acknowledge progress made.

Strength in Unity:

A dragon boat team exemplifies the strength-in-unity philosophy – you're only as strong as your weakest paddler. Likewise, in therapy, personal growth often hinges on addressing and strengthening the areas that need improvement. The weakest parts become the focal point for transformative change.

Social Benefits and Circle Expansion:

Joining a dragon boat team and entering therapy both expand your social circle. The camaraderie on the water mirrors the supportive relationship between a paddler and their teammates. Similarly, the therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional cultivates a support system, extending beyond the confines of the therapy room.

Transformational Elements:

Both dragon boat racing and therapy encompass transformational elements. Social support, mind and body strength, exposure to fresh air (akin to mind and movement therapy), and the establishment of routine and structure are common threads that weave through these experiences. Engaging in either brings about positive changes that extend far beyond the initial commitment.

Conclusion:

Dragon boat racing and therapy may seem worlds apart, but their parallels are profound. In the journey of personal development, whether on the water or in the therapy office, the progress made within each session lays the groundwork for exponential growth. The hard work invested pays off, shaping not only your individual strength but also fostering connections that transcend the boundaries of the boat or therapy room.

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