Employment can play an important role in mental health. Vocational therapy supports patients in gradually developing the skills and capacity needed to return to work. It builds on occupational therapy and provides an important link to vocational rehabilitation. The focus is on developing core work skills, including work tolerance, stamina, concentration, and the ability to plan and organise tasks and working time. At UPK Basel, vocational therapy focuses on practical activities involving wood, paper and cardboard, as well as gardening. Individual and group sessions provide realistic work-based settings in which patients can develop their work capacity, practise occupational skills, experience a sense of purpose and strengthen their ability to manage everyday activities. A range of structured training activities supports the recovery process. The programme also includes preparation for job applications and interviews, supporting patients in their return to, or reintegration into, working life.

Scents accompany us throughout our lives. They can influence our mood and provide an immediate connection to our emotions. As part of aromatherapy at the University Psychiatric Clinics (UPK) Basel, patients learn and practise how scents can be used in a positive and beneficial way – for example, through dry inhalation, foot and full-body baths, compresses and massages. In individual or group therapy sessions, patients learn how different scents can enhance their sense of well-being and practise using essential oils and fragrances. This helps them incorporate these techniques into their everyday lives, where they can contribute to a better quality of life.

Being active – whether in everyday life, during leisure time or at work  is a basic human need and can help support our health and well-being. This is the foundation of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy is a practical, activity-based form of therapy and an integral part of the multidisciplinary treatment provided at the University Psychiatric Clinics (UPK) Basel. Through a range of creative and practical activities, as well as tasks related to everyday life, occupational therapy helps patients build on their existing strengths and abilities. Taking part in meaningful activities can help patients regain a sense of purpose and reconnect with their social environment. In a safe and supportive setting, patients can develop greater independence and build their ability to cope with everyday demands and stress.

Art and creative therapies are psychotherapeutic approaches that support self-expression and personal exploration. No previous artistic experience or skills are required. A range of materials and techniques gives patients the opportunity to express themselves – often before they are able to put their thoughts and feelings into words. Creative activities can help bring emotional distress, difficult life circumstances and past experiences to the surface, providing an opportunity to reflect on them and gain a better understanding of thoughts and feelings. Creative work can also increase awareness of emotional processes and support personal development. Over time, patients can develop new ways of coping and strategies for a healthier and more fulfilling life.

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Experimenting with simple instruments or singing can help bring inner feelings and experiences into the open. Music also offers patients a way to communicate and express themselves beyond words. In music therapy, a wide range of instruments is available for free and spontaneous play. Whether loud or quiet, drumming or plucking, patients can explore different sounds and find their own ways of expressing themselves. There is no focus on musical performance or the end result; instead, the emphasis is on personal experience and awareness. Listening to music can also evoke inner images and promote deep relaxation. Musical experiences are complemented by conversations, giving patients the opportunity to reflect on what they have experienced. No previous musical experience or skills are required.

Being active – whether in everyday life, during leisure time or at work – is a basic human need and helps us stay healthy. As part of our nature-based therapies, patients can experience the positive effects that plants, animals and nature can have on their wellbeing. These experiences aim to strengthen patients’ self-esteem, self-awareness and social and emotional skills. The active outdoor activities also help improve physical resilience, stamina and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.

Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy focuses on the relationship between the patient, the animal and the person supporting the therapy. Working with animals can have a positive effect on patients’ health and wellbeing and can also support prevention and rehabilitation. Through purposeful activities with the animals, patients can draw on and strengthen their existing resources and gradually build their resilience and ability to cope with physical and emotional demands.

Horticultural Therapy, Field and Park Work

Active outdoor activities help patients improve their physical resilience and stamina. Working together supports social skills and a sense of belonging within the group, while helping patients draw on and strengthen their existing resources. The activities provide a sense of purpose and help develop basic work-related skills.

In horticultural therapy, patients take part in a range of seasonal activities, such as growing and caring for edible and ornamental plants, as well as maintaining the therapy garden.

As part of field and park work, patients care for a variety of animal enclosures, tend the herb garden and help maintain the fields and park.

Physiotherapy assesses functional problems affecting the body. Based on the physiotherapy assessment, patients and therapists work together to set individual goals. The aim of treatment is to restore, improve or maintain movement and physical function. At the University Psychiatric Clinics (UPK) Basel, our physiotherapy team specialises in taking both physical and psychological aspects into account. We place great importance on offering a wide range of physical activities. Physiotherapy includes a variety of exercise groups, as well as groups for patients from different wards focusing on fitness, coordination and mobility. Individual one-to-one therapy is also available.