Treatments and Holistic Therapies

The AP Ceoncept

At Aston Private, we integrate evidence-based Western medical treatments with carefully selected Eastern healing practices to support your complete wellbeing. Your clinical team develops a tailored program drawing from psychotherapy, bodywork, naturopathy, meditation, and personal fitness—combining the therapies that will be most effective for your unique circumstances and recovery goals.

Medical Care

Comprehensive medical care at Aston Private includes 24-hour support from our registered nursing team and on-call physician. A thorough medical assessment is conducted upon admission, with follow-up analysis as required to measure your progress and adjust your treatment plan.

Your personal physician performs a comprehensive review of all current medications to assess their effectiveness and necessity. Our skilled doctors and nurses work closely with our complementary health practitioners to minimise side effects through the integration of natural therapies, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout your stay.

Psychiatry

When appropriate, consultations with a psychiatrist are included in your program. Psychiatric evaluations help determine whether the symptoms you’re experiencing are related to a mental health condition, substance use, a medical issue, or a combination of these factors. This comprehensive assessment ensures your treatment plan addresses all aspects of your wellbeing with the appropriate level of medical and therapeutic support.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy uses a range of evidence-based techniques to treat psychological, emotional, and behavioural challenges. At Aston Private, you’ll be paired with an experienced therapist who specialises in your specific areas of concern, creating a comfortable environment to explore your history, thoughts, emotions, and relationships.

Therapeutic approaches may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Humanistic therapy, and other modalities suited to your needs. Your psychotherapist helps you process difficult emotions, trauma, and life challenges while encouraging personal growth and the development of healthier coping strategies.

Skill-building and goal setting form a core part of therapy, where you’ll learn practical tools for stress management, communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Together, you’ll develop healthier thought patterns and behaviours while working collaboratively to define and achieve your therapy goals.

The therapeutic relationship itself is a powerful healing tool. Your therapist establishes a trusting alliance with you, helps you establish healthy boundaries, and models effective communication styles. If additional support is needed, such as psychiatric medication or more intensive care, your therapist will coordinate appropriate referrals.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy where fine needles are inserted into precise points on the body to support natural healing processes. This ancient practice has been found to aid in pain relief, stress reduction, digestive support, and mental health.

For those in recovery from substance use, acupuncture can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and headaches, and may also diminish cravings for drugs and alcohol. The deeply relaxing nature of acupuncture also helps calm the nervous system and promote better sleep.

Equine Therapy

Equine therapy involves guided interactions between people and horses to support mental, emotional, and sometimes physical wellbeing. Unlike horseback riding lessons, the focus is on the therapeutic relationship that develops through carefully designed activities with horses, facilitated by a trained therapist working with an equine specialist.

Horses are highly sensitive to human emotions and body language, providing immediate, honest feedback that can help you develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, confidence, and trust. Many clients find that working with horses helps them process feelings they’ve struggled to express in traditional therapy settings.

Pilates

Pilates is a low-impact exercise system that strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and enhances body awareness through controlled movements and proper breathing. Regular Pilates practice helps build core strength, improve posture, reduce chronic pain, and develop mind-body connection—all essential elements of holistic recovery and long-term wellbeing.

Qigong

Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) is a traditional Chinese practice that combines gentle movement, controlled breathing, and focused intention to increase body awareness and balance the body’s energy, known as qi (or chi). Regular practice can reduce stress, improve balance and flexibility, enhance energy levels, and support cardiovascular and respiratory health. The meditative quality of Qigong also helps calm the mind and promote emotional equilibrium.

Remedial & Relaxing Massage

Remedial massage is designed to address and treat pain in muscles and joints, as well as injuries to tendons or muscles. Your therapist employs specialised techniques to facilitate healing and restore proper function to affected areas, focusing on the underlying causes of specific issues rather than just symptom relief.

Relaxation massage is a gentle style aimed at reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm and wellbeing. Unlike remedial massage, relaxation massage emphasises overall stress relief and nervous system regulation, helping you release tension and achieve a deep state of relaxation.

Please let your therapist know whether you’d prefer a more relaxing or remedial focus at the start of each treatment session—your preferences will always be respected.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on treatment that works with the craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using light touch, practitioners help release restrictions in this system to improve nervous system function, reduce pain and tension, alleviate stress, and promote deep relaxation. This deeply calming therapy can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with trauma, anxiety, or chronic stress.

Personal Training

Physical fitness is an essential component of recovery and mental health. Our personal trainers create customised exercise programs tailored to your current fitness level, physical limitations, and personal goals. Whether you prefer strength training, cardiovascular exercise, yoga, beach walks, or ocean swimming, your trainer will guide and motivate you while ensuring proper form and safety.

Regular physical activity helps reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood through endorphin release, enhance sleep quality, build confidence, and establish healthy routines that support long-term recovery.

Art & Creative Therapies

Art and creative therapies provide alternative ways to express emotions, process experiences, and discover new aspects of yourself. Through painting, drawing, sculpture, writing, music, or other creative mediums, you can explore feelings that may be difficult to put into words. Creative expression offers a safe outlet for emotions, helps reduce stress, builds self-esteem, and can reveal insights about your inner world that traditional talk therapy might not access.

No artistic experience is necessary—the focus is on the therapeutic process of creation, not the end result. Our experienced creative therapists guide you through activities designed to support your healing journey.

Every therapy at Aston Private is carefully integrated into your personalised treatment plan. Your clinical team monitors your progress and adjusts your program as needed, ensuring that every element works together to support your recovery goals. In the peaceful surroundings of Byron Bay, with this comprehensive range of therapies at your disposal, you’ll have every tool needed for lasting transformation and wellbeing.

Explore the full range of AP Concepts.