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Finding Recovery Among the Stars with Therapeutic Stargazing

By Leslie Davis

The clear night sky surrounding Sierra Tucson can be beneficial to patients in many ways. It creates a sense of stillness and calm, can be relaxing, and puts them in tune with nature. It can also provide therapy.

Once a month, Unit Therapist Russ Farnsworth, M.S., LAC, takes patients on a tour of the night sky. During a session of therapeutic stargazing, which usually lasts about an hour and a half, Farnsworth directs patients to focus on the planets, constellations, star clusters, and galaxies visible through the telescope.

“It gives patients a sense of importance for who they are and helps them to reconnect,” he said.

Benefits of Therapeutic Stargazing

For patients enrolled at Sierra Tucson, therapeutic stargazing can have many benefits:

1. It encourages individuals to look at the world around them instead of being so focused on themselves.
2. The group dynamic makes patients feel more relaxed and open and provides a way to connect with others.
3. It is a great recovery hobby to be involved with both while in treatment and after returning home.

“Therapeutic stargazing can provide a sense of wonder, awe, and spirituality,” Farnsworth said. “For some people in recovery who are just starting to grasp their spirituality, this provides a very comfortable way in which to do so.”

The constellations also tie into many of the moral aspects of recovery. For example, the constellation Taurus suggests strength and getting in touch with one’s primal needs, and Sagittarius symbolizes being on point and aiming for a higher goal. The constellation Cassiopeia warns that looks can be deceiving and of the dangers of being egotistical, while Cepheus warns to not make decisions in haste.

Farnsworth has found stargazing to be particularly helpful to patients in treatment for mood disorders or addictions. For those with mood disorders, the stars are something positive and inspiring to focus on. For people in treatment for addiction, the night sky takes them outside themselves, helps them to feel connected, and gives them a sense of purpose.

Stargazing Sessions

Usually about 20 to 30 Sierra Tucson patients participate in each session of therapeutic stargazing, Farnsworth said.

“It gives patients something to look forward to, and they benefit from the group experience,” he said. “It also gives them a break from their assignment work.”

After a session, Farnsworth provides patients with tools so they can continue stargazing on their own, which many do. He suggests telescopes, where to find star maps, and how to recognize constellations.