As mental health practitioners, our focus is on supporting our clients in their journey towards recovery and wellness. However, the emotional challenges inherent in our profession can occasionally result in us feeling fatigued and stressed, or even in the stages of burnout. As shown by published IRB on our company, integrating holistic techniques like somatic practices, yoga, and breathwork into our therapeutic methods, will not only enhance the well-being of our clients but also revitalize our own motivation and fulfillment in our work.
The Impact of Holistic Modalities on Therapy
Recent studies highlight the importance of incorporating somatic practices, yoga, and breathwork in mental health therapy. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a leading authority on trauma, stresses in his influential book "The Body Keeps the Score" that trauma is held in the body, and therapies focusing on the body are essential for healing. His research shows that yoga can effectively manage emotions and alleviate PTSD symptoms better than conventional talk therapy on its own.
Dr. Pat Ogden, a trailblazer in somatic psychology, emphasizes the importance of body awareness and movement in the process of healing from trauma. Through her development of "Sensorimotor Psychotherapy," she demonstrates that combining physical and psychological approaches can greatly enhance the effectiveness of therapy.
Additionally, Dr. Brené Brown's research on vulnerability and resilience offers insight into how cultivating self-compassion and fostering connections can help reduce professional burnout and improve job satisfaction. She highlights the significance of self-care and living wholeheartedly for individuals working in demanding professions.
Colleagues’ Experiences with Holistic Modalities
Many mental health professionals who have integrated these practices into their work report a renewed sense of fulfillment. Clinical Yoga Institute grad, Ashley Wright, a licensed clinical social worker, shares, “People ask me how I learned what I do and I keep telling them that SO much of what I know came from your yoga course. It’s changing the world one person at a time”
Five Simple Ways to Begin Your Journey
Personal Exploration: Start by exploring these modalities in your own life. Engage in a regular yoga practice or experiment with different breathwork techniques. Books like "Radical Acceptance" by Tara Brach and "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown can provide valuable insights and practical exercises.
Professional Training: Seek out specialized training to integrate these practices into your clinical work. Programs like the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health offer workshops specifically designed for mental health professionals.
Introduce Breathwork: Begin incorporating basic breathwork exercises into your sessions. Techniques like 4-7-8 breathing or box breathing can help clients manage anxiety and improve emotional regulation. Apps like Calm and Insight Timer offer guided breathwork exercises that can be easily shared with clients. *Please be aware: if you are not trained professionally in breathwork, it is contraindicated for most folks with trauma. Our CYI course addresses this and provides alternative solutions.
Incorporate Somatic Techniques: Encourage clients to become more attuned to their bodily sensations. Techniques from Dr. Pat Ogden’s Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, such as grounding exercises and mindful movement, can be subtly integrated into therapy sessions.
Create a Healing Space: Enhance your therapeutic environment to support these practices. A serene, welcoming space with yoga mats, meditation cushions, and calming decor can make a significant impact on both you and your clients.
Additional Resources
Books: "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk, "Daring Greatly" by Brené Brown, "Sensorimotor Psychotherapy" by Pat Ogden.
Websites: Clinical Yoga Institute, The Trauma Research Foundation, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute.
By integrating somatic practices, yoga, and breathwork into your therapeutic approach, you can greatly improve the healing process for both your clients and your own professional fulfillment. The Clinical Yoga Institute is dedicated to assisting you in this profound transformation through various resources, training opportunities, and a supportive community of peers.
Let's embrace these holistic techniques to cultivate a more harmonious and fulfilling practice for ourselves, leading to transformative results for our clients.
Comments