Body-based interventions are techniques that use the body to promote mental and emotional well-being. One theory behind body-centered interventions relies on the bidirectional relationship between the brain and body; each can influence the other, which can yield positive health benefits (Tarsha et al., 2020).
These interventions can help clients develop a greater awareness of their body and its responses to stress, which can lead to increased self-regulation and resilience.
Goals of Body-Based Interventions Include:
- Cultivating somatic awareness; understanding inner signals & bodily experiences
- Grounding in the present moment and finding ways through the senses to be in the here & now
- Enhanced sense of safety & stability, including both physical & emotional components to help tolerate distressing emotions
- Facilitating emotion regulation; recognizing & responding to emotions
Types of Body-Based Interventions
Movement-based interventions are techniques that use movement to promote healing and growth. Examples of movement-based interventions include dance/movement therapy (DMT), yoga therapy, and tai chi.
There are also forms of body-based interventions that do not require specialized training that social workers can incorporate into their practice with clients:
Movement: This can include exercises such as gentle movement and stretching, which can be done seated or standing. Incorporating movement breaks during sessions can help clients feel more connected to their bodies and improve their moods.
Breath work: Involves techniques for controlling or altering breathing patterns. It can include deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, pursed lip breathing, or box breathing.
Touch: Safe and appropriate touch can help clients feel grounded and promote relaxation. Ideas can include teaching clients self-massage, giving themselves a hug, or incorporating regular massage into their self-care routine.
Visualizations: These are another strategy that social workers can add to their body-based intervention toolkit. Techniques involve mental rehearsal or guiding a client through a scenario or mental image. Visualizations can include guided imagery, goal visualization, and body scanning techniques.
Challenges + Considerations
When using body-based interventions in care, it is important to consider that it is the right tool at the right time for the right person.
In addition, these interventions must follow ethical guidelines. Social workers should seek continued education for specific modalities and strategies.
Social workers also must ensure that modalities such as breathwork are safe and appropriate given the client’s needs, trauma history, and medical history and must be mindful of potential triggers or adverse reactions.
By implementing these techniques with clients, social workers can promote holistic and comprehensive approaches to improve clients' mental health.
Resources
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)’s Mindful Awareness Research Center provides some free guided recordings for clients to learn breathwork.
References
Tarsha, M. S., Park, S., & Tortora, S. (2020). Body-centered interventions for psychopathological conditions: A review. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2907. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6993757/#B119
