Language to Introduce MindBody Skills to Clients
When I get together with therapist peers, there is a persistent question they have for me: how do you start a somatic intervention?
I’ve taken three different scenarios and provided variations on ways to introduce somatic interventions. Notice how I give the client an option to decline and end with a question:
For someone brand new to mindbody interventions: “Sometimes a way to help with anxiety [can insert another label or symptom] is to practice exercises that involve paying attention to the body. I can show you how to do it. We can stop at anytime if it feels like too much. Would you like to try?”
For a client who has already previously expressed interest in mindbody interventions: “I notice that [X] in your body changed. This might be a good time to check in with your body’s cues. I can lead you through [exercise/intervention]. Would that be ok right now?”
For clients who like more details and need psychoeducation on the why of doing A Five Senses Exercise: “It can be helpful to reach the lower parts of the brain because sometimes the brainstem is “running the show”. One way to do this is to connect with the way our senses perceive our relationship with the outside world. By practicing paying attention to these we get to be aware of cues that we can miss when we just talk. I can show you how to do it. We can stop at any time if it feels like too much. Would you like to try?”
You can see how a big part of using a somatic intervention requires us to know where the client is starting from. Using your clinical skills of meeting a client where they are at, you can tailor your approach.
You probably also notice that I always remind a client that they can say “stop” at any time. Depending on your client, you may also want to empower them by deciding on a non-verbal cue they can give if they want to stop or slow down, like lifting up a hand.
You can see the phases we go through in each example: reason, name the exercise/intervention, ask permission.
I hope these examples have built your confidence when introducing somatic skills to your clients.
