Let's set the scene: You're in session. Things are going well. Your client is regulated-ish. You gently invite your client to place their hands on their belly and chest, take in a breath and exhale out, nice and slow. 

And then that little voice chimes in:

"Wait… can I say that… did I use the right words…?" "Why am I doing this?” “Is this REALLY in my scope of practice?"

If you've ever questioned whether you're allowed to bring in breathwork, movement, lifestyle changes, or maybe even discuss exercise… congratulations. You're probably a thoughtful, ethical therapist who wants to do right by your clients and your profession.

But let's pause the spiral for a second. Because here's what scope of practice actually invites us to ask:

• Am I trained in this? Is this supported in the research?  
• Is it used with consent and clinical intention? 
• Can I stay attuned if it stirs something up?

If the answer is yes- then no, you're not violating anything. You're showing up with clarity and care.  

Meditation, movement, and lifestyle changes are within a therapist’s scope of practice when used to support mental health, emotional regulation, and/or nervous system awareness… especially when framed as optional, client-led tools. Therapists can ethically introduce these topics and, I argue that they should introduce these topics, as part of a whole-health approach to mental health and thriving.  

(Oh, and just avoid prescriptive advice better suited for medical, nutrition, or fitness professionals).

Why Holistic Tools Deserve a Place in the Therapy Room

Your clients live in bodies. Their trauma lives in bodies. So why wouldn't we bring in practices that help them feel safe and regulated in their meat suits?

We now have over a decade of research affirming what many have known forever:

• Nervous system regulation is essential for healing.
• Holistic practices help widen the Window of Tolerance- making therapy safer, sustainable, and more effective.
• Co-regulation (yes, your presence) can be one of the most powerful tools in the room.
• Movement improves mental health outcomes.

And yes—science supports this. But you probably already knew that in your knower.

But What About the Awkwardness?

Ah yes, the therapist facepalm.

You suggest a body scan and instantly second-guess your tone, your pacing, your breath cue, your entire life. (Hi, imposter syndrome)

The reality? Your clients probably didn’t notice and they aren't looking for perfection. They're looking for your presence, safety, and yes your experience too (that’s where I come in!). And when you model authenticity and clunkiness, which happens to the most experienced practitioners, an awkward mindfulness moment can become deeply endearing and connecting. 

So, keep it simple and invitational because the language we use matters. Instead of "Breathe in the good energy, breathe out the bad energy," help the client return to themselves by stating, "If it feels right for you, invite the breath into your belly and stay there…. Simply notice how the breath moves in and out of the belly.” This curious and invitational approach honors agency and creates safety - especially for trauma survivors.

When to Pump the Brakes

Your clinical instincts already know this, but these practices aren't for everyone, every time. Here are signs that an internal focus might not be appropriate for the client:

• Feeling "trapped" or "panicky"
• Dissociation or floating away from their body
• Cultural or spiritual concerns about certain practices
• Previous negative experiences or anxiety with mindfulness

When you notice these, pivot gracefully. Offer external grounding instead (more on this to come, stay tuned!). Honor their feedback. This isn't failure - it's skillful attunement.

The Scope

So instead of asking "Can I do this in session?" try asking:

"Does this serve the client's process?" "Am I giving prescriptive advice or am I facilitating an evidence-based treatment?” “Am I doing this in a way that's attuned and trauma-informed?" "Have I done my own work here?"

These are some of the basics of how to incorporate meditation and movement into therapy… That’s scope of practice. That's integrity. That's therapy at its most alive.

Your Own Foundation

Your own nervous system shows up in every session- whether you're aware of it or not. This can seem like a double edged sword because, as therapists, we often feel the weight of our “humanness” and imperfections. And now we’re even responsible for having perfect vagal tone (f**k that!). Ugh, I get it. The truth is, we need to do “the work” too, for our health, for our vitality… You are the healer! And, our imperfections are what make us better healers. So, just know that  when you're comfortable with these practices yourself, that ease becomes part of what you offer. 

Want to reflect on your own edges? Start with this:

• What does safety feel like in your own body?
• What practices ground you? What practices do you avoid?
• Whose expressions of emotion have you been taught to trust-or not?

(If those questions make you sweat a little, you're right where you need to be.)

The beautiful thing about developing this competency is that it deepens your clinical work, expands your sense of what's possible in the therapy room, and it’s also an invitation to do your own work. Also, you're not stepping outside your scope of practice- you're evolving it to meet your clients exactly where they are: in their beautifully complex, perfectly human bodies.