Because "just breathe" isn't exactly trauma-informed care

We know holistic interventions work. The research backs it up. Your nervous system understands it. But every time you consider suggesting breathwork or mindfulness to a client, there's this tiny voice in your head going, "But what if I sound like I'm about to sell them essential oils and start talking about their chakras?"

I get it. I really do.

Here's the thing though- given what we know about nervous system regulation and the research behind whole-health interventions, isn't it actually unethical NOT to include these tools in our work? (Just a little gentle professional guilt there. You're welcome.)

The Professional Fear is Real (And Valid)

You're not imagining it. There's a legitimate concern about how to integrate holistic practices while maintaining your professional credibility. The last thing you want is for a client to think you've gone full "wellness influencer" on them, or worse, that you're stepping outside your scope of practice.

The magic, however,  isn't in the intervention itself - it's in how you language it.

The Art of Professional "Languaging"

Yes, I just used "language" as a verb. Deal with it.

The difference between sounding professional and sounding woo-woo often comes down to three key elements:

1. Lead with the Science (Because Science is Sexy)

Instead of: "Let's try some breathing exercises to center your energy."

Try: "Research shows that specific breathing patterns can help regulate your nervous system. Would you be open to exploring some techniques that might help your body feel safer?"

Why this works: You're positioning the intervention within a clinical framework while still honoring client choice. Plus, nervous system language feels medical and legitimate because it IS medical and legitimate.

2. Use Invitational Language (Agency is Everything)

Instead of: "Close your eyes and drop into your body."

Try: "When it feels good and right for you, you might allow your awareness to notice what's present in your body right now."

Why this works: Trauma survivors have often had their agency stripped away. Invitational language returns choice to your client and reduces the risk of triggering defensive responses.

3. Normalize the Weird (Because It IS Weird at First)

Instead of: "You should be feeling relaxed by now."

Try: "Sometimes these practices feel strange or even uncomfortable at first. That's completely normal, especially if your nervous system has been in protection mode."

Why this works: You're validating their experience and providing psychoeducation about why holistic interventions might feel foreign initially.

What to Actually Say: Script Templates That Don't Suck

For Breathwork:

"I'm wondering if we might explore some nervous system regulation techniques. There's solid research showing that certain breathing patterns can help your body move out of fight-or-flight mode. Would you be curious to try something brief that might help your system feel a bit more settled?"

For Mindfulness:

"One thing that can be really helpful for trauma survivors is learning to notice the present moment without judgment. This isn't about forcing yourself to feel calm-it's more about building awareness, or presence, to what is happening right now, and this allows your nervous system to see that you’re safer than you think you are.” 

For Movement:

"Sometimes, when we carry depression with us, our physical bodies don’t know how to digest these heavy feelings and it can feel like the depression is even clogging up our thinking. Would you be willing to talk to your doctor about movement for depression, like brisk walking, weight training, or cardio? I know you’re not interested in more medication and research consistently supports movement in the reduction of anxiety and depression. If you’re open, we can explore this together and with your doctor?”"

Red Flags to Watch For (Because Holistic Doesn't Mean Harmless)

Not every client is ready for every intervention. Here are signs to pump the brakes:

Emotional/Verbal Cues: Clients might say "This feels weird/unsafe/pointless" or report feeling "trapped" or "panicky." They may express frustration or self-blame for "not doing it right."

Somatic/Behavioral Cues: Watch for tensing up when invited to turn inward, holding breath or shallow breathing, and fidgeting, restlessness, or needing to open eyes frequently.

When you notice these signs: Honor them immediately. "I'm noticing this might not be the right fit right now, and that's completely okay. Let's try something different."

Staying in Your Lane (Without Being Boring)

Remember, we're therapists, not yoga instructors or meditation teachers (although some of us are those too, but our license/insurance does not cover us in this broad capacity). So, here is how we stay firmly in our scope: 

We ARE offering nervous system regulation tools based on research, teaching strategies that integrate mind-body awareness (hello, interoception!), and providing psychoeducation about how whole-health practices support mental health.

We are NOT prescribing specific health interventions, interpreting medical guidance, framing holistic interventions as "THE CURE," or using diagnostic tools outside our training.

The Bottom Line

Your clients need these tools. Full stop. The research is clear, your clinical judgment is sound, and holistic interventions can be game-changers for depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

The secret sauce isn't about becoming a different kind of therapist; it's about being the same excellent, grounded, silly, skilled therapist you already are, just with a few more tools in your kit and the language to introduce them professionally.

You're not being "woo-woo" by offering evidence-based interventions that support nervous system regulation. You're being thorough. You're being responsive to current research. You're being the kind of therapist who recognizes the empirically supported connection between mind and body.

And honestly? Your clients deserve nothing less.

Want to dive deeper into trauma-sensitive holistic practices? Check out The Whole Therapist course, where we explore how to integrate whole-person approaches without compromising your professional integrity.