Body Based Therapy
Revolutionising Teen Counselling
At Shake Counselling, we combine physical activities with therapeutic techniques to create a unique, engaging environment that helps Geelong teenagers develop emotional regulation skills and overcome challenges.
What is Body Based Therapy?
Body Based Therapy is a revolutionary approach to counselling that combines traditional therapy techniques with physical activities. At Shake Counselling, we understand that teens may feel more comfortable and engaged when they're active and doing something they enjoy.
By integrating activities into our sessions, we create a more relaxed, natural setting where teens feel safe to express themselves and work through their challenges.
Our Body Based Therapy sessions might include:
- Playing basketball or kicking a football
- Going for a walk or a hike in nature
- Engaging in exercises or workouts
- Participating in art or music activities
Through these activities, we build rapport, establish trust, and create a strong therapeutic alliance that allows for deeper, more meaningful conversations and breakthroughs.
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The Benefits of Body Based Therapy for Teens
Our unique approach offers numerous advantages over traditional sit-down therapy, especially for teens who struggle to engage in conventional counselling settings.
Increased Engagement
When teens are participating in activities they enjoy, they're more likely to be engaged and invested in the therapy process. This increased engagement leads to better outcomes and faster progress.
Reduced Stigma
Many teens may feel self-conscious or stigmatised by traditional therapy settings. By incorporating activities, we normalise the therapy experience and make it feel more approachable and accessible.
Improved Communication
Engaging in physical activities can help teens relax and open up more naturally. As they focus on the activity at hand, they may find it easier to share their thoughts and feelings, leading to improved communication.
Greater Self-Awareness
As teens participate in activities, they have opportunities to observe their own thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in real-time. This can lead to greater self-awareness and insight into their patterns and challenges.
Enhanced Skill-Building
Activity-based therapy allows teens to practice and develop important life skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and emotional regulation, in a hands-on, experiential way.
Stronger Therapeutic Bond
Sharing activities creates a unique connection between therapist and teen, fostering trust and openness. This strong therapeutic relationship is a key foundation for successful counselling outcomes.
What to Expect in a Body Based Therapy Session
When you come to Shake Counselling for Body Based Therapy, you can expect a welcoming, non-judgmental environment tailored to your unique needs and interests.
Your therapist will work with you to identify activities that you enjoy and that align with your therapeutic goals. During the session, you'll engage in the chosen activity while simultaneously processing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with your therapist.
This integrated approach allows for a more organic, free-flowing conversation that can lead to deeper insights and breakthroughs. Throughout the session, your therapist will guide you in exploring your values, setting goals, and developing practical skills to manage distress, regulate emotions, and communicate effectively.
They may incorporate specific therapeutic techniques, such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as appropriate.
Initial Assessment
We'll take time to understand your unique challenges, strengths, and preferences to create a personalised therapy plan.
Activity Selection
Together, we'll choose activities that you enjoy and that align with your therapeutic goals.
Integrated Sessions
During sessions, we'll engage in chosen activities while simultaneously working on therapeutic techniques and skill development.
Progress Review
We'll regularly review your progress, celebrate successes, and adjust our approach as needed to ensure you're meeting your goals.
Is Body Based Therapy Right for You?
Body Based Therapy can be particularly beneficial for teens who find traditional talk therapy challenging or uncomfortable. Our approach is especially helpful for:
- Teens who feel uncomfortable or stuck in traditional talk therapy settings
- Those who enjoy physical activities and hands-on learning experiences
- Young people who struggle to open up or express themselves verbally
- Teens who want to develop practical life skills and coping strategies
- Those dealing with anxiety, depression, or emotional regulation challenges
- Young people experiencing school-related stress or social difficulties
Our compassionate, experienced therapists are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space where you can engage in activities you enjoy while working towards your mental health goals.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're interested in exploring whether Body Based Therapy could be helpful for you or your teen, we invite you to reach out for a free 20-minute consultation.
Book Your Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Body Based Therapy is a unique approach to counselling that blends traditional therapy techniques with physical activities like sports, exercise, and outdoor adventures. This creates a more engaging, comfortable environment for teens to open up and work through their challenges.
Instead of sitting face-to-face in an office, sessions might take place on a basketball court, during a walk in nature, or while engaging in other activities that the teen enjoys. This approach is particularly effective for young people who struggle with traditional talk therapy settings.
Body Based Therapy helps teens in multiple ways:
- It creates a more relaxed, natural environment that reduces the stigma and discomfort some teens associate with therapy
- Physical activity releases endorphins that can improve mood and reduce anxiety
- Side-by-side activities (versus face-to-face) often make it easier for teens to open up
- It provides real-time opportunities to practice emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving skills
- The approach engages teens who might otherwise resist or disengage from traditional therapy
For many teens, particularly those who are more active or hands-on learners, this approach can lead to better engagement, stronger therapeutic relationships, and ultimately better outcomes.
We use a wide range of activities in our Body Based Therapy sessions, tailored to each teen's interests and therapeutic goals. Some common activities include:
- Basketball, football, or other sports on our on-site court
- Walking or hiking in natural settings
- Structured exercises or workouts
- Art activities like drawing or painting
- Music-based activities
- Adventure-based experiences
- Mindfulness and movement exercises
The specific activities are chosen collaboratively with the teen, ensuring they're engaging and aligned with their therapeutic goals. The focus is on using the activity as a vehicle for therapeutic work, not just as recreation.
Yes, Body Based Therapy has shown to be highly effective, particularly for teens who struggle to engage in traditional talk therapy. Research supports the integration of physical activity and experiential approaches in therapy, especially for young people.
We've seen remarkable success with our approach at Shake Counselling, with many teens making significant progress after previously struggling in conventional therapy settings. The key benefits include:
- Higher engagement and attendance rates
- Improved ability to identify and express emotions
- Better development of practical coping skills
- Stronger therapeutic relationships
- More generalisation of skills to real-world settings
While every teen is unique, our Body Based Therapy approach provides an effective alternative for those who haven't connected with traditional counselling methods.
Getting started with Body Based Therapy at Shake Counselling is simple:
- Initial Contact: Call us at 0422 868 258, email us, or fill out the contact form on our website.
- Free Consultation: We'll arrange a free 20-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and how our approach might help.
- First Session: If you decide to proceed, we'll schedule your first session and match you with the most suitable therapist.
- Assessment: Your first few sessions will focus on building rapport and understanding your unique challenges and goals.
- Customised Plan: Together with your therapist, you'll develop a therapy plan incorporating activities that align with your interests and therapeutic needs.
We accept NDIS funding for eligible participants and offer flexible appointment times, including early mornings and evenings to accommodate school and work schedules.
Have more questions? We're happy to help.
Call Us: 0422 868 258Begin Your Body Based Therapy Journey Today
Taking the first step toward helping yourself or your teen can feel overwhelming. That's why we offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to discuss your situation and understand your specific challenges.
During this call, we'll explain how our Body Based Therapy approach might help, answer any questions you have about our methods, and create a preliminary plan tailored to your needs.
Our goal is to make this initial process as comfortable and informative as possible, giving you confidence in moving forward with the right support.
Request More Information
Complete this form and we'll contact you within 24 hours to discuss how we can help.