Emotional Health and Wellbeing
Complementary &
Integrated Therapies
Holistic Support for Mind and Body
At Early Break, we understand that healing and wellbeing take many forms.
That’s why we offer a range of complementary and integrated therapies designed to support emotional, physical and spiritual health, either as stand-alone support or alongside our other services.
Our therapies are open to young people and families accessing our services. Whether you're managing stress, anxiety, grief, or need time and space to feel grounded again, our fully qualified practitioners are here to help.
All treatments are delivered in a safe and supportive environment, tailored to your individual needs.
“I felt more comfortable speaking to someone in person. RISE made it feel easy to open up.”
Our Complementary Therapies Include:
Each therapy is delivered by a trained practitioner with a clear focus on emotional wellbeing and relaxation.
Aromatherapy Massage
Blended essential oils tailored to your needs, gently massaged into the skin to help balance mood, reduce stress and promote calm.
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Aromatherapy aims to treat the whole person by helping to balance mind, body, and spirit. It works with essential oils, which come from plants, and is said to improve both physical and emotional well-being. Aromatherapy oils are often used with massage (also known as aromatherapy massage). The oils can also be inhaled (breathed in).
At Early Break, a list of oils was researched and chosen, with properties specifically related to the client. After a full consultation, the therapist will carefully select some essential oils to suit the client’s needs. These oils are blended with a grape seed oil before being massaged into the skin.
Auricular Acupuncture & Acupressure
A calming treatment using five pressure points in the ear, often followed by a small acupressure seed to maintain feelings of calm after the session.
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Auricular acupuncture is a standard therapy offered by Early Break's Complementary and Integrated Therapy provision (5 points only). Acupuncture is a very calming therapy that can be beneficial to all users.
The more acupuncture therapy sessions that are given, the better the results, although relaxation and calm can be obtained immediately from one session.
After acupuncture therapy, placing a small “seed” on the ear, also known as acupressure, is possible. This little ball is placed on the inside of the ear, on one of the acupuncture points, out of sight and helps to maintain a feeling of calm for a couple of days.
It can be pressed by the client to improve this feeling.
Body Massage
Gentle muscle massage on the back, arms, or feet, fully clothed and adapted to your comfort. Reduces physical tension and encourages deep relaxation.
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Massage (muscle rubbing) is a general term that includes Swedish massage, which is provided at Early Break. This can be on the hands and arms, the feet, or the back (on a therapy bed or therapy chair). The client remains fully clothed, a lightweight T-shirt is recommended.
The massage therapist may use oil, cream, talc or wax during the massage, rubbed into the skin. Benefits are to help nourish the skin and allow a fluid, free-flowing massage. The body responds to massage in two main ways. Firstly, there’s a physical effect on the body: e.g., massage may reduce muscle stiffness or increase joint mobility.
Then, there are psychological benefits too, such as feelings of relaxation and improved well-being. Overall, a massage helps to relax and unwind, which makes it an ideal antidote to stress.
Indian Head Massage
A seated massage of the scalp, neck, shoulders and upper back. Ideal for relieving tension and promoting mental clarity.
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Indian Head Massage is a massage therapy that works specifically on the area surrounding the head, scalp, face, and neck, extending to the shoulders and upper back.
The client will be invited to take a seat and relax on a low-backed chair, as it is mainly the head, face, neck, upper back, and shoulders that are being worked on. Oils are optional in Indian head massage.
The client remains fully clothed – a lightweight t-shirt is recommended.
Reflexology (Hands & Feet)
Pressure points on the feet or hands are stimulated to help restore balance across the body. A calming, grounding experience ideal for emotional reset.
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Reflexology is a relaxing treatment based on the principle that reflex points on the soles, tops, and sides of the feet and hands correspond to areas throughout the body. In this way, the feet and hands can be seen as a map of the body.
Reflexologists work on reflex points with their thumbs, fingers, or knuckles, using specialised massage techniques that are thought to help correct imbalances throughout the body.
During a reflexology treatment, the client remains fully clothed, simply removing shoes and socks to access the feet or rolling up sleeves to access the hands.
The client is invited to relax on a reclining chair or treatment couch or put their feet onto a foot stool. The feet or hands will be cleansed at the start of the treatment, and then reflexology techniques will be used, adapted to the client’s needs.
Reiki
A non-invasive, energy-based therapy designed to promote whole-body healing and restore emotional balance through light touch or hovering hands.
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Reiki is a noninvasive therapy that uses natural energy flow to promote health and well-being. It can be used on the whole body or a specific area.
During a Reiki treatment, the client remains fully clothed and either lies on the treatment couch or is seated in a chair.
The therapist may gently place their hands on the client’s body or hover over the body for a few minutes before changing position. There may be a feeling of warmth, tingling or deep relaxation. It is said to help rebalance the whole person in mind, body and spirit.
Therapy Aftercare
The symptoms can be slightly uncomfortable at the time and typically resolve within 24 hours. Your body is working to remove toxins from your system, and the treatment you have received will accelerate this process.
Typical after-effects may include tiredness, muscular aches and pains, increased urination, altered sleep patterns, and/or headaches.
If your symptoms persist after 24 hours, they may be due to something else, and you may want to contact 111 or seek medical advice from your GP.
Some people experience aftereffects of the treatment they have received; these are normal reactions.
To make sure you get the most from your treatment, please follow the steps below.
Drink plenty of water- this helps the body remove toxins
Eat light meals, avoid heavy, stodgy food
Relax and rest as much as possible
Don’t sunbathe or use sunbeds if the treatment included the use of oils
Avoid or reduce the use of caffeine, tobacco, alcohol and other substances
How Can Therapies Help?
Complementary therapies can support:
Emotional regulation and anxiety
Sleep and restfulness
Processing grief or trauma
Recovery from stress and burnout
Confidence and self-awareness
Reducing physical symptoms of emotional strain (tension, headaches, etc.)
What to Expect
All treatments are optional and guided by you
You remain fully clothed (except feet/hands as needed)
Oils used are skin-safe and chosen carefully after consultation
Sessions are trauma-informed and youth-friendly
Our team explains everything and answers any questions before you begin
What Young People Say
“I didn’t realise how much I was holding in until I had my first session. I felt lighter and more in control after just one treatment.”
Download the Complementary and Integrated Therapies Guide, or Get in touch
Complementary Therapies FAQ’s
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They are available to children, young people and families already engaging with other Early Break services. Ask your worker if you’re unsure.
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No. These therapies are for anyone who feels they would benefit, regardless of diagnosis or medical history.
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Yes. Qualified professionals deliver all treatments, and a consultation will take place beforehand to ensure safety and suitability.
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No. Depending on your needs, your worker or therapist may recommend trying more than one therapy over time.
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No. All therapies are fully clothed. For some, you’ll remove your shoes and socks or roll up your sleeves. A lightweight t-shirt is ideal for comfort.
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Please speak with your assigned Early Break worker in the first instance, call our office, or send us a message online.
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Yes. We offer some therapies to adult family members as part of our integrated family support approach.
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You can stay connected to Early Break in various ways listed below:
Join our mailing list (we send out the occasional updates (nothing spammy) directly to your inbox)
Follow our social media accounts
Read our blog
Take part in our research
Undergo our training courses
Donate to the wellbeing fund
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If you or someone you know needs urgent help, you can access our list of emergency and useful helpline numbers by clicking the Get Help Now.
This will open a quick-reference popup with 24/7 services and support lines for mental health, safeguarding, substance use, and crisis care.
From the Blog
Here’s a selection of articles from the blog related to our Emotional Health & Wellbeing services.
