When Counselling Meets Complementary Therapies: Why Sometimes, Two Things Are Better Than One

Let’s be honest: life can be a bit much sometimes.

Our minds are busy, our bodies are tense, our sleep has gone on strike, and somehow the washing machine has decided to make a noise that sounds like a helicopter taking off.

When we’re struggling emotionally, counselling can be a really valuable place to start. Having someone listen without judgement, help us make sense of what’s going on, and gently untangle some of those complicated thoughts can make a real difference.

But what if counselling isn’t the only piece of the puzzle?

For some people, combining counselling with complementary therapies can offer another layer of support, helping to care for the mind and the body at the same time.

It’s not either/or

There can sometimes be an idea that you have to choose between talking therapies and complementary approaches.

You don’t.

Counselling can help us explore thoughts, feelings, relationships, patterns and experiences.

Complementary therapies may help us slow down, reconnect with our bodies, relax, or simply create a little breathing space in an otherwise hectic week.

Think of it as giving yourself a slightly bigger toolbox. Counselling is one useful tool, but there’s no rule saying you’re only allowed to own one screwdriver.

Looking after the whole person

We often talk about mental health as though it all happens in our heads. But our bodies are very much involved too.

Stress might show up as tight shoulders, headaches, a racing heart, restless sleep, stomach problems or that peculiar feeling of being completely exhausted but somehow unable to switch off.

This is where complementary therapies can sometimes have a useful role alongside counselling.

For example, mindfulness and meditation can encourage us to slow down and notice what's happening in the present moment, rather than getting swept away by every thought that pops into our heads.

Yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong combine gentle movement, breathing and awareness, offering a way to reconnect with the body while creating some much needed space to pause.

And sometimes, simply learning how to breathe more slowly and intentionally through breathwork or guided relaxation can help us become more aware of what happens in our bodies when we're stressed.

None of these approaches magically make life's problems disappear, unfortunately, there isn't a yoga pose that makes difficult emails answer themselves.

But they may help us feel more grounded as we face those problems.

When words aren't quite enough,

Counselling is often about talking, but sometimes our feelings don't arrive in neat little sentences.

They might come out through a painting, a piece of music, writing, movement or simply spending time outdoors.

Creative practices such as drawing, painting, music or journalling can give us another way to explore and express what we're feeling. You don't need to be “good” at art either. This isn't Britain's Got Talent. It's about expression, not performance.

Similarly, nature based activities such as walking, gardening or simply spending intentional time outside can provide a welcome change of pace and an opportunity to step away from the noise of everyday life.

For some people, these activities can complement the conversations happening in counselling and provide something practical to take into everyday life.

Creating space to pause

One of the lovely things about many complementary therapies is that they encourage us to stop.

And stopping can feel surprisingly difficult.

We're often rushing from work to home, answering messages, looking after other people, keeping up with responsibilities and wondering why we're exhausted.

Taking time for yourself can feel indulgent, but rest isn't a reward you have to earn. It's part of looking after yourself.

Massage therapy can be a way of easing physical tension and giving yourself permission to switch off for a while. Reflexology is another gentle therapy that many people find relaxing, while aromatherapy uses scents and essential oils as part of a calming self care experience.

Some people also enjoy sound therapy, using music, singing bowls or other sounds to create a relaxing environment.

And then there are therapies such as Reiki, which some people choose because they find the experience peaceful and restorative.

The important thing is that different things work for different people. What feels wonderfully relaxing to one person might leave another person thinking, “Well...that was interesting.”

And that's okay.

Supporting the work happening in counselling

Counselling can bring awareness to things we may not have noticed before. We might begin recognising patterns, understanding our emotional responses or exploring experiences that have shaped us.

Complementary therapies can sometimes sit alongside that work by helping us develop practical ways to care for ourselves between sessions.

For example, counselling might help you understand why you become overwhelmed, while mindfulness, breathing exercises or gentle movement might give you another way to respond when that feeling starts to build.

You might explore something through conversation in your counselling session and then find that journalling, creative work or spending time in nature helps you continue reflecting afterwards.

Or perhaps counselling helps you recognise just how much tension you carry in your body, while massage, yoga or another relaxation practice helps you begin paying attention to that physical side of stress.

The two approaches don't have to compete.

They can complement each other.

Finding what works for you

There isn't one magic formula for wellbeing, despite what the internet occasionally promises us.

You don't need seventeen wellness apps, a colour coded morning routine and a cupboard full of expensive herbal tea.

What helps one person might not suit another, and that's completely okay.

The beauty of complementary therapies is that there are so many different possibilities. You might enjoy mindfulness but hate yoga. You might love walking but find meditation impossible. You might find massage wonderfully relaxing or discover that creative activities help you express things that are difficult to put into words.

It's about exploring what feels supportive and comfortable for you.

A gentle reminder

Complementary therapies are exactly that...... complementary.

They can sit alongside counselling, medical care and other appropriate professional support, but they shouldn't be seen as a replacement for treatment when someone needs it.

If you're already receiving medical or psychological support, it's always sensible to let your practitioners know about other therapies you're considering. This allows everyone involved to have a clearer picture of the support you're receiving.

And you don't have to do everything at once.

In fact, please don't.

Looking after your mental health doesn't need to become another item on your already enormous to do list.

Sometimes it's about finding one small thing that gives you a little more breathing space.

Mind, body and everything in between

Ultimately, combining counselling with complementary therapies can offer a more holistic approach to wellbeing, recognising that our emotional, mental and physical experiences are all connected.

Counselling gives you a safe space to talk, explore and understand.

Mindfulness can help you pause.

Yoga and gentle movement can help you reconnect with your body.

Massage, reflexology and relaxation therapies may help you let go of physical tension.

Creative activities can offer another language when words aren't enough.

Nature can give you space to breathe.

And practices such as breathwork, meditation or journalling can become little tools you carry with you between sessions.

Sometimes we need to talk.

Sometimes we need to breathe.

Sometimes we need to move, create, rest or simply stop for a moment.

And sometimes we need a bit of all of it.

There’s no gold medal for doing it all. There’s no perfect wellbeing routine, and you certainly don't need to have your entire life figured out before you ask for support.

Sometimes, looking after yourself simply starts with giving yourself permission to explore what helps you feel a little more like you.

And that, in itself, can be a pretty good place to begin.