Our Programme Includes
Medical Detoxification
Holistic Therapy
Trauma Therapy
12 Step Therapy
Family Therapy
Aftercare

Questions about treatment?

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Holistic Therapies for Addiction Recovery

At Abbington House, our range of holistic therapy offerings reflects how committed we are to providing whole-person healing. 

While traditional addiction therapies have been proven to help people overcome addiction, holistic therapies are designed to complement these evidence-based addiction treatments to support emotional, physical and mental health and well-being in recovery. 

We’re extremely proud of our therapy offerings, and many of our clients have mentioned the positive impact these therapies have had on their journeys. 

What Are Holistic Therapies?

Holistic treatments are designed to help heal every aspect of your well-being. Instead of focusing solely on the addiction, these therapies also support emotional healing, stress reduction and physical relaxation, all of which play a very important role when it comes to sustainable recovery.

Engaging in holistic practices gives clients an opportunity to develop healthier coping mechanisms further, improve emotional regulation, and reconnect with themselves meaningfully. 

The Science Behind Holistic Healing

If you’re unfamiliar with holistic therapies, it’s natural to feel apprehensive at first – and we’ve had many clients feel this way. Sometimes, understanding the science behind these practices might make you feel more open to giving them a go. Holistic methods activate the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the body’s natural relaxation response, which helps regulate emotions, reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being and enhance our ability for social connection. 

Research has shown that practices such as meditation, breathwork and sound healing can lower cortisol levels, enhance mood and support nervous system regulation, all of which are important factors when it comes to addiction recovery.

The Role of Holistic Therapies in Long-Term Recovery

At Abbington House, we believe that substance abuse treatment is most effective when paired with complementary therapies to support healing on a deeper level. Complimentary therapies like the ones we offer aren’t just for residential treatment; they’re tools that can help support your recovery long after you leave us. 

Recovery is a lifelong journey, and holistic therapies aim to help manage stress and deal with triggers without the need to rely on substances. We believe that our introduction to holistic therapies is a great foundation for long-term emotional, mental and physical health and well-being. As well as helping you cope with everyday stressors, these practices promote relaxation and encourage self-awareness, mindfulness and personal growth. 

Our Holistic Therapy Offerings​

Sound Therapy/Gong Bath

Sound Therapy/Gong Bath

What is it? - Sound therapy is a form of meditation that uses Gongs, Tibetan bowls, Koshi chimes and stringed instruments such as a monochord, to create soothing sound vibrations that calm the nervous system. Sessions begin with grounding practices to bring awareness to the senses, and then Claire plays the instruments and then ends the session gradually encouraging gentle movements in the body, stretching and then sitting up. The soothing sounds of these instruments help with deep relaxation, grounding, and emotional processing without needing prior meditation experience.

Why it works - The sound frequencies naturally guide the mind into a meditative state, helping reduce anxiety and overwhelm. Some clients even fall asleep, a sign of deep relaxation. As part of your recovery journey, south therapy offers a soothing way to process emotions and find balance. Sound meditation is a therapy without words, where you don’t need to explain your feelings and thoughts, but can allow yourself to be immersed in relaxing harmonies and tones whilst the intelligence of your body aids you in relaxing.

Session details: Every Friday, 10:15 – 11:30 AM.

Facilitator: Claire White

Mindfulness & Yoga

Mindfulness & Yoga

What is it? - A combination of gentle movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to help regulate emotions and manage stress. Each session begins with grounding techniques and mindful awareness before moving into gentle yoga postures that encourage relaxation and connection with the body.

Why it works - Mindful movement and focused breathing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the mind and body. Practising yoga in recovery helps release physical tension, manage emotional triggers, and build resilience.

Session details: Every Thursday, 10:30 – 11:30 AM.

Facilitator: Claire Winterbourne

Art Therapy 

Art Therapy 

What is it? - A creative outlet for processing emotions, building connections and overcoming feelings of isolation and disconnection.

Why it works - Art therapy encourages emotional release and self-discovery.

Session details: Every Wednesday, 2.00 – 3.00pm.

Facilitator: Sasha Aylwen

Breathwork Therapy 

Breathwork Therapy 

What is it? - A guided breathwork practice to release trauma stored in the body. and support emotional healing. Clients are guided through conscious connected breathing to help them access a deep state of relaxation and self-awareness. Throughout the session clients breathe in a circular rhythm, inhaling through the mouth into the diaphragm, expanding the diaphragm fully and exhaling also through the mouth. The focus is on the inhale while the exhale is relaxed and each breath is connected with no pauses. Expect meditation, drumming, a carefully selected playlist and a lot of love. 

Why it works - For those navigating substance abuse and other mental health issues, breathwork can bring balance back to the person, releasing emotions that have been held onto and stimulating the nervous system's ability to relax and let go.

Session details: Fortnightly, Saturday mornings, 10.30-11.30 am.

Facilitator: Rebecca Polydorou 

Reiki Energy Healing

Reiki Energy Healing

What is it? - A gentle, non-intrusive form of energy healing that helps balance the body and mind, promoting relaxation and emotional release. Reiki works by channelling universal life force energy to support the body’s natural healing processes.

Why it works - Reiki can ease stress, tension, and emotional pain, helping to release stored trauma and balance energy within the body. Many clients report feeling calmer, more grounded and many have reported improved sleep after sessions. By focusing on the body’s energy flow, Reiki helps bring awareness to the present moment, creating space for emotional release and inner peace.

Reiki is available to clients staying at Abbington House for 28 days or longer. In consultation with your assigned therapist, you may receive between one to three sessions as part of your treatment plan. These sessions can last between 30-45 minutes. 

Facilitator: Sasha Aylwen

If you’re sceptical, that’s okay. Our holistic therapies are non-invasive and have no harmful side effects. Many of our clients have reported feeling positive shifts after experiencing some of these sessions firsthand, so we encourage you to approach it with an open mind as you never know what you might discover.

Why Choose Abbington House for Holistic Therapies?

  • Experienced practitioners specialising in addiction recovery.
  • A safe and supportive space to explore healing beyond traditional methods.
  • Fully integrated into the wider treatment programme.
  • Personalised approach—clients can choose the therapies that resonate with them.
Our holistic methods are included as part of our programme's complementary therapies, and we try to encourage all of our clients to embrace this holistic approach to treatment. Call us today to find out more about our holistic approach to treatment and how we can help you. 
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