Tapping Therapy session relieves stress and anxiety

A group of Doncaster people who are recovering from drug and alcohol problems have experienced their first ever session in ‘Tapping Therapy’ during Mental Health Awareness Week (8-14 May).

Service users at Doncaster’s Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service were introduced to the alternative therapy as part of a six-week course of sessions to provide coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and anxiety.

Aspire’s Sally Hickson-Clark said: “The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘Surviving or Thriving’, which fits well with the people who use our services.

“By seeking help to overcome their addiction, they’ve already made a choice to survive, but to

thrive and sustain their recovery long term, they need to change their behaviours and lifestyle, as well as developing ways to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

“Our Stress and Anxiety Group is just one example of the range of therapies and interventions we provide to help people make these changes and acquire the skills and tools for coping with the triggers that led them to reach for drugs and alcohol.”

Led by Aspire Worker Lisa Clegg, the group took part in Tapping Therapy, which involves tapping acupressure points on the head and hands, and helps with anxiety, depression and anger.

Sally added: “Our group members were a little sceptical at first, but after giving tapping a go they all said they felt less stressed and more relaxed, so we’re really excited to be offering this as a new therapy for Doncaster people!”

To talk to someone in confidence about drug or alcohol issues, please visit Aspire’s live chat at: www.aspire.community, or ring (01302) 730956.

Pictured trying the tapping therapy are from the left, Sally Hickson-Clark, Aspire; Shelli Murphy and Raquel Anne, service users; Lisa Clegg and Paul Shepherd, both Aspire.
Pictured trying the tapping therapy are from the left, Sally Hickson-Clark, Aspire; Shelli Murphy and Raquel Anne, service users; Lisa Clegg and Paul Shepherd, both Aspire.