Recovery is not only the clinical work. Alongside detox and therapy, a stay at Abbington House includes regular activities and wellness sessions that support people physically and emotionally, and give the day a rhythm beyond the harder work of treatment.
These sessions are part of the stay, not an extra. Movement, rest, creativity and time outdoors all play a part in helping people feel steadier, sleep better, and reconnect with themselves as treatment progresses.
Getting active, in a way that suits the person, is part of feeling stronger and more grounded during a stay. Activities run through the week in a supportive setting.
Alongside physical activity, a range of wellness sessions support relaxation, emotional regulation and a way of processing things that does not always rely on words. People take part as part of their treatment plan, in agreement with their therapist.
Sound therapy is a form of meditation using gongs, Tibetan bowls, koshi chimes and stringed instruments to create sound vibrations that calm the nervous system. Sessions begin with grounding to bring awareness to the senses, then the instruments are played, and the session closes with gentle movement and stretching. The sounds help with deep relaxation and emotional processing, without needing any meditation experience. It is a therapy without words: there is nothing to explain, only sound to settle into while the body relaxes. Some people fall asleep, which is a sign of how deeply they relax.
Every Friday, 1:30pm – 2:45pm. Facilitator: Claire White.
A combination of gentle movement, breathwork and mindfulness to help regulate emotions and manage stress. Each session begins with grounding and mindful awareness before moving into gentle yoga postures that encourage relaxation and a sense of connection with the body. Mindful movement and focused breathing calm the mind and body, helping to release physical tension and build resilience.
Every Thursday, 10:30 – 11:30am. Facilitator: Claire Winterbourne.
A guided breathwork practice to support emotional release and relaxation. People are guided through conscious connected breathing, in a circular rhythm, to reach a deep state of relaxation and self-awareness. Sessions include meditation, drumming and a carefully chosen playlist. Breathwork can help bring balance back to the body, releasing emotions that have been held onto and helping the nervous system settle.
Fortnightly, Saturday mornings, 10:30 – 11:30am. Facilitator: Rebecca Polydorou.
A gentle, non-intrusive form of energy work that supports relaxation and emotional release. Reiki can ease stress and tension, and many people report feeling calmer, more grounded, and sleeping better afterwards. It brings attention to the present moment, making space for a sense of calm.
Reiki is available to people staying at Abbington House for 28 days or longer. In agreement with your therapist, you may have between one and three sessions as part of your treatment plan, each lasting 30 to 45 minutes. Facilitator: Sasha Aylwen.
These sessions sit alongside the core of treatment: detox where needed, individual and group therapy, family support and aftercare. You can read more about how the stay works on our residential rehab page.
