Therapeutically efficient components of Basic Body Awareness Therapy as perceived by experienced therapists: a qualitative study

Background

Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) is a physiotherapeutic method used in rehabilitation to increase physical and emotional balance. The aim was to identify and describe perceived therapeutically efficient components of BBAT.

Methods

Twenty-four experienced BBAT therapists participated in focus group interviews. The data were analysed with content analysis.

Results

One central theme, the therapeutic space consisted of two categories; the therapeutic encounter and the therapeutic tools, which emerged as the core of the perceived therapeutically efficient components. The therapeutic encounter entailed the therapeutic approach, affect attunement, continuous interaction during treatment, affect mirroring and communicating by use of a person-centred approach. The therapeutic tools included adjustment and adaptation, the use of manual, verbal and non-verbal guiding, and creating an atmosphere of safety and sanctuary.

Conclusion

The significance of interaction by use of a person-centred approach combined with the ability to continuously adjust the treatment constituted useful guidelines when designing rehabilitation using BBAT treatment.