BAM-T

“As a therapist, having different modalities and techniques is essential for patient care, so it can be tailored to their treatment needs. When BAM-T was introduced to me a few years ago, I was immediately intrigued, as I love to box for a workout but never would have thought to incorporate therapy into it. I was astonished to see the outcomes from a clinical standpoint, but also on a personal level. The ability to see someone have no confidence one day and then by the end of a 30-day program have the self-worth, confidence, and ability to box like they have been doing it for years is what this program is all about. To take back control of what trauma, depression/anxiety, and substance use have taken from the clients, then giving them the power to find their sense of purpose, identity, and self-worth in not just weeks but days, is true recovery. The overall approach incorporates DBT, CBT, and even a trauma focus, ACT, somatic work, and others, depending on the client's ability to engage/process. The program we were utilizing was a 90-minute, once-a-week, in a residential group setting that allowed for the power dynamics and support of one another. There were the basics to begin that would be therapist-led, with intervals of mindfulness boxing. That would lead to processing time that could address the client's thoughts/concerns of the session, to even psychoeducation based on trauma work. This helped to alleviate any triggering emotions or feelings that would arise as a result of the boxing, but in a controlled setting. From all the success seen in a residential group setting, the possibilities are endless, from inpatient to residential to even private practice. That is what is beautiful about this modality: it can be done in a group or individual setting. Even as I have stepped away from a residential setting and have moved to outpatient and private practice, I continue to incorporate this modality not only because I know it is successful but because it is a different approach that allows for self-care, therapy, coping skills, and it is fun! Not just as a therapist, but for the client, it allows a movement and not just sitting in a therapy room. Mindfulness boxing forces the client to tune out all the noise and focus on the combinations and their breathing, which eventually allows them the cognitive ability to bring forth the repressed memories. There has not been one client I have worked with who has not had positive feedback, and they want to do it more, even after being discharged from treatment but become sad when they find out that it is not a modality many know about. While yes, people can join martial art gyms for the workout, it is not the same as mindfulness boxing because the therapy part is not included. The number of people that BAM-T could help is endless because of the structure that Paul has put in place, but also the trauma processing and healthy coping strategies this modality has to offer for all people, as it can be modified to accommodate all clients.”

Brooke Iverson