One of the most meaningful gifts we can offer our clients is the ability to support their own wellbeing in between appointments. As therapists, we know that healing is a journey — not just something that happens on the treatment table, but a continuous process of tuning in, restoring balance, and listening to the body’s deeper wisdom.
A Self-Care Toolkit is a practical, personalised set of resources, rituals, and techniques that clients can draw on to extend the benefits of their treatment — whether they’ve just had a massage, facial, energy healing, or any other holistic therapy. It empowers them to stay connected to their own healing process and to build resilience and calm in their daily lives.
Let’s explore how to create one.
What Is a Self-Care Toolkit?
Think of it as a gentle companion — a collection of supportive tools, practices, and little rituals that bring comfort, calm, and clarity. It doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. In fact, the most effective toolkits are simple, intuitive, and deeply personal.
As a therapist, you can help clients build a toolkit that suits their lifestyle, needs, and intentions — whether their focus is emotional regulation, skin health, muscle recovery, better sleep, or simply more moments of peace.
Elements to Include in a Self-Care Toolkit
Here are some wonderful ideas you can suggest to clients — or even package into your own bespoke aftercare resources or follow-up emails.
1. Breathwork Practices
Support the nervous system and reduce anxiety
Breath is the bridge between body and mind. Encourage clients to explore simple breathing techniques such as:
- Box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4)
- Alternate nostril breathing for balance
- Extended exhale breathing to ease stress
You might record a short guided audio or recommend apps like Insight Timer or Breathwrk.
2. Journaling Prompts
Release thoughts and deepen self-awareness
Journaling helps clients reflect on what they’re feeling, noticing, or healing. You can offer prompts such as:
- “What does my body need from me today?”
- “How do I feel after my last treatment?”
- “What can I let go of right now?”
Even five minutes a day can create powerful shifts in awareness and intention.
3. Gua Sha or Facial Massage Tools
Enhance skin glow and lymphatic flow
If you offer facial massage or lymphatic drainage, guide clients in using tools like a gua sha stone or facial roller at home. Provide a short video or illustrated card with the correct techniques — always reminding them to go slowly, apply oil, and stay present with their touch.
4. Aromatherapy Blends
Anchor moments of calm through scent
Essential oils are a beautiful way to soothe the senses and support emotional wellbeing. Encourage clients to use a roll-on blend, diffuser oil, or simple inhalation method.
For example:
- Lavender or chamomile for calming
- Peppermint for mental clarity
- Bergamot for uplifting moods
You might even create your own blends or suggest trusted local suppliers.
5. Movement Rituals
Reconnect with the body
Simple stretches, gentle yoga flows, or even a mindful walk can help clients stay embodied between sessions. Suggest short routines that support areas they’ve worked on (e.g., hip openers, neck release exercises, grounding postures).
For added support, consider filming your own short movement clips to send as aftercare.
6. Touchstones & Affirmations
Create emotional anchors
Encourage clients to keep a few grounding tools on hand — such as a favourite crystal, affirmation card, or small notebook of positive reminders.
Examples of affirmations:
- “My body is wise and knows how to heal.”
- “I give myself permission to rest and receive.”
- “I am safe to soften.”
How to Share These Ideas with Clients
- Create a downloadable PDF guide as an aftercare gift
- Offer customised self-care toolkits in your treatment space (e.g., mini oils, journals, crystals)
- Send a post-treatment email with links to videos or audio practices
- Host a workshop or online class to explore these techniques in more depth
When clients feel supported outside of the treatment room, their trust in the process — and in themselves — deepens. You’re not only offering a service, you’re guiding them into their own empowered self-healing journey.
Consider This:
What might shift if your clients knew exactly how to soothe themselves during a difficult moment, or how to extend the glow of your treatment for days afterwards?
Creating a self-care toolkit isn’t just a nice extra — it’s a powerful way to build continuity, trust, and long-term transformation. As a therapist, you can be the gentle guide who helps them remember: the real magic begins when they take the tools into their own hands.
