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About Back To Being
Learn about our mission, our offering.. if you have any other questions please contact us!
Back to Being CIC is a UK community interest company that helps people “step away” from the stress and overwhelm of modern life. We offer gentle, multisensory therapies and creative workshops aimed at reconnecting you with your body and community. Our approach is rooted in holistic well-being: for example, aromatherapy uses plant oils to improve health and mood. By combining these therapies with community activities, we help people feel more centered and cared-for – showing that you’re not “broken,” just human and in need of support.
Our services are open to anyone feeling stressed, isolated or overwhelmed. In practice we especially focus on midlife women juggling work, family and health challenges, as well as neurodivergent individuals, young people and older adults who may feel “left behind” by society. This matches the evidence that social isolation affects all ages – for example, studies show 17–21% of people aged 13–29 report feeling lonely, and up to one-third of older adults are socially isolated. If you feel burned-out, anxious or disconnected (for any reason), you can benefit from our healing touch and community support.
We offer a range of multisensory therapies and creative group activities. In our individual sessions you might receive a gentle foot reflexology massage or Indian Head massage (combining touch with calming essential oils). Aromatherapy, for instance, is known to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. We also brew herbal teas for taste and scent. In our workshops, we guide you through hands-on creative projects (e.g. making a personal perfume or crafting herbal sachets) while sharing mindfulness and touch-based techniques. All activities are designed to be relaxing and uplifting: the combination of scent, touch, taste and community work together to soothe the mind and lift the spirit. (These workshops subtly build well-being so you often feel better afterwards without it feeling like therapy.)
Aromatherapy involves inhaling or applying essential oils (like lavender, chamomile or eucalyptus) to support body and mind. Research shows that aromatherapy can alleviate anxiety, improve sleep and reduce stress. Indian Head Massage works by relaxing your neck, shoulders and face with a combination of gentle touch and deeper massage. IT is about releasing the tension in our heads so we can think better and ultimately feel better.
EFT (often called “tapping”) is a simple self-help method we include in workshops. You tap on specific points on your face and body while voicing your feelings. It’s easy to learn and can be done anywhere. EFT is evidence-based: it works by combining aspects of acupressure, exposure therapy and relaxation. Clinical studies have found that EFT produces rapid relief from stress, anxiety and burnout symptoms. In practice, people who use EFT report feeling noticeably less anxious and more relaxed in just a few minutes. It’s safe and non-invasive, so it’s a handy tool you can use on your own whenever you need a quick mood boost.
Being part of a caring community is a powerful form of support. Our workshops bring people together in a relaxed, non-judgmental setting. Research shows that strong social connections improve health and well-being, whereas loneliness greatly increases the risk of depression and anxiety. For example, the WHO reports that people who are lonely are twice as likely to be depressed compared to those with good social ties. By contrast, participating in group activities and making new friends can reduce isolation, lift your mood and even protect against stress-related illness In our community workshops, you’ll meet others who understand real-world pressures and share positive, uplifting experiences together – all of which helps foster a sense of belonging and resilience.
Absolutely. All our therapies are gentle and adaptable to sensory needs. In fact, research on autism shows that nurturing touch and sensory-based therapies can significantly help manage common challenges in autistic children. Massage and bodywork help autistic children and adults regulate sensory input and reduce anxiety or behavioral issues. For the children and parents we work with, we create a calm environment (quiet spaces, gentle lighting/sounds) and use touch or scents in a sensitive way. We welcome families – for example, parents of neurodivergent kids often join our workshops to find tools (like aromatherapy or EFT) to help their children feel calmer. Simply put, our approach is inclusive: we can tailor sessions for kids, teens or adults with autism, ADHD or other needs to make sure everyone benefits.
No – you can simply sign up yourself. Our therapies are complementary or “non-prescribed” supports. You don’t need to see a doctor first or have a medical referral. In the UK, aromatherapy and massage are considered holistic wellness practices. People use them on their own to manage stress or improve mood without any clinical prescription. We operate on an open-access basis: anyone can join our sessions directly. (Of course, if you have specific health concerns it’s always wise to consult your GP, but for most people our gentle approach can safely be enjoyed on its own.)
We are based in Kilmington (near Axminster, Devon), but we also offer online and remote sessions so location isn’t a barrier. Our services are designed to be affordable and accessible. Thanks to volunteers and donations, we can offer many sessions at low or no cost to those who cannot afford therapy. If you are able to pay or make a donation, it helps us fund free spots for others. We often use a sliding-scale or “pay what you can” model: people with higher income contribute more, which allows those on limited budgets to attend free or cheaply. Overall, our mission is to make these therapies available regardless of income, so please reach out – we’ll find a way for you to participate (many clients come to us with no upfront fees).
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