Krav Maga & Boxing Therapy
Empowering the Body, Healing the Mind
Trauma and addiction don't just live in our thoughts; they live in our bodies. To truly heal, we must address both.
What is Krav Maga and Boxing Therapy?
We are proud to offer a groundbreaking Krav Maga & Boxing Therapy track in conjunction with our IOP and PHP curriculum. The only program of its kind, this therapy offers an integrative approach that weaves the physical discipline and skill-building of martial arts with the emotional exploration of clinical therapy. More than a workout, it is a somatic release designed to help you reclaim your strength.
While traditional talk therapy works from the "top down" (using the mind to calm the body), our Krav Maga & Boxing Therapy works from the "bottom up" (using the body to regulate the mind). Under the guidance of trauma-informed instructors and clinicians, clients learn to identify how stress manifests physically and use movement to process emotions that words cannot always reach.
Why Krav Maga?
Developed in Israel, Krav Maga ("Contact Combat") is a practical, intuitive self-defense system. For our clients, it provides a powerful cultural connection to Jewish resilience and the concept of Gevurah (inner strength and discipline).
The Benefits of This Approach
We integrate this physical work because it accelerates recovery in ways talk therapy sometimes cannot. The benefits include:
- Nervous System Regulation: High-intensity, rhythmic movement (like boxing) helps discharge "fight or flight" energy, calming a dysregulated nervous system.
- Emotional Release: The punching bag provides a safe, constructive outlet for anger, frustration, and grief—emotions that often fuel addiction when suppressed.
- Reclaiming Boundaries: Learning self-defense teaches you to set physical and emotional boundaries, a crucial skill for those with a history of trauma.
- Confidence & Self-Esteem: Mastering a new skill builds a sense of agency. You prove to yourself, punch by punch, that you are capable and strong.
- Mindfulness in Motion: You cannot box while worrying about tomorrow or regretting yesterday. It forces you to be completely present in the "now."
How Does Krav Maga & Boxing Therapy Work?
This is not a generic gym class. It is a clinically integrated session designed to mirror the work you do in group and individual therapy.
1. Integrated into IOP/PHP
This therapy is part of the schedule for our Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization clients. It serves as a physical counter-balance to the cognitive work done in group circles.
2. The Clinical Loop
A session isn't just about sweating; it’s about processing.
- Check-in: Identifying current emotional states.
- The Work: Drills, bag work, and technique training designed to challenge you physically.
- The Processing: A cool-down period where we explore what came up emotionally during the session. Did you feel anxious? Empowered? Angry? We connect these physical sensations back to your recovery goals.
3. The Spiritual Component
We emphasize Shmirat HaGuf (guarding the body). Recovery is about treating your body with respect and dignity. This program turns the body from a source of shame or pain into a vessel of holiness and strength.
FAQs
Browse answers to popular questions. Don't see what you are looking for? Contact us!
Addiction is often a way to numb uncomfortable feelings. Boxing and Krav Maga teach you to tolerate discomfort (physical and emotional) without running away. It builds "distress tolerance," a key skill for preventing relapse.
Safety is our priority. This is non-contact sparring. You will be hitting pads and heavy bags, not other people. The environment is strictly controlled to ensure physical and emotional safety at all times.
No. This program is designed for all fitness levels and backgrounds. The goal is therapeutic, not competitive. Whether you are an athlete or have never thrown a punch, our instructors will meet you where you are.
No. Our center is a judgment-free zone open to Jews of all backgrounds—secular, reform, conservative, or orthodox—as well as non-Jewish individuals seeking high-quality care. We respect where you are in your spiritual journey.
Additional Services
Not sure if this is the right fit? Compare with our other services below:
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