I’ve discovered that some of the most profound therapeutic moments happen when clients’ hands are busy. That’s why I keep a basket of stress balls within arm’s reach during every session—they’re far more than simple fidget toys.
When an eight-year-old little girl first came to see me, she couldn’t sit still long enough to discuss her parents’ divorce. But give her a squishy stress ball to squeeze, and suddenly she could focus on our conversation for the full hour. The repetitive motion regulated her nervous system, creating the calm foundation necessary for processing difficult emotions.
Teenagers often feel exposed in therapy, hyperaware of being watched and analyzed. A stress ball becomes their ally—something to focus on that reduces the intensity of eye contact and gives them permission to think before speaking. I’ve watched countless teens work through trauma while rhythmically squeezing, the motion helping them stay grounded when memories threatened to overwhelm.
Adults frequently arrive at my office carrying physical tension from years of stress. Before we even begin talking, I watch shoulders drop as they unconsciously knead a stress ball. The bilateral stimulation—squeezing with both hands—activates both brain hemispheres, enhancing emotional processing and memory integration.
What makes stress balls uniquely powerful is their simplicity. Unlike complex coping strategies that require practice, anyone can squeeze. They provide immediate nervous system regulation, create a sense of control, and offer a healthy outlet for frustration or anxiety.
Sometimes the most sophisticated therapeutic interventions come in the humblest packages. A stress ball can unlock breakthroughs that words alone cannot reach.
This pack comes with balls that have varying levels of squishiness!
Salt + Cedar Collective 