Hands Up Therapy (HUT): Phase-Based Embodied Model for Emotional Regulation with Proposed Feasibility Study

Hands Up Therapy (HUT) is a novel somatically anchored therapeutic model that integrates bottom-up emotional processing with structured cognitive work. Drawing on principles from third-wave approaches (e.g., ACT, CFT, MBCT), affective neuroscience, and exposure theory, HUT begins with embodied, nonverbal processing to support emotional safety and awareness before introducing verbal or cognitive strategies. The model is structured around a unique ten-finger framework and incorporates the physical posture of “hands up” as a symbolic and regulatory anchor. This paper outlines the theoretical basis for HUT, hypothesized mechanisms of change, and priorities for future research, positioning HUT as a flexible, trauma-sensitive protocol with applications across diverse settings.