Relaxation Therapy & Stress Management

We are all too familiar with the role stress plays in our lives. Of course, stress can be a good thing, challenging us to emotionally grow, improve our relationships, and develop better skills at work. However, if we have to deal with too many stressors or have inadequate coping skills, stress can lead to a compromised response in addition to a host of emotional and physical symptoms.

Research has found Relaxation Training to be a powerful tool in stress management. For example, relaxation training has been found to improve emotional well-being, quality of sleep, reduce physical symptoms such as pain, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Relaxation training works by reducing the negative effects of the fight/flight response (FFR). The FFR is a well-studied phenomenon. The FFR is a primitive response that has been around since prehistoric times. FFR helped cavemen protect themselves from danger, but has not changed over time. We experience the FFR as a surge of adrenaline that triggers a cascade of physiological changes which help us to handle dangers in the world. Of course, there are no saber-tooth tigers roaming the Earth any longer that we have to combat or run away from, but still our bodies respond the same way to daily stressors we encounter. For example, whether we are driving in traffic and someone runs a red light or we go to class and the teacher announces a “pop quiz,” we experience a surge of adrenalin coursing through our bodies.

It is important to note that stressors do not have to be outside of ourselves. Our thoughts or worries can trigger the FFR. For example, if we are facing a medical procedure, we may worry about what the doctor might find. Of course, as noted, some stress is good for us and helps us to learn how to cope more effectively. So for example, our concern might lead us to make a list of questions to ask the doctor at the upcoming pre-surgical appointment, then our stress response has been useful. However if we continue to worry despite doing all we can to prepare for the meeting, then FFR can be self-defeating.

The goals of relaxation training are to lower the client’s general arousal level and reduce the length of time clients becomes aroused when experiencing stress. Dr. Holman creates a personalized relaxation stress management template for each client. As with other forms of treatment, one size does not fit all. Although relaxation training is generally very helpful, different forms of relaxation are beneficial to different individuals. In goal-setting, Dr. Holman will also advise the client of other clinical strategies that might serve best in reaching his or her stress management goals. These additional strategies are discussed in the other sections of the treatment strategies section.