Who is Psychotherapy / Councelling for?
Relaxation Techniques
The key to relaxation is to induce a relaxed state, rather than trying hard to relax. The harder you try the more pressure you place on yourself which may include a stressed response. (link to document, to come)
Breath Control
While purposely slowing down your breath, you are more able to relax. Breathing from your abdomen is important, the correct exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen is promoted in this way. (link to document)
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
The aim here is to concentrate on the difference of the feeling when tensing a certain muscle group, compared to when the same is relaxed. By consciously practicing the tensing/relaxing of specific muscle groups, an awareness is established of identifying a relaxed muscle state. Promoting such practice enables the relaxed state to be consciously accessed when needed.
Thought Control
Many intruding thoughts may take the focus off the previously mentioned relaxation exercises. Using a ‘repetitive quality block’ for example the word ‘relax’, can be used as repetitive dialogue to replace existing thoughts. Suggestions by the therapist, may also incorporate whole phrases or 'pleasant imagery'.
Many more exercises are available. The Counsellor will match your abilities to your needs and help you practice in order to incorporate these tools into your daily life easily.
