Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Stress Reduction
Stress is a normal part of the human experience. When people are stressed, it triggers physiological changes including increased heart rate, muscle tension and other bodily indicators associated with the "fight, flight or freeze" response. These physiological responses can be adaptive in the short term by mobilizing our bodies to respond imminently. However, when people continue to experience these physiological responses to stress over time, it takes a negative toll on health and wellness and often leads to exhaustion.
A variety of cognitive-behavioral techniques have been shown as effective in reducing the negative effects of stress on the body and improving sense of wellbeing. Frequently, therapists will work with clients to learn relaxation techniques and to incorporate them into their daily routines. Relaxation techniques may include learning breathing techniques, using imagery, learning to relax muscles in a systematic way (called progressive muscle relaxation) and/or practicing mindfulness. In our experience, relaxation strategies are not one-size-fits-all and many clients find it helpful to try out a variety of relaxation techniques until they find what works well for them. In addition, stress is a highly subjective experience. Something one person finds highly stressful may not be stressful at all for another person, illustrating the influence our thoughts have on our experience of stress. Thus, therapists may also work with clients to identify thought patterns that contribute to stress, and to use structured techniques for trying out different perspectives.
Stress is a normal part of the human experience. When people are stressed, it triggers physiological changes including increased heart rate, muscle tension and other bodily indicators associated with the "fight, flight or freeze" response. These physiological responses can be adaptive in the short term by mobilizing our bodies to respond imminently. However, when people continue to experience these physiological responses to stress over time, it takes a negative toll on health and wellness and often leads to exhaustion.
A variety of cognitive-behavioral techniques have been shown as effective in reducing the negative effects of stress on the body and improving sense of wellbeing. Frequently, therapists will work with clients to learn relaxation techniques and to incorporate them into their daily routines. Relaxation techniques may include learning breathing techniques, using imagery, learning to relax muscles in a systematic way (called progressive muscle relaxation) and/or practicing mindfulness. In our experience, relaxation strategies are not one-size-fits-all and many clients find it helpful to try out a variety of relaxation techniques until they find what works well for them. In addition, stress is a highly subjective experience. Something one person finds highly stressful may not be stressful at all for another person, illustrating the influence our thoughts have on our experience of stress. Thus, therapists may also work with clients to identify thought patterns that contribute to stress, and to use structured techniques for trying out different perspectives.
