Relaxation Skills in Therapy
Relaxation, mindfulness, meditation, and yoga are critical tools for coping in our stressful world.
I typically integrate these and other relaxation tools in to any treatment with children, adolescents, and families.
As an adult, even I forget to check in with my stress level during the day.
And sometimes, as that stress mounts, a small annoyance turns in to a huge blow up because I have reached my tipping point.
So, rather than allowing myself to get to that point, I take small breaks during my day to check in. Are my shoulders all the way to my ears? Let's take a diaphragmatic breath. Am I noticing my palms are sweating or I haven't taken a full breath in a few minutes? I'm opening a new window on my computer to youtube sounds of the beach (this one is my favorite) and really listen to it.
Healthy, successful children and teens have stress, too.
Sometimes, people think stress is an adult issue, and that our children rarely if every experience stress on their own. This, of course, is unfortunately not true. Even healthy and successful children experience stress in their lives.
I recommend you read more about stress in children here. Consider how you can start integrating some awareness to your stress level - and your child's, as well. There are many small steps families can take to lower their stress throughout the day, though it may help to meet with a therapist as well to discuss further.
Curious to hear more, or are you a little reluctant about counseling? Compassionate Counseling St. Louis provides specialized anxiety and anger management therapy for kids, teens, and college students. We work in Clayton, MO and serve kids, teens, and college students throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Ladue, University City, Town and Country, Webster Groves, Creve Coeur, Kirkwood, Richmond Heights, and Brentwood. You can set up your free phone screening to see if we’re a good fit for your needs right on our website.