The Types of Calming Techniques in Counseling

Anxiety, tension and stress are common reasons for individuals to enter therapy. Being unable to relax can increase physical problems, prevent a person from seeing a situation clearly and may eventually lead to depression. A great deal of hope exists for the individual who has difficulty relaxing, whether he has an anxiety disorder, is having panic attacks or is simply having trouble calming down.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy is extremely useful for helping individuals learn how to remain calm in the face of triggers (physical, mental or emotional stimuli that cause severe reactions). Phobias, panic disorders and anxiety problems are worked through by determining the individual's triggers (spiders in the case of a phobia, for example) and then desensitizing him to the trigger through gradual exposure. Although this may initially cause anxiety, the overall effect will be a learned calmness in the face of stressful situations. Once the individual realizes that the cataclysmic thing he expected to happen won't, a great weight is lifted from his shoulders and he is able to experience a new sense of calm in the face of his past fear.

Hypnotherapy

• There are many licensed therapists who are trained in hypnotherapy. Hypnosis is achieved through guided relaxation and focus that eventually leads to a trance-like consciousness in the client. Once in this state, the therapist can connect with the client's subconscious to search for the root of the anxiety and work through it at this deeper level. The therapist can also make suggestions that may be internalized more effectively in this state, such as telling a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder that he does not have to wash his hands excessively anymore.

Guided Imagery

• Guided imagery is a fantastic way to calm down during counseling. If a client becomes overwhelmed by anxiety and stress during a session, it may make it very difficult to progress or gain insight into a situation. Guided imagery can allow an individual to calm their thoughts by taking her mind off of the triggering thoughts and moving it onto something relaxing. The therapist may instruct the client to close his eyes and imagine a different scene, such as a beach. She will help him to imagine all the sensory experiences a beach would conjure up, such as the sound of the waves, the texture of the sand and the smell of salt water.

Breath Work Therapy

• Breath work therapy can help an individual to calm down in the moment as well as helping to release emotional blockages created by trauma. Rooted in the spiritual work of the yogis, breath work therapy can help clients come into the present moment and focus on something tangible instead of obsessing on mental anxieties. The therapist can help guide the client through different patterns of breathing and lead him through the repetitions. The client can also use this technique outside of the therapist's office. This practice may be useful in preventing panic attacks.