Main description:

Working with Stress and Tension in Clinical Practice is a practical toolkit that sets out a wide range of approaches for reducing stress and anxiety in clients so that they are mentally prepared for more effective therapy sessions. Combining research, real-life examples and practical advice, the book discusses the potential psychological barriers to therapy that can stand in the way of helping clients and offers concrete solutions to overcome these issues. This toolkit clearly outlines a range of approaches such as mindfulness and meditation techniques that can help clients focus on their therapy and overcome stress and anxiety.

Key features include:

Guidance and activities supporting the use of meditation, breathing exercises and visualisation techniques in therapy

Ideas that can be used as short introductory activities at the beginning of a therapy session to help patients get the most from the therapist's time

Suggested whole sessions on stress-reduction for those focusing on anxiety itself.

This book is a must-have resource for Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Counsellors, Psychotherapists and any professionals working with clients who wish to help the people they work with get the most from therapy.

Contents:

1. Identifying the Barriers to Therapy 2. Introducing the Idea of Working on Negative Thinking and Relaxation 3. Stress versus Relaxation 4. Understanding a Client's Experience of Reality 5. The Voice in Your head 6. An Introduction to Mindfulness for Reducing Stress 7. Meditation 8. Visualisation 9. The Power of the Mind 10. Affirmations 11. The Body, Posture and Movement: The Mind-body Connection 12. The Breath 13. Energy and Fatigue: The Importance of Rest and Sleep 14. Self-Love and Self-Compassion 15. Understanding Emotions and Moods 16. Motivation 17. Attention 18. Taking Control and Making Choices 19. Acceptance, Appreciation and a New Life 20. Self-Observation and Self-Awareness: Bedside Manner