Relaxation Training

1
Relaxation Training

• Dr. Bob Carey
• Regional Support Associates

2
Preliminary Steps

• Check that individual is suitable for relaxation
  response
• Ensure conducive environment
• Ensure staff/caregiver support is available
• Gear the relaxation training to the level of
  functioning

3
Teaching Relaxation Therapy

• Establish rapport ensure comfort level
• Include staff/caregiver with the training
• Pick the environment where it is to be done and
  establish a routine for practice
• Set up expectations and establish the importance
  of self-efficacy control

4
Types of Relaxation therapy

• Deep Breathing
• Jacobsen Progressive Deep Muscle
• Cognitive Imagery

5
Deep Breathing

• Gear to level of functioning
• Use teaching techniques role playing,
  behavioural rehearsal, positive reinforcement
• Dont do too much at once
• Break tasks into small parts and use lots of
  practice and repetition

6
Deep Breathing - continued

• Long - Slow Deep breaths
• Each breath as long as possible aim for 10
  seconds or longer
• Try to hold breath on inhale for 3-4 seconds
• Practice for 10-15 minutes
• Practice with individual and do together

7
Deep Muscle Jacobsen technique

• Tension release exercises
• Modified for persons with intellectual impairment
• Ensure proper positioning
• Teach/instruct in technique first
• Practice one muscle group at a time
• Use modelling, instruction, and some verbal and
  physical cues/prompts

8
Deep Muscle - continued

• Remember to script for success talk about the
  importance of learning this new skill
• Muscle groups to practice hands, forearms,
  biceps, calf, thigh, stomach, shoulders,
  neck/jaw/cheek, forehead/eyes.

9
Deep Muscle - continued

• Focus on the difference between tension and
  feelings of relaxation notice the difference
• Therapist voice modulation flat, little
  intonation, relaxing, pacing is slow, breaks in
  sentences dont talk too much
• Allow for 30 to 40 minutes depending on
  individual
• Lower functioning shorter duration focus on
  relaxed posture/appearance

10
Cognitive Imagery

• Develop this with individual prior to starting
  find out what works for them
• Use descriptive phrases/scenarios that employ all
  five senses

11
Scripting for Success

• Teaching new skill to control stress/anger
  like riding a bike practice makes perfect
• Make Audio tape
• Enlist staff as collaborators/facilitators in
  making it work provide good role modelling,
  reinforcement for using it