Session 3 - Review of the Toe-to-Head Muscle Relaxation with Visualization and the Introduction of the Anxiety Protocol

Summary

In this session, applied stretching is taught, and the patient is led once more through the whole body muscle relaxation (with contract-release and stretch-release relaxation) with visualization. As in almost all lessons, there is a section on mindfulness and stretching. As indicated in the last session, the therapist should be sure that the patient does the stretching and other motions, and, if the patient does not, the therapist should encourage the patient to do so, all the while with a playful mien, a playful demeanor. This models a positive way of interacting and it also creates new positive associations to the topics being discussed. At times, to promote relaxation, the therapist should purposefully slow and deepen the voice. This also creates a sense of shift in the session: a shift in voice and emotional register.