CLINICAL RELAXATION THERAPY - SCIENCE, EVIDENCE & PRACTICE: A Psychoneuroimmunological Approach.

 This 16 hour course outlines how Psychoneuroimmunology research supports relaxation as a therapeutic intervention for chronic conditions seen by psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists. PNI identifies pathways and mechanisms that link nervous, endocrine and immune systems. Studies demonstrate how cognition, emotions and health communicate and influence each other intimately and constantly. PNI provides evidence of the effects of stress and relaxation at cellular, molecular and genetic levels, and how they influence thoughts, emotions, behaviours and wellbeing.

Relaxation is rarely valued, taught or encouraged in a world that awards busyness and constant productivity. Evidence-based relaxation techniques short circuit stress pathways,  reduce production of stress hormones, encourage the release of calming neurotransmitters and enhance immune function. Participants learn how relaxation therapy is evidence-based, non-pharmacological, non-invasive, cost-effective, simple and efficacious. This course explains the art and science of relaxation therapy. The art is practice and clinical application of relaxation techniques. The science is Psychoneuroimmunology that describes psychological and physiological mechanisms by which relaxation is efficacious. Participants gain experience in relaxation practice and understand how evidence-based relaxation therapy can improve anxiety, depression, pain, sleep disorders, trauma and inflammation.

This course explains mind body science and the clinical use of relaxation therapy to enhance cellular health and health as a whole. In particular, it outlines a PNI approach to mood disorders, using relaxation techniques. This course offers mental health professionals an insight in psychoneuroimmunology-based relaxation therapy.

MODULE DETAILS :

Session 1  : STRESS VERSUS RELAXATION, Art and Science of Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing (DDB)

Abstract

Stress is not detrimental to health and is often misunderstood. Health is only compromised when coping strategies are insufficient to deal with perceived levels of stress. As the pace of life speeds up and uncertainty grows, the ability to cope can decrease. Stress is a necessary part of life and can be detrimental or positive to our health. This session defines stress and clarifies a common misconception about stress. It examines relaxation and describes therapeutic principles of relaxation as self-controlled, coping skills. Participants learn how to practice deep diaphragmatic breathing personally and have opportunities to experience effects of relaxation via DDB.  

Learning objectives

1.  Identify the effects of stress on health

2.  Understand the effects of relaxation on health

3.  Practice DDB

Session Outline

This session:

• defines stress, distress and eustress
• explains the role of relaxation on homeostasis and wellbeing
• identifies relaxation therapy as an evidence based, efficacious intervention
• includes practical components in the why, how and when to practice DDB
• offers experience in DDB relaxation exercises

Session 2 : INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY, More Art and Science of DDB

Abstract

The wonderful world of Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is important for all health professionals. PNI is the science of mind body health and identifies pathways and mechanisms by which psychological and physical health are intimately linked. It elucidates the impact of distress on both mind and body. PNI demonstrates how thoughts, emotions and health are connected and influence each other and is a scientific framework that supports a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare. PNI research supports the use of evidence-based, holistic interventions such as DDB for health professionals to treat chronic conditions and improve health and wellbeing.

Learning objectives

1. Define PNI
2. Outline interactions between nervous, endocrine and immune systems
3. Identify a PNI framework for the effects of stress and relaxation
4. Gain more proficiency in practicing DDB
5. Gain proficiency in teaching DDB

Session Outline

This session:

• defines and provides an overview of PNI
• outlines interactions between nervous, endocrine and immune systems
• describes how thoughts, emotions and health are linked
• identifies effects of stress and relaxation on nervous, endocrine & immune systems
• demonstrates a PNI framework for disease and ill health

Session 3 : PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY OF RELAXATION, More Art & Science of DDB

Abstract

Psychoneuroimmunology demonstrates how relaxation is therapeutic and can enhance both mental and physical health. PNI identifies how the mind and body are not separate and in fact, on a cellular and molecular level are not separate. PNI provides scientific evidence that supports the efficacy of relaxation interventions such as DDB. Health professionals need to be proficient in the practice and teaching of techniques such as DDB to offer evidence-based, non-pharmacological, non-invasive and cost-effective therapy.

Learning objectives

1. define links between sympathetic & parasympathetic responses, disease & health
2. describe effects of relaxation on cellular and molecular pathways
3. gain more experience and proficiency in practicing DDB
4. gain more experience and proficiency in teaching DDB

Session Outline

This session:

• reviews leading PN research in relaxation for chronic conditions
• describes PNI evidence in efficacy of relaxation as therapy
• explains effects of relaxation on cellular and molecular function
• offers greater proficiency in practicing and teaching DDB

Session 4 RESEARCH IN PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY & CHRONIC CONDITIONS, Art & Science of Guided Imagery (GI)

Abstract

Sophisticated research illuminates how chronic conditions such as anxiety, depression, pain, sleep disorders, trauma and inflammation effect both mind and body. Psychoneuroimmunology provides scientific support to clinical interventions to improve mental health and physical wellbeing. Relaxation techniques such as DDB and Guided Imagery (GI) can decrease effects of chronic conditions and enhance cognitive, emotional, physical and mental health. Diaphragmatic breathing elicits a cascade of cellular, molecular and genetic changes such as increased activity of parasympathetic responses, release of calming neurotransmitters and stimulation of anti-inflammatory responses. DDB reduces the impact of chronic stress responses and stimulates a return to homeostasis.

Guided Imagery is an evidence-based intervention to reduce stress-related, chronic conditions. It is used clinically for clients with trauma, PTSD, anxiety and pain. It is efficacious in improving mental and physical health.

Learning objectives:

1. describe research in relationships between stress, relaxation and anxiety
2. understand scientific evidence of effects of GI on chronic conditions
3. outline research in therapeutic effects of GI
4. experience GI

Session Outline

This session

• details research in GI
• reviews benefits of GI for chronic conditions and mental health
• outlines principles of GI in clinical practice
• gain more experience and proficiency in practicing GI
• gain more experience and proficiency in teaching GI

Session 5 MORE ART & SCIENCE OF GI, Research in PNI, Guided Imagery and Chronic Conditions

More proficiency in practicing and teaching GI

Abstract

Guided Imagery is a practical evidence-based relaxation technique to offer clients a self-help, coping skill. Any skill requires regular practice for proficiency. Health professionals can learn GI and develop their skills in using GI therapeutically and clinically.

Learning objectives

1. gain more experience and proficiency in practicing GI
2. gain more experience and proficiency in teaching GI
3. develop greater clinical skills in GI

Session Outline

This session will:

• review principles to practice GI
• review principles to teach GI
• offer experience for greater clinical skills in GI

Session 6 : RESEARCH PNI & MOOD DISORDERS , Art & Science of DDB and GI

Abstract

Leading PNI research identifies communications between autonomic nervous system, hormones and immune function. The role of inflammation in chronic conditions is increasingly understood, as are their clinical implications. Relaxation techniques that reduce effects of stress can influence cognitive, emotional and immune responses. Clinical applications of relaxation techniques such as DDB and GI are important, evidence-based treatment options for health professionals to learn.

Learning objectives

1. understand more PNI research in chronic conditions and relaxation therapy
2. gain more experience and proficiency in practicing DDB and GI
3. gain more experience and proficiency in teaching DDB and GI
4. develop greater clinical skills in DDB and GI

Session Outline

This session will:

• review principles to practice DDB and GI
• review principles to teach DDB and GI
• offer experience for greater clinical skills in GI

Session 7 PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: Policies and Guidelines for Relaxation Therapy in Clinical Practice

Proficiency in practicing and teaching relaxation techniques

Abstract

To implement relaxation techniques into clinical practice, important considerations include policies, guidelines, contraindications and cautions. PNI supports a multidisciplinary healthcare approach and relaxation therapy offers health professionals another evidence-based treatment option to promote and encourage health and wellbeing. 

Learning objectives

1. consider how best to apply relaxation therapy clinically and therapeutically
2. apply specific relaxation techniques to specific chronic conditions
3. evaluate the role of relaxation therapy in one’s own practice
4. understand the why and how of networking among professionals

Session Outline

This session will:

• discuss practical considerations of relaxation therapy for clients
• outline clinical applications of DDB and GI
• explain role of health policies, networking, record keeping, data collection
• identify best practice in relaxation therapy

Session 8 PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: Putting it all together

Personal experience of relaxation therapy, Clients and case studies . More proficiency to practice and teach relaxation techniques

Abstract

Health and medical professionals can offer people psychological and physical relaxation to decrease effects of stress-related, chronic conditions. They can teach people how to practice relaxation regularly as an effective, evidence-based coping skill. Learning to teach relaxation techniques broadens the tool kit of any health professional and allows clients to help themselves. PNI shows ho mental health and mental conditions present themselves in both body and mind. Psychologists, social workers, counsellors, psychotherapists and all health professionals can use PNI-based relaxation skills to enhance cognitive, emotional, behavioural and immunological health.

Learning objectives

1. Implement evidence-based relaxation therapy in practice
2. Understand leading and sophisticated PNI research
3. Identify one’s own personal experience with regular relaxation
4. Be proficient in the clinical application of relaxation technique

Session Outline

This session will:

• Generate discussion about evidence-based relaxation therapy
• Summarise the importance of PNI research
• Discuss present and future of PNI-based Relaxation Therapy