Relaxation
Calming exercises which teach youth how to effectively cope with stressful events. These can include muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, or meditation. This technique is done with a therapist at first to learn the specific technique. The youth is then taught how to use the strategy effectively during times which are stressful.

What should my therapist be doing?

• Explaining to your child that the tension in their body negatively affects their feelings

• Teaching your child relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing, muscle relaxation)

• Helping your child to identify how relaxation skills can be used in real world situations (e.g., at school)

• Practicing relaxation together, first in session, then in real world settings

What should I be doing?

• Encouraging your child to use relaxation techniques outside of treatment sessions

• Assisting your child with relaxation

• Praising your child for using relaxation techniques

How will I know it is working?

• Your child uses relaxation techniques on their own when they are stressed or sad

• Your child is noticeably less tense and stressed

Video Examples: Tools for Youth and Teens

This is the story of Dani who uses a technique called deep breathing to help cope with anxiety and stress. Many people use deep breathing to help them relax and calm down when they’re feeling upset or stressed. Follow Dani’s story to learn how deep breathing works.

In this story, you’ll meet Mei. Mei is learning a new technique called Mindfulness 5-4-3-2-1. This technique helps to ease your state of mind so you can get through stressful times. All of us, at some point, have experienced overwhelming feelings of anxiety that are hard to control. If left alone, that anxiety can cause your mood to spiral downward. Follow along with Mei so you too can learn how to perform and practice Mindfulness 5-4-3-2-1.

Watch this video to learn how you can do a special kind of breathing called belly breathing techniques that Ángel, a child in the story, is being introduced to. Belly breathing can be used to make you feel more calm and relaxed.