Fowzia Khan, PsyD
Licensed clinical psychologist
Licensed clinical psychologist
Tree of Life
© Fowzia Khan 2011
Stress Reduction
“I am so stressed” is one of the most common self descriptions that people use when asked about their well being. Prolonged and unmanaged stress can seriously reduce the quality of our work and family life; it can weaken our immune system and make us more vulnerable to illnesses. This means that learning how to manage and reduce stress can enhance our emotional and physical well being.
My approach to stress-reduction involves teaching individuals multiple relaxation and meditation practices that they can utilize successfully when faced with overwhelming challenges. These techniques include (links to sample audio guided exercises in brackets):
Progressive muscle relaxation (click for exercise)
Autogenic relaxation (click for exercise)
Meditation
Mindfulness
Focused breathing
Point meditation (click for exercise)
Sound meditation (click for exercise)
Imagery
Autogenic relaxation (click for exercise)
Meditation
Mindfulness
Focused breathing
Point meditation (click for exercise)
Sound meditation (click for exercise)
Imagery
I introduce a variety of approaches so that clients can select the ones that work best for their needs. The aim of stress-reduction is to help individuals elicit their relaxation response. The relaxation response, identified by Dr. Herbert Benson, involves the activation of a physical state during which we experience:
Slowing heart rate
Lower blood pressure
Decreased muscle tension
Calmer breathing
Lower blood pressure
Decreased muscle tension
Calmer breathing
Numerous scientific studies demonstrate that regular, intentional elicitation of the relaxation response can be an effective way to combat stress-related conditions. Additionally, having the capacity to gain calmness and clarity is helpful for all of us as we deal with multiple daily demands such as work pressures, relationship problems, parenting and time pressures. Stress reduction psychotherapy can be helpful for combating:
Anxiety
Depression
Chronic stress
Loss of creativity
Depression
Chronic stress
Loss of creativity
Individuals will experience all the techniques and identify the ones that best activate their relaxation response. Working collaboratively, we will create an individualized script and relaxation CD to aid and solidify the capacity of individuals to practice on their own.