Relaxation Techniques for Trauma
Abstract
Physiological symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) manifest as increased arousal and reactivity seen as anger outburst, irritability, reckless behavior with no concern for consequences, hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, and problems with focus (American Psychiatric Association, 2013 ). In seeking the most beneficial treatment for PTSD, consideration must be given to the anxiety response. Relaxation techniques are shown to help address the physiological manifestations of prolonged stress. The techniques addressed by the authors in this article include mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, and meditation. By utilizing these techniques traditional therapies can be complemented. In addition, those who are averse to the traditional evidence-based practices or for those who have tried traditional therapies without success; these alternative interventions may assist in lessening physiological manifestations of PTSD. Future research studies assessing the benefits of these treatment modalities are warranted to provide empirical evidence to support the efficacy of these treatments.
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There is often a need for alternative therapies that complement traditional psychotherapy for individuals who have experienced significant trauma and/or abuse.
“For individuals who have experienced significant trauma and/or abuse, there is often a need for alternative therapies that complement traditional psychotherapy”
From The Groundswell Community Surf Therapy Intervention for At-Risk Women and Changes in Body Acceptance, Resilience, and Emotional Regulation (2024) · cites this paper as [16]
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- Authors
- Scotland-Coogan, D., & Davis, E.
- Affiliations
- Saint Leo University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Scotland-Coogan, Diane
- ORCID
- Davis, Erin
- Venue
- Journal of Evidence-Informed Social Work
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2016-04-27
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 434-441
- ISSN
- 2376-1407 (ISSN-L)
- 2376-1415
- OpenAlex
- W2344532872
- Cited by
- 27
- References
- 30
- Citations by year
- 2025: 3 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 1
- FWCI
- 2.23
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Evidence-Informed Social Work (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
- Keywords
- post-traumatic stress disorder, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, meditation, physiological arousal, anxiety, hypervigilance, sleep disorders, alternative interventions
- MeSH terms
- Breathing Exercises, Humans, Relaxation Therapy, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Meditation, Mind-Body Therapies, Mindfulness
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