Quick Overview: Yes. Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy, can include more than conversation. The National Institute of Mental Health describes psychotherapy as a variety of treatments that may include problem-solving strategies, attention to interactions, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. Relaxation practices can include progressive relaxation, guided imagery, biofeedback-assisted relaxation, self-hypnosis, and breathing exercises. These are possible elements of psychotherapy, not a description of every approach or an answer about what will fit a particular person.
Talk Therapy May Include Several Elements
Psychotherapy is also called talk therapy. The National Institute of Mental Health describes it as a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
The available information does not limit psychotherapy to conversation. The National Institute of Mental Health identifies several elements that may be part of psychotherapy, including coping with stress, problem-solving strategies, examining interactions with others, social and communication skills, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. A therapist may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from more than one approach, depending on training, the concerns being treated, and the needs of the person receiving psychotherapy.
General information cannot establish which elements will be part of a particular person’s care. It also cannot determine personal fit or outcomes.
Problem-Solving and Coping With Stress
The National Institute of Mental Health identifies coping with stress and developing problem-solving strategies as possible elements of psychotherapy. These are listed as elements that may be used, rather than as features of every kind of talk therapy.
A question about problem-solving can be useful when considering how a psychotherapy approach is described. The available information supports asking about the approach a therapist uses, whether they practice a particular type of therapy, the rationale for the therapy, and its evidence base.
Interactions, Social Skills, and Communication Skills
The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy may include examining interactions with others and teaching social and communication skills. It also notes that psychotherapy can address problems interacting with other people.
This information establishes that interactions and communication skills may be elements of psychotherapy. It does not establish that they are included in every approach, every service, or every person’s care.
Mindfulness as a Possible Psychotherapy Element
Mindfulness is another element that the National Institute of Mental Health says may be applied in psychotherapy. The supplied information does not state that mindfulness is always part of talk therapy, and it does not define mindfulness as the same thing as psychotherapy.
Mindfulness may be one element within psychotherapy. Whether it is included in a particular approach is a question for a preliminary conversation.
Relaxation Practices Named in the Research
The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy may apply mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes relaxation techniques as practices intended to bring about the body’s relaxation response. That response is characterized by slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a reduced heart rate.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health names several relaxation practices:
- Progressive relaxation: tensing different muscles in the body and then releasing the tension.
- Guided imagery: picturing objects, scenes, or events associated with relaxation or calmness and attempting to produce a similar feeling in the body.
- Biofeedback-assisted relaxation: using feedback, usually provided by an electronic device, to recognize and manage how the body responds.
- Self-hypnosis: learning to produce the relaxation response when prompted by a phrase or nonverbal cue.
- Breathing exercises: focusing on slow, deep breaths, also called diaphragmatic breathing.
These descriptions identify types of relaxation practices. They do not establish that a practice will be included in psychotherapy, that it is suited to a particular person, or that it will produce a particular result.
Reflection Questions for Considering Talk Therapy
These questions are for reflection. They do not determine which psychotherapy approach will fit a particular person.
| Question to consider | Topic named in the available information |
|---|---|
| What would I like to understand about talk therapy beyond conversation? | Problem-solving, interactions, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques may be elements of psychotherapy. |
| What questions do I have about coping with stress or problem-solving strategies? | The National Institute of Mental Health identifies both as possible psychotherapy elements. |
| Do I want to learn more about interactions, social skills, or communication skills? | Psychotherapy may include examining interactions and teaching social and communication skills. |
| What questions do I have about mindfulness? | Mindfulness may be applied in psychotherapy. |
| Which relaxation practices would I like to learn more about? | Progressive relaxation, guided imagery, biofeedback-assisted relaxation, self-hypnosis, and breathing exercises are named relaxation practices. |
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- What approach will you use in psychotherapy?
- Do you practice a particular type of therapy?
- What is the rationale for the approach and its evidence base?
- What are the goals of therapy?
- How will progress be assessed?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can talk therapy include relaxation practices?
Yes, it may. The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy may include relaxation techniques. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health lists progressive relaxation, guided imagery, biofeedback-assisted relaxation, self-hypnosis, and breathing exercises as relaxation practices.
Are breathing exercises the same as psychotherapy?
The supplied information does not describe breathing exercises as the same thing as psychotherapy. It identifies breathing exercises as a relaxation practice and states that relaxation techniques may be included in psychotherapy.
Is mindfulness always part of talk therapy?
No provided source states that mindfulness is always part of talk therapy. The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy may apply mindfulness.
Does every psychotherapy approach include communication skills?
The available information does not state that every approach includes communication skills. The National Institute of Mental Health identifies teaching social and communication skills as a possible element of psychotherapy.
Can general information determine what will fit me?
No. The research notes do not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader. The National Institute of Mental Health states that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with a therapist.
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives among its services. The verified practice facts identify Alina Hovsoyan and list in-person access near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.
Sources and Further Reading
These authoritative resources provide general background for this article:
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
- nccih.nih.gov: Relaxation Techniques What You Need To Know
A Grounded Next Step
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Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.