Mindfulness and relaxation can play different roles in psychotherapy. Mindfulness is described as maintaining awareness of the present moment without judgment. Relaxation techniques are practices intended to bring about a relaxation response. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) lists both mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including meditation and breathing exercises, as possible elements of psychotherapy. A breathing exercise or meditation practice may overlap with either topic, so its purpose matters. Source descriptions can clarify these terms, but they do not determine what fits an individual person or what a particular therapy conversation will include.
Quick Overview: Mindfulness centers on present-moment awareness without judgment. Relaxation techniques are intended to bring about a relaxation response. Both may appear as possible elements of psychotherapy, but they are not interchangeable labels. Meditation and breathing exercises may be discussed in connection with either mindfulness or relaxation. The available sources do not establish personal fit, a required therapy format, or outcomes for an individual reader.
Two Related Concepts With Different Definitions
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) describes mindfulness as maintaining awareness of the present moment without judgment. This definition identifies both the focus of attention—the present moment—and the manner of attention—without judgment.
NCCIH describes relaxation techniques as practices intended to bring about the body's relaxation response. NCCIH characterizes that response as involving slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a reduced heart rate. This stated purpose differs from the definition of mindfulness, which focuses on awareness rather than on bringing about a particular bodily response.
NIMH lists mindfulness and relaxation techniques among possible elements of psychotherapy. Its examples include meditation and breathing exercises. That listing does not mean that these elements are part of every psychotherapy approach, appointment, or discussion.
Mindfulness emphasizes present-moment awareness
Mindfulness, as NCCIH defines it, involves maintaining awareness of the present moment without making judgments. Meditation is a broad term for a variety of practices that focus on mind and body integration. Some meditation practices involve focusing on a sensation such as breathing, a sound, a visual image, or a repeated word or phrase. Other forms of meditation include mindfulness practice.
These descriptions give language for understanding what “mindfulness” may refer to. They do not establish that mindfulness will be included in therapy or that it will have the same meaning across every approach.
Relaxation techniques aim at a relaxation response
NCCIH includes progressive relaxation, guided imagery, and breathing exercises among relaxation techniques. Progressive relaxation involves tensing different muscles and then releasing the tension. Guided imagery involves picturing objects, scenes, or events associated with relaxation or calmness and attempting to produce a similar feeling in the body. Breathing exercises may involve focusing on slow, deep breaths.
A shared example does not make two concepts identical. NIMH includes breathing exercises in its examples of mindfulness and relaxation techniques, while NCCIH includes breathing exercises among relaxation techniques. Asking about the intended purpose of a practice can be more informative than relying on its label alone.
What the Available Information Does and Does Not Establish
The research notes provide definitions and examples. They establish that mindfulness and relaxation techniques may be possible elements of psychotherapy. They do not establish a standard sequence for discussing them, a required number of appointments, or whether a particular practice will be used.
The available information also does not determine personal fit or outcomes. NCCIH notes that studies of meditation and mindfulness have examined many different practices, making results difficult to analyze. Its discussion of meditation and mindfulness also notes that few studies have examined potentially harmful effects, so definite statements about safety are not possible.
For relaxation techniques, NCCIH describes research findings with varying quality across different topics. Those findings do not support a general promise about what a technique will do for a particular person.
Questions can separate definitions from assumptions
Terms such as mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, guided imagery, and breathing exercises can carry different associations. The source material supports broad definitions, but it does not answer every question a person may have about how a term could be used in a therapy approach.
A useful boundary is to distinguish what is known from what has not been established. It is supported to say that mindfulness involves present-moment awareness without judgment. It is supported to say that relaxation techniques are intended to bring about a relaxation response. It is not supported to assume that either practice will be offered, preferred, or effective in a particular situation.
Reflection Questions for Exploring the Distinction
| Question to consider | What the available information can clarify |
|---|---|
| When I hear “mindfulness,” am I thinking about present-moment awareness without judgment? | NCCIH uses that description of mindfulness. |
| When I hear “relaxation,” am I thinking about practices intended to bring about a relaxation response? | NCCIH uses that description of relaxation techniques. |
| Am I interested in meditation, breathing exercises, guided imagery, or progressive relaxation? | NIMH and NCCIH identify these as examples connected with mindfulness or relaxation techniques. |
| What do I want to know about the purpose of a named practice? | The sources distinguish awareness-focused mindfulness from relaxation techniques intended to bring about a relaxation response. |
| What information would help me understand an approach before making contact? | The sources do not establish personal fit, particular session content, or individual outcomes. |
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- How do you describe mindfulness and relaxation in the therapy approaches you offer?
- When meditation or breathing exercises are mentioned, what purpose do you mean?
- Which services do you offer?
- Where are services available?
- What can I ask during a consultation call when considering fit?
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy offers individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, provides in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah.
The practice FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. The Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mindfulness and relaxation the same thing?
No. NCCIH describes mindfulness as maintaining awareness of the present moment without judgment. It describes relaxation techniques as practices intended to bring about a relaxation response.
Can meditation and breathing exercises be part of psychotherapy?
NIMH lists mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including meditation and breathing exercises, as possible elements of psychotherapy. This does not establish what a particular therapy approach or conversation will include.
What are examples of relaxation techniques?
NCCIH includes progressive relaxation, guided imagery, and breathing exercises as examples of relaxation techniques.
Does a definition show what will fit me?
No. The source descriptions do not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader.
Does research establish that mindfulness practices are free of harmful effects?
No. NCCIH states that few studies have examined potentially harmful effects of meditation and mindfulness practices, so definite statements about safety are not possible.
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
Sources used for this article:
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
- nccih.nih.gov: Meditation And Mindfulness Effectiveness And Safety
- nccih.nih.gov: Relaxation Techniques What You Need To Know
A Grounded Next Step
If you would like to ask questions or request an appointment, Rooted Integrative Therapy’s Connect page provides contact details and a form. The practice FAQs describe a consultation call as a first step for asking questions and considering fit.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.