Quick Overview: Based on the descriptions available, breathing exercises may involve focusing on slow, deep breaths. In self-hypnosis programs, people learn to produce the relaxation response when prompted by a phrase or nonverbal cue of their own. These are different descriptions of relaxation techniques, but they do not establish a universal definition of self-hypnosis or determine which approach fits a particular person. They also do not show whether either practice is part of a specific individual therapy service.
What the Available Information Says About Relaxation Techniques
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes relaxation techniques as practices intended to help bring about the body’s relaxation response. It characterizes that response by slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a reduced heart rate.
This is a general description of the relaxation response. It does not establish that every person will experience those changes during a particular practice. It also does not state how long a practice lasts, where it occurs, or what outcome a person should expect.
The organization discusses breathing exercises and self-hypnosis as types of relaxation techniques. Their inclusion in the same list supports discussing their source descriptions side by side. It does not establish that the practices have the same steps, that one is preferable, or that either is suitable for a particular person.
Breathing Exercises May Include Slow, Deep Breaths
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that, for breathing exercises, a person might focus on taking slow, deep breaths. The source also calls this diaphragmatic breathing.
The word “might” limits the description. The source does not say that every breathing exercise requires slow, deep breaths. It does not provide a required breathing pattern, sequence, setting, or duration.
For this article, “slow breathing” refers only to the source’s example of focusing on slow, deep breaths within breathing exercises. It is not a complete definition of every breathing exercise.
Self-Hypnosis Programs Use a Phrase or Nonverbal Cue
The same organization describes self-hypnosis programs in more specific terms. In these programs, people learn to produce the relaxation response when prompted by a phrase or nonverbal cue of their own. The source calls that phrase or cue a “suggestion.”
This statement is limited to self-hypnosis programs. It does not provide a universal definition of self-hypnosis, a required phrase, a list of cues, or a standard sequence. It also does not state that a particular phrase or cue will produce a particular experience for every person.
The available information does not state whether self-hypnosis outside the programs described always uses a phrase or nonverbal cue. It also does not state whether breathing exercises must be part of self-hypnosis programs.
A Careful Comparison of the Source Descriptions
The available descriptions identify different points of focus. For breathing exercises, a person might focus on slow, deep breaths. For self-hypnosis programs, people learn to produce the relaxation response when prompted by a phrase or nonverbal cue of their own.
That comparison is limited. It compares the descriptions provided by one organization; it does not establish a categorical difference between every form or use of slow breathing and self-hypnosis.
| Topic | What the source describes | What the source does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| Breathing exercises | A person might focus on slow, deep breaths. | That every breathing exercise uses this focus or follows one method. |
| Self-hypnosis programs | People learn to produce the relaxation response when prompted by a phrase or nonverbal cue of their own. | A universal definition of self-hypnosis or one required program format. |
| Relaxation techniques | Practices intended to help bring about the relaxation response. | Personal outcomes, preference, or fit. |
What This Comparison Cannot Answer
The supplied information does not determine which practice a person will prefer, what either experience will feel like, or whether either practice will have a particular result. It does not establish that one technique is more effective than another.
It also does not establish whether a particular therapist uses breathing exercises, discusses slow breathing, or offers self-hypnosis programs. A direct question can clarify what a specific service includes.
Relaxation Techniques in Individual Therapy
The National Institute of Mental Health defines psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, as a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It notes that psychotherapy may apply mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including meditation and breathing exercises, as part of an approach.
“May” is important here. This information identifies breathing exercises as a possible element of psychotherapy. It does not describe every psychotherapy approach, every therapist, or every individual therapy service.
The supplied information does not state that self-hypnosis programs are part of every psychotherapy approach. It also does not state that slow breathing or self-hypnosis will be included in individual therapy at a particular practice.
Reflection Questions About the Descriptions
These questions can help you consider what the available descriptions mean to you. They are not instructions or a way to select an approach.
| Reflection question | Connection to the available information |
|---|---|
| What do I understand by focusing on slow, deep breaths? | This is one way the source says a person might approach breathing exercises. |
| What does a phrase or nonverbal cue of my own mean to me? | The source uses these prompts in its description of self-hypnosis programs. |
| Am I asking about breathing exercises, self-hypnosis programs, or both? | The source discusses them as types of relaxation techniques. |
| What would I like to know about an individual therapy approach? | Psychotherapy may include relaxation techniques, including breathing exercises. |
| What information would help me understand a service? | The available information does not state what every therapist or service includes. |
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy among its services. Its About page identifies Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW. The practice’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
The available practice information does not state that Rooted Integrative Therapy offers breathing exercises, slow breathing, self-hypnosis, or self-hypnosis programs. A consultation is an opportunity to ask whether these topics can be discussed within individual therapy.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- Do you discuss relaxation techniques in individual therapy?
- Do you discuss breathing exercises as part of your approach?
- Can we discuss slow breathing as described in this article?
- Do you discuss self-hypnosis or self-hypnosis programs?
- What approach do you use in individual therapy?
- What information can you share about whether these topics can be discussed in the service I am seeking?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are slow breathing and self-hypnosis the same?
The available source describes them differently: breathing exercises may involve slow, deep breaths, while self-hypnosis programs involve learning to produce the relaxation response when prompted by a phrase or nonverbal cue. The source does not establish a universal distinction for every form of self-hypnosis.
Does every breathing exercise involve slow, deep breaths?
The available source does not say that. It says a person might focus on slow, deep breaths when doing breathing exercises.
Is a phrase required in self-hypnosis programs?
The source describes either a phrase or a nonverbal cue of a person’s own. It does not provide a required prompt or sequence.
Can breathing exercises be part of psychotherapy?
The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy may apply mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including breathing exercises, as part of an approach. This does not describe every psychotherapy service.
Does Rooted Integrative Therapy offer these techniques?
The available practice facts do not state whether the practice offers breathing exercises, slow breathing, self-hypnosis, or self-hypnosis programs. This is a direct question to bring to a consultation.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- nccih.nih.gov: Relaxation Techniques What You Need To Know
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
A Grounded Next Step
Rooted Integrative Therapy offers individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives. The practice lists in-person access near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah. Its Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form. You can request a consultation through the Connect page.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
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.