Can Therapy Include This Kind of Relaxation Practice?
Quick Overview: Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) lists applying mindfulness and relaxation techniques among possible elements of psychotherapy. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) describes progressive relaxation, also called progressive muscle relaxation, as tensing different muscles and then releasing the tension. These descriptions explain that relaxation techniques may be included in psychotherapy and what this particular practice involves. They do not determine whether progressive relaxation is part of a specific therapy service or whether it fits a particular person.
The question “Can therapy include tensing and releasing different muscles as a relaxation practice?” has a direct general answer: psychotherapy may include relaxation techniques. Progressive relaxation is one example of a relaxation technique described by NCCIH.
That answer has limits. NIMH’s overview identifies possible elements of psychotherapy, while NCCIH provides a description of progressive relaxation. Neither source establishes what a particular therapist uses, what a particular appointment includes, or what result a practice will have for an individual.
What Progressive Relaxation Means
NCCIH describes progressive relaxation as a technique that involves tensing different muscles in the body and then releasing the tension. NCCIH also calls it progressive muscle relaxation.
This description identifies the central action of the practice: tension in different muscles followed by release. It does not provide a personal recommendation, a required approach, or an expected outcome for every person who encounters the technique.
Definition Does Not Determine Personal Fit
A definition can clarify language without answering whether a practice belongs in someone’s care. NCCIH’s description does not state who should use progressive relaxation, how it should be incorporated into psychotherapy, or what it will accomplish for a particular person.
Likewise, NIMH’s statement that psychotherapy may apply relaxation techniques does not mean every psychotherapy approach includes progressive relaxation. Psychotherapies vary, and NIMH states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches depending on their training, the condition being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment.
How Relaxation Techniques Relate to Psychotherapy
NIMH 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. In its overview of psychotherapy elements, NIMH includes applying mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises.
This is a general description of psychotherapy. It supports the statement that relaxation techniques can be among psychotherapy’s possible elements. It does not establish that progressive muscle relaxation is included in every type of psychotherapy, every service, or every therapeutic relationship.
A Clear Question Can Establish Scope
Because general education cannot establish what a specific service includes, it may be useful to ask a prospective therapist what they mean when they refer to relaxation techniques or progressive relaxation. A question can distinguish between a general interest in learning about the practice and a question about whether it is part of the therapist’s approach.
NIMH notes that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist. Its suggested questions include asking what approach the therapist will use, whether they practice a particular type of therapy, the rationale and evidence base for that approach, the goals of therapy, and how progress will be assessed.
Reflection Questions for Learning More
These questions are for reflection, not a screening tool, recommendation, or treatment plan. They may help identify what information you want to request.
| Reflection question | What it may help clarify |
|---|---|
| What do I understand by tensing different muscles and releasing the tension? | Whether a plain-language definition of progressive relaxation would be useful. |
| Am I asking about psychotherapy generally or a particular therapy service? | The scope of the information you need. |
| What does the phrase “relaxation techniques” mean to me? | Language you may want a therapist to clarify. |
| What would I like to know about a therapist’s approach? | Questions about the approach, rationale, goals, or evidence base. |
| What information would help me consider fit? | Topics to raise during a preliminary conversation or consultation. |
What the Available Information Does Not Establish
The available sources do not establish that progressive relaxation is appropriate for every person or concern. They do not establish that it produces a particular clinical outcome in psychotherapy. They also do not establish that a therapist, practice, or individual therapy service will include this technique.
NCCIH describes several relaxation techniques in addition to progressive relaxation, including autogenic training, guided imagery, biofeedback-assisted relaxation, self-hypnosis, and breathing exercises. The existence of several techniques does not show that one is better than another for a particular person.
General Information Is Not an Individual Plan
NIMH states that choosing a treatment plan is based on a person’s individual needs and medical situation and should occur under the guidance of a mental-health professional. General information about progressive relaxation cannot replace that individualized consideration.
If you are considering psychotherapy, a direct question about the therapist’s approach is more informative than assuming a technique will be included. If a term is unfamiliar, asking for a definition can keep the conversation anchored in what the term actually means.
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives among its services. Its FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- How do you describe your approach to psychotherapy?
- When you use the phrase “relaxation techniques,” what do you mean?
- Is progressive relaxation part of your approach to therapy?
- What is the rationale and evidence base for the approaches you use?
- What goals might be considered in therapy, and how is progress assessed?
FAQs
Can therapy include progressive relaxation?
Yes, psychotherapy may include relaxation techniques. NIMH lists applying mindfulness and relaxation techniques among possible elements of psychotherapy. This does not establish that progressive relaxation is included in a particular therapy service.
What is progressive muscle relaxation?
NCCIH uses “progressive relaxation” and “progressive muscle relaxation” for a technique involving tensing different muscles and then releasing the tension.
Is progressive relaxation the same as all relaxation techniques?
No. NCCIH lists progressive relaxation alongside other relaxation techniques, including guided imagery, breathing exercises, self-hypnosis, autogenic training, and biofeedback-assisted relaxation.
Does this information show whether progressive relaxation will fit me?
No. The NIMH and NCCIH information is general education. It does not determine personal fit, a treatment plan, or outcomes for an individual reader.
How can I contact Rooted Integrative Therapy?
The Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form. Rooted Integrative Therapy offers in-person services near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
- nccih.nih.gov: Relaxation Techniques What You Need To Know
A Grounded Next Step
If you would like to ask about psychotherapy, individual therapy, or progressive relaxation in therapy, Rooted Integrative Therapy’s Connect page provides a way to submit an inquiry or appointment request. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, is listed by Rooted Integrative Therapy.
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.