Quick Overview: Therapy and relaxation techniques have different descriptions, though they may overlap. SAMHSA explains that therapy and counseling can focus on developing healthy coping skills and examining thought and behavior patterns. NCCIH describes relaxation techniques as practices intended to bring about the body’s relaxation response. NIMH states that psychotherapy can include relaxation techniques among its elements. In plain terms, relaxation practices may be one part of psychotherapy, but the available information does not identify what any particular service will include.
Therapy and Relaxation Techniques Have Different Descriptions
SAMHSA describes therapy and counseling as usually focused on developing healthy skills to cope. It also states that therapy and counseling can help people better understand the core cause of thoughts and behaviors so they can change unhealthy patterns. These descriptions address a broad range of therapy and counseling work; they do not identify what a particular person will discuss or which approach may be used.
NCCIH uses a more specific description for relaxation techniques. It describes them as practices intended to bring about the body’s relaxation response. NCCIH characterizes that response by slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a reduced heart rate, and describes it as the opposite of the stress response.
The available information does not rank therapy above relaxation practices, or relaxation practices above therapy. Instead, it describes different areas of focus. Therapy and counseling may address coping skills and thought and behavior patterns. Relaxation techniques are practices intended to bring about the relaxation response.
Relaxation Practices Include Several Approaches
NCCIH identifies several types of relaxation techniques. Progressive relaxation, also called progressive muscle relaxation, involves tensing different muscles in the body and then releasing the tension. Guided imagery, or visualization, involves picturing objects, scenes, or events associated with relaxation or calmness and attempting to produce a similar feeling in the body.
NCCIH also lists autogenic training, biofeedback-assisted relaxation, self-hypnosis, and breathing exercises. In its description of breathing exercises, NCCIH notes that a person might focus on taking slow, deep breaths, also called diaphragmatic breathing.
These examples show that “relaxation techniques” is a broad label rather than the name of one practice. The available information does not establish that a particular relaxation technique is part of a specific therapy service, determine personal fit, or predict an individual outcome.
Psychotherapy Can Include Relaxation Techniques
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. NIMH states that elements of psychotherapy can include identifying ways to cope with stress, developing problem-solving strategies, examining interactions with others, and applying mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises.
This is the point of overlap between psychotherapy and relaxation techniques. NIMH includes relaxation practices among possible psychotherapy elements. NIMH also lists other elements, including examining automatic ways of thinking, tracking emotions and behaviors, and supportive counseling.
The NIMH description does not state which elements are used in a particular service. It also does not determine what approach a person will encounter, whether a relaxation practice will be included, or what result a person should expect.
Reflection Questions for Exploring the Difference
These questions are for general reflection. They do not determine what care is right for an individual.
| Reflection question | What the available information says |
|---|---|
| Am I interested in developing healthy coping skills? | SAMHSA says therapy and counseling can focus on developing healthy skills to cope. |
| Do I want to explore thought and behavior patterns? | SAMHSA states that therapy and counseling can involve understanding thoughts and behaviors and changing unhealthy patterns. |
| Am I considering a practice intended to bring about the relaxation response? | NCCIH uses that description for relaxation techniques. |
| Do I want to ask whether relaxation techniques are among possible psychotherapy elements? | NIMH states that psychotherapy can include relaxation techniques. |
| What would I like to understand about how treatment may proceed? | NIMH states that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist. |
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy
Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives. The available practice facts list these services but do not state the elements included in a particular appointment or service.
Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, is listed by Rooted Integrative Therapy. The practice offers in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah.
A consultation call is described in the practice FAQs as the first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. The practice’s Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- What is this service intended to help people explore?
- What approach may be used in this service?
- Are relaxation techniques among the elements that may be included?
- How will treatment proceed?
- What are the next steps for requesting an appointment?
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy and Relaxation Techniques
Are therapy and relaxation techniques the same thing?
They have different descriptions. SAMHSA describes therapy and counseling as potentially focused on coping skills and thought and behavior patterns. NCCIH describes relaxation techniques as practices intended to bring about the body’s relaxation response.
Can relaxation techniques be part of psychotherapy?
Yes. NIMH states that psychotherapy can include relaxation techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises, among its elements.
Does psychotherapy always include relaxation techniques?
The available information does not say that relaxation techniques are included in every psychotherapy approach. NIMH identifies them as possible elements of psychotherapy.
Can these descriptions determine what fits me?
No. The research notes do not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader. NIMH states that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist.
How can I contact Rooted Integrative Therapy?
Rooted Integrative Therapy’s Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests using its contact details or form. Its FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as the first step.
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:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Types Of Treatment
- nccih.nih.gov: Relaxation Techniques What You Need To Know
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
A Grounded Next Step
If you would like to ask about services at Rooted Integrative Therapy, you can use the Connect page to make an inquiry or appointment request.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.