Counseling Tips continued from page 10
• Suggest that clients keep a log of when they practice after each training session . See the sample of a filled-in weekly practice log on page 13 , and download a blank log at https :// www . amhca . org / viewdocument / progressive-muscle-relaxationblank .
• Discuss the practice log with clients regularly . To maximize the benefits of PMR and to ensure that clients are practicing it regularly , it is best to have frequent — at least biweekly — follow-up discussions with clients for the first eight weeks . These follow-up sessions are usually brief and can be done in conjunction with regular therapy sessions . Ask clients to bring the practice log to each session so that you can review the log to gain insight into the client ’ s progress and challenges .
The PMR Process
Anyone can learn to practice PMR . One easy way to learn PMR — for LCMHCs and clients — is to watch a YouTube video . Following are the three parts of PMR , with links to the YouTube videos that I created for each part :
• Part 1 is an introduction to PMR . You only need to listen to the introduction once . shorturl . at / lpvxC
• Part 2 is the actual training session , which takes about 22 minutes . PMR practice starts by focusing on a spot across the room ( an orange sticker was classically used ) and keeping eyes open until the recording instructs the client to close them . shorturl . at / yELPR
• Part 3 is some guided imagery that can be used as a follow up right after completing Part 2 . shorturl . at / pwyI5
The best way to become skilled at utilizing PMR with clients is for LCMHCs to first learn it themselves . Going through the exercises for several weeks is essential . Becoming familiar with it will give the counselor firsthand experience of the benefits . Once familiar with doing PMR , the next step would be to teach it to someone who is not a client . Because PMR is a benign intervention , it can be done safely with friends , colleagues , family members , and even children .
It is not unusual for clients to say after just a few practice sessions that they are becoming more aware of what their body is doing and are making spontaneous adjustments to reduce tension . After a few weeks of practice , and when the clinician thinks the client is ready , the concept of “ cues ” can be introduced . A cue is a trigger to the feeling the client experiences right after a training session . The cue may be a word (“ calm ,” “ breathe ,” “ relax ”), a song , or an image ( a favorite place or memory ). It is best for the client to choose the cue . The goal here is for the client not to have to rely on formal practices to reap the benefits of PMR . Placing reminders in the client ’ s environment — such as dots or sticky notes — can also be used to trigger the cue .
PMR Is Remarkably Useful — For Clinicians and Clients
Progressive muscle relaxation ( PMR ) has been a mainstay of my work with clients and students for more than 40 years . It remains an effective and invaluable adjunct to my clinical practice .
I use it myself on a regular basis and interestingly , my body responds with it even before I am aware that I need it . I can only hope that you find it as remarkably useful as I have .
The Origin of PMR
continued on page 12
Progressive Muscle Relaxation ( PMR ) has been around for more than a hundred years . Developed by Edmund Jacobson , MD , PhD , an American physician , PMR was presented for the first time in 1908 at Harvard University . Jacobson ’ s book , “ Progressive Relaxation ,” was published in 1929 , and included a detailed outline on how to remove muscle tension .
The credit for the abbreviated form of PMR goes to Joseph Wolpe , MD , a South African psychiatrist , who developed systematic desensitization as a way to target phobic disorders . The abbreviated version was a welcome change from the original lengthy PMR practice time that Jacobson first developed .
Some counselors make their own recording , as do some clients . If you go this route , keep in mind that the pacing and timing of the recording is important . The pacing on the YouTube video can serve as a model , or tensing for about 5 seconds and releasing for about 7 seconds can also be used . Listening to a familiar voice is sometimes soothing for the client . See a step-bystep sequence in the box on page 12 .
Two other psychologists , Douglas Bernstein , PhD , and Thomas Borkovec , PhD , studied adjustments to the PMR technique that fit cognitive behavioral stress management into the practice . They also wrote books to train clinicians in PMR . Their book , “ Progressive Relaxation : A Manual for the Helping Professions ,” was published in 1973 .
The Advocate Magazine Fall 2021 American Mental Health Counselors Association ( AMHCA ) www . amhca . org 11