N21: Relaxation Therapy: Theory and Practice
Course Overview
CE Hours
3 CE Credits
Course Description
Relaxation Therapy: Theory and Practice examines the theoretical models, practical techniques, and evidence base for relaxation therapy in clinical and community health settings. This course covers the specific effects, relaxation response, and integrative models of relaxation, practical techniques for relaxation through pacing, releasing, and enjoyment, extended relaxation exercises, stress management strategies, and a comprehensive review of the research on relaxation therapy effectiveness across conditions including anxiety, panic disorder, hypertension, insomnia, cancer, HIV, and Alzheimer’s disease. Learners will gain the skills to teach and apply relaxation techniques across diverse patient populations.
Course Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Describe the three major models of relaxation the specific effects model, the relaxation response model, and the integrative model and explain how each informs clinical practice
- Explain the concept of pacing and describe its role in preventing relapse and promoting recovery
- Describe and demonstrate quick relaxation techniques including tense-release, deep breathing, warm hands, instant vacation, and the Four S’s
- Describe guided imagery and visualization and explain how each contributes to mental and physical relaxation Apply step-by-step extended relaxation exercises including progressive muscle relaxation for patients in various settings
- Identify enjoyment-based relaxation strategies and explain how diet, exercise, and social support contribute to stress management
- Identify early warning signs of excessive stress and describe strategies for arranging stress and changing reactions to stressful events
- Describe the research evidence supporting relaxation therapy for conditions including anxiety, panic disorder, headaches, insomnia, hypertension, cancer, HIV, and Alzheimer’s disease
Course Format and Faculty
Course Format:
Online linked resources and lectures that you can use anytime 24/7. One multi-choice test.
Course Developers and Instructors:
R. Klimes, PhD, MPH (Johns Hopkins University) is a scholar and author in health-related research, health behaviors, ethics, end-of-life care, and overall wellness. He has written numerous research reports and books and has held academic and leadership roles in higher education and public health internationally.
Course Time:
About three hours for online study, test taking with course evaluation feedback and certificate printing.
