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Stress Treatment
Stress is an inevitable part of life, and while it can serve as a motivator in some cases, chronic or excessive stress can have negative effects on both our physical and mental health. The good news is that there are various treatments and therapies available to help manage and alleviate stress.
Stress is a common mental health condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. The mainstream approach to stress and anxiety treatment typically involves medication and therapy, which can be effective for some individuals. However, stress is a complex condition that can be influenced by a range of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, and underlying medical conditions.
Whether you’re experiencing stress as a result of work, relationships, or any other life challenge, understanding your options for stress management can help you take control of your well-being and lead a more fulfilling life.
Just because something is considered mainstream does not necessarily mean it is the best or most effective option. The field of mental health is constantly evolving, and new research and innovations are emerging all the time. As such, it is essential to stay informed and explore a range of treatment options to find the best possible approach for managing anxiety and improving overall well-being.
The Evolution Of Stress Treatment
Stress is a prevalent condition that can significantly affect an individual’s life. The current mainstream approach to stress treatment typically involves a combination of medication and therapy, which can be helpful for some people. However, stress is a complex condition that can be influenced by various factors, such as genetics, environmental stressors, and underlying medical conditions.
Therefore, it is crucial to understand that mainstream treatment options for stress may only represent a fraction of the therapeutic possibilities. Although medication and therapy can be effective in managing stress, there may be other treatment methods that can be equally or more effective for specific individuals.
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in alternative and complementary treatments for stress, such as mindfulness-based approaches, exercise, and natural remedies like herbal supplements or aromatherapy. These treatments can be used alongside mainstream approaches or as stand-alone therapies, depending on an individual’s unique needs and preferences.
It is important to recognize that just because something is considered mainstream does not necessarily mean it is the best or most effective option for everyone. The field of mental health is continuously evolving, and new research and innovations are emerging all the time. Therefore, it is essential to remain informed and explore a range of treatment options to find the most suitable approach for managing stress and promoting overall well-being.
Stress Treatments And Therapies
Medication
Psychotherapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Several medication options are available to treat stress-related conditions such as anxiety and depression. Some of the most commonly prescribed medications for stress include:
Psychotherapy is a type of talk therapy that involves working with a trained mental health professional to address the underlying causes of stress and develop coping strategies to manage symptoms.
ACT develops psychological flexibility and is a form of behavioural therapy that combines mindfulness skills with the practice of self-acceptance. Commitment plays a key role when aiming to be more accepting of your thoughts and feelings.
- Antidepressants: These medications are used to treat depression but can also be effective for managing anxiety and other stress-related conditions. Antidepressants work by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help to improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. Some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
- Benzodiazepines: These medications are fast-acting and can provide immediate relief from symptoms of anxiety. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. However, benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and may have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
- Beta-blockers: These medications are primarily used to treat high blood pressure, but they can also be effective for managing symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat, shaking, and sweating. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline, which can help to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. However, beta blockers can also have side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.
It is important to note that medication should always be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional. In addition, medication should be used in conjunction with other stress-management techniques such as therapy, exercise, and mindfulness practices for the best possible outcomes.
There are many different types of psychotherapy and many different perspectives. One of the most popular and effective forms of treatment for stress in psychotherapy is CBT. In
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) individuals learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to stress and develop more balanced and helpful ways of thinking.
Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy that is often used to treat stress. This involves gradually exposing individuals to the things that trigger their stress, in a controlled and safe environment, to help them develop coping skills.
The use of psychotherapy for the treatment of stress is no doubt beneficial and very important. Yet in the midst of a serious mental health crisis, it is always worth keeping an open mind about what other emerging therapies may be out there.
There are a growing number of leading experts who believe that the keys to successful treatment of stress lie deeper in the body and nervous system. Deeper than can be accessed by traditional talk therapies.
Developed in 1986, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a form of clinical behavioural analysis. ACT encourages people to embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. ACT paired with mindfulness-based therapy offers clinically effective treatment. Medical conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, OCD, and substance abuse can all benefit from ACT and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
Trauma Release Exercises (TRE)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Problem-solving Therapy (PST)
Trauma Release Exercises help to resolve unprocessed trauma that cuts stuck in the junction between the muscles and the central nervous system. It does this by imposing gentle stress postures on the muscles, which are held for up to 10 minutes at a time.
EMDR is a psychotherapy method developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. It was initially designed to alleviate the emotional discomfort associated with traumatic memories, which are the cause of PTSD and a vast array of other mental and physical complaints. However, Using EMDR treatment for stress and anxiety is becoming more common as more health professionals and patients come to understand the benefits of this treatment.
Problem-solving therapy (PST) is a form of therapy that provides patients with tools to identify and solve problems that arise from life stressors. PST method teaches coping techniques to manage mental health symptoms and life experiences that can cause stress and other emotional turmoil. It aims to improve your overall quality of life and reduce the negative impact of psychological and physical illness.
When we go through a traumatic event and or regular deal with stressful events, our fight or flight or system is activated, just as it should be for survival purposes. The problem arises when the fight or flight system gets stuck in the ‘on position’. This can happen simply because we experience something that completely overloads our stress-coping mechanism or because we are exposed to repeated stressors over time. Unresolved trauma is a significant cause of depression, stress, anxiety, anxiety disorders, insomnia, and PTSD.
In EMDR sessions, you are asked to recall distressing experiences whilst being guided through side-to-side eye movement or physical stimulation, such as tapping either side of the body. It is thought that by stimulating nerve activity between the brain hemispheres somehow, the nervous system is able to re-integrate and process difficult memories. EMDR eye movements ‘unplug’ traumatic memories from the strong emotions we feel when we recall them. After EMDR sessions, the intense feelings associated with the past event can be dramatically reduced.
PTS is based on a model that takes into account the importance of real-life problem-solving. Simply, the key to managing the impact of stressful life events is to know how to address issues as they arise. PST is very practical in its approach and is only concerned with the present rather than delving into your past.
Brainwave Entrainment
Float Tanks
Mindfulness And Relaxation Techniques
Brainwave Entrainment is a form of light therapy that aims to reduce mental and emotional stress through changes in the frequency of brainwaves. In the same way that medication seeks to alter brain chemistry, brainwave entrainment seeks to alter brainwave activity.
Floating is a more recent addition to the wellness landscape, becoming popular over the last decade. Floating is known for supporting the reduction of anxiety, and stress and improving mental and emotional issues. Float tanks are little pods that act like sensory deprivation chambers, increasing your ability to relax and ‘switch off. As the name suggests, you float, in body-temperature water, with low or no light.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are strategies that can be used to manage and reduce symptoms of stress. These techniques involve paying attention to the present moment and focusing on bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions, without judgement or interpretation. The goal of mindfulness and relaxation techniques is to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, and to develop the ability to respond to them in a non-judgmental and accepting way.
When neurophysiology researchers scan the brains of Buddhist monks, they see consistently different brainwave patterns than they do when they scan the brain of stressed-out executives. This is because the brain is primarily an electric organ whose fundamental output can be measured in terms of its bioelectric output.
By stimulating brain cells with light that matches the frequency of happy, relaxed brainwaves, entrainment aims to alter mood and mental function in people suffering from stress symptoms. Many stress sufferers report dramatic alterations in their mood and mental function after even a handful of Brainwave Entrainment sessions.
Brainwave Entrainment still sits very much on the margins of popular and well-known care options for stress symptoms. In much the same way that EMDR Therapy did a short time ago. It should be interesting to see where Brainwave Entrainment research leads in years to come.
Float tank therapy research shows promising results in reducing blood pressure and blood cortisol levels, improving recovery after sports and other physiological improvements. It’s been shown to help manage stress symptoms and can even be useful in dealing with addiction. Shutting down the sensory input to the brain for an hour enables improvement in output and functionality. Simply put, floating may be beneficial because we are so over-stimulated; just by resting our brains, it can perform better in ways that can even help mental health.
Some commonly used mindfulness and relaxation techniques for stress include:
- Deep breathing: Deep breathing exercises involve taking slow, deep breaths, filling the lungs with air and exhaling slowly. This can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Progressive muscle relaxation: Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body, which can help release tension and reduce feelings of stress.
- Mindfulness meditation: Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment, paying attention to thoughts and bodily sensations without judgement or interpretation. This can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, and develop the ability to respond to them in a non-judgmental and accepting way.
- Yoga: Yoga is a form of physical exercise that combines movement with breathing techniques and mindfulness practices. Yoga can help reduce feelings of stress and promote relaxation.
- Guided imagery: Guided imagery involves visualising peaceful or calming scenes, which can help reduce feelings of stress and promote relaxation.
These techniques can be practised individually or in combination, and can be incorporated into a daily routine to help manage and reduce symptoms of stress. It is important to work with a mental health professional to determine which techniques are most appropriate for your specific needs and goals.
Lifestyle changes
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
Lifestyle changes can be an effective way to manage and reduce symptoms of stress. These changes involve making adjustments to one’s daily routine and habits, with the goal of promoting overall physical and mental health. Lifestyle changes work in addition to professional treatment options, focusing on regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep to support a more balanced and calm state of mind.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy refers to therapeutic practices that involve the use of a class of currently widely prohibited substances known as psychedelics. Like the cringingly named ‘magic mushrooms’ (psilocybin) and ‘Acid’ LSD.
Some common lifestyle changes that can help reduce stress include:
- Exercise: Regular exercise has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of stress. Exercise can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase self-esteem.
- Nutrition: Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can also help reduce symptoms of stress. Consuming foods that are high in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can promote overall physical and mental health.
- Sleep: Getting adequate sleep is crucial for managing stress. Establishing a regular sleep routine, avoiding stimulants before bedtime, and creating a calming sleep environment can all help promote restful sleep.
- Time management: Managing time effectively can help reduce stress and anxiety. Setting priorities, delegating tasks, and using time management tools such as calendars and to-do lists can help individuals feel more in control and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
- Social support: Having a strong social support network can also help reduce stress. Spending time with family and friends, participating in social activities, and seeking support from a therapist or support group can all help promote social connection and reduce feelings of isolation.
Few people are aware that before the wildly unscientific and entirely political decision to opt for psychedelic prohibition by the US Govt in 1973, there was a growing pool of high-quality research into their use therapeutically. All of which naturally came to a halt after prohibition kicked in. All this happened despite these substances having a toxicity profile that makes many over-the-counter medications look high risk.
Thankfully since the early 1990s, a new generation of researchers has received permission to resuscitate psychedelic research. The results have been stunning. The trials have shown that the use of psychedelics like psilocybin in a carefully prescribed and monitored setting can induce an experience that is medically safe and that can lead to profound and lasting psychological and behavioural change in a statistically significant proportion of subjects. This research has been carried out in some of the world’s most respected medical research institutions (Johns Hopkins & Imperial College London). So the time has come for us to respectfully withdraw terms like ‘magic mushrooms’ and ‘drugs’ from the conversation about these desperately important natural therapeutic compounds.
Interventions using psychedelics are showing promise as treatments for alcoholism, nicotine addiction, stress related to a terminal illness. New phases of the research are underway to examine the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder, treatment-resistant depression and social anxiety and stress.
In a world facing an epidemic of mental health issues, there are few more promising areas of research than psychedelic-assisted therapies. While the mushrooms may not be magic, so far, the research results seemingly are.
Stress Treatments And Therapies
Medication
Several medication options are available to treat stress-related conditions such as anxiety and depression. Some of the most commonly prescribed medications for stress include:
- Antidepressants: These medications are used to treat depression but can also be effective for managing anxiety and other stress-related conditions. Antidepressants work by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help to improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. Some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
- Benzodiazepines: These medications are fast-acting and can provide immediate relief from symptoms of anxiety. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. However, benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and may have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
- Beta-blockers: These medications are primarily used to treat high blood pressure, but they can also be effective for managing symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat, shaking, and sweating. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline, which can help to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. However, beta blockers can also have side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.
It is important to note that medication should always be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional. In addition, medication should be used in conjunction with other stress-management techniques such as therapy, exercise, and mindfulness practices for the best possible outcomes.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a type of talk therapy that involves working with a trained mental health professional to address the underlying causes of stress and develop coping strategies to manage symptoms.
There are many different types of psychotherapy and many different perspectives. One of the most popular and effective forms of treatment for stress in psychotherapy is CBT. In
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) individuals learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to stress and develop more balanced and helpful ways of thinking.
Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy that is often used to treat stress. This involves gradually exposing individuals to the things that trigger their stress, in a controlled and safe environment, to help them develop coping skills.
The use of psychotherapy for the treatment of stress is no doubt beneficial and very important. Yet in the midst of a serious mental health crisis, it is always worth keeping an open mind about what other emerging therapies may be out there.
There are a growing number of leading experts who believe that the keys to successful treatment of stress lie deeper in the body and nervous system. Deeper than can be accessed by traditional talk therapies.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT develops psychological flexibility and is a form of behavioural therapy that combines mindfulness skills with the practice of self-acceptance. Commitment plays a key role when aiming to be more accepting of your thoughts and feelings.
Developed in 1986, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a form of clinical behavioural analysis. ACT encourages people to embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. ACT paired with mindfulness-based therapy offers clinically effective treatment. Medical conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, OCD, and substance abuse can all benefit from ACT and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
Trauma Release Exercises (TRE)
Trauma Release Exercises help to resolve unprocessed trauma that cuts stuck in the junction between the muscles and the central nervous system. It does this by imposing gentle stress postures on the muscles, which are held for up to 10 minutes at a time.
When we go through a traumatic event and or regular deal with stressful events, our fight or flight or system is activated, just as it should be for survival purposes. The problem arises when the fight or flight system gets stuck in the ‘on position’. This can happen simply because we experience something that completely overloads our stress-coping mechanism or because we are exposed to repeated stressors over time. Unresolved trauma is a significant cause of depression, stress, anxiety, anxiety disorders, insomnia, and PTSD.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a psychotherapy method developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. It was initially designed to alleviate the emotional discomfort associated with traumatic memories, which are the cause of PTSD and a vast array of other mental and physical complaints. However, Using EMDR treatment for stress and anxiety is becoming more common as more health professionals and patients come to understand the benefits of this treatment.
In EMDR sessions, you are asked to recall distressing experiences whilst being guided through side-to-side eye movement or physical stimulation, such as tapping either side of the body. It is thought that by stimulating nerve activity between the brain hemispheres somehow, the nervous system is able to re-integrate and process difficult memories. EMDR eye movements ‘unplug’ traumatic memories from the strong emotions we feel when we recall them. After EMDR sessions, the intense feelings associated with the past event can be dramatically reduced.
Problem-solving Therapy (PST)
Problem-solving therapy (PST) is a form of therapy that provides patients with tools to identify and solve problems that arise from life stressors. PST method teaches coping techniques to manage mental health symptoms and life experiences that can cause stress and other emotional turmoil. It aims to improve your overall quality of life and reduce the negative impact of psychological and physical illness.
PTS is based on a model that takes into account the importance of real-life problem-solving. Simply, the key to managing the impact of stressful life events is to know how to address issues as they arise. PST is very practical in its approach and is only concerned with the present rather than delving into your past.
Brainwave Entrainment
Brainwave Entrainment is a form of light therapy that aims to reduce mental and emotional stress through changes in the frequency of brainwaves. In the same way that medication seeks to alter brain chemistry, brainwave entrainment seeks to alter brainwave activity.
When neurophysiology researchers scan the brains of Buddhist monks, they see consistently different brainwave patterns than they do when they scan the brain of stressed-out executives. This is because the brain is primarily an electric organ whose fundamental output can be measured in terms of its bioelectric output.
By stimulating brain cells with light that matches the frequency of happy, relaxed brainwaves, entrainment aims to alter mood and mental function in people suffering from stress symptoms. Many stress sufferers report dramatic alterations in their mood and mental function after even a handful of Brainwave Entrainment sessions.
Brainwave Entrainment still sits very much on the margins of popular and well-known care options for stress symptoms. In much the same way that EMDR Therapy did a short time ago. It should be interesting to see where Brainwave Entrainment research leads in years to come.
Float Tanks
Floating is a more recent addition to the wellness landscape, becoming popular over the last decade. Floating is known for supporting the reduction of anxiety, and stress and improving mental and emotional issues. Float tanks are little pods that act like sensory deprivation chambers, increasing your ability to relax and ‘switch off. As the name suggests, you float, in body-temperature water, with low or no light.
Float tank therapy research shows promising results in reducing blood pressure and blood cortisol levels, improving recovery after sports and other physiological improvements. It’s been shown to help manage stress symptoms and can even be useful in dealing with addiction. Shutting down the sensory input to the brain for an hour enables improvement in output and functionality. Simply put, floating may be beneficial because we are so over-stimulated; just by resting our brains, it can perform better in ways that can even help mental health.
Mindfulness And Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are strategies that can be used to manage and reduce symptoms of stress. These techniques involve paying attention to the present moment and focusing on bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions, without judgement or interpretation. The goal of mindfulness and relaxation techniques is to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, and to develop the ability to respond to them in a non-judgmental and accepting way.
Some commonly used mindfulness and relaxation techniques for stress include:
- Deep breathing: Deep breathing exercises involve taking slow, deep breaths, filling the lungs with air and exhaling slowly. This can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Progressive muscle relaxation: Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body, which can help release tension and reduce feelings of stress.
- Mindfulness meditation: Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment, paying attention to thoughts and bodily sensations without judgement or interpretation. This can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, and develop the ability to respond to them in a non-judgmental and accepting way.
- Yoga: Yoga is a form of physical exercise that combines movement with breathing techniques and mindfulness practices. Yoga can help reduce feelings of stress and promote relaxation.
- Guided imagery: Guided imagery involves visualising peaceful or calming scenes, which can help reduce feelings of stress and promote relaxation.
These techniques can be practised individually or in combination, and can be incorporated into a daily routine to help manage and reduce symptoms of stress. It is important to work with a mental health professional to determine which techniques are most appropriate for your specific needs and goals.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can be an effective way to manage and reduce symptoms of stress. These changes involve making adjustments to one’s daily routine and habits, with the goal of promoting overall physical and mental health. Lifestyle changes work in addition to professional treatment options, focusing on regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep to support a more balanced and calm state of mind.
Some common lifestyle changes that can help reduce stress include:
- Exercise: Regular exercise has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of stress. Exercise can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase self-esteem.
- Nutrition: Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can also help reduce symptoms of stress. Consuming foods that are high in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can promote overall physical and mental health.
- Sleep: Getting adequate sleep is crucial for managing stress. Establishing a regular sleep routine, avoiding stimulants before bedtime, and creating a calming sleep environment can all help promote restful sleep.
- Time management: Managing time effectively can help reduce stress and anxiety. Setting priorities, delegating tasks, and using time management tools such as calendars and to-do lists can help individuals feel more in control and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
- Social support: Having a strong social support network can also help reduce stress. Spending time with family and friends, participating in social activities, and seeking support from a therapist or support group can all help promote social connection and reduce feelings of isolation.
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
Psychedelic-assisted therapy refers to therapeutic practices that involve the use of a class of currently widely prohibited substances known as psychedelics. Like the cringingly named ‘magic mushrooms’ (psilocybin) and ‘Acid’ LSD.
Few people are aware that before the wildly unscientific and entirely political decision to opt for psychedelic prohibition by the US Govt in 1973, there was a growing pool of high-quality research into their use therapeutically. All of which naturally came to a halt after prohibition kicked in. All this happened despite these substances having a toxicity profile that makes many over-the-counter medications look high risk.
Thankfully since the early 1990s, a new generation of researchers has received permission to resuscitate psychedelic research. The results have been stunning. The trials have shown that the use of psychedelics like psilocybin in a carefully prescribed and monitored setting can induce an experience that is medically safe and that can lead to profound and lasting psychological and behavioural change in a statistically significant proportion of subjects. This research has been carried out in some of the world’s most respected medical research institutions (Johns Hopkins & Imperial College London). So the time has come for us to respectfully withdraw terms like ‘magic mushrooms’ and ‘drugs’ from the conversation about these desperately important natural therapeutic compounds.
Interventions using psychedelics are showing promise as treatments for alcoholism, nicotine addiction, stress related to a terminal illness. New phases of the research are underway to examine the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder, treatment-resistant depression and social anxiety and stress.
In a world facing an epidemic of mental health issues, there are few more promising areas of research than psychedelic-assisted therapies. While the mushrooms may not be magic, so far, the research results seemingly are.
Severn Clinics Supports Successful Holistic Care Of
Severn Clincis Supports Successful Holistic Care Of
FIBROMYALGIA
CHRONIC PAIN
DEPRESSION
ANXIETY
STRESS
OCD
PTSD
TRAUMA
INSOMNIA
ADD & ADHD
CHRONIC FATIGUE
MOOD DISORDERS
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Book an online consultation and get personalized advice from the comfort of your home. Our licensed practitioners are here to assess your concerns, provide expert diagnosis, and offer treatment recommendations—all through a secure virtual session.
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tobias@severnclinics.co.nz
Stress Treatment Guidelines
Stress can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it is a common mental health issue, it can be difficult to manage without proper support and guidance. Seeking professional help is a critical first step in managing stress, as a mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.
It’s important to understand that stress treatment is a process that takes time and effort, and progress, not perfection, is the goal. Prioritising self-care, developing coping strategies, being patient with oneself, and staying engaged in treatment are all essential elements in managing stress.
By following these guidelines, individuals with stress can take an active role in managing their symptoms and work towards improving their overall well-being.
Screening and assessment
Healthcare providers should screen patients for stress-related symptoms and assess the severity and impact of these symptoms on the patient’s life.
Education and counselling
Providers should educate patients about stress and its impact on health and provide counselling on stress management techniques, coping strategies, and lifestyle changes.
Pharmacotherapy
Providers may recommend medications, such as antidepressants or anxiolytics, to treat stress-related conditions. However, these medications are typically used in combination with non-pharmacological interventions.
Psychotherapy
Various types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy or mindfulness-based stress reduction, may be recommended to help patients manage stress and improve their overall well-being.
Lifestyle changes
Healthcare providers may recommend lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction techniques like meditation or yoga, to help patients manage stress and improve their overall health.
Session Selection
Individual Session
A single session is perfect if you need a little mental relaxation during moments of heighten stress. Ideal to help combat the effects of, or prepare for a busy week.
Course Of Sessions
We recommend a course of sessions if you are looking at supporting a specific outcome. A course typically lasts five or ten weeks, where one or two light sessions per week can be scheduled.
This course protocol is then repeated every 2 to 3 months. Maintenance or relaxation sessions can be completed weekly or fortnightly during this more focused period; this is especially recommended if work or life stresses are significant.
Session Selection
Individual Session
A single session is perfect if you need a little mental relaxation during moments of heighten stress. Ideal to help combat the effects of, or prepare for a busy week.
Course Of Sessions
We recommend a course of sessions if you are looking at supporting a specific outcome. A course typically lasts five or ten weeks, where one or two light sessions per week can be scheduled.
This course protocol is then repeated every 2 to 3 months. Maintenance or relaxation sessions can be completed weekly or fortnightly during this more focused period; this is especially recommended if work or life stresses are significant.
Example Severn Clinics Sessions
Conscious Living SMR
Length: 30 minutes
The Lake – Deep Theta
Length: 30 minutes
No More Anxiety
Length: 45 Minutes
Purpose: Emotional balance, focus & attention, elevated mood, improved sleep
Purpose: Deep Relaxation, De-stressing, Whole-brain Synchronisation
Purpose: Mental and physical release and reset, deep relaxation and stress relief
Feeling: Chilled,Peaceful, Calming, Colourful
Feeling: Gentle, Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming, Enjoyable
Feeling: Profoundly Relaxing and soothing.
Frequencies: 100% SMR (12-15Hz) with 85% at 14.4Hz
Frequencies: 2.25Hz Theta, 57.75 Gamma
Frequencies: Mixed Beta, <1.0Hz super slow wave Delta, 60Hz
This session uses solely frequencies in the SMR range. SMR stands for Sensory Motor Rhythm and is considered a fundamental balance frequency. Practice within this frequency range leads to a heightened ability to respond appropriately in changing situations. Almost like heart rate variability (HRV) for the brain.
The result is improved concentration, focus, brain clarity, elevated mood, improved sleep patterns, and reduced stress. If there was such a thing as a magic bullet frequency, SMR would be in the running.
From the minute this session starts, it will transport you to a quiet spot by the side of a lake. As you listen to bird song and waves lapping around you, this immersive session will lead you into a land of tranquillity and peace. You may drift off to sleep (or feel like you have) only to be gently woken as the sun sets and birds drift off to sleep. You only need to breathe and relax
Rebirth, is designed to put you back in the womb for a transformational relaxation session. Starting with a slow descent from conscious Alpha brain activity, the end point is deep Delta slow wave frequencies less than 1.0Hz.
Example Severn Clinics Sessions
Conscious Living SMR
Length: 30 Minutes
Purpose: Emotional balance, focus & attention, elevated mood, improved sleep
Feeling: Chilled, Peaceful, Calming, Colourful
Frequencies: 100% SMR (12-15Hz) with 85% at 14.4Hz
This session uses solely frequencies in the SMR range. SMR stands for Sensory Motor Rhythm and is considered a fundamental balance frequency. Practice within this frequency range leads to a heightened ability to respond appropriately in changing situations. Almost like heart rate variability (HRV) for the brain.
The result is improved concentration, focus, brain clarity, elevated mood, improved sleep patterns, and reduced stress. If there was such a thing as a magic bullet frequency, SMR would be in the running.
The Lake – Deep Theta
Length: 30 Minutes
Purpose: Deep Relaxation, De-stressing, Whole-brain Synchronisation
Feeling: Gentle, Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming, Enjoyable
Frequencies: 2.25Hz Theta, 57.75 Gamma
From the minute this session starts, it will transport you to a quiet spot by the side of a lake. As you listen to bird song and waves lapping around you, this immersive session will lead you into a land of tranquillity and peace. You may drift off to sleep (or feel like you have) only to be gently woken as the sun sets and birds drift off to sleep. You only need to breathe and relax
Rebirth
Length: 45 Minutes
Purpose: Mental and physical release and reset, deep relaxation and stress relief
Feeling: Profoundly Relaxing and soothing.
Frequencies: Mixed Beta, <1.0Hz super slow wave Delta, 60Hz
Rebirth, is designed to put you back in the womb for a transformational relaxation session. Starting with a slow descent from conscious Alpha brain activity, the end point is deep Delta slow wave frequencies less than 1.0Hz.
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