Mind-body therapy recognizes that there is a powerful connection between a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health. To heal a whole person, all of these elements must be addressed. With this treatment approach, the therapist teaches the client how to use different skills or techniques to promote self-healing. The client is an active participant in the process and is directly involved in contributing to his or her own health and wellness.
Mind-body therapy may include relaxation exercises. This type of therapy can be helpful for people who are living with anxiety and/or depression, as well as people who are going through a difficult time in their work or personal relationships. Relaxation exercises can also help people who are living with chronic pain get some relief from their symptoms.
Guided imagery and visualization falls under the definition of mind-body therapy. Working with a therapist, a client may use specific images or clears his or her mind to allow images to manifest from within. The goal of this form of therapy is to create a feeling of peace and well-being. It can be used to treat anxiety caused by various situations.
Some clients who are interested in mind-body therapy find journaling helpful. Writing down their thoughts and feelings gives them a way to record their impressions of a time and place which they can refer back to later on. The goal of journaling is to deepen the understanding of one’s self through the written word.