This volume offers original studies on relaxation and stress management. Practitioners will find a wealth of specific, ready-to-use, evidence-based suggestions for incorporating relaxation techniques into their clinical work. Part I summarizes practical advances in the theory, research, and assessment of relaxation. Part II is an anthology of 25 studies on relaxation focusing on individual differences; stress, coping and relaxation; factor analyses and correlations; and practice techniques. An appendix offers a complete relaxation inventory of scales for those interested in developing their own studies.

Structured for optimal use as a clinical reference and text, this comprehensive work reviews effective stress management techniques and their applications for treating psychological problems and enhancing physical health and performance. Leading experts present in-depth descriptions of progressive relaxation, hypnosis, biofeedback, meditation, cognitive methods, and other therapies. Tightly edited chapters examine each method's theoretical and empirical underpinnings and provide step-by-step guidelines for assessment and implementation, illustrated with detailed case examples. The volume also explains basic mechanisms of stress and relaxation and offers research-based guidance for improving treatment outcomes.

"The leading clinical reference and text on stress management has now been significantly revised with 60% new material reflecting key developments in the field. Foremost experts review the "whats," "whys," and "how-tos" of progressive relaxation, biofeedback, meditation, hypnosis, cognitive methods, and other therapies. Chapters describe each method's theoretical foundations, evidence base, procedures, applications, and contraindications. Assessment and implementation are illustrated with extensive case examples. The volume examines the effects of stress on both mind and body, from basic science to practical implications for everyday life and health care. Subject areas/key words: managing, reduction, relaxation, mindfulness, meditation, pain, biofeedback, interventions, anxiety disorders, techniques, psychotherapy, hypnosis, cognitive therapy, breathing retraining, treatments, textbooks, clinical health psychology, behavioral medicine, psychosomatic Audience: Clinical and health psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, counselors, and nurses; advanced students in these fields"--

Relaxation is the world's most popular therapy--used by more psychologists, counselors, social workers, and rehabilitation specialists than any other tool. ABC Relaxation Theory offers a new treatment strategy by presenting and enhancing the effectiveness of current relaxation treatments into an approach tailored to each client. Based on the most ambitious scientific exploration of relaxation (20 studies and 5,000 subjects from all cultures and walks of life), Smith presents some of his groundbreaking findings, including the first demonstration and replication of differences among African Americans, Latinos, and Whites; men and women; those with religious and secular beliefs approaches; and more. His work is highly readable, practical, and comprehensive and will appeal to clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, and students of psychology.

Smith's findings also reveal that not only can relaxation go beyond stress management, but that different families of relaxation have different effects."--BOOK JACKET.

Dedicated pain psychologist Dr. Tim Sams has teamed with hundreds of pain physicians over his career. In his groundbreaking work, ABC's of Pain Relief and Treatment: Advances, Breakthroughs, and Choices, you will discover his unique paradigm for achieving and maintaining the best possible pain relief. Dr. Sams's expert advice has helped thousands of patients create their own Personal Pain Paradigm. The PPP advocates directing your doctor through the most recent treatment advances; breakthroughs in coping that accelerate pain relief; and choices that raze the barriers to maximally effective medical treatment. You too can master the following: * Learning the eleven-step hierarchy of medical treatments for pain * Negotiating more effective pain treatments with your doctor * Delighting in social, pleasurable, and productive activity without pain increases * Selecting the best medication regimen for your specific condition * Using nutritional supplements to enhance your pain relief * Enjoying physical activity and exercise without pain increases * Assessing how you may be sabotaging your medical care Combining blunt, practical advice with warm humor and vivid examples, ABC's of Pain Relief and Treatment is for those who are sincere about pain relief. Let your Personal Pain Paradigm help you build a pain-resistant life and re-discover passion and purpose.

Here is a comprehensive clinical manual focused on stress management and relaxation. It contains detailed descriptions of tactics for training the user in the methods of relaxation, positive thinking, time management, and more. Features validated self-tests (normed on over 1000 individuals), and first-time ever stress management motivations and irrational beliefs inventories. This hands-on resource is essential for practitioners introducing stress management techniques into their practice; students who are learning how to cope with stress; practitioners-in-training, and clinicians looking for a refresher course.