Stress Management

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.Preface Part I: Stress Basics Stress Competency and the Smith Stress Management Skills Inventory Stress Concepts, Exercises Crises, Catastrophes, and Acute Stress Disorder Part II: The Four Pillars of Stress Management ABC Relaxation, Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Autogenic Training Breathing and Stretching Exercises Sense Imagery and MeditationHow to Make a Relaxation Recording: ABC Relaxation ScriptingMini-Relaxation Relaxation, Centering, and Stress Management, Exercises Problem-Solving Productive Problem Orientation Initial Distress: Identifying Clear and Concrete Problem Cues Defining the Problem in a Way Most Likely to be Solved Generating Alternative Solutions, When Solutions Do Not Work, Exercises Thinking Realistically and Productively: The Smith Irrational Beliefs Inventory, Understanding the Role of Distorted Thinking Catching Thoughts Reality Checking The "Big Five" Cognitive Distortions and the Smith Irrational Beliefs Inventory A Three Step System for Changing Distorted Thinking Cognitive Approaches and Cue-Response-ConsequencesStop Worry, Exercises Review and Rehearsal Exposure Desensitization Stress Inoculation and Relapse Prevention Processes Underlying Review and Rehearsal When to Choose Exposure, Desensitization, or Stress Inoculation Training, Exercises Part III: Interpersonal Skills: Relationships and Stress Management Assertiveness, Exercises Empathic Listening Empathy and Assertive Coping Goals and Priorities Scheduling An Alternative Time Management Technique: Schedule-Reward-Do Conclusion, Exercises Relaxation Beliefs, Active Coping Beliefs, and Philosophy of Life References