Train Your Clients in Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing is one of the most potent and useful stress management strategies. Clients can learn it in a session, practice it on their own over several weeks, and master a skill they can use for a lifetime. In this course, designed for mental health professionals, you'll learn which clients tend to benefit, how to set the frame for the training, and why breathing can be considered the "handle" of the stress response. You'll learn experientially, performing exactly the same exercises that you will go on to apply with your clients. You'll understand the potential pitfalls, including medical conditions that may make the training more difficult (or ill-advised), and the risk of inadvertently increasing rather than reducing anxiety sensitivity. You'll receive a set of five client handouts that you can store on your own computer and print out as needed. And if you wish you can complete the course evaluation and a course completion quiz and receive a Continuing Education Certificate for 3 hours of content. (Changeways Clinic, the operator of PsychologySalon, is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Changeways Clinic maintains responsibility for the program.)

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, qualified and trained mental health professionals should:

• Have an understanding of which client groups may benefit from diaphragmatic breathing training.
• Be able to provide the rationale for diaphragmatic breathing to clients.
• Be aware of potential contraindications to diaphragmatic breathing training.
• Be able to train clients in basic in-session diaphragmatic breathing and provide recommendations for home practice.

Reactions

"The explanations were very practical and I have already used them in my practice."

"I really liked that the rationale behind the steps for practice were made clear and accessible."

"I use diaphragmatic breathing often with clients, but found I learned some additional tips and some additional physiological information that will be helpful with clients."

A Note Regarding CPA Approval: The Canadian Psychological Association's approval of an individual, group, or organization as a CE Sponsor or Provider is restricted to the activities described in the approved application or annual report form. The CPA’s approval does not extend to any other CE activity the Sponsor or Provider might offer. In granting its approval, the CPA assumes no legal or financial obligations to Sponsors, Providers, or to those individuals who might participate in a Sponsor or Provider’s CE activities or programs. Further, responsibility for the content, provision, and delivery of any CE activity approved by the CPA remains that of the CE Sponsor or Provider. The CPA disclaims all legal liability associated with the content, provision, and delivery of the approved CE activity. This program adheres to the ethical standards of the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists.