STRESS-RELIEF FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY CHALLENGED ADULTS
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
Q: I work with the developmentally challenged adults. I'm looking for alternative methods of relaxation for my clients other that meds. I use music, and shiatsu works for some, but there are some that do not like to be touched. Most of my clients are involved in behavioral programs in conjuction with meds. Any suggestions?
A: First--I can appreciate your dilemma. Yours is a population where the need for relaxation is great, yet yes..you will have some limitations in terms of options that involve touch. For those who are comfortable with touching, you've introduced some great things, though Shiatsu can be quite deep in some cases and you might also want to try lighter touch with less prolonged contact, such as reflexology. I've used foot-massage--or even just hand-massage--to soothe people who are uneasy with body-contact. Head-massage is another less-intrusive method. A gentle backrub to music, while client is fully-clothed, lying on his/her side, using repetitive circular motions and an open hand can be a great comfort....reminiscent of infancy.
There are many, many non-touch relaxation activitiies that are either soothing..or serve as distraction from worry. In the TIPS section, take a look at an article I wrote that offers "70 Ways to Feel Really Good...FAST!" Many of those will be applicable for your clients. Creative expression..being in water..play with pets..being in the outdoors..dancing..laughter..are some of the greatest stress-relievers for developmentally challenged folks....and for us all!
At the risk of sounding self-serving, my own relaxation CD "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace" is used by many parents with ADHD children, Aspberger's and other autistic-like behaviors, OCD, and on psych units for relief from sleeplessness, anxiety and depression. It is, of course, also used worldwide for day-to-day stress and sleeplessness as well. ( http://www.relaxintuit.com/tape.asp )
Hope this is helpful.
My very best wishes to you..and your clients,
Susie
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Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com