So many of our clients deal with stress, often feeling helpless and frustrated because they don’t know how to find relief. To make matters worse, stress not only is emotionally distressing, it can also lead to chronic physical ailments. In this training, we will explore a variety of practical stress reduction tools that you can share with clients so that they can begin to feel more control in their lives.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Describe the concept of stress
- Understand the physiology of stress
- Identify the way in which stress negatively impacts a person, both mentally and physically
- Practice at least ten ways to manage stress
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Understanding the Concept of Stress
- Define stress from multiple perspectives including Hans Selye and the World Health Organization
- Explore stress as a non-specific physiological response to demands for change
- Recognize stress as a highly subjective and individualized experience
Objective #2: The Physiology of Stress
- Examine how the brain and nervous system respond to perceived danger
- Understand the roles of the amygdala, hypothalamus, and adrenal glands in activating the stress response
- Identify the release and effects of epinephrine and cortisol during acute and chronic stress
- Learn how the HPA axis governs the extended stress response
- Discuss the body’s return to balance through parasympathetic activation
Objective #3: Physical and Mental Health Impacts of Stress
- Review effects on multiple body systems including musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, and reproductive
- Explore common symptoms such as tension, inflammation, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and gastrointestinal discomfort
- Understand how stress alters brain structure and function, including gray matter volume and neuronal atrophy
- Identify emotional and cognitive symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, memory issues, and anxiety
Objective #4: Practical Strategies for Managing Stress
- Apply the 4 A’s: Avoid, Alter, Accept, Adapt
- Use breathing techniques including diaphragmatic breathing, box breathing, and the physiological sigh
- Practice bilateral stimulation: 5-finger breathing, butterfly hug, and havening
- Incorporate physical activity like walking and forest exposure to reduce stress hormones
- Promote gratitude journaling to lower cortisol and improve mood
- Use essential oils such as lavender and chamomile to support relaxation
- Focus on dietary awareness including hydration, sugar, and caffeine intake
- Introduce guided visualization and meditation as calming practices
- Explore boundaries through journaling, discussion, and behavioral commitments
- Apply Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to reduce emotional intensity through tapping
- Reflect on stress and acceptance using tools like the Serenity Prayer
Resources and Further Exploration
- Recommend books including The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook and Burnout
- Provide links to guided EFT sessions and meditation resources
- Encourage personalized integration of practices based on client needs and readiness
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: June 22, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com