Final answer:
The main goal of relaxation therapy is to identify and release tension, reducing sympathetic arousal as a stress management technique. Techniques include sitting comfortably in a quiet environment, using mantras, and focusing on pleasant thoughts, with benefits including reduced tension symptoms and improved stress coping abilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The long-term outcome for an individual who is learning relaxation therapy is centered around the self-regulation of physiological and psychological states to manage stress better, rather than eliminating all tension from one's life. Techniques such as relaxation therapy and biofeedback have been shown to help individuals recognize and consciously release tension. In relaxation therapy, the relaxation response is a physiological state opposite to stress response, aiming to decrease sympathetic arousal. This can involve sitting comfortably and quietly, using a mantra, and allowing for the passive focus on pleasant thoughts, as an outcome, individuals may expect to see reductions in tension-related symptoms and an improved ability to cope with stress. It's important to note, however, that while relaxation techniques can increase one's focus on internal states and possibly lead to increased delta brain activity during relaxation, the primary goal is not to increase self-focus but to manage stress and its physiological correlates effectively.
Methods such as exercise have also been well-regarded for their physical and mental health benefits, aiding in the resistance and recovery from stress-related effects. While adaquate control over involuntary bodily processes through approaches like biofeedback can result in successful management of certain health conditions such as tension headaches and high blood pressure.