Customer Reviews

Anxiety Relief (Guided Self-Healing Practices)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD was very soothing but I feel like I almost have it memorized now. I wish there were more exercises to relax to, on here I believe there is only 4. The only thing I didn't like about it was that he says the same thing at the beginning of each exercise. Also I was looking for something maybe with some soothing music this CD only has a little at the beginning and the end. Overall I think it was a good purchase though.

Marty's way of introducing is very permissive and without expectation, allowing me to go at my own pace. I was recently diagnosed with cancer and sleep has not come easily and I have frequently felt myself overwhelmed. Listening to the whole CD or sections of it has been extremely helpful and grounding. Sometimes I fall asleep while listening to it. Marty's voice quality is soothing and calming. I've also given it to a few of my anxious patients who have found it helpful, and am in the position of having to order more for my office.

Anxiety Relief by Martin Rossman is audio therapy that offers three exercises that use breathing, relaxation and guided imagery. It is 74 minutes long in its entirety so it really fills up the CD unlike some anti-anxiety discs. The guided imagery technique is explained in that most anxiety comes from the imagination--i.e. dreading things that have yet to happen or harping on regrettable things of the past. It all sounded like an interesting and innovative path to relieving stress and anxiety. After several weeks of using this CD, though, I am still on the fence about its effectiveness. One of my main complaints is the exact same 8-minute introduction used for each exercise. It's incorporated into each track so you cannot skip it unless you fast forward through it. It is important to settle into a relaxed state before starting the guided imagery, so you wouldn't want to skip it anyway. I wish the intros were changed for the other two exercises. Hearing the exact same wording (even the "for example..'s") before different exercises brings a monotony that is unnecessary.

Exercise 1: Deep mind/body relaxation (21:09). Relaxation is the first skill to learn in anxiety relief. The introduction starts with breathing, creating a movement that signals the body in its shift to deep relaxation mode, and focusing inward and inviting each part of the body to release stress and relax "in its own way." He calls the tension or awareness in the parts of the body "intelligence" which I find a little odd. He also tells you to notice how each body part responds and that this response is "all right for now." What does he mean by "for now"? Is there a time during the use of this CD where it won't be all right (it's the 20th listen, that left calve had better fall into line!) Anyway, you will know this introduction very well as the exact same recording is used for the other two exercises. The guided imagery is a safe, healing place. You imagine being in a place where you can "do nothing and have it be good for you." This is a time to heal and renew your body.

Exercise 2: Dialogue with your inner (wisdom) advisor (22:08). Imagine a kind, caring and wise image to whom to communicate your concerns. You're guided into a consultation session with your advisor where you ask questions about the things that cause you anxiety and long spaces of silence are included on this disc as you listen carefully to the response. I am still not sure about this technique. It assumes that you have the answers inside of you. Maybe that is true for some people, but is it for all? Rossman says you can use a fictional character which might seem strange, but I actually think it might be more useful. A character from television, for example, you might see and know better than real people. You know their voice, their mannerisms and their ideals from hours of viewing and, since they aren't real, you're not going to bump into them later or attach some value to someone they may not want. An animated character with qualities for getting through rough times in life (i.e. the common sense of Hank Hill or the motherly care and sensitivity of Marge Simpson) might be an option for those having problems envisioning their advisor. I haven't explored this idea deeply while using this exercise, but it is something I've thought about.

Exercise 3: Evocative imagery (25:32). This guided imagery has you thinking of qualities you wished you had (i.e. strength, calmness, etc.) and feeling those qualities within you and then imagining them growing and expanding throughout your entire body and your surroundings. You can also adjust these feelings like a radio dial. These exercises sound like anxiety relief techniques I've been looking for, but I haven't been impressed with the results so far. Perhaps it is the stale delivery or the introduction that I don't care for and is used before each exercise. Still, I think it is innovative enough that I am glad I have it and will keep it in my rotation as I really want it to work. If these ideas sound intriguing, I recommend giving it a try.

I'm sure what he actually says is helpful (it is!) but I found his voice so soothing it put me to sleep before I could focus on what he was saying!

I've recently starting practicing meditation on a daily basis and have found it hugely helpful in reducing my tendency toward anxiety and depression. It is nice to have a fresh, new meditation after a few months. I don't know why, but the few times I've listened to it, I find my anxiety suddenly increased during the guided meditations. In one meditation, he instructs you to "invite your foot to relax-- ...notice the intelligence your foot...notice the intelligence in your ankles...in your legs.... It just was too weird for me. I like Dr. Rossman's voice and the way he allows silent moments amidst his talking. I sometimes find music in the background distracting, and, while I haven't listened to all the tracks, there is no music in the ones I have heard.

There is no music in the background if I remember correctly its just the guys voice, very calming. Cheap compared to hypnotherapy or conseling. I love the track about choosing a character trait to strengthen. I used it during anxiety when husband went on long business trips and other times. Its so relaxing that if I have nights when I cant sleep I'll pop this into the cd player, much healthier than popping a pill. Try this first before perscribed drugs!

If you want some short meditations, about 15 minutes, then these were my favorites.

I've tried longer meditations and found other short meditations that were good but this is my favorite for listening to in the morning during the short bus ride I need to take.

It is calming and made to help you practice calming techniques through the day too.