Why I Incorporate Meditation Practices Into Therapy

When I taught yoga classes, I always began with a themed meditation or grounding exercise. It was a way to bring everyone together while also introducing a relaxation skill people could use outside of class.

Over time, I noticed something interesting: different practices resonated with different people. Some people loved a guided body scan, while others connected more with breathing exercises or gratitude practices. Not every technique felt helpful for every person, and that was okay.

After starting as an MSW intern therapist and beginning to work with more clients, I noticed a similar pattern in therapy. While everyone has different experiences and preferences, many people can benefit from a few intentional moments of slowing down and reconnecting.

Relaxation exercises in therapy can serve different purposes. They may help people:

• Pause and step out of autopilot

• Increase awareness of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations

• Practice grounding skills during periods of stress or overwhelm

• Learn coping tools they can use outside of therapy sessions

• Create space to simply exist without needing to fix or change anything

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Some examples of practices that may be incorporated include:

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation – gradually tensing and releasing muscle groups to reduce physical tension

• Loving-Kindness Meditation – offering compassion and warmth toward yourself and others

• Guided Body Scan – noticing sensations throughout the body with awareness and curiosity

• Gratitude Meditation – intentionally focusing attention on appreciation and meaningful moments

• Paced Breathing – slowing and regulating breathing patterns to support calm

One thing I appreciate about incorporating these exercises is that they provide more than just a skill. They can also offer a brief experience of slowing down in a world that often asks us to constantly do more.

And who doesn’t benefit from a few moments to simply be as they are?

Many of these practices can be found on YouTube, and accessible scripts are also widely available for anyone interested in exploring them. It just takes a few minutes- but can change the tone of a session!