In a previous blog post I talked about how to decide if you are ready to hire a stress management consultant. The post Are You Ready to Hire a Stress Management Consultant shared situations that support the engagement of a stress management consultant. Some may wonder what a stress management consultant does and how the services will help.
Stress is a natural part of life.
Stress is the shortened name for the stress response. The stress response is a “physical response to an unspecified demand made upon the body” according to endocrinologist Hans Selye, M.D. Dr. Selye was one of a number of researchers who studied the “fight or flight” response. Fight or flight response is an instantaneous reaction designed to save our lives or to protect us from imminent danger.
When the stress response starts, our body immediately goes through changes. The heart beats faster and harder. Blood pressure increases. The digestive system slows down. Muscles become tense. The body prepares to run away from the threat or to defend itself.
Stress presents when we are startled. It also presents in an ongoing, constant manner because of repetitive stress initiating stimuli. When a person experiences constant, overwhelming stress, it negatively affects the body. Stress causes an uncomfortable physical feeling of edginess. It also contributes to emotional and mental pressures. Overwhelming stress contributes to mental and emotional distress.
Stress Management Consultant
A stress management consultant works with clients to limit the negative impacts of stress. Clients may learn different ways to respond to stressful situations. They may also learn to avoid such situations altogether. Additionally, clients learn various ways to reduce stress using relaxation and other stress relief methods.
One role of a stress management consultant is to educate regarding the health risks associated with overwhelming stress. As part of the assessment, we look at health risks associated with constant stress. Primary care physicians or other medical professionals may refer patients for stress management consultation. We use the opportunity to collaborate on behalf of the client.
What to Expect
When a client engages my stress management services, I begin by assessing the client’s level of stress. We also work together to determine the major sources of overwhelming stress. We take a deep dive into daily activities. This allows us to see if there are overlooked areas that contribute to increased stress. After the assessment is complete, we create a plan to address the concerns.
The plan, which is co-authored by the client, will include educational activities, individualized interventions, and ongoing evaluation. The plan is flexible, allowing for adjustments as the need arises. It is also personalized and developed to fit into the client’s lifestyle.
During our time together, the client learns to recognize when they are at risk of increased stress. This enables them to address the risk before it becomes a major concern. The client learns to organize and manage time in a way that promotes their ability to complete tasks within the stated deadline. Poor time management is a predictor of chronic stress.
Holistic Approach
The client also learns various holistic approaches that minimize the effects of stress. We encourage the client to incorporate modalities that act on mind, body, and spirit. We understand that everyone’s belief system may be different. This is the reason client input is so vital to this process. We will use what works and resonates with the client.
We also help the client to understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle related to stress management. With this in mind, we teach mindfulness principals that can be incorporated throughout the day. We share strategies to facilitate mindful eating as well as mindful movement. We encourage the client to make small adjustments that have a positive impact. The positive impact includes addressing sleep issues.
Regular meetings, whether virtual or in person, are scheduled. We monitor the client’s progress to adjust the plan in a timely manner.
So, are you ready to hire a stress management consultant?
“I want to be happy, whole, satisfied and successful. What about you?”
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