How Your Body Responds To Stress

The How Your Body Responds To Stress information handout visually describes the most common physiological responses to stress.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Overview

Many clients find it easier to connect with the concept of ‘stress’ rather than ‘threat,’ as stress is often a more familiar and relatable experience in their daily lives. The handout titled How Your Body Responds to Stress offers a detailed visual representation of the most common physiological responses that occur when an individual experiences stress.

Why Use This Resource?

Understanding the physiological responses to stress is often important for clients. This resource provides:

  • Visual illustration of stress responses for easy understanding.
  • Insight into how stress affects the body.
  • A useful tool for psychoeducation and discussion.

Key Benefits

Education

Enhances clients' understanding of stress and physiological responses.

Discussion

Serves as a conversation starter for exploring client experiences and beliefs about stress.

Learning

Helps therapists gaining a deeper understanding of stress responses.

Who is this for?

Anxiety Disorders

Addressing physiological symptoms of anxiety.

Stress

Exploring physical responses to situational pressure.

Panic Disorder

Understanding bodily sensations during panic attacks.

Integrating it into your practice

01

Handout

Introduce the resource as psychoeducation handout.

02

Discuss

Explore the client's experiences and make links with the handout content.

03

Reflect

Reflect on the implications of the information.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

The sympathetic nervous system is activated in response to stimuli processed as threatening. It controls ‘fight or flight’ responses which, when activated to a high degree, can result in powerful body sensations. At a lower level of intensity the same physiological system responds to stress. Many clients identify with the concept of ‘stress’ more readily than ‘threat’ and the How Your Body Responds To Stress information handout visually describes the most common physiological responses to stress.

What's inside

  • An introduction to the resource.
  • Guidance for using the resource with clients.
  • Key references and recommendations for further reading.
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FAQs

The body's stress response includes increased heart rate, energy mobilization, and enhanced oxygen intake, all orchestrated by the sympathetic nervous system to prepare for rapid action.
It can serve as key psychoeducation, helping explain the physical symptoms clients experience.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

Integrating this resource into therapy:

  • Promotes understanding of the body's stress responses.
  • Helps make sense of physical symptoms and sensations that might be distressing.
  • Supports and informs therapeutic discussions.

References And Further Reading

Sapolsky, R. M. (2004). Why zebras don’t get ulcers. Holt paperbacks.