Map Relaxation Relaxation techniques or meditation are very important. Many of us take medication to help us 'relax' but there is a lot we can do our selves to achieve this. Relaxation can be of great benefit, but we have found over the years that relaxation methods such as progressive muscle relaxation don't work for a some people. One of the reasons why is that people are already focussed on their bodies albeit in a negative sense and it is so easy to simply divert our attention back to our symptoms. Also progressive muscle relaxation requires us to tense our muscles and then to relax them.
Many people find the basic meditation techniques to be easier.
It is an individual choice in which technique we use. There is no doubt breathing techniques do work. If you are using breathing techniques to help you through an attack or a burst of high anxiety, just be aware you also need to use cognitive skills as well. Otherwise you will not be addressing the major cause of your distress. Interoceptive Exposure Interoceptive exposure is usually conducted in the office of your therapist.