Joining us today, we have Dr. Melissa Watt, an expert in stress and aggression.0:06
Melissa is the best-selling author of Small Steps to Big Changes and has just recently published her second book, A Deep Breath.0:12
Thanks for coming on the show.0:23
It's a pleasure to be here.0:26
So, tell us a bit more about what you do, Melissa.0:27
Well, I'm a stress therapist who helps people to manage their emotions.0:31
Mostly I do one-to-one and group counseling.0:35
However, I also speak at seminars to teach people ways to cope with stress.0:38
What kinds of activities do you do during your therapy sessions?0:45
Well, one of the things we do most often is role-playing.0:49
This helps people to relax and basically makes learning more fun.0:53
However, it can also bring up a host of stressful emotions, so the situations have to be carefully managed to ensure participants are comfortable enacting them.0:57
Who benefits from this kind of therapy?1:07
Often my clients just want to learn how to cope with everyday stress, although it is common that they have experienced some kind of trauma.1:09
On occasion, I also have patients referred to me because they suffer from panic attacks.1:18
What are some of the signs of someone who has an issue with anxiety?1:23
Things like insomnia are usually key signs of anxiety.1:27
However, unless the symptoms are prolonged, it is not generally considered a disorder.1:31
The real problem is when stress affects a person's ability to function on a day-to-day basis.1:37
And are these the issues that you talk about in your books?1:44
Well, my first book concentrated on lifestyle changes to relieve stress and boost energy.1:48
It was about little changes that people can make to stay happy and healthy.1:54
However, this second book focuses on relaxation techniques.1:58
It discusses ways to stay calm throughout the day.2:02
Tell us about some of these techniques.2:05
Well, they are influenced by meditation practices.2:08
For example, taking deep breaths when stressed, or just getting some quiet time each day to relax and unwind.2:11
And how do these things help when a person is feeling stressed?2:18
They just help people to take a step back and reassess the situation.2:22
They're especially helpful for those with anger management problems.2:27
These people tend to be easily aggravated, so the tips help them to calm down before they get out of control.2:31
What advice would you give to a person who is unable to control their temper?2:37
If a person is regularly aggressive, I would suggest not only attending a stress therapy class, but also some counseling sessions.2:42
Often people with this kind of profile have deep emotional scars that need to be addressed.2:50
Are there any final words you would like to say to our listeners?2:56
Don't be ruled by stress.2:59
Pamper yourself once in a while.3:02
Whether you choose to read a book, get a massage, or just do nothing, your body will thank you for it.3:04
That's great advice, Melissa.3:11
Thanks for taking the time to talk to us today.3:13
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