Table 2 Relaxation program

Session 1

Presentation of the group and the relaxation objectives. Basic principles of progressive muscle relaxation. Brief explanation of the initial procedure with 16 muscle groups. Progressive muscle relaxation practice with 16 muscle groups. Identifying the sensations of and difficulties with relaxation.

Session 2

Sharing homework-related experiences and doubts. Imagination training and visualization techniques. Practice of progressive muscle relaxation with 16 muscle groups. Identifying the sensations of and difficulties with relaxation.

Session 3

Sharing homework-related experiences and doubts. Brief explanation of the procedure with 7 muscle groups. Practice of progressive muscle relaxation with 7 muscle groups. Visualization practice: orange. Identifying the sensations of and difficulties with relaxation.

Session 4

Sharing homework-related experiences and doubts. Practice of progressive muscle relaxation with 7 muscle groups. Visualization practice: the beach. Identifying the sensations of and difficulties with relaxation.

Session 5

Sharing homework-related experiences and doubts. Brief explanation of the procedure with 4 muscle groups. Practice of progressive muscle relaxation with 4 muscle groups. Visualization practice: the landscape. Visualization practices: the globe. Identifying the sensations of and difficulties with relaxation.

Session 6

Sharing homework-related experiences and doubts. Brief explanation of relaxation by evocation, relaxation by evocation + counting, and relaxation by counting. Relaxation by evocation. Mental relaxation and visualization practice: the perfect day. Identifying the sensations of and difficulties with relaxation.

Session 7

Sharing homework-related experiences and doubts. Explanation of relaxation techniques through breathing. Breathing practice: count, lengthen, hold. Visualization: the ray of light. Identifying the sensations of and difficulties with relaxation.

Session 8

Sharing homework-related experiences and doubts. Explanation: bringing the practice to my daily life, maintenance of habits. Breathing practice. Practice 4 muscle groups. Display. Identifying the sensations of and difficulties with relaxation.