In contrast to the authorized community of social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, it can be more difficult to locate a religious professional who _specializes_ in a particular approach to counseling. The background in modern approaches to counseling that religious professionals tend to receive is "eclectic." They normally receive training in a variety of approaches; their programs of study are based on the belief that flexibility in counseling is essential, that nothing works well for everyone. This openness can be of value to many people. But, as you read this book, you may decide to locate a therapist who has a certain {50} specific orientation. He or she may be a religious counselor, a psychologist, or another qualified professional. In general, if you have a specific form of therapy in mind, you will have to ask a prospective therapist whether he or she has the training to give you the kind of help you are looking for. This is especially true of religious counselors. BIOFEEDBACK THERAPISTS Biofeedback is a newcomer to the therapeutic world that has grown tremendously in popularity in the last ten years or so. Biofeedback therapy gradually enables individuals to become aware of certain physical changes in their bodies. These physical changes are detected by means of sensitive measuring instruments that give information back to clients so they can learn to control a particular physical response. Biofeedback is used by therapists who have been specially trained in its use, as well as by some licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, physical therapists, speech pathologists, and even some dentists. Some psychiatrists now work jointly with a biofeedback therapist: the psychiatrist can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy or analysis, while the associated biofeedback therapist can teach patients how to lessen their responses to pain and stress-related problems. The Biofeedback Society of America is an interdisciplinary group of healthcare professionals; it is presently developing training standards and guidelines for certification of biofeedback practitioners. RELAXATION, HYPNOSIS, AND MEDITATION THERAPISTS Relaxation training, hypnosis, and meditation all seek to bring about a deep sense of relaxation in a person. We will examine each in greater detail later; a short overview of these approaches is given here. RELAXATION TRAINING Relaxation training involves exercises that enable a person to learn to induce _at will_ a state of physical and mental calm. Relaxation training is a practical skill--it can be very effective {51} and useful in coping with stressful situations. Like any learned skill, control comes only with practice, usually over a period of several months. Many social workers and psychologists teach clients relaxation techniques. Certification standards specifically for relaxation training have not been established. HYPNOSIS