Book excerpt: Structured for optimal use as a clinical reference and text, this comprehensive work reviews effective stress management techniques and their applications for treating psychological problems and enhancing physical health and performance. Leading experts present in-depth descriptions of progressive relaxation, hypnosis, biofeedback, meditation, cognitive methods, and other therapies. Tightly edited chapters examine each method's theoretical and empirical underpinnings and provide step-by-step guidelines for assessment and implementation, illustrated with detailed case examples. The volume also explains basic mechanisms of stress and relaxation and offers research-based guidance for improving treatment outcomes.