Progressive Muscle Relaxation Script

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Script Overview

This handout provides a script for paired muscle relaxation, part of the TIPP distress tolerance skill in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. The handout also links to a video of the same script, so users have the option to play the video or read the script aloud themselves.

In this script, we’ll cover:

• The goal of paired muscle relaxation (a special type of progressive muscle relaxation from DBT)
• Instructions for tensing and releasing each of 16 muscle groups, including prompts to pair tension release with the word “Relax”
• Instructions for tensing and releasing larger sets of muscle groups