Breathe2Relax vs Couples Coach

Breathe2Relax is a portable stress management tool which provides detailed information on the effects of stress on the body and instructions and practice exercises to help users learn the stress management skill called diaphragmatic breathing.Breathing exercises have been documented to decrease the body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ (stress) response, and help with mood stabilization, anger control, and anxiety management. Breathe2Relax can be used as a stand-alone stress reduction tool, or can be used in tandem with clinical care directed by a healthcare worker. Breathe2Relax now uses HealthKit and your Apple Watch device to measure your heart rate throughout your breathing exercise to help provide an even more complete picture of the relaxation experienced.

Couples Coach is designed for partners who want to improve their relationship and explore new ways to connect. The app takes users through five levels of expert-written education and engaging behavioral exercises informed by science. Popular exercises like Using I Messages and Active Listening are brought to life in a dynamic and interactive format. Couples Coach pairs up partners as they explore assessments and share results, learn about different approaches to common relationship issues and review available resources in their communities. It also includes comprehensive relationship information for couples living with PTSD. Although Couples Coach can help improve communication and satisfaction in your relationship, it isn’t a replacement for face-to-face couples counseling. The app features a couples counseling locator for finding a professional counselor along with several other local and national resources. Learn more about how to find a good couples therapist and take your relationship to the next level. This app is the first of its kind, and continued development is in progress. This first trial release presents a unique opportunity for users to try the beta version and share feedback to improve the app. Join our design team! To suggest enhancements and share issues encountered, please email mobilementalhealth@va.gov. Couples Coach was made by the mobile mental health team of the National Center for PTSD, Dissemination & Training Division.