Several counseling methods have attempted to help individuals change their behavior patterns. Techniques that teach control of the internal functions of the mind, body, and emotions are designed to allow the individual to reach his/her potential. Alpha training is one such method that is concerned with a brain wave pattern yielding an alert, non-focused but relaxed state. Because there appear to be differences between brain wave patterns of adults and children, counselors should be careful in their considerations of the client as a unique individual. Alpha training appears to be helpful as a stress management technique, but its relationship to achievement is inconclusive. In a recent study of alpha wave patterns, wrist temperature, and the use of autogenic relaxation training with middle school students no significant differences were found between experimental and control groups who were learning French. However there was a dramatic difference in retention: students who received relaxation training dropped out of the French class at a much lower rate. These findings suggest that a major use for alpha training is in the area of psychological self-exploration. (JAC)