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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was Developed by: Albert Ellis, Aaron T. Beck, Maxie C. Maultsby, Michael Mahoney, Donald Meichenbaum, David Burns, Michael Mahoney, Marsha Linehan, Arthur Freeman,
Overview of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: "Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) facilitates a collaborative relationship between the patient and therapist. Together, patient and counselor develop a trusting relationship and mutually discuss the presenting problems to be prioritized and explored in therapy. In Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, the most pressing issue troubling the patient typically becomes the initial focus of treatment. As a result, the patient tends to feel relieved and encouraged that the primary problem that brought him to therapy is immediately being acknowledged and addressed. In Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, problems are tackled head-on in a very practical manner. The patient is coached on the ABC's of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. The therapist explains the connection between thoughts and beliefs and their impact on behavior. How the patient thinks about problems determines the way in which the individual responds to various issues. It's the manner of thinking about life's issues that steers the patient's way of behaving." ~ Excerpt from Family Resource
"There are a few red flags to watch for when working with a Cognitive-Behavioral therapist, and for that matter, any therapist: One, that the therapist takes the role of the authority on you and your inner world of feelings. You are the expert and a good Cognitive-Behavioral therapist should respect that. Two, watch for leading questions. Three, be wary of the controlling and overly directive Cognitive-Behavioral therapist. Three, and perhaps most important to watch for, is a superficial consideration of your thoughts and feelings. A good Cognitive-Behavioral therapist will explore the depths and source of the thoughts and feelings you carry. A less experienced Cognitive-Behavioral therapist will not explore the belief to its fullest and may tend to believe that opposing the belief with positive thinking or affirmation is enough to counter, compensate, or overcome a belief. A good therapist will take as much time as is needed to truly, deeply, and respectfully understand and appreciate the source of a belief. It is through this understanding, not through countering, that healing happens in any therapy, including good Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy." ~ Excerpt from anonymous email sent to GoodTherapy.org
Resources Related to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre
Wikipedia's Page about Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Books Related to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
For many people of all vocations and backgrounds, times have been considerably tough for the past few years. Major changes in terms of financial life along with a rapidly growing and changing world have created a fair amount of turmoil, and those in both developed and emerging nations have been feeling the pinch. Yet perhaps closest to the ... Read the rest of this entry »
The following article was solely written and edited by the author named above. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org.
According to the American Institute of Stress, up to 90% of all health problems are related to stress. Additionally, research confirms that our thoughts and emotions have a dynamic effect on our health and vitality. When our body feels the affects of acute stress, it ... Read the rest of this entry »Copyright © 2007-2010 GoodTherapy.org. All Rights Reserved.
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Isn't it amazing that by simply creating positive thought processes, eating right and exercizing, we have the control to create less stress in our lives? I think your points are well taken. In the past, I would burn the midnight oil just to get that last project out the door so I could spend time with my family...little did I know at that time that those sleepless nights and stressful projects were building up so many toxings in my system. I'd end up just being negative and cranky...hardly someone my family wanted to spend time with! So I created a company which creates guided meditations so that anyone can create more stress relief in their lives.
This issue focuses on the results of recent controlled clinical studies on the effectiveness of self-help groups, psychosocial approaches, and medications in achieving and maintaining abstinence. ___________ annette This issue focuses on the results of recent controlled clinical studies on the effectiveness of self-help groups, psychosocial approaches, and medications in achieving and maintaining abstinence.
Good overview of treatments. However, it is important to realize that a successful treatment for one person may not work for another even if they have the same substance abuse problems. Treatments need to be customized and individualized to better cater to each person.
I am a new comer to this site and I am enjoying it very much. Suhas
Alcohol abuse does affect millions. This site has a lot of useful information!
I am a new comer too and I would like to say that the article is an eye opener but I would like to say that what works for one person doesn't work for all the rest .
this is good,but i would have to agree carol,man is as diverse as it gets,different things work for different people! having just one universal method would be amazing,but we don't do we? .............................................................................. jane doe
OCD is a common by-product of people who cant let go of a past love life. A friend of mine has lived 5 years in the same neighbourhood as her ex. She has watched him get married, have children and he still has no clue that she moved there to watch him everyday in her miserable life. It chills me because that is stalking at some level. She is in therapy and is moving next month out of her home. We have our fingers crossed.
What an outstanding article. You describe OCD very well and the case material makes this so much more real and alive. You've presented very up to date and current information in a readily understood manner; very nice work. Joann, I wonder if you've considered the possibility that not letting go, or obsessing about a relationship, may be a symptom of OCD rather than a cause? What do you think of this idea? regards Art
Hi, I have been to counseling on and off, all my life, most always leaving feeling better for it. Then when my father was dying and I was caring for him and two teenage sons; Feeling overwhelmed, I sought out counseling, as I always had done before when feeling troubled ''MENTALLY VULNERABLE" ! I went into my counseling session with this new counselor for the first time very ungaurded, as I've always done before. Well the short is, it became, was a psychological entrappment I was, so I thought'' given the impression I was recieving unconventional Therapy- (I never had anything other than standard therapy that's what I went in for)- It was a hellish counseling nightmare, PAINFUL FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS... I left him feeling far worse, very disturbed by his methods...which still linger, now that I've allow some time to pass, I'm still bothered by that experience but can see clearly how I was mistreated my emotional state of mind exploited Your web site with its posted warning signs about bad therapy is a very good thing. No people shouldn't be afraid of getting counseled by a Looney tune counselor just made aware and be some what gaurded, know the 'WARNING SIGNS' I know the majority of counselors are caring competent people; its those few in every profession one must be aware of, to watch out for! As I said I'm still bothered by my experience "UNRESOLVED PAINFUL EXPERIENCE" that had side affects. Looking at your web site I came across OCD' it gave a name to what I developed because of my unresolved unsettling counseling experience.. I'm an artist an author illustrated of a children's book ...I couldn't get back on track after my bad counseling experience I started drawing over and over this counselor I coundn't stop I became obsessed ... for nearly two years... drawing him in unflattering comical counseling satire... Yes' feeling mad upset, I'd draw him in humorous counseling cartoons, laugh hysterically then again as always start feeling depressed and cry... then draw ...laugh....depressed....draw-laugh...depressed-draw-laugh-depressed-draw-laugh-depressed... I showed this counselor one of the comical skits I did of him'' some with him and I, satire of his screwy methods of treatment... So I showed him during a counseling session with him, ( I was hoping for some answers, as to what I was feeling what had gone so very wrong) This counselor then asked after looking at my comically cartoon skit ...he looked up at me, very seriously, leaning towards me and asked how I wanted to "DIE' because he was going to "MURDER ME"... No joke that's what he actual said... That's an actual example of his method of so called "TREATMENT" I was given by him... as I said that's just a small but very true example of how he mentally tormented me...from which I do believe I developed OCD... and continous distrubing nightmares, that have affected, on many a day, my waking state of well being with suicidal thoughts! I live here Jamaica Plain Ma. I need some resolve with this counselor as to why he hated me so much; that he would miss use his position to mentally torment me, with trickery therapy, that had nothing to do with helping me....I was but an amusement to him... and He said just that to me...I've tried several things in an effort to get resolve, closure of sorts... I know I'm not the only one this counselor has effected due to his so call unconventional methods! My upset about this past counseling matter with this counselor keeps emerging within me leaving me once again with ugly negative feelings! Again' My Experience with that counselor has had damaging effects on my Psyche... ANY SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE! OR SHOULD I JUST GO AWAY AND "DIE"? Thank you for this forum, allowing my troubled mind to speak... Sincerely > VMB
Dear VMB, I see that you are in pain and have a lot of concerns, disappointments, and upsets. At this point I do think the best thing for you to do is to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and who can help you. You might try looking here for someone near you. If your insurance is not helpful, consider going to a local mental health clinic or family service agency. If you are upset enough that "Should I just go away and die," is more than just a statement of emphasis, then you should immediately call your local crisis services or 911 or go to your local emergency room. Finally, you might consider talking with a trusted friend who might be able to help you locate a good therapist. I hope this offers some concrete assistance.
To VMB -- Definitely find a therapist you're comfortable with, or if you think you might hurt yourself, call your nearest crisis line. Your experience with the terrible counselor sounds awful. Try your best to understand that it wasn't about you, but all about a very disturbed counselor. I hope you'll stay away from that person and get the help you need. Best wishes, Jolyn To Dr. Becker-Weidman -- Thank you for writing. That's an interesting idea, but may not really fit the OCD profile. The obsession is there in those cases, but maybe not the anxiety that leads to a limited number of compulsive behaviors meant to alleviate the anxiety. Instead, I think it might have more to do with an early attachment issue, perhaps neglect or a need to punish the self for some reason -- at least for some people. Does this make sense? Jolyn
This is a fantastic article! I especially appreciate the portion regarding "Ruminations". That is one aspect of OCD which I have not seen written about before. As someone with this disorder I can certainly vouch for its inclusion, over-thinking often exhausts me and those close to me.
Jolyn, Yes, makes a lot of sense. The absence of anxiety would suggest another underlying cause for the obsession other than OCD and your hypothesis sounds like it is right on target. A disrupted pattern of attachment caused by early neglect or abuse could certainly lead to low self-esteem and to treating oneself as one was treated. I think that this points out one reason why it is so very important to do a thorough assessment to try to determine the underlying cause of a behavior or symptom. The same symptoms may have quite diverse causes and those disperate causes each require a different form of treatment. regards art
Hello again VMB here,,, Thank You, It certainly helped me, purging a small fracture of my inner pain ,,, Yes' the comments about my state of being MY SITUATION as it now is...Are right on, MEANING > I do believe my old Counselor/Therapist was, is Disturbed; Maybe sense then he's sought out some sound help himself...I'd like Now' to think as much.. Although,he did say to me, during my counseling sessions, that I was 'HELPING HIM' YES' I was taken back by his statement, didn't ask at that time, just HOW I was helping him... We all learn things about ourselves our world when we help each other; I don't really blame him not to much anymore, for being a flawed human as I am, as we all-R...However I do feel now, that our roles > Patient Therapist Roles were at times during my counseling sessions REVERSED.. I mention that now, knowing now that his statement was a warning sign,- (THAT HE my former counselor HE TOO WAS OVERWHELMED) I was unable at that time in my troubled state of mind to discern exactly what was going on... I wanted someone to give me good guidance 'TAKE THE REINS' not mislead me... I put a lot of my personal STUFF out there, on my very first session with him... I assumed, at the time, that a caring Intelligent Counselor/Therapist would make a honest decision whether or not, they were able to deal with my many issues, and If unable to for what ever reason, they were smart enough to then refer me to someone who was...That seemed to make good common sense, I did put a lot out there and I was feeling 'Well Mentally desperate, A FLOODING of NEGATIVE THOUGHTS was overtaking my coping skills, I was 'MENTALLY DEPLETED' Of course now, Now that time has past (hind-sight) I now know, I was looking to latch on to anything, ANYTHING' GOOD or BAD - (UNFORTUNATELY FOR ME, IT WAS THE UNHEALTHY COUNSELING SITUATION THAT I LATCHED ON TOO)- Anything to avoid feeling all that I was Feeling; I was taking care of my dying Father (as I previously mention in my original statement), a good man, whom I loved, love still dearly, he died while I was in the throws of my screwy counseling sessions with my former Therapis/Counselort! I do blame myself, can't help but too.. I was emotionally a 'MESS' didn't see this at the time, but I couldn't bare feeling all I was feeling, I needed a counselor at that time to keep me there where I was, and just help ME sort my MENTAL MESS OUT ...Something close to that would have been far better for my well being; Instead- (I'LL NOW MENTION SOME OF THE TWISTED THINGS THAT HAPPENED ONLY BECAUSE I BELIEVE THIS MAY HELP SOME PEOPLE, COUNSELORS/THERAPIST, POSSIBLY)- WHICH I VMB THE PATIENT, DO FEEL PARTLY AT FAULT FOR , yes I'm aware a counselor/Therapist is in a position to redirect , ask the patient why their feeling upset bothered by their statements and talk out, uncomfortable remarks, statements, suggestions etc...VICE VERSA ... I tried to do just that after already having several sessions with this new counselor...I asked Him, OBVIOUSLY feeling additionally confused -(by his method of treatment)- in my already vulnerable state of mind...I ASKED HIM, JUST WHERE MY SESSIONS WERE HEADED WITH HIM'' and HOW WAS I BEING HELPED! He the counselor/Therapist would reply > YOUR ATTACKING ME V ... so I would ask same question many different ways...He made me feel so bad for asking...that I actual believed that I was attacking him by verbally asking what THE HELL was going on...Of course as I said - I WAS WILLING TO LATCH on to 'ANYTHING' ANYTHING other than my own painful reality, even if it were, and it was unhealthy... No my question was a sane question, Nevertheless I became convinced I was attacking him.... I was wrong''... YES THE DOCTOR WHOM REPLIED, SAYING EARLY CHILDHOOD, A NEED TO PUNISH SELF < ATTACHMENT ISSUES NEGLECT... YES HE IS RIGHT.... My first session with that former counselor, I gave some background history so he'd better understand the how and why of my now adult situation ...I mentioned being sexually abused by an adult man, a neighbor whom befriended me at 6...I had much guilt and shame associated with that'' I wanted to kill myself when I was a child,,,and no child should have to wake daily wanting to do such a thing'''but I did... I kept that a secret until I was in my thirties... My Grandmother suffered with mental illness all her life... Every Sunday we'd visit Grandma....IN THE MENTAL INSTITUTION in Westburro Ma.... at the time, I thought everyones Grandma was living there, yeah I did for awhile. For the most part, the visits were pleasant, my sister and I had fun, lots of food, picnics on the well kept beautiful Hospital grounds...Yes' My sister and I noticed that Grandma and her friends up there had many creative ways of expressing themselves... Anyhow my Grandma had attempted suicided three times, by jumping out windows... On the forth try from a forth floor window in her mothers apartment, in front of me, I was about 7... Grandma smashed all the windows in the palor and dove out, hitting a concrete driveway below.. She survived, living another thirty yrs...in and out of the hospitals... My mother also attempted suicide in front of me when I was 8yrs...Shes still alive and doing very well now...still in Therapy...My sister, best friend.. Fragile, but very daring..She took some dope a week before her 17 birthday which was the following week July 4th,.. She took some dope went swimming in Walden Pond...She physically never left...she drowned......I wrote an Illustrated a children's book that's out now a happy whimsically Ryhming story about my sister and my uncle a sailoir whom died in the wae after being there for three long years... ITS A HAPPY FUN STORY, SO YOU SEE IT CAN'T POSSIBLY BE REAL ...BECAUSE REAL HURTS TO DAM MUCH... I'm ok... Anyway it was his call at that point to decided whether or not to take me on... I just wanted 'HELP' someone to help me.. I was extermly depressed...I also needed advice about how to approach discuss certain family issues, and (religious-spiritual) matters, in a kind and caring way with my dying father, while he was still mentally alert. I did so with out any help from that counselor... in my own way...But' much was lost because I was Lost'' LOST in my Looney counseling sessions WITH THAT FORMER COUNSELOR... AFTER SEVERAL SESSIONS and After him accusing me of verbally attacking him...I kind-of, No' I did, give-up in a way...I was (in hind sight) in a numb state of being...became absent in many ways... My Counseling sessions were, became something else...I wasn't mentally well''' but Nether was my counselor...Blind leading the BLIND..so'' I just went with it... because my other option was suicide... My counselor started asking repeatedly to go to my room... WHICH NEVER DID HAPPEN, WE HAD NO SEXUAL ENCOUNTERS NONE.. He was calling me names belittling me...and I allowed it...I KNOW THIS SOUNDS CRAZY BUT ITS TRUE He said I needed a Master... He said V you don't want to be lonely do you... I want to care for you... and no I didn't want to be lonely and yes i wanted to be cared for WERE MY INNER THOUGHTS, HOWEVER A SMALL INNER VOICE SAID SOMETHING IS A-MISS HERE... and it was.. I told him I had to learn to be happy on my own, before I was willing to commit again to anyone, This he knew, I told him I hadn't been in a relationship, intimate or otherwise for nearly 10 yrs.. ... anyhow a lot of sexual innuendos were tossed about as part of my treatment, WHICH HE INITIATED, FIRST . eventually on both are parts, along witht Bizarre behavior, both verbally as well as his mannerisms... His head would twist about , he had a zombie stare ...looking through me kind of a stare...Some sessions He would sit and stare at me and I would do the same, nothing just staring... I was completely lost amd I believe he was sleeping Yes sleeping with his eyes open, and those EYE-STARING ZOMBIE sessions were proably the most sane of all my sessions with him......here's an example of how some other sessions went ACTUAL TRUE LIFE EXAMPLE HERE > My counselor talking like a child again rolling his head about saying> I'm special, don't you think I'm special V... he'd repeat that several times... during these time I felt like a deer caught in the Head-lights of his inner struggles.. I'd just sit there when he was performing, or should I say digressing back into his childhood, or being overtaken by evil demons...I didn't know what to think... My response was > we all have special Qualities ... Well that's not what he wanted to hear,,! He wanted me to say He was special... So I did.. I said Yes your SPECIAL... He asked if I liked him better than other counselors I had prior (IN A VERY CHILD LIKE WAY) and I said Yes I liked him better...... well my sessions were something else... I thought, so this is what unconventional therapy is all about...Really...Didn't really know, never had any ...nothing to compare my counseling sessions with...besides of course those picnics I mentioned with Grandma and her roomates on the grassy hills of the Mental Institution... MIXED UP'''SCREWY'' NOT WHAT I NEEDED...anyhow I too am to blame after a year of this sort of counseling... I told him I loved him.. I thought I did... at the time... I started leaving crazy messages -OUTLANDISH MESSAGES on his answering services....WHICH WERE OBVIOUS CRIES FOR HELP and that something between US, me and that Counselor were A-MISS''' .. Even after I left those "SCREWY' messages, ,you'd think, he would assess our situation and then refer me to someone else...NO'' ..Anyhow He too, left strange messages such as POEMS ABOUT US BEING BURIED TOGETHER FOR A HUNDRED YEARS OR MORE...over & over... that same poem... a form of intimidation, I NOW SUSPECT... Something like that.. Well' He too made strange phone calls to me.. He also, Pretended to be his Identical brother ... I'm Confused still, as to whether or not an identical brother of his really exist or not..maybe, Still not sure... > Head-Game therapy was played on me... I know a lot of this sounds "INSANE" COMICAL even...Yeah'' it does NOW'... But believe me, I became, because of this counseling experience very suicidal, ABSENT...ANGRY '''UPSET'''... He eventually realized, that I wasn't giving into him, I can now of course, only guess.. No sex with him, so he threatened to MURDER ME after I showed him an unflattering cartoon skit I drew, basing that on his so called counseling Methods... Well, I stopped seeing him for weeks... thought to put myself in the hospital, Didn't though... Weeks later I went unannounced to his counseling job, to confront him with my mad... I was yelling at him, I was mad about for how I felt and his so called methods of Treatment.... He then said, he was going to call the police to have me locked up'''ME LOCKED UP'' I reached for his cell phone, on the desk beside me, and smashed it on the floor,,,then left... MY PAINFUL TRUTH... I NOW THINK YES' IT WAS PAINFUL FOR US BOTH... but I really wasn't caring,, I couldn't care not back then, not at that time, how He, my former counselor felt ...I was mad and to upset... LINGERING RESIDUE still ... Regaedless of all that had happened....HE STILL WANTED ME, TO SEE HIM AGAIN FOR FURTHER FOLLOW UP COUNSELING... and Me still in pain, now compounded with the ADDITIONAL pain caused by his SCREWY TREATMENT METHODS thought I should go back, to get some resolve ,,, But' I didn't ... all was left hanging. The man plays a very Dangerous Counseling Head Game.. and I told him so.. Playing with ones EMOTIONAL STATE OF BEING WHILE ON THE EDGE... IS NOT GOOD FOR ALL CONCERN, BUT THEN I BELIEVE HE TOO WASN'T MENTALLY WELL...MAYBE WE WE'RE BOTH HAVING A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN TOGETHER... THAT MIGHT JUST BE IT.. HE'S A HUMAN BEING WHOM HAPPENS TO BE A COUNSELOR/THERAPIST...BREAKDOWN... us both...maybe? its been 2 years since I had my last session with him.. I was throw off track... The bad mad has now left with time but a painful residual of that time forever lost, lingers still.. I don't understand all that went on between me and that Counselor/Therapist Psychologically speaking I just know we - ME-VMB and that THERAPIST- were both not in a mentally stable place and WE COLLIDED! I honestly feel still for my former counselor - what words fit those feelings exactly , not so sure, He called me A LIABILITY I SUPPOSE because I wouldn't submit, to what I'll NOW call his > Hidden Agenda Treatment... ok'' But he too, was then a "LIABILITY" a LIABILITY to other patients as well as to ALL THOSE WHOM take their Counseling profession seriously, wanting to sincerely give good advice, and guidance and never intentionaly creating more heartache for hurting patients, as well as themselves... I feel for him, my former counselor, really I do''..in many ways I don't understand my feelings, why I should feel anything for him, yet' I do... feelings I had as a child, when I was sexual molested at 6yrs old by a man, repeatedly, I felt then that I had feelings for him as well... I know of course those feelings as a child being molested were unnatural unhealthy feelings.. A way for me, back then, and now to help me cope even if not real... maybe... All a mix-up of feelings, shame guilt unworthy-ness followed by suicidal thoughts.. The man whom molested me as a child also threatened to murder me...The molester, threaten to cut me up into little pieces if I didn't behave..I told this to my former counselor .......He used what I told him to hurt me He too THREATENED TO MURDER ME...and That really "HURT ME" SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I had my Nervious Breakdown and smashed his phone... Of course Only now in HIND-SIGHT did I start to understand why I had a nervous breakdown with this former counselor. He called me an arch-fool, Yes maybe I appeared to be...but I was a depressed troubled arch-fool that needed help ... I know this too will sound odd..STRANGE (don't understand it myself) but I believe I did have LOVE FOR HIM real or not... Even now, I feel something mixed emotions, can't explain why, only know I do... My Take... He misleads emotionally wounded female patients, in an effort to fill his own inner void... But its deeper than that with this man, that counselor, after all,, layers of ones-self, if given time, tend to SHED behind closed doors during counseling sessions.. He revealed, EXPOSED his Hidden-self... After spending 18 months with him, ( again 2 yrs ago) I feel i have at least the right to say what truthfully happened... Anyhow He felt very comfortable with me-VMB, as I said there was "ROLE REVERSAL" as well as "TRANSFERENCE" of my feelings as well as his... Again' all that was, is now, is so much clearer Yup > HIND-SIGHT... WELL' he my former counselor and I are, but flawed human-beings WE sideswiped one another.... Well' I do pray for him now as well... pray through my own mad and upset, that still emerges...Less mad now though, bothered hurt.. YEAH STILL.. OCD I believe I did develope a form of it perhaps As the Doctor stated in his response to my first letter, Anxiety' Yes' I agree, that's just what I was feeling when I continously drew those cartoon pictures of my former counselor.. I was trying to rid myself of those awful feelings; A nagative ctcle of drawing him over and over... Maddening ...very... I feel better now, knowing what I was doing... Hopefully he too, my former counselor has already gotten Help or Intends too.... WE ALL LOSE ARE WAY... .. I know this is a bit long, theres so much more,, But I think people get the jest of it... I do hope my real said here, also helps someone else.. anyhow THANK YOU FOR THIS FORUM ...SINCERELY VMB.... PS WERE ALL FLAWED... WE ALL SCREW UP ... ITS OK TO ADMIT IT, GET THERAPY/COUNSELING ...I'M NOT NUTS I'M AN ARTIST... HEY THIS MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE TIME BUT THEN AGAIN I DID SAY I'M AN ARTIST...THERE'S A GREAT CHILDREN'S BOOK PijEe's pie N the sky written and illustrated by this artist >.. Verna m. Boucher google the name you'll get that Book...Great children's book with beautiful illustrations..also a lot of Boston landmarks in it... I'm real, my depression is real, my experience was REAL,, I'm tied of feeling ashamed tied of hurting ... My former counselor is not a terrible person, a troubled Man, back then as I too was, But' not a terrible Man.... Thank you...V M B.. Thanks Much for all your comments.. help each other...yup...
My mother was diagnosed with OCD when I was young and her behavior would just literally freak all of us out. Fortunately she sought help and through meds and therapy has been able to control it an d have a normal life.
Dear Amy, It is so nice to hear a positive story. Once she got help, did that make things easier for you and the others in your family too?
I'm ok people, all is fleeting, I too prefer a happier state of being ... I'm grateful... but when the depths of feeling bad return ... Saving Grace is in knowing happy will return...A happier state of being within... Levels of... no pressure... an ok state of being is quite adequate for surviving ones daily requirements in our consciousness robot human state... Subconsciousness THE HOLDING CELL merges waking the robot consciousness state out of its numbing patterns with puzzling pieces of ones truth...shattering perceptual structure on the assembly of how it is ...and How it should be... FLOP'' PLOP falling off conveyer belt... YIKES'' I'M BROKEN, I don't fit the mold....Subconscious-Showing...OPS'' Depressed... WHAT DOES ME WITHIN ME "MEAN TO MEAN" THIS GOES HERE'' NO THERE, UPSIDE TO THE LEFT OF RIGHT AT AN ANGLE''' OK... A STATE OF BEING ME ....A Truth of being self, or Not...UP DOWN UP DOWN...Lifes carnival ride, in the OK-ZONE of ME.... vmb
It definitely did but then all of us had to almost relearn a new way to live too. There were things that we knew we would do that would enable her situation so we had to learn to let go of some things as well. It can be tough to be in those supporting roles too. But we have all lived through it and are here to tell the story so that is a good thing. There was a time when it felt as if the whole family was going literally quite crazy, OCD is often looked upon as a kooky kind of thing but unless you have lived with it or through it you do not realize just how destructive and devastating it can actually be. My mom could not leave the house without doing certain things a certain amount of times so it really made for some tough times. But we made it and I am so glad to see that there are people out there paying attention to this and trying to help others who are facing this. Thanks so much for the great articles.
I hear you Amy...Your Moms painful struggle, is reflected in your tone still... Family counseling helps... vmb
Kayla, You are right. I've not really seen a lot written about ruminations...obsessive thinking, yes, but not the ruminations part. Amy, nice to hear about your experiences. That is a valuable addition to this blog and site. regards Art
Hi Amy I'm sorry for being short last time, Your obviously bothered by your experience, Its no doubt affecting other aspects of your life. I too had problems with my Mom....You sound like your a young women, 23 or so... When I started thinking about "stuff" that bothered me, affected me in regards to my Mom, -When I started thinking about it 'differently' I started feeling differently, no it doesn't happen over night, but in time...I started to understand that my Mom really didn't know how to go about doing things any other way, first of all she didn't have any example, she just didn't have the mental tools, therefore she was unable' limited ... But she was is very creative she did things DIFFERENTLY ...not all bad Either...She wasn't intentionally trying to hurt me, upset me... Of course as a kid I thought she was...She loved me... Like your Mom loves you... When you were a baby Amy and your Mom held you close , she wanted all the best for you because she knew you were special Amy... Your Mom didn't plan on having OCD and driving those she loved cuckoo.... Stuff along the way happened, and sometimes its tuff shaking it lose... Amy try talking with maybe a counselor someone outside the family about how you can think about your pain differently... write stuff, down share it, do an abstract painting of what you'd like your pain to turn into..... Mull stuff over... Talk it out.. in time it shrinks...Try thinking about your MOM and what happen in different ways... I was mad, upset about my counseling experience.. to much stuff happening all at once I had a breakdown... a form of ocd...I spoke to a priest,went to confession...The priest thought I was losing my mind (I think, I already, kinda lost it) anyhow he shook me up VERBALLY told me what I needed to hear..I felt bad, A good bad... but it helped me... I'm not advising you do the same; hey' that's what worked for me... well it helped "ITS A PROCESS" ...No magic, it takes time, in time it will take ... Again Amy ,try thinking about what's bothering you differently...don't allow your pain to become an excuse,, a scape-goat for not being all you deserve to be... I should know, I've allowed just that many a time in my life, to keep me from my life...I don't think you want that Amy, NO> Yuky''... Thoughts = actions ...so' Good Thoughts to you Amy... vmb < the artist...
As an outsider looking in I have never thought about the multiple ways that OCD can bring such pain to people. To all of us who are uneducated about the disease we always think of it as someone who has to wash their hands maybe more than normal or maybe check to see if they turned off the oven. I really had no idea how crippling this disease can be in many families. I am glad to have read this article and the subsequent comments by the many readers of this blog. I have to say that this has indeed enlightened me and helped me gain a better understanding of OCD and mental illness in general. I thank all of you who were brave enough to share your words and experiences here with others who are looking for ways to learn and grow.
Dear Lucinda, Yes, isn't this a terrific article. I do hope that you will continue to share your thoughts and ideas on this blog. Your comments are valuable. regards Art
Dear Daniel, I appreciate the current update. One of the problems with the study is that they were doing research on children and adolescents who had experienced a discrete trauma, yet, about 78% of pediatric trauma victims in the US have experienced multiple trauma and only about 20% have experienced a discrete episode (See Cook, A., Blaustein, M., Spinazolla, J. & van der Kolk, B. (2003) ComplexTrauma in Children and Adolescents.White Paper from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network Complex Trauma Task Force.National Center for ChildTraumatic Stress, Los Angeles, CA. and Cook, A., Spinazzola, J., Ford, J., Lanktree, C., Blaustein, M., Cloitre, M. et al. (2005) Complex trauma in children and adolescents. Psychiatric Annals, 35, 390–398.) Complex Trauma requires a multimodal approach to address the various domains of impairment. Certainly CBT can be one element and helpful, but it does not address the underlying trauma that must be revisited (See Briere, J. & Scott, C. (2006) Principles of Trauma Therapy. Sage, New York. for example). The various domains of impairment include attachment, biology, emotional regulation, dissociation, behavioral regulation, cognition, and self-concept. Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy is an evidence-based effective treatment for children with disorders of attachment and complex trauma (see: Becker-Weidman, A. (2005) Dyadic developmental psychotherapy: the theory. In: Creating Capacity for Attachment (eds A. Becker-Weidman & D. Shell), pp. 7–43. Wood N Barnes, Oklahoma City, OK. Becker-Weidman, A. (2006a) Treatment for children with trauma-attachment disorders: Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. Child Adolescent SocialWork Journal, 23-#2, 147–171. Becker-Weidman, A. (2006b) Dyadic developmental psychotherapy: a multi-year follow-up. In: New Developments in Child Abuse Research (ed. S. Sturt), pp. 43–60. Nova Science Publishers, NewYork. Becker-Weidman, A. & Shell, D. (eds) (2005) Creating Capacity for Attachment. Wood N Barnes, Oklahoma City, OK. Becker-Weidman, A., & Hughes, D., Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy: an evidence-based treatment for children with complex trauma and disorders of attachment. Child and Family Social Work 2008, 13, pp 329–337). Much research is based on very limited and proscribed conditions and often does not match what clinicians actually see in clinics and offices.
Why do therapists rely so heavily on play therapy in adolescents? Is this a way they feel children can communicate to them what they have experienced without having to address the real situation aloud?
Karen, I would say play therapy is more often used with children under 12 years or so, not so much with adolescents. Play therapy is used with kids because their ability to think and speak in abstractions is limited, but unconscious content can come forth during play, which also builds rapport and creates an environment safe for self-exploration and thus for building self-esteem. Thank you for reading, and commenting!
So you would maintain that talk therapy is best for those starting around the adolescent and teenage years? How do you ever get members of this age group to trust you and to relay what is going on? That must be so tough!
I am interested in hearing from you too about this because I can barely get my teenage kids to communicate with me and I am their mother. It still amazes me that they would talk to complete strangers about their problems. maybe in some ways it is easier for them to open up to others because there is no fear of what they will think or fear of hurting their parents but I don't know.
You are right about that. I remember being a teen and always finding it easier to talk with just about anyone besides my parents. Maybe I thought they would judge me harshly- I don't know. But I think it is great when they can find someone to talk to who can help them through whatever issues they may be facing. As for younger kids I think this would be even more difficult because I know there are times when they have no way to articulate what is going on inside of them and do not even know the right words to use to make someone else understand. That is why I am always so glad that there are teachers and therapists who really care about this age group and who can hopefully give them the coping mechanisms that they need to survive.
talking the talk with teenagers, is easier said than done. My kid has this wall on his face when he knows I am about to talk to him anything on a heavier note. It's almost like he's closed the door on me. I see a closed door most of the time, I get mumbles for answers. I have an aching feeling he is nursing some kind of trauma.
Interesting article. Were did you got all the information from? Did you type it yourself or you copy it from elsewhere?
Teenage suicide is at alarming rate now. I really hope this medicine could help to reduce this rate. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks very promising. I hope CBT could be tested on adult individuals too.
That is very good news. Being the mother of a teenager who used to suffer from anxiety, I know how important effective treatments for anxiety in children are.
Children these days ...... so many problems. It's good to know that there are many brilliant people working to help the children who have anxiety issues. @ Reena - I couldn't agree more.
I too have a teen age son and hope that he never has problems with anxiety. I am very much in favor of medicine to help correct this and as a parent would use this treatment myself
I believe that children, especially at a younger age, are innocent. They need all the help they can get and they need the understanding from an adult, if not from a therapist. Some doctors, I know, are hesitant in prescribing meds to young children, in whatever cases. If the medicine helps the child,then I think it would benefit them.
Where is all of this anxiety in children coming from? I believe it is because we no longer allow kids to be kids. There are so many pressures applied to them at such an early age- be involved in extracurriculars, make straight A's in school, be the perfect child that I need you to be in order to reflect a positive image on me. Rarely are children given time to be free and just play and have a good time like they were given in the past. I see too many parents, teachers, etc who are contributing in such a negative way to the amount of pressure that children of all ages feel and then manifest openly. While I am glad that there are treatments out there which are working to help resolve many of these issues, these things are only a band aid which is masking the true problem. As a society as a whole we now expect too much from our kids and I personally think that the time has come to give them a break.
Has there been any research done that shows any long term side effects all of this medicating of children can bring about? Didn't I hear several years back that Ritalin could stunt the growth of kids? Are some of the meds being used now showing the same effects?
I think Maggie makes a good point. We do not let children do what they want and have fun. We force them to study, get good grades and so on. Let kids be kids!
I agree with Maggie that there is too much pressure on the kids nowadays but unfortunately in these competitive times it just can't be avoided. The next best thing to do is to seek medical aid so that the children do not have to suffer through the same anxiety syndrome that the adults go through. Jeni, I have a teenage son my self and examination days can be really nerve racking. If CBT helps,it is definitely a step in the right direction.
I have to agree with Maggie as well but feel like this can be avoided. We are all so busy keeping up with the Joneses and their kids that we tend to forget about our own kids and their own unique needs. We profess to want everyone to be an individual yet when it comes right down to it we all try to make sure our kids and we are doing all that everyone else is doing. No wonder the kids are stressed- it makes me stressed just thinking about it! I am in no way innocent- I have found myself at times comparing my own achievements and those of my children to others. But at the end of the day I have to tell myself that this is not what matters. What I want more than anything is a safe and happy family, no matter whether or not anyone else thinks we measure up. I am the judge of that not society and I refuse to put this kind of pressure on myself or the kids anymore. We have to break this cycle because it can be avoided, we just have to work to make that happen!
I agree we should let kids be kids, but also encourage them to do good in school and work hard. We shouldn't expect our kids to do better than someone else.
OMG let kids be kids and we will not have to worry about all of this!
My main concern here is giving children so much medication and having no real idea what this is going to do to them later in life. There must be better solutions for a problem that is so preventable and avoidable. What kind of long term health effects are things like this going to have on our kids? I know one thing- I would have to think long and hard before agreeing to put my child on medication like this.
Unfortunately most of us live our dreams through our kids. As parents we are always guilty of pushing our kids to achieve where we failed or ask them to reach greater heights then we ever did. If we just guide them and accept them as they are with all their success and failures, I think we will have happy kids who will not require any form of therapy.
I dont think we should live our dreams through our children. They have dreams of their own. Helping them along the way is the reason we are here. Birds dont teach their children to fly their way or make nests where they did. Happy children are not children without responsibilities but children who know that responsibilities can be fun when there is a fun way of doing something good and tangible. A winner is someone who learns to have fun along the way and has time to stop and smell the roses!!
Treatment for children with anxiety? Treat the parents- therein probably lies the biggest source of the problem.
Anxious children??? What is this world coming to?? Have we forgotten what it means to be a child?!!
It is readily apparent that a number of the posters to this blog do not have any experience of living with a child with anxiety or understand anxiety. Many children suffer from anxiety not because of being "structured" or not being able to "play" but rather because of a chemical imbalance. Blaming the parents or suggeting play therapy entirely misses the point. These children suffer from anxiety regardless of the situation. Going to school, new situations, playing, are all anxiety producing. This study is a welcome development.
My baby is 7 months old and suffers from a weird acidity condition. The paediatrician said he seems anxious. Could this be a chemical imbalance from birth? This did not develop suddenly and the baby always seems uncomfortable.
I am dismayed that there are so many kids having to be treated for anxiety. What on earth are we doing to our children today to cause them so much worry? We have got to get better at being a little more low key and slowing down to smell the roses. We have provided our young children with so much worry that they are unable to handle that it is sad that they are losing their childhoods over this. I never had to deal with this when I was growing up and do not think that any of my friends did either. But there are lots of kids the age of my own children that I know have to take medications for this.
Excellent points.
Kicking the smoking habit can be very tough and without social support its hard to get out of an old habit. I have a question though, is depression the after effect of smoking or do people start smoking because they are depressed about something ?
And I have a question as well- does therapy like this seem to help those who smoke but have not had cardiac issues? I have a friend who has tried everything known to man to stop smoking- classes, meds, hypnosis but nothing seems to work for her. I was wondering if smokers have had any success by simply trying talk therapy?
just reading this makes me want to have a smoke.
I think a lot of people start smoking as a way to relieve stress. Smoking is a way to get temporary relief from some type of problem. It would be great if CBT could help.
I can remember when my mother had her first of many heart attacks she was so depressed afterwards that she would say the only thing that could make her feel better was a cigarette. As a non smloker my entire life I did not understand this at all. How could she allow the very thing that was causing so many of her symptoms be the one thing that she wanted more than anything in the world? It took me a while to realize that for her she associated a smoke with relaxing, her down time, her way to feel better after a long hard day. How could I begrudge her that? That is how I feel about my nightly glass of red wine after all. But she was never able to fully kick the habit and I feel that this horrible habit is what led to her ultimate demise. I think she felt so out of sorts with her body after the rigors of the heart attacks and subsequent surgeries that cigarettes were the only thing that made her feel her old sense of normalcy. I wish that earlier in her life she would have undergone treatments that would have allowed her to stop smoking but she did not and that is one of the contributing factors of her early death. Yes she made the choice to smoke but on some level she had no choice about it anymore and it consumed her until the end.
When smoking doesnt become a choice anymore, I think that scares the person initially and they stay off cigarettes. Once the mundanity of recouping sets in, depression knocks on the door and all caution is thrown to the wind. A lot of people tend to suffer severe set backs because of this.
Has anyone looked at whether or not the toxins that have to be flowing thru your body when one suffers from heart disease could in some way be a physiological reason for why depression rates are so much higher in cardiac patients? I know that there are logically other contributing factors, such as decreased ability to remian mobile and active, and perhaps even the isolation that one feels when medically ill, but this might add another whole dimension to research for physicianns. It seems that there are times when things are interrelated and we never even think about those. This might be a great place to start.
I can empathize with you on this Paula, I lived for a few years with my uncle who was a chain smoker and ultimately died due to lung cancer but didn't stop smoking despite the doctors warning him that it would kill him someday. He was a writer and always said that he couldn't think without a cigarette in his hand and I always thought that he said it to cover up his addiction to smoking. But maybe he did use it a dependency tool where he felt that it helped him write better and therefore could never kick the fatal habit.
For my sister her way of coping with everything is to have a cigarette or 20 and that just scares me to death. Her doctors have warned her about her health dangers, we have all tried talking to her but nothing works. She is so dependent on them that she cannot even find the will to try to give them up. What a sad habit and eventual outcomes cigarettes can lead to, not only for the smoker but for those who are exposed to 2nd hand smoke as well. The more we try to get her to quit the more defensive and defiant she becomes. I am simply tired of trying.
Why is it that so many people insist on staying on such a path toward self destruction even when they know it is not the healthy thing to do?
There are people, no matter their state of health, who find it absolutey unnecessary to stop smoking. They find it to be something that makes them feel good and helps them relax, not as somehting that is detrimental to their health. And it is so often patients like this who have a long family history of nicotine use and abuse so it is hard to imagine that the chain will stop right there with them. There is nothing that anyone else can say or do to make someone quit and kick the smoking habit unless the smoker himself is absolutely ready to do so. As a former smoker I know that very well from experience.
Smokers are not willing to change their behavior until they are ready to do so and there is nothing that any of us can simply just say which will make them change their minds. This is one of the toughest addictions to treat that I have ever seen. Sometimes the resulting health detriments that it can cause will be enough to make them change their behavior, sometimes not. It is up to them to decide.
Smoking is tough to knock off!! It not only takes the addict with it but also the family. My dad was a chain smoker and all of us kids are asthmatics. My health condition has made me hate going out to pubs or any place that has smoking areas.
Maybe for smokers they have to hit the proverbial rock bottom just like other drug addicts do to make them want to stop. You woud think that a cardiac incident would be the perfect rock bottom for someone but I just don't know that that is enough to make some change their lives.
My grandfather went into a severe funk after heart surgery last year. Everything went perfectly fine but it is as if he completely lost the will to go on and none of us can understand that. Was it his near death experience that left him feeling like life is so fleeting that you really have no control over it anyway? I am not sure. He was able to give up the cigarettes thank goodness but now there are even more pressing concerns. He has been on anti depressants I think since he came home and this was almost a year ago. Looks like there should be some improvement but I think there is a part of him that is willing himself to NOT get better. It is really bringing down the whole family as we are all beyond knowing what to do for him. He never wants to leave the house, get out and enjoy the fresh air. He is in a constant state of just being down.
How prevalent are these cases of post cardiac depression?
i am so glad to see therapy and studies on Post Parum Depression. So many women go thru this and need help. Fortunately I was not one of them, although I did get emotional, cried and wanted everyone to go home once I arrived home.
It would be nice if some of the doctors where I live would take this more seriously. That's what you get when you live in a small town and doctors prescribe anti depressants and send you home. I know all doctors are not like this, but I have ran across several where I live. I applaude the University of Toronto and University of Huddersfield for their concerns.
I think PPD is a universal phenomenon irrespective of race, region, personality or social status. A lot of irrational behaviour and extremes of emotions stems from this. Taking it out and letting it out is very important in this period as the physiological changes and stress is tremendous. Its a good thing that there is so much stress for cognitive therapy vis a vis drug therapy.
I am glad there are doctors and therapists out there that are concerned about PPD. We need more like them. PPD is something that really needs to be taken seriously.
Motherhood and pregnancy should be a wonderful time in a woman's life... It's sad to say there are women who go thru the postpartum depression and need the help. It would be a shame to miss out on the joys of a newborn, but yet, PPD is still there for some.
I wonder if there are any indicators that would help doctors to determine who will be most at risk for developing PPD after childbirth? That certainly would be helpful to know.
there are plenty of indicators but i just think that some doctors can still tend to overlook or minimize them. those who have not experienced childbirth cannot imagine the ups and downs of motherhood and when combined with all of the internal hormonal fluctuations it is no wonder that so many women develop post partum depression. it''s time for everyone to open their eyes to this serious and risky subject and find a way to help these moms through what can be an emotionally devastating time.
Maggie I agree with you 100%. Many think that motherhood is only something glorious and beautiful, and while it is those things it is also hard work. I am very fortunate to have a husband who was around to help me with everything when our daughter was born but there are those moms who do not have that kind of support system and who struggle against the weight of parenthood. It is all consuming and many just do not have a clue as to how to handle this. It can be a very stressful and isolating time for any new parents, particularly women, and I think like Maggie said we all have to do a better job at keeping in touch with what is really going in so many of these new families lives and being much more honest about the reality of PPD. It is not something that will just go away.
Maybe all women should just plan to go ahead and see a therapist after the birth of a child just to make sure that everything is OK.
My friend had PPD and I thought she was going crazy.. I didn't realize how bad this could be until I have read up on the subject here and on the internet. There needs to be more information and help for people who go thru this.
Is there really any truth to this? I mean maybe these are depressed people who just happen to have lost their appetites and are now seeking therapy to treat the depression. maybe this is where the correlation actually lies. If not then sign me up for some therapy because I really need to lose some weight too!
Me too!:-) What an added bonus to your therapy sessions.
What this means for me is that people are finally taking the time to make themselves a priority and heal rather than continuing to mask their problems with food and other addictions. It makes a whole lot of sense to me that people going through the therapeutic process wil realize the things they are doing to contribute to their overall poor health and they are finding ways in therapy to overcome this. It is part of the whole healing process.
The whole cognitive therapy experience was such a positive one for me for many different reasons but above all else it helped me to learn who I really was and the things that I needed to do to take care of myself both emotionally and physically. I think that this is what ot does for so many people. It is a time for reflection and understanding, and most of all getting in touch with who you are and the things that you need in order to succeed and survive. I would recommend cognitive therapy for anyone undergoing any stresses and down times in life but it truly did help me to change mine for the better.
If this is so beneficial for helping people to lose weight then why are there so many fad diets yet so few who need to lose weight turning to this sort of treatment? Is it becasue this is not the quick fix that so many of us who need to lose weight quickly desire or is it becasue of the demons that we are afraid of confronting when meeting with a therapist and trying to hash out all of these issues? hey I am thinking it could be both of these things. . . for me anyway. Therapy is scary. I know that there are things in my life that I need to address but man I know that will be a lot of hard work. I admit that I am always looking for the easy way out, hence a large part of my own problems with food are solved right there with that statement. I am writing a bit in jest though. I have been thinking for a long time now about trying some sort of therapy or hypnosis to help me deal with many of my own issues which revolve around my weight and seeing the benefits here in print spur me on toward completion. I will update all to let you know what happens in this adventure.
I think i agree with carla, I'd rather choose to be hypnotized.
Thanks for the great article.
Me too! What an added bonus to your therapy sessions :)
I am also!!!! Thanks for the great post!
really nice bonus for the therapy sessions
I wish that I had the chance to hear more about this sooner. I have been dealing with chronic back pain as a result of a fall for several years and I have tried everything from cortisone shots to accupuncture. While the accupuncture has been slightly more successful than some other treatments for pain management that I have tried such as the shots and massage therapy, I am hopefully optimistic that I can get further relief through psychological therapy. I hope that this can work for me because I can't tell you how much of a negative impact this injury has had on my life and my family.
I know that in the past at one time in my life when I was going through my divorce and hurt my knee during the same time frame. I am convinced that it would have never given me as much trouble had I been in a better and more positive state of mind at that time. Now that I am at a better place and stage in my life my knee rarely gives me problems. I think that this is truly a case of mind over matter but the power of positive thinking really does come through for us in the end sometimes.
Yoga (Application) which was based on the control of the body physically and implied that a perfect control over the body and the senses led to knowledge of the ultimate reality. A detailed anatomical knowledge of the human body was necessary to the advancement of yoga and therefore those practising yoga had to keep in touch with medical knowledge. (Romila Thapar, A History of India, volume one). I suggest : Mind and brain are two distinct things. Brain is anatomical entity whereas mind is functional entity. Mind can be defined as the function of autonomic nervous system (ANS). It is claimed that mind can be brought under conscious control through the practice of meditation. But how? ANS is largely under hypothalamic control which is situated very close to optic chiasma (sixth chakra or ajna chakra). Protracted practice of concentration to meditate at this region brings functions of ANS say mind under one’s conscious control. ANS is further divided into parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS). On the basis of these facts I have discovered a mathematical relationship for spiritual quotient (S.Q.). Spiritual Quotient can be expressed mathematically as the ratio of Parasympathetic dominance to Sympathetic dominance. PSNS dominates during meditative calm and SNS dominates during stress. In this formula we assign numerical values to the physiological parameters activated or suppressed during autonomic mobilization and put in the formula to describe the state of mind of an individual and also infer his/her level of consciousness. Meditation is the art of looking within and science of doing nothing. We don’t use anything in meditation. We just try to concentrate to meditate at some point in human anatomy known as ‘chakra’ in Indian System of Yoga. The current of mind is flowing outward through the senses and unconsciously. The mind comes at rest gradually through regular practice of meditation. Then comes self realization and enlightenment. Protracted practice of meditation under qualified guidance will help to manage all sort of psychological problems. Emotional Quotient can also be expressed mathematically as the product of I.Q. and Wisdom Factor. E.Q. stands for Emotional Quotient. An intelligent person may not be wise. But a wise man will always be intelligent. An intelligent person having certain level of positive emotions can be said as wise. An intelligent person lacking wisdom will turn autocrat. A wise man will always be a democrat who respects others existence. Some may raise doubt that how could be the Wisdom quantified? The answer is simple -if Mental Age of I.Q. can be quantified then Wisdom can also be quantified, of course, comparatively with more efforts. Wilhelm Stern had given the formula of I.Q.. It is, Mental Age/ Chronological Age x 100. Spiritual Quotient (S.Q.) leverages both E.Q. and I.Q. Radha Soami Faith is a branch of Religion of Saints like Kabir, Nanak, Paltu, and others. Soamiji Maharaj is the founder of this Faith. You may call It like New Wine in Old Bottle. Maslow has given Hierarchy of Needs. At the top of it is need for self-actualization or self-realization. In our society we should learn To Live and Let Live and help to satisfy others need. When the lower order needs, physiological and sociological both, are satisfied then only a person think to satisfy need for self-realization in true sense. Else he/she may spend all his/her life to satisfy at the most the need for self-expression instead of self-realization. It is, therefore, the duty of every responsible person of our society to give serious thought over it. For the satisfaction of need for self-realization i.e. establishment of harmony of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness we need following three things: 1. Mater or Guru (A Self-Realized Soul) 2. Secret of Levels of Universal Consciousness 3. Method for traversing the path.
I have fibromyalgia and my doctor has never suggested anything like yoga or psychotherapy for pain management. Do you think this could help me?
I am bedridden for the last 6 months with severe rheumatoid arthritis. I havent been given or suggested to take up psychotherapy. This makes me wonder if I need to see some one in private practise. I dont have words to describe my mental state.
Deepak Chopra has given a formula of spiritual quotient in terms of Deed (D) and Ego (E). According to Deepak Chopra S.Q.=D/E. According to him if E is ‘zero’ the S.Q. will be infinite. This appears to be very fascinating but it is highly abstract which can not be measured experimentally accurately and precisely. However, this formula has immense value to understand S.Q. I have also discovered a mathematical relationship for S.Q about eight years back in 2001. I have used physiological parameters which can be measured accurately and precisely and can be tested and verified experimentally. According to this formula S.Q. can be expressed as the ratio of parasympathetic dominance (P.D.) to sympathetic dominance (S.D.). Parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) are the two parts of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which is largely under hypothalamic control. Hypothalamus is situated very close to the Sixth Chakra. During practice of meditation at Sixth Chakra these centres are galvanised which has very positive effect on practitioners spiritual, emotional, psychological and physiscal well being
It is no wonder that this phenomenon is a growing fact! Look at all of the heartache and violence that so many of these men and women have to deal with head on on a daily basis. It does not affect those of us who see the action from afar like it does them, because for them it does become personal. And if the military is anyhting like I would think, this is an issue that they will for sure want to push under the table.
How sad this news is. We should be so thankful for all that these soldiers do for us but I know that so many of them do not feel that they get the respect that they deserve which just makes the job that they have even harder. We used to be a nation that rallied around her military but now we treat them as if they are the bad guys. What happened to shore up this type of mentality? Add this to the overwhelming pressures that these soldiers already face in the line of duty and it is easy to see why suicide cases in the military are on the rise. I do not know if there is much that can be done to stem this growing trend other than to have psychiatrists at every camp site and that really does not seem very likely. I also wonder about the psychological screenings that are done upon having them enlist. Is this even done? I would think that would be a standard part of finding out whether someone is able to serve or not but I guess there is never any real way to predict how someone will react in real world situations.
Being a soldier requires a lot of self-discipline and a constant awareness of death. Most of us dont live lives preparing to safeguard our own or that of others. The constant pressure of the awareness of dying is hard by itself to cope with. Following orders and disciplining oneself constantly causes bottling of emotions. When the pressure builds they pop. An emotional outlet for those who protect the lives of many is a must.
As a former Marine I would have to say that those who have never been in the military have no idea just how stressful the job can be. You can imagine but until you have walked in a soldier's shoes then you don't know. I am not surprised at all to read about suicide cases on the rise in this field. Saddened yes but not surprised.
I pray everyday for our soldiers overseas while there are too many who ignore this group of brave young people. I hope that through prayer this in some small way can help to alleviate some of the pain and stresses that they encounter. Maybe we have lost sight of this group and this is really taking its toll overall. I know that there are many who dismiss the power of prayer but I for one feel very strong about its importance in our lives and the lives of others and hope that we will not continue to dismiss the positive benefits that it can bring.
I am just curious to know if there are any helplines that soldiers can call if they are upset or unstable emotionally while staying anonymous. Are they allowed to continue in service if found to be attending therapy of any sort?
maybe the time to be a little more in control of the guns in our country is finally here. . .
And definitely time to give these soldiers the care and recognition they deserve.
I am a soldier. My husband is deployed. its stressful down range and in country. Yes, the military is definitely cracking down on suicides among the troops. Last month I attended a suicide prevention class hosted by our Chaplain. Its an Army-wide requirement and will most likely be held quartly. Just like our anit-substance abuse, anti-rape and Drinking and driving classes. All units have Chaplains which are cerified for councilling. ACS, Army Community Services, provides hotlines and free therapy. We are trained to look for signs of depression among the ranks and it is strongly encouraged to openly approach one's first line supervisor of any suspicious behavior. As for pre-enlistment screening.. I didnt have one. Hell, they were letting in soldier who had felonies for a while. It's a recruiter's judgement call. These soldiers killing themselves are doing so over recently developed problems. Maybe the made more money before they came in. Now they're struggling. Or the most common deployment problem, wives or husbands leaving them while they're down range. Some see and do things they just cant wrap their minds around. But they're not doing so because they're bad people. We volunteered. because if we didnt, you would be made to. If we didn't go there they would come here. But soldiers arent angels. We're only human too.
It was nice of you to share this with us Krystal and I salute you, soldier!!
I feel for the soldiers who are defending us and our country. John is right, we can only imagine what they go through if we have never been there before. It's no wonder suicide happens among soldiers. Between seeing their friends and other people killed in duty, to worrying what will happen next and always on their guard....I applaud the soldiers who put themselves out there for us.
It's really sad to know that our soldiers are so stressed. I think a lot of wars has not been the answer to solving any of the world's problems. War on terror has struck more damage at home than anywhere else.
Thank you for your gratitude. As for John's question, therapy is meant to help the soldiers recover so if found fit for duty then yes, they can stay in. It's sad to say but i'm sure in some cases there are just some things that some people can't come back from. But they aren't thrown out on their asses. They are still taken care of. Please excuse my language.
Sherri, I'm sorry to say but I dont think the issue of gun control in America relates in any way to our soldier's in the armed forces taking their own lives. I'm sure if you did take away their guns and they're that set on what they want to do, they'll manage. Besides, if you take away my weapon... what am I going to use to defend our country?? a rock?
Clark, i see your perspective but think about it, there has been an unofficial "war on terrorism" for centuries. Therefore, some people see no reason for us to go to war over it now. Right? There have been acts of terrorism all over the world in the past few decades, one you may all remember, the OKC bombing. It was called an act of terrorism. So why now? Why wage war in the middle east? Because the Taliban have pinpointed the US as a target. They dont like our religious freedoms. They call us infedels. They train kids as young as 8 to fight and kill Americans. So why Iraq?? We all know there are no WMD's. We have all seen footage of the Iraqi people on the streets living normal lives, being normal people. But the Taliban do not consist of just Iraqis. But because their borders are conpletely unguardable due to vast deserts, Taliban who go to other countries convince illiterate men and women that the Koran tells them to kill Americans and that they'll be rewarded. When that doesnt work they hold a gun to their families and heads and tell them that they'll shoot their families. What if you lived in Pakistan, you were a simple man, making the most minimum wages to feed what little food you could to your family and someone came and took it all away. Took you away and brain washed you to become a suicide bomber. But that's not the case. Youre here in America, sipping your Latte, on your laptop, in your warm bed with your family, not having a care in the world while soldiers in the greatest Army the world has ever seen fighting on the front line so that poor foreigner doesnt come here and take away everything you've ever known. Dont judge the war if you've never been down range.
an unexamined life is a life not worth living...Socrates i think...maybe Plato. how true...but isn’t it just as equally about examining our emotions and somatic feelings, as it is our cognitions...i'm so sick of cbt this and cbt that...it's a very limiting approach and only referenced over and over because its been over researched exclusively by PhD professors who know how to teach psychology, but don't know the art of doing therapy. anyhow,,not to poo-po your article, it's a great article and i appreciate you mentioning the other types of therapy...but cbt, what a superficial bore lacking long term results for most people...i would guess.
This was a very nice article. Very informative. About the kundalini yoga, I think very few of us are actually successful with any kind of meditation technique. It takes years and a lot of time to master this.
What happens when people have such a distorted image of who they are and all the while thinking they are self aware but really all they are aware of is the fictionalized version that they have created for themselves? Are most therapists trained to see beyond that? Because otherwise they would just be treating a lie. I don't know what good that would do for the patient but I can really see some people going through therapy, lying the whole time and coming out no better for it in the end. Seems like a waste of time and money on their part to me but I know that there have to be people who are narcissistic enough to do that.
To "Socrates had it partly correct," many people who don't know about CBT and its evolution think of it as a formulaic, symptom-based therapy only. I suppose that a beginning therapist using a cookbook CBT approach could offer a very limited means of therapy. As a therapist with an integrative approach, I find it useful to apply the therapeutic approach most likely to help a particular individual. For people who are overwhelmed by their emotions and who have difficulty implementing changes in their lives, cognitive therapy can be especially helpful, as it encourages them to challenge types of thinking that they may unconsciously be using to talk themselves in depression or anxiety that then makes it harder to cope with their real-life issues. The early promoters and researchers of cognitive behavior therapy weren't the first to call attention to the need for some to engage thinking and analysis to achieve more balanced lives and self-knowledge. The Socratic means of knowing thyself, for instance, is an early model for cognitive therapy, where Socratic questioning is a favorite tool. Scholars from the world's great religions issues commentaries to discern meaning and ways to apply scriptural teachings to daily life. In psychology, the Swiss psychoanalyst, C. G. Jung, discerned four personality functions: thinking opposed to feeling, sensation opposed to intuition as dialectical opposites to each other. Here again, if someone is overwhelmed with feeling, they would lack consciousness and need to explore the thinking function. Current cognitive therapists do case formulations that include feelings and bodily sensations as foci of change work (see the writings of Jacqueline Persons, Ph.D.). Dr. Marsha Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy is described in her book, Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder is a sophisticated and multi-faceted approach to helping those who are easily overwhelmed by strong emotional reactions and trauma responses and who can be self-destructive. It's not a cookbook approach by any means but is one of the most sophisticated approaches to therapy I've seen. You're right, of course, in challenging anyone who says that CBT is the only valid approach and who eschews attending to emotions, somatic feelings, and so on. As one who is very much into the healing "art" of psychotherapy, I've found cognitive approaches to be very helpful for some people. To Tiffany: I've found that some of my clients are able to benefit from meditation very quickly. They don't need to meditate to the point of great accomplishment to benefit from learning that they can start to direct their own attention even in the face of the feelings, thoughts and sensations that the mind constantly produces. Many pain management patients, for instance, gain significant relief in an 8 week course of mindfulness meditation, using the methods of Jon Kabat-Zinn. (I learned this recently listening to an audiobook, and the reference doesn't quickly come to mind.) To Shannon: A seasoned therapist observes small interactions and guides a person to attend to their experiences that may be discrepant with their personal narrative. With someone who is very narcissistic, the work is gentle and may take a long time and some of it takes place at the emotional level, letting the person be heard in safety, something they were deprived of in early life. As they relax, emotional issues surface for exploration, and they are encouraged to self-reflect. Dreamwork can also be especially helpful.
I am worried about my child who seems to be creating terabithia for himself. He lives in a fictional world and cant seem to relate to the reality around him. Is this too much of self awareness and too little of the world around him. Its almost like he cuts us off like some kind of static disturbance. He lives in a make believe fairy tale which seems to consume everything he is doing and thinking.
To Rita or anyone else who has serious mental health concerns about themselves or a loved one, it's good you're reaching out for help. It's essential, though, to do more than ask advice on a blog but to actually consult a qualified mental health professional in person, someone who can do a proper evaluation with treatment recommendations. The mental health professionals best trained for diagnosis are psychologists and psychiatrists. The best way to find a psychologist is to consult your county's psychological association, which can be found online or in your local yellow pages. (In my area, you would look for San Francisco Psychological Association, for instance.) The psychological association isn't a commercial referral service but is the official organization of psychologists in your area. To find a psychiatrist, contact your local medical association. If you have mental health coverage in your insurance, they can provide you with a list of local, qualified psychologists and psychiatrists who are on their provider panel. Finally, if you believe that the situation may be an emergency, it's best to call 911, contact your local law enforcement agency, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
I would be completely baffled by anyone in therapy who truly did not want to make a difference for himself. I have been through therapy and believe me it was awful hard work to just be going through the motions. There were of course sessions that I felt like I got more out of than others but in the end the end result was that I was a much stronger and self aware person. Anyone who does not really want this for himself should just stay out of the therapy mix!
The greatest thing about therapy for me is that when I started I had no real awareness of who I was at all but now I am a completely changed woman. I know more about my past and how that affects my present than I could have ever known. Yes being self aware is important, but having the ability to become even more so is priceless.
After being treated as a doormat for years, I mustered even self-confidence to hit therapy. I am a totally changed person today and very self aware of the person I am.
I'm glad that therapy has been so helpful for those who have recently commented. Two themes emerge, increased awareness and strength. I believe these go together when a person opens up and grows in therapy and have recently written an article on this that's posted on my website: "The Psychology of Mental Toughness: How Therapy Makes You Stronger." That article can be found here: http://drgaryseeman.com/resources/Toughness.php
This sentence seems to summarize a big part of what my therapist is trying to help me with: "With awareness we gain increased ability to choose, becoming better able to observe our emotions and bodily states instead of being run by them." She encourages me to try to be "curious" about the feelings and thoughts that come up for me. I am finding that even if I pretend to be curious about them either by thinking or writing, "I'm curious about..." before my thought it has a bit of an "as-if" effect. So maybe eventually I will actually become more curious and less "run" by my feelings/states/judgments/fear/etc. Thanks for another informative article.
To FMD: Thank you for your insightful comments, which I fully endorse.
I hate it when I can't sleep. I go through periods of insomnia where I could cry. I'm so tired and my brain still keeps rattling along. I wake up feeling like I've been kicked all over. That CBT-I course is appealing. Thanks for the information, Good Therapy.
I have terrible trouble sleeping and have tried many things with little success. CBT sounds like a good option to try.
CBT is definitely an interesting option to solve an age-old problem...BUT, insomnia is a difficult thing to cure.
Hmm!!! I really enjoyed it what you have read so far. Thanks
Not getting the sleep I need has at times really affected my life, it is horrible. CBT has shown great results in other behavior disorders. I have indirectly experienced these results and was so impressed that I decided to conduct some research of my own into this field. I was lucky enough to be introduced to Dr. Prout’s work into CBT. I am excited by these studies conducted by the University of Washington and will look into finding a CBT therapist to combat my sleeping problems. For those of you who are not well acquitted with CBT I recommend that you take a look at the insightful work on the therapy published by Dr. Prout.
I hope they do more studies of this kind. As someone who suffers from OCD, I've wondered many times of the possibility of it being something biological, possibly passed down through families. Although my father has never been diagnosed, he's always struggled with symptoms of this disorder.
Interesting!! I believe most therapists are aware of this.
I echo steve's thoughts except that it is my mum. My grandma had a fetish for washing and ironing clothes all day long and so does mum. She is 62 now and I am getting worried as that's all she is doing all day long.
Would there be webcams? If this arrangement were to rely upon voice alone I'm unsure whether I would be supportive of the framework. I feel the loss of nonverbal visual cues like body language would be detrimental overall to the therapeutic process.
I cannot have ever imagined that online CBT would have its benefits but I guess I have been proven wrong! I am not sure how I feel about having a computerized therapist online and working with you but it seems that having one in real time would be fine. Better than nothing as the old saying goes.
^^ Good point there... the online counseling can be a supplement to an in-person counseling but not a substitute. There is more to it than just listening to what the other person says... We have telephones, cellphones, internet, web-cams, but we still meet people. And it is not without a reason. This is especially important in treatments wherein a the counselor's presence also plays a part, and not just his voice or image.
Rather than being horrified, traditional therapists could champion the technology and move with the times. Purely from a business perspective alone it would create new job opportunities in their field and potentially expand their client base substantially. When the constraints of geographical location are removed the sky's the limit.
This is a step in positive direction as it makes it possible for people in remote areas to connect and get treatment. It makes it so much more convenient for people who already have problems... And the best part is that results are showing, there is a positive trend observed with this kind of treatment.
It is very pleasing to know that the recovery rate with CBT is nearly fifty percent. It is also interesting to hear about the futuristic ideas mentioned in the post... that could well be our future - got a problem, get consultation online or on the phone. Whichever way this is headed, one thing is for sure and that is - we are going to have better and better health-care services in the future.
Providing such services are staffed by fully qualified therapists, I can envisage that happening. The choice is that you either keep pace with technology or be left behind. To resist technological change is to resist the advancement of the modern world. It's an exercise in futility. Change will happen with or without you.
I like this idea as a supplement to traditional therapy instead of simply the only treatment that someone receives. Extra support is always a welcome thing.
Hey, that's why peer support chat rooms on mental health topics are so popular. People want to talk to a person that will understand them, and they want it now not later. No one wants to wait for an email. The findings of that CBT study don't surprise me.
There are now self-help videos and other great support stuff online that can really help patients, because a counselor is not available 24X7, but a video can be watched anywhere and at any time. Hope this new piece of information of the recovery rate being high inspires more and more people to give this method a try.
Involving oneself in activities that one enjoys may be the right way to overcome such a season-related depressive feeling. It distracts the mind and keep the person happy about doing something that he/she enjoys. It may be difficult at first but with constant dedication, it can surely be achieved.
Ugghh I hate the thought of turning back the clocks and the darkness decends on us by 5:30 at night! This is the time of year when I feel like it is dark when I leave for work and dark when I get home- I miss the long days of summer already!
I have never come across such a case... yes,some people are a bit lazy when it is cloudy and not sunny outside, but didn't know it is a potential disorder.
i don't feel like getting out of my bed on a lazy day, and also have problems doing work when weather is bad.. just hope i'm not suffering from this disorder ;)
Kate, I agree with you. When the darker days come in I have to make the effort to go outside at lunchtime. It's like living in a tomb when you have to leave home in the dark and arrive home in the dark!