Jessica Stebbins, M.S., LMFT

Discovery Institute, P.A.
Rockledge, Fl 32955
321-631-5538
jessicastebbins@discoveryinstitutepa.com

Hello, and thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you find the information to be useful. If you don’t see what you are looking for, check out the categories to the right to find other mental health articles on different topics.

If you are in the Brevard County area and looking for a counselor, please feel free to contact me for more information or to schedule a session. You can find more information about me in the About section (link located above).

May 2013 Newsletter

By: Dr. Connie Porter-Richard

Hello Everyone,

Here it is, May – “Mental Health Month!” I hope you are finding this emphasis on mental and emotional health of interest. The goal in communicating this information is to increase awareness about mental health, and the likelihood that we or someone we know may suffer from one of them during the course of our lifetime. Mental health – like physical health – can change over time. It can be shaken, it can weaken and it can cause pain. It can also be strengthened, restored and improved.

It has become increasingly evident that childhood abuse and neglect are major factors in the development of virtually all types of mental health problems, ranging from post-traumatic stress disorder, to depression, anxiety and some psychotic disorders. What you may not know that childhood trauma is also a major factor in the development of leading causes of death in adults.

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is an on-going collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente, that analyzes types of childhood trauma and physical and mental health consequences later in life. The participants include over 17,000 adults from the Kaiser Permanent Department of Preventative Care in San Diego. The study looked at ten types of potentially traumatic or highly stressful experiences before the age of 18. These include:

(1) recurrent physical abuse;
(2) recurrent emotional abuse;
(3) contact sexual abuse;
(4) an addict in the home;
(5) an incarcerated member of the household;
(6) a household member who was chronically depressed, mentally ill, institutionalized or suicidal;
(7) domestic violence in the home; one or no parents due to divorce or death;
(8) emotional neglect;
(9) physical neglect.

The study showed amazing correlations: the more types of experiences an individual reported, the more at risk for major health problems, including heart, lung, and liver diseases, fractures and serious injuries, obesity, HIB/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, high risk teen pregnancy, fetal death, addictions of all types, migraines, autoimmune disorders, and certain types of cancer. The risk of smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, sexual promiscuity, and other high risk health behaviors increased as the number of types of childhood stressors increased. And, of course, the risk for all types of mental health problems grew with more traumatic experiences, including serious depression, hallucinations, memory problems, and suicidality. The researchers found that even in the relatively well educated and middle class sample, less than a third had an ACE score of 0, and more than 15% of women and 9% of men had four or more types of major stressors.

What is the relationship between childhood trauma and health? It is complicated, but we know that stress affects the body, and chronic stress affects the body in more chronic ways. A child whose developing brain is exposed to chronic stress has significant changes in both the structure and function of the brain, which of course, regulates the rest of the body. Chronic stress responses in the brain then adversely affect the body. Children who have been abused or neglected often do not take good care of themselves as they grow up, and are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that have consequences on their health.

If you would like to know your own ACE score, simply give yourself one point for each of the 10 types of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) listed above and add them up for a total score. Scores may range from 0 (no adverse experiences) to 10 (all adverse experiences). Then, to read more about your risk for mental and health problems related to your score, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/pdf/Childhood_Stress.pdf and read the article. There are other articles on the site as well, that discuss specific scores. Of course, a risk for problems does not necessarily mean you will have problems. However, if you experienced 4 or more types of ACEs (that is, have a score of 4 or greater), you might want to consider getting a thorough physical exam, work in improving your health-related behaviors, and see a therapist if you have any emotional difficulties. Prevention can go a long way to calming and healing your body, as well as your mind.

There is no shortage of people who suffer from mental illness, but there is a shortage of resources that provide quality and affordable mental health care. Approximately one out of every four of us will need emotional or psychological help at some point in our lives. Imagine needing and wanting help but being unable to afford it. This is a sad reality in our world, and one I encourage you to investigate. Make sure you are up-to-date on the issues related to mental health, and as you do, travel safe and be well,

Connie Porter-Richard

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News & Events:

Discovery Institute, P.A. announces the addition of Ashleigh Grooms, MA, RMHCI to our professional staff. Ashleigh is a pre-licensed mental health professional, completing her registered mental health counselor internship. Ashleigh has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Masters of Arts in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling both from the University of South Florida.

Ashleigh has experience treating a variety of mental health diagnoses including anxiety and depressive disorders, as well as substance dependency. Ashleigh has experience working with families and couples affected by substance abuse. She also has experience treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Ashleigh integrates various counseling approaches to address each client’s unique needs and support them through healing. She utilizes mind/body techniques, Cognitive Behavioral theories, and a commitment to Person- Centered therapy.

Ashleigh facilitates group and individual therapy striving to help clients find their own inner strengths and resources. Please join us in welcoming Ashleigh to our group … and look forward to new things she’s going to be developing!

Discovery Institute, P.A.
4175 S. US 1, Suite 102
Rockledge, FL 32955
Phone: 321-631-5538
Fax: 321-631-5154
http://www.discoveryinstitutepa.com

April 2013 Newsletter

April 2013 – Newsletter
Dr. Connie Porter-Richard

Hello Everyone,

May is “Mental Health Month.” What better time to shine a light on the issues and explain some of the more common myths about mental illness. In keeping with the theme of mental health awareness, next month we’ll take a look at the influence of adverse childhood experiences and their impact on health and wellness across the lifespan.

Mental health disorders are quite common, with an estimated 26 percent of Americans (1 in 4 adults) suffering from one sometime during the course of their life. Let’s explain some of the ways these disorders are commonly misunderstood:

Myth:

There’s no hope for people with mental illness.

Fact:

There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before to help people with mental illness. Most people with mental illness, like most people with physical illnesses, lead active, productive lives.

Myth:

I can’t do anything for a person with mental illness.

Fact:

You can do a lot, starting with how you act and speak. You can create an environment that builds on people’s strengths and promotes understanding. For example:
•People are not defined by their illness; they have an illness. Don’t label people with words like “crazy,” “wacko,” or “loony,” or define them by their diagnosis. Instead of saying someone is “a schizophrenic,” say he or she “has schizophrenia.” Don’t say “a depressed person,” say ” a person with depression.” This is called “people-first” language – it’s important to make a distinction between the person and the illness.
•Learn the facts about mental health and share them with others, especially if you hear something that isn’t true.
•Treat people with mental illnesses with the same respect and dignity you would anyone else.
•Respect the rights of people with mental illness and don’t discriminate against them when it comes to housing, employment, or education. Like other people with disabilities, people with mental health problems are protected under federal and state laws.

Myth:

People with mental illnesses are violent and unpredictable.

Fact:

Actually, the vast majority of people with mental health conditions are no more violent or unpredictable than anyone else. People with mental illnesses are much more likely to be the victims of crime than the general population.

Myth:

Mental illness doesn’t affect me.

Fact:

Mental illnesses are surprisingly common. Mental illnesses do not discriminate – they can affect almost anyone. You probably know someone with a mental illness and may not even realize it.

Myth:

Mental illness is the same thing as mental retardation.

Fact:

These are entirely different conditions. Mental retardation is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and difficulties with certain daily living skills. In contrast, mental illness-health conditions contribute to changes in a person’s thinking, mood, and behavior; and intellectual functioning shows up just like the general population.

Myth:

Mental illnesses are brought on by a weakness of character.

Fact:

Mental illnesses are a product of the interaction between biological and psychological factors, not the result of laziness or weakness. Social influences, like the loss of a loved one or loss of a job, or severe trauma, can also contribute to the development of various mental health problems.

Myth:

People with mental illnesses cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.

Fact:

The ability to work varies according to the severity of mental illness, just as with physical illness. The majority of people with mental illness can and do work productively. Everyone is more productive when there is a good match between the employee’s needs and the working conditions, whether or not the worker has a mental health challenge.

Myth:

People with mental health needs, even those who have recovered, tend to be second-rate workers.

Fact:

Employers who have hired people with mental illnesses report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, good work ethics, and job tenure on par with or greater than other employees. Studies by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) show that there are no differences in productivity when people with mental illnesses are compared to other employees. (Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General, 1999)

Myth:

Once people develop mental illnesses, they will never recover.

Fact:

Studies show that most people with mental illnesses get better, and many recover completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully and effectively in their communities. For some individuals, recovery is the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life. For others, recovery implies the reduction or complete remission of symptoms. Science has shown that hope plays an integral role in an individual’s recovery.

Myth:

Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just take a pill?

Fact:

Research shows that therapy has a major positive influence on recovery from mental illness. Treatment varies depending on the individual. A lot of people work with therapists, counselors, friends, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers during the recovery process. They also use self-help strategies and community supports. Often activities such as these can be combined with medications very effectively.

Myth:

Children don’t experience mental illnesses. Their actions are just products of bad parenting.

Fact:

A report from the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health showed that in any given year, five to nine percent of children experience serious emotional disturbances. Just like adult mental illnesses, these are clinically diagnosable health conditions that are a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. The fact is, any child can have a mental illness. Those children who do have mental health issues fare better if they have effective parents who seek treatment for them, than children who do not have adequate parenting and access to mental health care. It is also true that seriously abusive parenting greatly increases a child’s lifetime risk for a wide variety of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance abuse, eating disorders, and post traumatic stress.

Myth:

Children misbehave or fail in school just to get attention.

Fact:

Behavior problems can be symptoms of emotional, behavioral, or mental/emotional health problems, rather than merely attention-seeking devices. These children can succeed in school with appropriate understanding, attention, and mental health services.

~Source: Metropolitan Counseling Services
Atlanta, GA

I hope this information helps shed a little light on some of the issues related to mental and emotional health concerns you might have, and makes them more clear for you. Feel free to bring thoughts, ideas, questions and suggestions to any of us at Discovery Institute, and we’ll be happy to further the discussion! Next month the newsletter’s discussion will focus on the relationship between childhood abuse and neglect and one’s health in later life. Until then, travel safe and be well,

Connie Porter-Richard

Discovery Institute, P.A.
4175 S. US 1, Suite 102
Rockledge, FL 32955
Phone: 321-631-5538
Fax: 321-631-5154
drporter-richard@discoveryinstitutepa.com
http://www.discoveryinstitutepa.com

Pressuring Kids to Grow Up Too Soon

I have had several realizations over the past few weeks that have led me to the conclusion that as a society we are pressuring our children to grow up too fast, beginning sometimes before they are even born. During pregnancy women count down the days to their Estimated Due Date and become anxious as it approaches, and impatient as it sometimes passes by, looking for ways to induce their own labor through several different methods including one as vile as drinking castor oil. Once our children are born we can’t wait for the time when they are awake more, when they begin to sit up, crawl, and walk. We try to help them with this process by propping them up in the sitting position before their muscles have developed enough to sustain their weight, by using chairs that claim they help develop these muscles, and standing them on their feet before they have the strength to do so as well. As they become toddlers we begin thinking about how much easier it will be when they can talk, and understand more of what we are saying to them and actually listen and follow our commands. We try to get them to conform to what we want them to do, use words and concepts outside of their intellectual ability and discipline/punish them when they do not meet our exceedingly high and unrealistic expectations.

So what is the problem with giving our children a boost or head start? Isn’t it a positive thing to want them to succeed in life and do what we can to help them be successful? Well, it depends on how you do it. Although some of these behaviors mentioned above may not have a long term affect on your child, many of these behaviors are setting you up to establish a long running pattern of pressuring your child to be something they are not, creating a relationship in which your children feel that your love is conditional instead of unconditional. This type of relationship leaves children and teenagers feeling as though they do not have their parents support and that they are disconnected from them. It has been found that teenagers that experience this type of relationship with their parents have much higher levels of depression, anxiety, self-injurious behaviors, eating disorders, and other emotional disorders and symptoms associated with them. Let’s think about something as simple as potty training. Start too early before your child is physically and mentally ready and you will begin engaging in a power struggle with them, frustrated over every accident, and the process will be long enduring. As you become more frustrated you start using negative tactics such as telling them how disappointed and sad you are that they had an accident. What’s worse is your frustration with them will not only be in potty training situations but will spill over to other situations. The more frustrated and hard on your child that you become, the more the cycle endures, possibly leading to negative labels on the child and a relationship pattern that will continue.

Parents have been recently outraged due to companies such as Victoria’s Secrets launching provocative lines of clothing aimed at young girls and I fully agree with the inappropriateness of this and the irresponsibility of the companies. It is humbling to hear that parents have been making a difference in this and therefore I don’t want to say that we as individuals do not have any control over what these companies are doing but I think that we do need to start looking at our own behaviors that are causing our children to grow up earlier than they should be as well. We may not be directly putting our children in provocative clothing, handing them alcohol or cigarettes, or teaching them other behaviors we believe should be reserved for adults but our parenting style is indirectly leading them to this as they begin to feel older than they truly are. Don’t get me wrong, society in general also plays a part but if we can all look at our parenting behaviors and how they contribute, we may be able to help support our children instead of forcing them to grow up too soon.

March 2013 Newsletter

By: Dr. Connie Porter-Richard
Hello Everyone,

What’s your relationship with time? Do you find yourself frequently remarking about time … loss of time, not enough time, too much time? Over this past holiday season I was given a copy of Mitch Albom’s latest book, “The Time Keeper.” It’s an interesting little fable about the meaning of time in our lives. It’s quite a tale about the inventor of time and how obsession with this discovery ultimately curses him to hear every one of mankind’s cries for time. It offers food for thought about our relationship with the concept of time.

As we are faced with Daylight Savings Time this month, it might be helpful to examine your relationship with time and how you govern your life around it. Over centuries, many writers, great and small, have written about the meaning of time, but I wonder how much time each of us spends reflecting on how we spend the time our life provides. How do you spend your life’s time?

How often have you found yourself thinking about time? Wishing to recapture a time that you loved someone; longing for more time with someone you miss; reflection on a time you regret; perhaps ruminating over past hurts and wounds and injustices? All these kind of thoughts that preoccupy and consume time that really only serve to block us from the ability to embrace life in the present.

What if, right this minute, you could step out of that thinking? What if, right this minute you could choose to assign a different significance to the meaning of time in your life? What kind of things would you have to think in order to change the way you look at time? What might you envision yourself doing that would alter your ability to make peace with the way you spend your life’s time? You can, you know. Right this minute, you can make a decision to be more mindful and conscious about how you spend the precious moments of time your life contains. You can choose where you place your attention; you can choose how you prioritize and bring meaning to your life.

It is not hard to find people who are great examples of spending time wisely, and our friend, Jay Forte, who freely shares his philosophy on life and frequently uses his family’s wisdom on creating a great life. His family’s principle values are: know yourself, be true, be honest, and be your absolute best. He describes five steps for doing just that:
1.Learn what you are good at and play to your strengths.
2.Discover your passions and build them into your life.
3.Define what makes you feel successful and use it to guide your decisions.
4.Know your world; stay current and connected to facts.
5.Define your own greatness zone; then stand out and be authentic.

It doesn’t seem there is much room for wasting time with a plan like that! It may just be that an important lesson here is: replace fear of losing, or not having enough, time with an appreciation for the time we have. I encourage us all to reflect carefully on the many ways in which we make peace with time, and what it means in our life, as well as how we invest it. Travel safe and be well,

Connie Porter-Richard

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News & Events:

Pregnancy Support Group – FREE!

Meets Thursdays: 6:00-7:30 pm
Discovery Institute
Facilitated by: Jessica Stebbins, LMFT

SAVS – Sexual Assault Victims Support Group – FREE!

Open to any woman over the age of 18 that has been a victim of a sexual assault.
Meets: Tuesdays: 6:00-7:30 pm
Discovery Institute
Facilitator: Marilyn Bennett, LMHC

Discovery Institute, P.A.
4175 S. US 1, Suite 102
Rockledge, FL 32955
Phone: 321-631-5538
Fax: 321-631-5154
drporter-richard@discoveryinstitutepa.com
http://www.discoveryinstitutepa.com

February 2013 Newsletter

By: Dr. Connie Porter-Richard

Hello Everyone,

How are you doing with the thoughts you brought into this New Year? Many of us have been hard at work thinking and planning about how we can set goals to bring lasting change into our lives, but once the plans are all made, what happens next?

In his book, “The Power of Habit,” Charles Duhigg helps us understand the power that habits play in our lives. In fact, he cites a quote attributed to William James, circa 1892, “All our life, so far as it has definite form, is but a mass of habits.” According to Duhigg, “Most of the choices we make each day may feel like the products of well-considered decision making, but they’re not. They’re habits. And though each habit means relatively little on its own, over time the meals we order, what we say to our kids each night, whether we save or spend, how often we exercise, and the way we organize our thoughts and work routines have enormous impacts on our health, productivity, financial security, and happiness. One paper published by a Duke University researcher in 2006 found that more than 40 percent of the actions people performed each day weren’t actual decisions, but habits.”

If Duhigg is right, the process of creating a new habit starts with a thought. That thought contains a genuine desire to achieve something, whether a major life goal, like climbing Mt. Everest, quitting smoking, or things more of us wish to see, like eating better and exercising. That desire ignites an area of the brain where we are able to envision ourselves doing that thing which we desire. That’s the first step.

In a gross oversimplification, it goes like this: a routine behavior creates a reward -> a desire to repeat the reward creates craving -> and craving binds the routine into a habit. So, how can we go about creating habits that contribute to living the life we’d like to see ourselves living?

Those of you familiar with therapy and creating change know that movement of some kind is the key ingredient. Neither thoughts nor plans will go far if some kind of movement is not involved. In a recent newsletter, our friend, Jay Forte (“The Greatness Zone”) talks about movement as the key element of creating change:

“Ah, good intentions. Maybe even New Year’s resolutions. We write them down with the best intention of improving, changing or growing. But, there they sit, right on top of last year’s list. How do you move your great life plans and ideas off the page and into your life?

My work involves coaching and teaching people how to know themselves and know their world, so they can then determine how to bring their best self to today’s world – ways to find their fit. And though this process can generate some amazing life possibilities, the possibilities stay just out of reach until we learn how to make them come alive.

So whether you have a list of possibilities, intentions or resolutions, consider these 3 steps to move your life changing ideas off the page and into life:
1.Clearly define what success will look like when you achieve this goal, make this change, or start this adventure. With this clear picture of success, you provide the motivation, the energy and the excitement of achieving your goal. Draw this, write it out or create a vision board with the goal. Give this “vision” of success the power to inspire you to act.
2.Create the first two steps to get yourself moving. Don’t define all the steps – you’ll intimidate yourself into non-action. Instead, just list two things to do that will start you in the right direction and help you feel confident in the process. Remember this great quote by Robert Collier, “Take the first step and your mind will mobilize all its forces to your aid. But the first essential is that you begin.” And as the Nike slogan says, “Just do it.”
3.Chart progress. One of the best ways to get the ideas off the page and into your life is to see progress. Nothing encourages movement like movement. Applaud and celebrate your successes. Redefine and rethink missed goals. Consider having another person hold you accountable. Measure and monitor your actions.

When I talk to CEOs, virtually all say that the greatest challenge they have is not determining what to do – they are adept at determining the direction and focus needed to be successful. Rather, their challenge is execution – moving from ideas to actions.

Even though I have always been a staunch believer in regular resolutions for improvement, growth and development, so many of my ideas have sat idle on my page – or until I started to take these 3 steps. Once the momentum of action starts, it fuels itself and encourages greater action. Creating action steps – good; living them because they are worth it – priceless.

How will you move today on something that is sitting and waiting for you to act? And how will you choose to show up as an action-oriented person each day in your life – a person who makes things happen instead of sitting on the sidelines waiting for things to happen?”

So, I encourage you to step up… translate some, at least one, of your ideas and thoughts into one or two action steps that you can achieve. Steps that will move you further along the journey of being the person you wish to see yourself being! Wherever your path takes you, travel safe and be well,

Connie Porter-Richard

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News & Events:

Enrollment is now open for the next “Pathfinders Women’s Group:”
February 20 – May 8th, 2013.

Pathfinder I: This 12-week interactive psychotherapy group is dedicated to helping women learn basic life management skills. It has been designed for women struggling with transitions related to major life and/or mental health issues. Basic life management skills can improve your ability to cope with life’s challenges and include such things as:

• mindfulness – how it can set the stage for change • interpersonal effectiveness – how it can improve relationships • distress tolerance and emotion regulation – how they can help you manage your own thoughts and emotions. Other topics include self-esteem, assertiveness and stress management. This group offers an opportunity to gain personal strength, develop insight, and learn how to bring lasting change into your life.

Meets: Wednesdays 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Cost: $35.00 per session; 10% discount for prepayment (some insurance companies cover group psychotherapy – check your eligibility!)
Facilitator: Connie Porter-Richard, PhD, LMHC

Pregnancy Support Group – FREE!

Meets Thursdays: 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Facilitated by: Jessica Stebbins, LMFT

SAVS – Sexual Assault Victims Support Group – FREE!

Open to any woman over the age of 18 that has been a victim of a sexual assault.
Meets: Tuesdays: 6:00-7:30 pm
Facilitator: Marilyn Bennett, LMHC

Discovery Institute, P.A.
4175 S. US 1, Suite 102
Rockledge, FL 32955
Phone: 321-631-5538
Fax: 321-631-5154
drporter-richard@discoveryinstitutepa.com
http://www.discoveryinstitutepa.com

Minors, Abuse, and Confidentiality

Today’s post may come off as more of a rant and I’m sorry if it does. I have just had some frustrating experiences lately working with teenagers and possible abuse situations. In the State of Florida, (it may be the same in other states and/or countries-I know I have several subscribers outside of the U.S.- but I don’t want to make any assumptions and am choosing not to do the research here) as a counselor I am mandated to make a report to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) with the state when I have reason to suspect that a child, elderly person, or disabled person is being abused in some way. It is not our job to investigate, but just to report our suspicions and DCF is in charge of investigating. This is one of the few exceptions to confidentiality and this is the first thing I tell clients when I am seeing them for the first time.

The purpose of making counselors (and other professionals such as teachers) mandated reporters is that often times we are trusted individuals in the eyes of children and seen as a person that can be helpful to them. Many times when other people become aware of abuse they do not realize that they can make a report, who to make a report to, or if they do, there is a sense of diminished responsibility to do so as they are sure someone else has done so. Minors are also not able to make an informed decision for themselves on whether they want the information reported because they are vulnerable to pressures of outside people such as the perpetrator. The law is in effect to protect children from abuse. All of this I understand and agree with.

My frustrations, however, stem from the fact that this law often times stands in the way of individuals getting the mental health help that they need. Many times minors are afraid to tell someone, specifically a counselor, about the abuse because of the fear of it being reported. In fact, I have recently had the experience of losing clients who had reason to be in counseling because of their fear of me having to make a report to the hotline, or because we had to make a report to DCF. You may wonder why a minor may fear their abuse being reported when they should be happy to be taken out of that situation, and there are several reasons that I have heard. Minors are often afraid of the experience itself, of having to go to trial, being questioned, not being believed, and even about other people knowing about the abuse and formulating judgments about them based on the abuse. They are worried about the disruption to their life. They worry about the abuse intensifying or even being pulled out of their home. Again, you may wonder why being pulled out of their home would be a negative thing, but some fear going to a foster home that may be worse or just the fear of the change, and for others the abuse may have occurred a long time before and they no longer see themselves as in danger and may even have many other positives that out weigh the negatives in their eyes currently or in the past.

Some of these worries may be founded while others cannot be verified and may even be concluded on the fantasy of childhood. The problem is that we do not typically even get a chance to discuss these worries with the children and attempt to relieve some of these fears as they do not disclose the abuse to begin with, or do not return to counseling if they have and know that an abuse report has been made due to their fears. If a client never walks through my door or only does so once due to their fears, this obviously prevents me from helping them. And this is what is heart breaking to me.

I see the system as being broken due to the fact that it prevents these individuals from getting the help that they need and therefore they are set up to experience more abuse in the future. I guess the flip side is that if a DCF report is made and the allegations are founded, they will likely set up counseling as part of the case management. Unfortunately, however, at this point the client is often so distrustful of counselors that it becomes even harder to intervene and make a difference. I write all this because part of my role as a counselor is advocacy. I do not have answers to this problem thus far, but would love to hear other people’s views on the subject and ideas.

Hypnotherapy- What is It?

Within the past year I received training to become a certified clinical hypnotherapist (which I now am). A lot of people I work with have either never heard of hypnotherapy or if they have, still don’t know what it is and/or entails. You can search the internet and get some clinical explanations but a lot of them can be very confusing still and many people don’t gain much clarity after reading them. Therefore, I would like to spend a little time today discussing what hypnotherapy is while trying to use more everyday language instead of all the clinical jargon (or at least explaining what it means)!

First off, when people hear the word hypnosis, many times the first thing that comes to mind is the comedy hypnosis shows. I have to admit, I love a good comedy hypnosis show and went to many while I was an undergraduate student as they seemed to have free shows frequently on campus. Hypnotherapy, however, is nothing like those shows! Although a hypnotherapist may have a little fun with the session (creating arm levitations in clients for example- meaning getting the client to raise their arm and hold it there which can have many different clinical purposes), it is nothing that would be embarrassing in the moment or in the future. There is no quacking like a duck involved!

Still I have not explained what hypnosis is. Hypnosis is simply an altered state of consciousness where you are more susceptible to suggestions. An altered state of consciousness is a state of mind different from the normal waking state. Having a daydream, dreaming, being under the influence of drugs and alcohol are all other examples of altered states of consciousness. You experience altered states of consciousness many times a day, for instance, when you are driving on autopilot, not paying attention to the mechanics of driving and sometimes even not remembering passing certain landmarks or even that so much time has past that you have actually reached your destination or how you got there.

The mind is divided into the conscious mind and the unconscious mind. The conscious mind is the thoughts and thought processes that we are aware of on a regular basis. The unconscious mind plays a more behind the scenes role. We are not aware of our unconscious mind and what it is doing or why it is doing it. It has access to memories and information that we are not aware of with our conscious mind. It plays a huge part in our dreaming which is a way of it processing information and emotions and trying to come up with solutions to problems. Our conscious mind frequently gets in the way of us solving our own problems or in perpetuating problems due to its’ ability to rationalize and make excuses for instance or because it does not have access to information that we need. Hypnotherapy is helpful in getting the conscious mind to “step aside” and allow the counselor to speak directly to the unconscious mind which is better able to help solve problems and is more susceptible to suggestions without being resistant.

I hope this clears up some questions you may have about hypnotherapy. I will post more in the coming weeks about its usefulness in counseling!