Word of the Day - Reaction Formation

Reaction Formation - Reaction Formation is when you avoid an unacceptable unconscious urge or impulse by acting or reacting in an opposite manner.

Word of the day - Projection

Projection -  Projection is when a person can't  accept a quality about themselves so they attribute it other individuals (this person may feel that they looking out of a window but in actuality they are really looking at themselves in the the mirror).

Friendship, Sex, and Marriage (Quote - William Glassser)

Word of the Day - Displacement

Displacement - Displacement is when you take your anger out on a safe target rather than the source of your anger.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? (Video)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an umbrella term that for many types therapeutic approaches that has some similar qualities (McLeod, 2015).  There are two early forms of CBT and they were (McLeod, 2015):

·         Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), which was created by  Albert Ellis during the 1950s;

·         Cognitive Therapy, was created by Aaron T. Beck during the 1960’s.  This v-log gives you an overview.
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Word of the Day - Counter Conditioning

Counter Conditioning - Counter Conditioning is a technique in which the stimuli, stimulates ones response, which in turn stimulus a new response.  Counter conditioning is the often times used to eliminate phobias.  For instance a child might be given a food treat (e.g. fruit, cookie, candy) while the fear object is gradually moved closer and closer to the child.  When there is a first sign of fear, the object is removed.  The procedure is repeated  until the child is no loner showing signs of fear.  The child would then link pleasure with the stimulus that was previously stimulated with fear.

Word of the Day - Personal Growth Groups

Personal Growth Groups - Personal Growth Groups are for individuals who would like to examine their personal  and interpersonal issues  in a more intense level.  Personal Growth Groups is becoming more popular among group therapy techniques.

What is Glasser’s Choice Theory?

By Kimberly Swanson, M.S. - Psy., CNA

Choice Theory was created by Dr. William Glasser which is based on human behavior.  The purpose of this theorization is assist in getting a better understanding why individuals do certain behaviors. Choice theorization is based on the belief that all behaviors reveal a person’s attempt to accomplish one or more of the five innate psychological a physiological needs (Crawford, Bodine, Hoglund, 1993).  

Crawford and colleagues (1993) mentions that with choice theory, individuals or occurrences that takes place outside of self does not stimulate a person to do certain things.  Instead human behavior is usually representative of the choices that we believe is most fulfilling to our needs at the time.  In other words we follow the rules within society to get purposeful outcome.    For instance, when driving, when the light is green at a red light we know that it means go, but if the light is red we know that that it means to stop.  We would not drive off on a red light because we know that there is some repercussion when we don’t follow the rules such as getting a ticket or getting into a car accident.  We make quick decision and the spear of the minute or during each circumstance to fulfill our currents situation.

According to Crawford and colleagues (1993) there are two types of needs, basic needs and psychological needs.   The basic needs include the following (Crawford and colleagues, 1993): 

     (a) Need for survival,

     (b) Need for belonging,

     (c) Need for having power,

     (d) Need for freedom, and

     (e) Need for enjoyment. 

Choice theory can also be applied to more complex situations or circumstances.  For instance, if you are studying the behaviors of patients you notice that certain patient so not follow up with their prescribed medications.  You may research further and realize that certain patients do not take their prescribed medications because they do not have not insurance and can’t afford to pay the full prices of their medications.  This research helps doctors to see what they can do for certain patients to have proper access to their medication by finding other  alternatives to that ensure that the  patient’s needs are being met and can assist them having more options in caring for their health such as prescribing generic medications instead of name brands which are more affordable. 

The patient may want to get the medications but have the weigh the options certain financial obligations which lead to the limited choice of paying rent and keep a roof head for family or going without blood pressure medicines for a while.  This type of choice can have deadly affects such increasing the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.  The doctor may intervene by providing a better choice for the patient of getting free or lower cost blood pressure medications so that their patient can stay on top of their health.  This is an example of a more complexed matter that may take place with choice theorization within the healthcare industry.

According to Glasser, Choice theory it assists people in having a better understanding of themselves and the occurrences that may take place in their lives in which they can’t control.  This theory is based on Reality Therapy, Quality Schools and Lead Management.  Choice theorization also examines both toxic and positive nurturing relationships patterns.  It shows clients how to reduce toxic and increase nurturing patterns and improves interpersonal relationships which increase happiness and fulfillment. 

Reference

Crawford, D.K., Bodine, R., & Hoglund, R.  (1993). The school for quality learning: Managing the school and classroom the deeming way.  Champaign:  Research Press.    

Copyright in 2016 by ©Messenger Publishing, Inc.

Word of the Day - Person-Centered

Person-Centered:  Person-Centered is a theory that was developed by psychologist, Carl Roger. The strengths in this theory includes the following:  Welcoming differences, being nonjudgmental, and respecting cultural pluralism.

Primary Strengths of Person Centered:

• Accepting differences
• Respecting client's values and beliefs
• Actively listening
• Being nonjudgmental
• Respecting Cultural pluralism

Therapy Techniques Systematic Desensitization (Video)

Hi peeps!! In this v-log, talk about Systematic Desensitization. Systematic desensitization is a behavioral therapy that is based on the ideology of classical conditioning. It is the foundational root of counter conditioning. This type of therapy technique works on reducing anxiety from phobias.

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Word of the Day - Postmodernism

Postmodernism - Postmodernism is an ideology that states that there are no fixed truths within society, only people's individual perception establishes reality or the truth.

Word of the Day - Disengagement

Disengagement - Disengagement occurs when a family member becomes emotionally distant.  It is often defined  as the isolation or the lack of being able to  connect between family members.

Dr. William Glasser (Psychiatrist) - Biography

Source:  http://alchetron.com/William-Glasser-998053-W    

By:  Kimberly Swanson, MS - Psy, CNA

William Glasser was an American psychiatrist, who created reality therapy and choice theory.  Dr. Glasser was born On May 11, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio.  In 1965, Dr. Glasser became renowned within the field of psychiatry with his book on Reality Therapy.  His book shredded a different light on new alternative techniques instead old traditional techniques used during his time.  He has written 27 books and several published articles.

Originally, Dr. Glasser taught Reality Therapy and then later developed Choice Theory psychology. A huge number of individuals across the globe attended Glasser’s training workshops (Buck, 2013).  Glasser also along with other practitioners questioned the diagnosis of mental health diseases with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), (e.g. the over usage and abusive tactic used with certain prescribed medicines used to treat certain mental illnesses) (Buck, 2013).

At first Glasser was a chemical engineer and later decided to become a medical doctor and study psychiatry. Glasser was enrolled at Case Western Reserve University’s medical school in Cleveland.  His   psychiatry training was at Veteran Administration Hospital in West Los Angeles and UCLA between 1954 and 1957.  He later became Board Certified in 1961. Dr. Glasser was in private practice from 1957 to 1986.  He died on August 23, 2013 at his home in Los Angeles, California. 

Reference

Buck, N.S.  (2013). William Glasser, MD 1925-2013.  Psychology Today. Retrieved from   https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/peaceful-parenting/201308/william-glasser-md-1925-2013-8.

Copyright in 2016 by ©Messenger Publishing, Inc.

Word of the Day - Mode

Mode - Mode is defined as the number that appears most often in a data set.

What is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy? (Video)

Hi peeps! In this video I give a brief lecture on Albert Ellis's Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Follow along on our blog @ http://psychologyessence.blogspot.com.... REBT was created and developed by Albert Ellis, psychologist. With this therapeutic technique, Ellis suggests that individuals holds a certain set of belief systems that stems from their upbringing, culture, environment and their life experiences. Please, like, comment and subscribe. Remember to do your very best.

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I

Word of the Day - Experiential Therapy

Experiential Therapy - The goal of experiential therapy is assist individuals to calm their defensive fears so that deeper and more genuine emotions can emerge and take form.  This therapeutic approach was developed during the 1970s. Experiential Therapy inspires clients to discover and address their underlined hidden problems through techniques such as role playing, guided imagery, props, and etc (Hurst, 2016).

Reference

Hurst, M.  (2016).  Experiential therapy what is it?  Retrieved from http://www.crchealth.com/types-of-therapy/what-is-experiential-therapy/.
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Family Genogram Application for Treatment of Addiction Issues

Source: Toscova, R.  (2013) - *See Reference

By:  Kimberly Swanson, PsyM, LAPC, CNA
There are some therapeutic strategies for analyzing several generations of patterns of mental health and behaviors among family history and patterns.  The therapist would look to see if there are any behaviors or conditions that tend to stand out more so than others. Genograms are used to decipher these patterns and give a therapist a way to interpret family relationships.

A good example of when genograms can be used as an effective tool is when a person goes into a counseling center for assistance for having a substance abuse problem (e.g. alcohol); the therapist may want to get a better picture of the client’s family history with alcoholism.   The therapist may want to look at the family patterns to try to get the source or root of the client’s problems.   Often times the therapist may gather the data from the client's intake paperwork and/or during the initial sessions to put into the genogram; the completed genogram will give a visual picture of the client's family history (Grand Canyon University, 2014); this assists the clinicians in selecting the best therapeutic techniques based according to the client's circumstances. 

Reference

Grand Canyon University (2014).  Classical psychotherapies (lecture notes).  Retrieved from https://lc-grad2.gcu.edu

Above Image Source 

Toscova, R.  (2013).  Applying research in clinical set 3-15-13.  Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/lamentiraestamuerta/applying-research-in-clinical-set-3-1513-radka-toscova.

Copyright in 2016 by ©Messenger Publishing, Inc., Revised and copyright in 2020 by

© Purpoz Counseling & Wellness Center

.

Word of the Day - Rogerian Therapy

Rogerian Therapy - Rogerian Therapy is based on the asssumption that humans seek and will fine their own wholeness and personal direction with minimal direction.  This theory is based on Carl Rogerns Person Centered therapy approach.

Differences Between Bowenian, Structural, & Strategic Family Systems Theories

Source:  https://www.emaze.com/@ACWFWWF/family-system

By:  Kimberly Swanson, PsyM, LPC

There are some similarities and differences between the following family theories:  Bowenian, structural, and strategic family systems. The Bowenian theory was developed by Murry Bowen.  Bowenain theory is used to see the patterns of inter-generational behaviors among families (Grand Canyon University, 2014).  Based on this theory, certain mental issues are passed down as a generational cycle.

The structural family system was developed by Salvador Minuchin.  Instead of the structural family system seeing patterns like the Bowenian theory, it suggests that these mental or emotional behaviors are more like symptoms instead of patterns that are passed from generation to generation (Grand Canyon University, 2014).  This therapy is aimed to reduce dysfunction.

Even though structural and strategic family counseling is very similar, there are still have some differences; strategic therapy was developed by Jay Haley during the 1960s around the same time that structural family therapy was created. The difference between the two therapies is that structural views the client and their family issues as symptoms whereas, strategic therapy sees the issue not as a symptom but as a real problem that mirrors the family’s functionality (Grand Canyon University, 2014).

Reference

Grand Canyon University (2014).  Classical psychotherapies (lecture notes).  Retrieved from https://lc-grad2.gcu.edu.

Updated 3/16/22  

Copyrighted 2016, 2022 by Purpoz Counseling & Wellness Center, LLC

Word of the Day - Psychodrama

Psychodrama is used to facilitate the expression of feelings through the use of role play.  The three stages of psychodrama are warm-up, action, and sharing.

Psychosocial Development Theory (v-log)

Hi peeps!  In this video I give a brief lecture on Erik Erickson's 8 stages of Psychosocial Development Theory.  Follow along on our blog @  http://psychologyessence.blogspot.com/2016/10/blog-post.html.  Psychosocial theory was created and developed by Erik Erikson, psychologist.  Erikson’s psychosocial theory is an expansion of Freud’s psychoanalytic theory.   This is Psychology Essence's first v-log .  Please, like, comment and subscribe. Remember to do your very best.

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Word of the Day - Multimodal Therapy (BASIC ID)

Multimodal Therapy (BASIC ID) - Multimodal Therapy (MMT) is an approach to psychotherapy created by psychologist Arnold Lazarus.  Lazarus developed the  MMT approach that suggests that behaviors can be dived into  seven interrelated areas of functioning, which form the acronym BASIC ID.    The BASIC ID consists of the following:  

·         Behavior (habits, actions, reactions);

·         Affective response  (emotions and moods);

·         Sensations (taste, touch, smell, sight , hearing);

·         Imagery (self-concept, memory, dreams); 

·         Cognition (constructs, ideas, insights);

·         Interpersonal relationships (interactions);

·         Drugs (nutrition, biological functions). 

Dr. Murray Bowen (Psychiatrist) – Biography

By:  Kimberly Swanson - MS- Psy, CNA

Murray Bowen was a psychiatrist who pioneered the family systems theory (the Bowen theory).  Dr. Bowen was born January 31, 1913, in Waverly, Tennessee. In 1934, he earned a bachelor’s degree in science.  He furthered his education and earned his medical degree in 1937 at  the University of Tennessee Medical School.  Later, Bowen did his internship at Bellevue Hospital  and Grasslands Hospital in New York.  He later served in the military for five years where he began to take an interested in  the field of psychiatry.

Dr. Bowen has contributed substantially with the field of psychology.  He pioneered the family systems theory because he felt that the family is the main source of emotional needs and personality development.  Bowen had the opportunity to work with schizophrenia patients,  He researched and noted the correlation between  children and their mothers.   He  suggested that schizophrenia was due to generational dysfunction which gradually leads to an offspring having schizophrenia.  Even though Bowen’s family system theory is based on his research on schizophrenic clients, he further expanded  family system therapy to  be a common type of therapy for various conditions.

Bowen highlighted the differentiation of self-awareness which is a critical objective for each member of the family especially for children.  With differentiation, individuals see themselves as separate or independent of their family unit.   Murray Bowen also extended the family systems with the ideology that the  reactions of the family  is based on individual birth order and the position of the family structure (Good Therapy, 2015) . Another well-known theory that Bowen developed was the theory of triangulation;  Triangulation takes place when an individual refocuses their attention away from the true problem (Good Therapy, 2015).

References

Good Therapy.  (2015).    Murray Bowen (1913-1990).  Retrieved from http://www.goodtherapy.org/famous-psychologists/murray-bowen.html.

Word Of The Day - Intergenerational Family Therapy

Intergenerational Family Therapy (Nuclear Family Emotional System) is when the present family in therapy have an emotional system that is influenced or affected by the previous generation regardless as to rather or not the relative is alive or deceased.

Word of The Day - Enactment

Enactment -  Enactment is a  technique that  enables therapists (e.g. structural family therapist) to see if an instant replay of what event took place within the family structure or dynamics.

Word of the Day - Family Systems Theory (Counseling Psychology)

Family Systems Theory -  Family Systems  Theory, in counseling psychology. was created by Dr. Murray Bowen which enabled each family to work as team in order to resolve personal problems. There is a connection between each  family member within the systems which interconnects relationship and can only be understood when all members are working together as one.

In therapy,  with systems theory, the therapist does not blame the identified patient (IP).  All of the elements of a  system (i.e. members of a family) are interrelated and only as strong as their weakest part.

Psychosocial Theory of Development

(Source:  http://www.tankonyvtar.hu)

By:  Kimberly Swanson, PsyM, LPC

The psychosocial theory was created and developed by Erik Erikson (psychologist). Erikson's psychosocial theory is an expansion of Freud's psychoanalytic theory. According to Erikson's (1959) theory of psychosocial development, there are eight phases. Like Freud, Erikson states that crisis takes place during each stage of development. In Erikson (1963), when problems take place during psychosocial stages of development, they take place due to the mental needs of the individual (i.e., psycho) working against the needs of the general public (i.e., social).

According to Erikson's theorization, successfully completing each phase can enable outcomes of having a healthy personality and acquiring good solid morals. Essential virtues include traits that will allow the ego to overcome tragic situations or circumstances.

Not completing a particular stage in development can lessen the chance of achieving more advanced phases and cause a more unhealthy personality and a sense of identity. Fortunately, these phases can be changed and improved over time. 

The following charts are Erikson's 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development:

Chart from McLeod (2013)

References

Erikson, E. H. (Ed.). (1963). Youth: Change and challenge. Basic books.

Erikson, E. H., Paul, I. H., Heider, F., & Gardner, R. W. (1959). Psychological issues (Vol. 1). International Universities Press.

McLeod, S. A. (2013). Erik Erikson. Retrieved from www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html.

Psychology Essence Channel

Follow along with on the Psychology Essence Channel  

Lecture on Psychosocial Development Theory by Kimberly Swanson "Purpoz," MS-Psy, CNA

Last Updated - 03/16/2022

Copyrighted 2016, 2022 by Purpoz Counseling & Wellness Center, LLC

Word of the Day - The Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT)

The Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) or D-O-T (DOT), is a publication that is published by the United Stated Department of Labor which enables employers, government agencies, and workforce development staff to properly define over 13,000 different kinds of jobs, from 1938 to the late 1990s.  DOT also includes a nine-digit code for each occupational definition.  Digits 4-6 refer to how the tasks of the job relates to data, people, and things (Rosenthal, 2008).

Reference

Rosenthal, H.  (2008). Encyclopedia of Counseling (3^rd ed.).  New York, Routledge.

Word of the Day - Family Constellations

Family Constellations - Family Constellations is a system of relationships in which self-awareness develops. This system includes and is maintained by oneself, one's parents, siblings, and any other individuals living within the household, this is when social arrangement has occurred.

Word of the Day - Fixation (Psychoanalytic Family Theory)

Fixation (Psychoanalytic Family Theory) – According to psychoanalytic family theory, fixation is a partial interruption of an attachment or behavioral pattern or practice from an earlier phase of development.  For instance, if a person is stuck on the oral stage of Freud’s psychoanalytic development from childhood unresolved issues, then a person will have a difficult time moving to the next stage of development. 

Erik Erikson – (Developmental Psychologist and Psychoanalyst)

By:  Kimberly Swanson, M.S. - Psy, CNA

Erik Erikson (Developmental Psychologist)

Erik Erikson was a 20th century psychologist who developed the theory of psychosocial development and the concept of an identity crisis. 

Erickson was born in June 15, 1902 in Frankfurt, Germany.    Erikson’s mom was Jewish, Karla Abrahamsen.  He never knew his biological father, who was an unknown Danish man. His mother, Karla, later married a physician, Dr. Theodor Homberger, who practically raised him.  He did not believe that his stepfather was fully accepting of him like his own biological children.

He did not know until later that his Dr. Homberger was not his biological father.  Once he found out the truth, this left him feeling confused and filled with mixed emotions.  Knowing this information helped explained why his did not feel like he fitted in within community while growing up.   While attending a Jewish school he was constantly teased for being tall, having blue eyes, and his Nordic appearance. Erickson grew up with his stepfather’s last name; but in 1939, he changed his last name to  Erikson.

According to Sharkey (1997), Erikson did not care for a formal education so instead he studied the arts after high school.  He traveled throughout Europe. Once meeting Anna Freud in Vienna, He decided to study psychoanalysis, where his studied child development at the Vienna Psychoanalytic Institute.  He earned a diploma from the institute.  He never earned a formal degree but his gained knowledge through experience and research.

In 1930, Erikson married Joan Serson, who assisted him in developing his psychosocial development theory.  Erikson and his family Fled Nazi’s invasion  and moved into the  United States;  Erikson and his wife raised their three children in the United States (Good Therapy,2015).

Professional Career

When Erikson first lived in Boston, he became the first male to practice child psychoanalysis.   He also worked at Harvard Medical school (Judge Baker Guidance Center) and Harvard’s Psychological Clinic.  While at the university, he conducted a longitudinal study on the Sioux children in South Dakota’s Indian reservation.

Erikson expanded Freud’s theories of five stages of development.  Erickson developed the study of life cycles which his principles was that individuals goes through eights phrases of development.  His focus was on the concept that the environment plays a significant role in  self-awareness, adjustment, human development, and identity (Good Therapy, 2015).

Another contribution that Erikson made in the field of psychology is the work of further expanding the field of ego psychology with the  emphasis of the ego not being the platform for the id as a fulfillment of  desires, but as an a critical psychological foundation.  Erikson also further expanded Freud’s psychoanalysis in his 1950 book, Childhood and Society.

References

Good Therapy.  (1997).  Erik Erikson (1902-1994).  Retrieved from http://www.goodtherapy.org/famous-psychologists/erik-erikson.html

Sharkey, W.  (1997).  Erik Erikson.  Retrieved March 29, 2005 from www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/erikson.htm

Copyright in 2016 by ©Messenger Publishing, Inc.

Word of the Day - Open Group

Open Group (Noun) - Refers to a group where individuals can join at any time.  An open group allows new members to join  as old members leave.  New members refreshes the group dynamics but they may cause problems with assimilation (or rules), which can affect trust and cohesion with earlier members

Psychopathology - What is Dysthymic Disorder?

By:  Kimberly Swanson, M.S. – Psy, CNA

Dysthymic Disorder is a low level form of depression that occurs more days than not for at least one year in kids and teens and at least two years in adults (APA), 2013).   The level and range of diagnosable disturbances is based on the clinicians’ judgement and expertise within the field of psychiatry and psychology (Butcher, Mineka, Hooley, 2013).    Patients who are diagnosed with dysthymic disorder must have at least two of the six additional symptoms that is often times found in depression (e.g. presence of depression - loss of appetite/overeating, loss of energy/tired, etc.); there are additional criterion found under persistent Depressive Disorders (Dysthymia) within the APA’s DSM-5 (APA, 3013).

Niculescu and Akisal (2001) suggested that dysthymia should be split into 2 subcategories:  anxious dysthymia and anergic dysthymia.  They defined these sub-categories of patients with anxious dysthymia as having defined symptoms of low self-esteem, restlessness, and being sensitive to interpersonal rejection (Niculescu and Akisal, 2001).  It is also categorized that these patients tend to seek assistance and are most likely to make less lethal suicide attempts, and do better with certain medications (e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)).  Sometimes these patients have problems with substance abuse; the following are the drugs that tend to be these patients drugs of choice:  alcohol, marijuana, opiates, benzodiazepines, and etc. (Niculescu and Akisal, 2001).

Dysthymia occurs quite frequently, which can occur within the general public’s life span of 2.5 and 6 percent (Kessler et al., 1994; Kessler, Berglund, Demier et al., 2005).  The normal time frame for dysthymia is 4 to 5 years but it can last as long as 20 years or more (Keller et al., 1997; Klein et al., 2006). Chronic stress may be a contributing factor to the increased severity of the symptoms over 7.5 years follow-up over a certain period of time (Dougherty et al., 2004).  A 10 year longitudinal study was conducted with 97 participants with early-onset dysthymia; it was found that 74% recovered within 10 years, but  among those who have recovered, 71% relapsed, which occurred within 3 years of following up with their doctor (Klein et al. 2006; Klein, 2010).

References

American Psychiatric Association (APA).  (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5^th ed. (DSM-5).  Arlington: American Psychiatric Association (APA).
  

Butcher, J.N., Mineka, S., Hooley, J.M.  (2013). Abnormal Psychology, 15^th ed.  Upper Saddle River:  Pearson Education, Inc.   

Dougherty, L.R., Klein, D.N., Davila, J.  (2004). A growth curve analysis of the course of dysthymic disorder:  The effects of chronic stress and moderation by adverse parent-child relationships and family history.   Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72(6), 1012-1021.

Keller, M.B., Hirschfeld, R. M.A., & Hanks, D.  (1997). Double depression:  A distinctive subtype of unipolar depression.  Journal of Affective Disorders, 45(1-2), 65-73.

Klein, D.N.  (2010). Chronic depression:  Diagnosis and classification.  Current Directions in Psychological Science, 19(2), 96-100.

Klein, D.N., Shankman, S.A., & Rose, S.  (2006). Ten-year prospective follow-up study of the naturalistic course of dysthymic disorder and double depression.  American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(5), 872-680.

Kessler, R.C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., & Walters, E.E.  (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distribution of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication.  Archives of General Psychiatry, 62, 593-602.

Kessler, R.C., McGonagle, K.A. Zhao, S., Nelson, C.B., Hughes, M., Eshleman, S., Wittchen, H.U., & Kendler, K.S. (1994).  Lifetime and 12 month prevalence of DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders in the United States:  Results from the National Comorbid Survey. Archives of General Psychiatry, 51, 8-19.

Niculescu, A.B. 3rd, Akiskal, H.S. (2001).  Proposed endophenotypes of dysthymia: evolutionary, clinical and pharmacogenomics considerations. Molecular Psychiatry, 6(4):363-6.

Copyright in 2016 by ©Messenger Publishing, Inc.

Word of the Day - Median

Median- mēdēən/Me-di-an (Noun) -Is a measurement of central tendency  that is defined as the middle value of a set of numbers when the numbers are arranged in an increasing or decreasing order. The median of distribution is defined as the middle measure of ordered distribution.

Word of The Day - Introjection

Introjection - in-tro-jec-tion (intrəˈjekSHən/) - Introjection is the tendency to uncritically accept other's beliefs and standards with assimilating them to make them congruent with who you are.  To unconsciously accept the ideology, principles, attitudes of others.

Therapy Techniques - Systematic Desensitization

By:  Kimberly Swanson, M.S. – Psychology, CNA

Systematic desensitization is a behavioral therapy that is based on the ideology of classical conditioning.  It is the foundational root of counter conditioning.  This type of therapy technique works on reducing anxiety by linking negative stimuli with positive outcomes (Rosenthal, 2008).   

During the 1950s, Wolpe created systematic desensitization in which the objective is to elevate fear when reacting to a phobia. Often times these phobia reactions are replaced with conditional stimuli eventually leads to counter conditioning (McLeod, 2008).  There are three steps for this type of treatment (McLeod, 2008):

• 1.      Patients learn to do relaxation and breathing exercise (e.g. medication and yoga).
• 2.      Patients develops a fear ranking system starting with the stimuli that creates the least amount of anxiety (fear/stress) and leading up to the things that leads to the highest level of fear (fear through visual imagery).  This step is critical because it provides a foundation for the therapy treatment.
• 3.     Patient works up the levels of rankings and starting with less fearful stimuli through the use of relaxation strategies.  As they overcome one fear level, then they are ready to tackle and conquer the next level.  If clients regressed to lower fear level, then they must repeat the relaxation techniques until they are ready to move forward.

References

McLeod, S. A. (2008). Systematic Desensitization. Retrieved from www.simplypsychology.org/Systematic-Desensitisation.html.

Rosenthal, H.  (2008). Encyclopedia of counseling (3rd Edition).  New York:  Routledge.

Copyright in 2016 by ©Messenger Publishing, Inc.

Therapy Techniques - Family Sculpting (Psychodrama)

By:   Kimberly Swanson, MS-Psy, CNA

Family Sculpting was developed by Duhl, Kantor, and Duhl (1973).   This technique is used when a family member recreates their family system and gives a demonstration of their family relationships during a specific time frame within their life.  The family therapist can use  sculpting by asking family members to physically arrange the family through psychodrama like postures (Rosenthal, 2008).  This is techniques is good for adolescents because it gives them a chance to nonverbally show their perception and emotions about the family.  Family sculpting  is an effective diagnostic instrument that gives the opportunity to expand to further therapeutic interventions (Duhl, Kantor, Duhl, 1973).

Reference

Duhl, F. S., Kantor, D., & Duhl, B. S. (1973). Learning Space and action in family therapy: A primer of sculpting. In D. Bloch (Ed.), Techniques of family psychotherapy: A primer. New York: Grune & Stratton.

Rosenthal, H.  (2008).  Encyclopedia of counseling (3^rd Edition).  New York:  Routledge.

Virginia Satir (Psychotherapist) Bio

By:  Kimberly Swanson, MS-Psy, CNA

Virginia Satir was a psychotherapist who developed and pioneered family therapy. She was born, on June 26, 1916 in Neillsville, Wisconsin.  Satir was the youngest sibling out of thirteen siblings.   She grew up with an alcoholic father (Suarez, 1999).  Suarez (1999) mentions that  that Satir disliked her father’s problems with  alcoholism.

Once Satir graduated from high, she attended Milwaukee State Teachers College and earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1936.  Satir had the opportunity to work at an African American community center called Abraham Lincoln House; she wanted to learn and understand different cultures and ethnicities.  Satir shared her experiences and voiced her views about the racial disparities (King 1990).

After Satir finished her master’s thesis, she earned her master’s degree in 1948.  She then went into  private practice and later accepted a position  with the Illinois Psychiatric Institute.  While at the institute, she taught other therapists the essential need of  focusing in whole family during therapy sessions,  not only for the individual (Good Therapy, 2015).  She identified that the issues of  the clients often times stems from the family.

Satir created a new approach to counseling.  She felt that the client’s dilemma and circumstances were seldom the root of the problem, instead she believed that it was much deeper.  Virginia suggested that mental health issues stemmed from negative family dysfunction and believed that the whole family needs treatment and not just the individual.  Satir developed Transformational Systemic Therapy,  also called Satir Growth Model, which focus on the inner-self, and  examining personal choices and decisions (Good Therapy, 2015).

In 1964, Satir wrote the book Conjoint Family Therapy which focused on  personal self-worth.  With her work, Satir tried to assist individuals in accepting life and having peace and prosperity.  She  inspired clients to incorporate meditation, breath work, positive visualization with their  daily life.  She also recommended affirmations in improving ones self-esteem  (Good Therapy, 2015)

References

Good Therapy.  (2015).  Virginia Satir (1916-1988).  Retrieved from http://www.goodtherapy.org/famous-psychologists/virginia-satir.html

King, L. (1990). Woman Power. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts.

Suarez, M. M. (1999). A Brief Biography of Virginia Satir. [On-line]. Available http://www.avanta.net/BIOGRAPHY/biography.htm

Word of the Week - SOAP Notes

SOAP Notes – SOAP stands for Subjective Information, Objective Information, Assessments, & Plan. SOAP notes is a type of clinical note format that therapists use as a documenting methodology for tracking their therapy sessions and the progression of their patients.

What is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)?

By:  Kimberly Swanson, MS-Psy, CNA

When it comes to Rational  Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Albert Ellis (1957, 1962) suggests that individuals holds a certain set of  belief systems that stems from their upbringing, culture, environment and their life experiences.  With these belief systems, it guides people in making life decisions and it becomes a determining factor as to how these individuals reacts to certain situations.

It is believe that some people’s personal beliefs and mindsets can be irrational and may cause them to react in certain unfitting ways; these negative behaviors can prevent them from excelling and achieving their goals.  This dysfunctional behavior is what Dr. Ellis termed irrational assumptions (McLeod, 2015).

There are times when some individuals have the belief system they are not a true success when they don’t have someone to love them; these individuals are continuously looking for acceptance and are constantly rejected.  Due to these rejections, their behaviors begins to reflect their negative beliefs about themselves and they feel unhappy due not receiving affection or reciprocated love in return.

The following are some examples of Ellis’s irrational thinking:

·         You have to be knowledgeable and know everything.

·         Believes that no one has control over their joy and happiness.

·         Believes that your past mistakes rules your present and future circumstances.

·         Believes that you have to find the solution to everything and if you don’t find it everything is in total chaos.

Dr. Ellis believed that individuals often times cling to their irrational thought processing.  Ellis’s REBT therapy incorporates emotive strategies to assist clients in changing their negative way of thinking (McLeod, 2015).

References

Ellis, A. (1957). Rational Psychotherapy and Individual Psychology. Journal of Individual Psychology, 13: 38-44.

Ellis, A. (1962). Reason and Emotion in Psychotherapy. New York: Stuart.

McLeod, S. A. (2015). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Retrieved from www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive-therapy.html

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