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TREATMENT METHODS A 17th Century philosopher once said, "A definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results." Are you insane by this definition? I am in some subjects, like dieting and exercise especially. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Many people are victims of Self-Hypnosis: This is a technique that helps you relax and change habits and perceptions by inducing intense concentration. The process only takes 5 to 8 minutes. This is not what you have seen on television or in movies. I believe everybody is in an "altered state" every day of his/her life as evidenced by intense concentration to the point that you screen out all other people, noises, music, etc. Most if not all of Olympic Athletes practice this technique to improve his/her performance. I use self-hypnosis to help the individual with fears of flying, speaking, driving, and to get over traumatic experiences. Biofeedback: This is a technique utilized to relax muscles throughout the body in a specific sequence. This process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and is good for tension, headaches and other body symptoms. Thought Field Therapy: This is an energy focusing technique developed by Dr. Roger Callahan where you tap your fingers on certain acupuncture points on the body. It is good in reducing stress and trauma and takes only about three minutes.- Working with Children and Adolescents: I started working with children as a school counselor in 1961 at the Middle and High School levels, College Levels and in an International School in Greece before obtaining my doctorate in 1975. I have probably counseled over 1,000 children and adolescents by first gaining his/her trust, gaining the cooperation of all of the parental figures as well as the school teachers and counselors, working closely with the child's pediatrician or family physician, and in many cases setting a positive behavioral management program in the home. Utilizing these techniques, along with affection and friendliness toward the child, many children change his/her behaviors from dysfunctional to functional. Contrary to popular opinion, most children and adolescents like to come to therapy because he/she has the undivided attention of a therapist who listens and does his best to help. Divorce can affect children profoundly and the earlier intervention takes place with the assistance of both parents, the easier it is for the child to make this most disturbing transition. Working with Adults: Many adults suffer from clinical depression and anxiety among other problems. Depression and anxiety to a psychologist is like the common cold to the physician. We see a lot of it and it’s not difficult to treat within a reasonable period of time. Couples seek the assistance of a psychologist for marriage counseling. Most couples who are willing to look at themselves and make the necessary changes and have a commitment to the relationship can be helped to save and grow their relationship. With substance abuse and other addictions treatment is often needed and it does help some people. While AA and other 12 step programs are quite helpful to a minority of people with addiction, they are not successful for the majority. Scientific research indicates the most successful treatment programs are those who tailor the specific treatment to the belief system of the individual. 12 step programs assume one size fits all. It may be popular among many people but that doesn't make it successful. There are new innovative programs like Rational Recovery and SMART Recovery which utilizes the techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy to assist the individual to change his/her thinking about the use of drugs and/or alcohol. |
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