When you live in Omaha, NE – or the surrounding area – dealing with the gloom of an overcast sky or the drama of dodging the potholes on the roadway are a part of life we all understand. And, mostly, we deal with it, knowing that milder weather, sunnier days, and repaired streets will all come our way in due time.
However, some of us suffer a lot more. Not exactly hibernation – but a withdrawal from life. A deeper sadness, a lack of energy, maybe even a sense of despondency that weighs heavily on us – and our relationships. The question, then: what to do?
The linked article will bring lots of ideas – I especially like the idea of bringing home a plant. Maybe that’s why, every year, area events like the Cathedral Flower Show and the Omaha Home and Garden Expo are so well-attended. Can’t make those? Lauritzen Garden or the Doorly Zoo will fill the gap nicely.
Need more help with depression? Please give me a call – let’s talk it over.
Unbeknownst to most mental health consumers, a change went into effect in January, 2013 that may have far-reaching ramifications for those receiving outpatient psychotherapy. For the first time in 15 years, changes were made to the coding system used to describe and bill for mental health treatment. This change has resulted in chaos for many mental health professionals who bill their patients’ insurance. Nationwide, many mental health providers have reported problems with filing and receiving timely reimbursement for claims filed under the new coding system.
Starting in April, 2017 – I’ll be adjusting my schedule. Session length will be 45 minutes. While this will require me to be more time-conscious with start/stop times – this will allow me to see more clients over a day at the office. More availability of late afternoon and evening appointments.
Update: Starting April 24th, 2017, I will be reverting to my original format! After just 2 weeks of the ’45 block session format’, I realized that it was unsustainable for me. I lost the kind of focus I need to do the work I want, got too concerned about staying on schedule, and found the transitions too abrupt from one client to the next. So, you can expect a 50 minute session that winds down in a more leisurely transition. The remaining 10 minutes will allow for jotting a session note, and other practical things.
Also of note: I change my overall schedule from time to time – so call the office to see if I have available time for you, or if you have other questions about my services. Thanks!
Journalism resource guide – from The Carter Center
Journalists will find this new resource a helpful tool when reporting stories that include individuals with behavioral health concerns. The Carter Center published the Journalism Resource Guide on Behavioral Health that aims to increase accurate reporting of behavioral health issues, decrease stereotypes, and help reporters better understand mental health and substance use issues. The guide …
The Storm of Sex Addiction: Rescue and Recovery
Connie Lofgreen, MSW, CSAT
I recently sat down with Connie Lofgreen’s 2012 book: The Storm of Sex Addiction. The book masterfully weaves together Lofgreen’s clinical perspective, research data, case vignettes, and ideas for family, couple & individual growth. It’s clear from the start that the author cares deeply for her subject area, and for the people and families who are are impacted by sex addiction.
Each of the four parts of Lofgreen’s book has something to offer for the reader, whether a worried partner, a therapist wanting to expand his or her understanding of this area of intervention, or an individual struggling to understand the forces that drive addictive behavior within sexual encounters.
Section One sets the context for the remainder of the book. The prevalence of the problem, and its destructiveness are delineated. Repeatedly, we see the personal, relationship, career and family impacts.
Section Two lays out the context and environment that contributes to the development of high-risk behaviors – that lead, over time, to addictive patterns, rituals, and the disruption of a healthy life. Lofgreen draws together several important threads: trauma & attachment theory, the easy availability of internet sources of sexualized communication and imagery, and the progressive and destructive decline of mental and physical health that results. This is a useful and thought-provoking overview!
Section Three addresses a number of critical elements focusing on treatment and recovery. The reader will come away with an understanding of Lofgreen’s own Starpro intervention program that she conducts in her Omaha, NE outpatient office. Addtionally, she sketches out a realistic collection of therapy and support that anyone who suffers sex addiction should anticipate to use in his or her recovery. You’ll come away knowing that there are no shortcuts.
Each element is explained for its value and benefit to the client. Of particular note, the partners and spouses of the sex addict receive valuable input to assess their own needs, and the viability of the relationship with the addict. Safety, and personal growth, is emphasized. Lastly, there is a chapter in this section that highlights the special category of the clergy – the needs of the addict, the addict’s family, and his or her congregation.
Section Four reprises the societal and technological realities that we face today – the same ones that allow us to work remotely and communicate across the world instantaneously also bring us the potential of isolation, avoidance, false intimacy, addictive responses and patterns, along with the degradation of self, career, and relationships we all need. Lofgreen outlines a framework for child growth, development and safety through engaged, thoughtful, intentional parenting.
The book closes with a useful collection of resources for anyone wanting to go deeper into the subject. For the addict and family, additional books and sources of help. For the clinician, the reader will find additional sources of material related to addiction, attachment, and training.
This book is very readable, interesting, and draws you in to learn more. Those struggling with understanding their own addictive behavior, family members of the addict, and therapists who encounter sex addiction in their own practices would all do well to open up this volume. The ideas are useful and digestible – I found them reprised in my thoughts as I saw clients while in the midst of reading. I’m sure that this will continue, as well.
The above link will take you to a well-crafted article from a New York City based social worker. Christine has done a great job of reminding her readers of the importance of self-care, being gentle and realistic with ourselves, and reaching out for support as we need it.
This resource list was put together by another group – but it appears to offer an excellent range of reviewed sites relevant to both professionals and parents of special needs children looking for help. While I cannot endorse any one of these resources personally, I am posting this to spread the news.
Please make sure that if you find a resource or treatment idea/intervention that interests you, review it thoroughly with the health care and educational specialist who are already working with your family member. That way, you’ll ensure that it dovetails well with the plans that are currently in place for your child.
