Psychological Health Roanoke

Rhythms of the Heart and Nature by Cindy Hively

2011-10-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Cindy Harpe Hively writes on living life with the daily struggle of chronic illness. She calls the Roanoke Valley in Virginia her home, surrounded by beautiful mountains that inspire and heal her everyday. Having worked twenty five years in the retail industry, she moved up quickly and loved her career, but had to quit work due to chronic illness. She is on a healing journey through Metta meditation, mindfulness practices and self compassion.

You can read her columns at BuddhaChickLife.com

Living with Anxiety

2011-09-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

Ryan Rivera describes himself as an ex-anxiety sufferer (well, almost). Noticing that it is difficult to find accurate and usable information about managing anxiety, he took on the task himself. He has created an online guide that is both accurate and accessible to the lay person. The guide covers the essential information about anxiety disorders and explains the options available to anxiety sufferers. Kudos to Ryan for bringing light to his idea

You can find this guide at: http://www.calmclinic.com

Tinnitus Discovery Could Lead to New Ways to Stop the Ringing

2011-09-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

New findings, published online by the National Academy of Sciences, suggest several new approaches to treatment, including retraining the brain, and new avenues for developing drugs to suppress the ringing. The cause of tinnitus is damage to nerve cells in the innner ear. In response to this damage, the brain generates "phantom sounds." In this respect, tinnitus resembles phantom limb pain experienced by many amputees.
For more information: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912144247.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Latest+Science+News%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

The Mind of the Fencer

2011-08-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

Competing in the "zone" is the key to success in sport. For the fencer this means blending the mind-set of the chess master with that of the Zen warrior. As personal combat sport, fencing is an encounter with threat and risk. Success for the ancient warrior and the modern athlete alike relies on pinpoint focus, lightning-fast actions, emotional composure and finely honed instincts.

Olympic Medalist, Jason Rogers, and Sport Psychologist, Dr. John Heil, draw on practical sport psychology, the Zen Martial Arts tradition and modern game theory to provide a look inside fencing in the "zone".

Video at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZfYPLWQqmQ

Ex-players Sue NFL over Concussions

2011-07-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

Seventy-five former players are suing the NFL, claiming the league intentionally withheld knowledge of the damaging effects of concussions for 90 years.

The plaintiffs claim that "the NFL knew as early as the 1920s of the harmful effects on a player's brain of concussions"

For the full story in ESPN NFL
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/6785702/seventy-five-ex-players-sue-nfl-concussions?campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

New Cigarette Packaging

2011-06-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius speaks about the change in cigarette packaging. Introducing grahpic images of adverse health consequences is the latest in a long line of efforts to reduce smoking:
http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS321&q=new+cigarette+packaging&aq=0l&aqi=g-l8g-lv2&aql=&oq=new+cigarrette+pack#q=new+cigarette+packaging&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS321&prmd=ivnsu&source=univ&tbm=nws&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=UkEDToT_OYa6tgeXqrWVDg&ved=0CD8QqAI&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=d1486196702e9ec0&biw=1003&bih=493

Will this lead to change? You can weigh in with your opinion at:

http://www.bnet.com/blog/health-fit-tips/will-new-graphic-images-deter-smokers/1021

2011-06-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

Coventry Commonwealth Games
Summer Biathlon 2011

“Run & Shoot” Competition

The Biathlon is best known as a winter sport event that combines skiing and shooting- but you will not need your boots and gloves for the event. This is its warm weather counterpart, and is part of the Coventry Commonwealth Games, which will be held Saturday, July 23rd in Roanoke, Virginia.

Competitors begin with a 1 mile run that brings them to the shooting range. They lay down, pick up the rifle, shoot five shots at metal knock down targets, jump up, walk to the end of the range, and continue the running. One mile later they are back at the range, and shoot five shots from the standing position. The race ends with a 1 mile dash to the finish. Interval starts are used, with 1, 2 or 3 runners starting together every minute. The rifles are .22 caliber. Rifles and ammunition will be provided.

The Coventry Commonwealth Games is the nationally recognized State Games of Virginia, a sports festival with over 50 events that began in 1990.

There will be a team competition in Biathlon with a Police Team Trophy that is being sponsored by Psychological Health Roanoke.

This is a unique opportunity for Departments to test their skills against one another and, for the officers to test themselves under pressure of competition.

For more information about the Games check out its web site

http://www.commonwealthgames.org/.

VT Psychology Practicum

2011-06-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

I have been so fortunate to receive the opportunity of working as an intern at Psychological Health Roanoke. I have really learned so much about the workings of a private psychological clinic, and received great hands on experience. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful in my experiences throughout the past semester. The clinicians are all so talented at their specific fields and I was privileged enough to sit in on multiple sessions with some of them. This was the most informative experience I have had thus far in my college career, and I cannot express my gratitude for receiving the opportunity to really explore the field of clinical psychology with such kind and talented clinicians. This experience has really solidified my future aspirations to become a clinical psychologist and I have been so lucky to be able to learn so much about therapy and the insurance aspects of a private practice. I will bring the skills I have attained from this internship with me into my future towards becoming a licensed clinical psychologist.

Courtney Kellerman

Living with Chronic Pain: Art & Exercise

2011-06-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

Sponsored By: Psychological Health Roanoke

Presented by: Billy Bob Beamer

and

Stephanie Simmons Gillenwater

Saturday, June 4, 2011; 10:00am-12:00pm; PHR Offices

The Role of Art
Billy Bob Beamer is an internationally known artist who creates his art through use of meditation. He also teaches classes in “drawing as quiet active meditation” to relieve pain and stress. Beamer, a sociology graduate of the College of William and Mary, is also a retiree from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Social Services, and an award-winning trumpeter, with a 40-year week-end career playing jazz, R & B, blues, and other types of music.

The Role Of Exercise
Stephanie Simmons Gillenwater is a Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor at the YMCA in Salem, VA who is also diagnosed with fibro-myalgia. Stephanie will share her experience with exercise as a way to manage her chronic pain. Stephanie is hoping to eventually begin a group exercise program at the YMCA specifically for people with chronic pain.

Jeff Allman on “Finding Your Inner Race-Car Driver”

2011-06-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

Being a life-long fan of stock car racing came about easily for me—my dad raced at regional short tracks for several years in the early 50s and although he quit before I was born, he continued to attend as a fan, and when I was about four years old, he took me to my first race. The sound, the sights, and even the smell all grabbed me and has continued to this day. I still attend races during the season and have seen a lot of NASCAR’s greats compete.

There are probably few people who are fans of auto racing who haven’t fantasized about trying it, and I’m no exception. I did race in an entry level race locally one time years ago, which was a thrill. However, my fantasy of driving a NASCAR Sprint Cup car remained. As stock car racing began developing a bigger audience through TV in the 80s and90s, entrepreneurs saw this as an opportunity to satisfy some fans’ yearnings. One such group, the Buck Baker Driving School, founded by a Retired former Sprint Cup driver, was founded and started running driving schools at various NASCAR race tracks throughout the southeast. After years of toying with whether or not to spring for the money to do this, I finally decided to scratch this item off my “bucket list”, and go for it.

I close Darlington (S.C.) Raceway as the site where I’d do the school. Darlington, known as
one of NASCARs toughest tracks, is also host to its oldest event, the Southern 500. Sentimentally, I picked it because my dad was a pit crewman for a local driver in the ’54 Southern 500.

Driving into the infield of the track was a thrill—I was on hollowed ground as far as stock car racing was concerned. My fellow students heard a lecture by one of the driving instructors regarding safety— they didn’t want their expensive race cars torn-up by Richard Petty wanna-bes –-and I didn’t want to be one who was tearing them up, so I listened carefully. We were then fitted for firesuits and helmets, and then all awaited nervously (yep, I was nervous) for our turn as a passenger in one of the school’s fleet of cars.

I thought (erroneously, as it turns out) that my few laps as a passenger would be laid-back, at least building up to higher speeds---WRONG! On the very first lap, I could feel centrifugal force pushing my down into and against my seat, and we weren’t going anywhere near as fast as the pros do it during competition.

Next, I got to drive, with my instructor assuming the passenger role. I was DEFINITELY nervous at this point, particularly since what I was going to be doing was going to be scrutinized. As I drove through Darlington’s tight backed turns, I could see the tell-tale tire marks left on the wall when drivers at the last race had got into incidents that left them coming into high speed contact with those walls. This was anattention-getter, and a reminder that there was a fine line here between having fun and very undesirable consequences.

After my laps with my instructor, he told me that I’d done well, with his advising me to take a different line going into turns 1 and 2, and to slow down going into turn 3. This was flattering in a way, as I didn’t want to be “pokey” in my driving endeavor.

Then it was “solo” time. By this point my nervousness had decreased a bit and instead I was filled more with excited anticipation. I then did a 10 lap session, then a 15 lap session. Though I was still mindful that I was not Dale Earnhardt, I was feeling a little more confident. There were other students on the track, some 3-4 at a time, and my ego did not want me to be passed by anyone. I was happy that I was able to pass several cars during my sessions, and was not passed by anyone (take that, Jeff Gordon!) and was signaled by the flagman a couple of times to slow down. Not that I was driving like a maniac; the school later said that they take a close line on how much latitude they allow its students to push the boundaries. Well, I’m glad I pushed ‘em some! Although our lap speeds were probably some 40 mph slower than the race speeds
of some 170 registered by NASCAR Cup drivers during competition, it gave me a greater appreciation for what those guys do for a living, for hundreds of laps at a time, along with a field full of other competitors wanting to beat them.

All too soon, it was over. I was given a couple of “atta-boys” by instructors and fellow students, and then it was time to turn in my driving suit and helmet. All of us even picked up a “diploma” showing we’d successfully completed the course. I felt more than a twinge of sadness as I turned in my equipment—there was a group of new students coming in for the afternoon session, looking as nervous as we did that morning, and I felt some mild jealousy that they were getting to drive, and I was headed for home.

People have asked me: was it fun? Undeniably, yes! Did I “get it out of my system”? No (“it’s” probably worse now!) Will I do it again? Heck, yes!

Understanding Codependency

2011-04-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

Codependency refers to a range of feelings, behaviors and symptoms that typically have a focus on another person. Someone who is codependent focuses on everyone else, rather than themselves. Typically the focus is towards a loved one. A codependent person is a “people pleaser”, and is usually compliant and passive. This codependent person eventually begins to put the needs of others first so much that they forget their own needs. For information on this and a variety of topics: http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/resources.html

Meshorer on the Addictive Personality

2011-04-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

Dr. David Meshorer comments on the risk of addiction in Our Health Magazine... "There is no true addicitve personality."

Genetics appear to play some role, but no personality is immune to addiction. It is impossible to untangle the effects of personality on addiction from the effects of addiction on personality. Given the right combination of circumstances,all of us have addicitive tendencies.

For more information: http://www.ourhealth%20virginia.com/

Japan & Radiation Safety

2011-04-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

The Virginina Department of Health following the lead of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers information in four specific areas: 1. Screening procedures for individuals returning from Japan 2. Travel guidance for humanitarian volunteers 3. Screening procedures for food products from Japan 4. Environmental monitoring/Potassium Iodide Please note: Monitoring by EPA reveals no evidence of concerning levels of radiation in the United States. Therefore there is no reason for individuals in the US to take potassium iodide. Its best to take guidance on matters of science from science based organizations. For more info: http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/

Head Injury Seminar Open to the Public

2011-03-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

The Virtues of Journaling

2011-03-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

Is the pen mightier than the sword? Maybe
However, researchers have found is that the pen (or computer keyboard) is mightier than our strong emotions.
People have been keeping journals for thousands of years, with journals dating to 10th century Japan. Historians have found journals, diaries and letters valuable in helping us learn what our ancestors were thinking and doing.

Research has now shown that journal writing can help keep you healthier and more mentally centered. For example, James Pennebaker at the University of Texas has found that writing as little as 15 minutes per day can strengthen one's immune system. University of Chicago researchers have shown that college students who wrote about their feelings before a test did 12 percent better than the non-journaling group.

Barbara Horton

John Heil on Sport & Healing

2011-03-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

Spanish Language publication, El Mundo highlighted the efforts by sports organizations to reach out to the Japanese people in this terrible time of need. John Heil offers reasons why sport is so well suited to this type of support: Because of its relatively high visibility, its association with positive experiences, the broad appeal of sport across cultures and because of the way in which it can bring diverse groups together with a common goal.

The full article is available at: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elmundo.es%2Felmundodeporte%2F2011%2F03%2F15%2Fmasdeporte%2F1300201016.html

Charlie Finn on March (not) Madness

2011-03-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

A Lot Like Fathers and Sons

It’s down to the Final Four.
You know the coaches by now,
see how each educates and motivates,
observe relationships a lot like fathers and sons,
see how all (save one) model acceptance of defeat
for the rest of us to follow,
teach what the players will remember
when they leave the court for life.
Even were I not an ACC fan
I think I’d be tipping my hat
to the likes of Dean Smith and Mike Krzyzewski
for what they’re modeling for the rest of us
when we return to the tournament of life.

For more Poetry by Charlie Finn: http://www.poetrybycharlescfinn.com/

OUR HEALTH Best Bedside Manner Awards

2011-03-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all health care providers who have been recognized in the annual OUR HEALTH Magazine, Bedside Manner Awards!! Over 33,000 votes were tabulated in determining this years award winners.

For the third consecutive year, Psychological Health’s J. Steve Strosnider, LPC is the winner for the Roanoke Valley in the area of Psychology.

Emily DeFrance,Ph.D. of the PHR Child Unit was recognized with a second place award. Receiving Honorable Mention are Psychological Health Roanoke Clinicians, Alison Allsbrook, LCSW, Lola Byrd Psy.D., John Heil ,DA. Sam Rogers, PhD, and Cathy Taylor, Psy.D .

OUR HEALTH Magazine- www.ourhealthvirginia.com

Law Officer Line of Duty Deaths - 2010

2011-01-06T08:05:00.000-08:00

In REMEMBRANCE

In calendar year 2010 there were 162 Law Enforcement Officers killed nationwide, up 27% from the 128 Officers killed in 2009. In the line of duty 155 male and 7 female officers died, the youngest officer at age 23, and the oldest at 72 years of age. The 72 year old retired from the U.S. Marshal's after 26 years, and was working court security when a gunman walked into a federal court, then shot and killed him with a shotgun.

For more information: The Officer Down Memorial Page - www.odmp.org.

The New Year's Resolution Dilemma

2011-01-05T09:57:00.001-08:00

The New Year’s holiday has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean that your resolutions have to do so as well. Millions of American make resolutions, but only about 75% are able to keep their resolutions past the first week. So how can you keep your motivation?

For more information go to: http://www.suite101.com/content/new-years-resolutions-tips-on-keeping-a-new-years-resolution-a320314
OR
Check out our website for a variety of practical information on psychological matters: http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/resources.html

Holiday Joys, Holiday Stresses

2010-12-23T13:40:00.000-08:00

As the holidays approach focus on ways to make this time a joyful one despite the inevitable stresses and worries. Be realistic, don't expect everything to go as planned, and take time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
Remember that it is more important to open your heart, than open your pocketbook.

Best Wishes to All from Psychological Health Roanoke

ADHD & Holiday Spending

2010-12-20T13:43:00.000-08:00

During the hustle and bustle of the season, we are bombarded with messages encouraging us to buy everything in sight. For many, this leads to overspending, which results in stress and other problems when the new year rolls around and the bills come in.

While this problem plagues many people, holiday overspending can be an especially acute issue for some adults with ADHD. Holiday spending pitfalls can be avoided through knowledge, planning, setting limits, and implementing appropriate strategies.

For more information- www.chadd.org/

Turkey & Pigskin

2010-11-23T09:17:00.001-08:00

The culmination of the Fall season lies at the intersection of Friday Night Lights and the Thanksgiving Turkey. The Pilgrim born festivities we have embraced for centuries have become interwoven with America’s Games of Autumn. As distinct as these phenomenon might first appear, both are very much a part of the American spirit. What we celebrate in one way at the dinner table, we embrace in another on the field of play. Enjoy the abundance of it all, be thankful – and have some turkey.

Remembering Veterans

2010-11-12T06:25:00.000-08:00

Medal of Honor recipients are speaking out about the needs of today's combat veterans, with the message:

Don't let the enemy defeat you at home -- if you return from combat and have concerns about your mental health, the tools and resources are here now. So make use of those resources and stay strong.

To hear this message in the words of the Medal of Honor recipients: http://www.medalofhonorspeakout.org/home

National Stress Øut Week, November 8-14

2010-11-09T16:19:00.000-08:00

For many people, a glass of wine with dinner or a few drinks at a party is no cause for concern. However, people with an anxiety disorder who use alcohol or other substances to alleviate their symptoms may actually make their anxiety worse. And it can be a vicious cycle: The symptoms of one disorder can make the symptoms of another worse.

During National Stress Øut Week, November 8-14, the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) encourages you discover the difference between everyday stress and an anxiety disorder; take time to relax and unwind; and find help for anxiety, substance abuse, and other disorders.

For more information- http://www.adaa.org/

New Poetry from Charlie Finn

2010-11-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

The Mastery of the Thing! Transcendence in Counseling and Sports is Charlie Finn’s newest book of poetry. Charlie defines transcendence as “rising above or triumphing over negative or restrictive circumstances, going beyond the limits of ordinary experience. ” Speaking to both the world of sport and the world of counseling, he explores the refusal to give in to adversity or discouragement that most defines us as human and allows us to grow.

Copies are available directly from Charlie ($10) at Psychological Health Roanoke
(540-777-7086 or cfinn@psychhealthroanoke.com)

For more on Charlie Finn’s poetry: http://www.poetrybycharlescfinn.com/

Roanoke Small Business Awards

2010-10-06T20:08:00.000-07:00

Psychological Health Roanoke was recognized by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce at the 24th Annual Small Business Awards held at the Hotel Roanoke on October 5. Nominated in the "Businees-to-Consumer Services" category, PHR was among a diverse list of companies. We would like to congratulate all the nominees and category winners as well as the Roanoke Small Business of the Year, Magnets USA.

For more about the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce incluing interviews with the 2010 nominees -- http://www.roanokechamber.org/

The Wounded Warrior Project

2010-09-29T15:02:00.001-07:00

Dr John Heil spoke on "Sport Psychology for the Wounded Warrior" at a USO sponsored conference for soldiers and their families, held at Fort Bliss Army Base in El Paso, Texas. Also on the program were nationally recognized personal trainer,Robert Reames, wounded Viet Nam veteran and motivational speaker, Dave Roever, and Drew Dix, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for service in Viet Nam.

For information about the USO: http://www.uso.org/
For more about the Wounded Warrior Project: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

VT Psych Practicum

2010-09-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

PHR continues to sponsor a Practicum for VT Psychology students. Jennifer Davis offers comments on her experience below.

This past semester I was given an incredible opportunity to intern at Psychological Health Roanoke. The clinicians were always so willing to help and taught me so many things that I never would have learned in school. Getting to sit in on different therapy sessions each week was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. The rest of the staff was always pleasant to be around and so helpful with everything. The internship made me positive that Clinical Psychology is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/resources.html

Consumer Reports on Psychotherapy

2010-09-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

Consumer Reports, the largest independent consumer and product testing organization world-wide, has taken a look at psychotherapy. The July 2010 issue reports on a survey of 1,500 people who had sought help for depression and anxiety. Results indicate that those who completed at least 7 psychotherapy sessions reported as much improvement as those who had taken medication alone. The best outcomes were found when medication and "talk" therapy were used in combination.

The same article also reports on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (that should be fully in effect by 2014) which is expected to increase the afforability of mental health care.

Reported by Dr. Bruce Sellars

For more information: http://www.consumerreports.org/

Art as Meditation

2010-06-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

Billy Bob Beamer uses art as a means of dealing with chronic pain and the stress, describing his work as a “quiet active meditation". As part of his evolution as pain sufferer and artist, he has begun to teach others how they also might merge art and meditation. Billy Bob has exhibited in over 60 art shows throughout the USA and at the Ancient High House Museum, Staffordshire, UK.
For more about Beamer:
http://thenevicaproject.com/Gallery%20Artist/Artist/gallery_artist_Billy.htm
For an in-depth look at his thoughts on art as therapy: http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/BBeamerArt%26Pain.pdf

Youth Sport Injuries

2010-06-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

With few exceptions sport has thrived at all levels through the recent economic downturn. Such is the power of the sport enterprise – part profit machine, part field of dreams. But all is not well in the games of our youth. The increasingly seductive rewards of success at the highest levels, and the misapplication of professional sports ethics and expectations threaten the integrity of the youth sports movement. One of the greatest concerns is injury – which is happening at increasing frequency as the young are pushed too hard, too soon. This threat to well being is the focus and mission of STOP (Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention).
For information about STOP: http://www.stopsportsinjuries.com/

For a look at childrens' perspectives on injury: http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/ppChildInjuryLoberg.pdf

Infidelity

2010-05-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

From the time of Moses’ wandering in the desert to our age of celebrity indulgence, tales of infidelity continue to perplex and distress, and to tear at the fabric of family and community. Distressingly common and potentially devastating, there are identifiable causes and potential solutions. For insights, see the most recent Advantage EAP Newsletter by Steve Strosnider http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/April2010-Infidelity.pdf.

Jennifer Davis on VT Psychology Practicum

2010-05-14T06:09:00.000-07:00

This past semester I was given an incredible opportunity as an undergradute intern at Psychological Health Roanoke. The clinicians were always so willing to help and taught me so many things that I never would have learned in school. Getting to sit in on different therapy sessions each week was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. The rest of the staff was always pleasant to be around and so helpful with everything. The internship made me positive that Clinical Psychology is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Barbara Horton on Greg Mortenson

2010-05-05T05:30:00.000-07:00

Greg Mortensen, author of "Three Cups of Tea" and "Stones into Schools," spoke in the Hollins University's Distinguished Speakers Series. An engaging, down to earth speaker, he makes a convincing case that schools, not bombs should lead the peace initiative in the Middle East, as well as the rest of the world. Drawing on both scientific research and anecdote, Mortensen notes that when girls are educated, birth rates decline, health in communities improves and people find peaceful means of employment. He explained that when a man goes on a jihad, or spiritual quest, he must first obtain permission from his mother –- and that more highly educated women are less likely to support jihads that are linked to terrorism.
"Three Cups of Tea" is endorsed by highly ranked members of our military, including Generals Petraeus and McChyrstal, who advocate building relationships in communities in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For more information, go to http://www.threecupsoftea.com/.

Dorene Fick at Lewis Gale Behavioral Health

2010-04-14T06:05:00.000-07:00

The Mental Health professionals at Lewis Gale Behavioral Health Pavilion are a dedicated work group, challenged by the rapid turnover of patients and the fast pace of their day-to-day clinical environment. Dorene Fick, LCSW, has been guiding the staff in the development of a Peer Supervision Group which focuses on both professional development and clinical service. Meeting monthly, the group engages in dynamic case management through collaborative feedback and critique, and builds expertise via topical presentations and article reviews.

For more about Lewis Gale Medical Center Behavioral Health: http://www.lewis-gale.com/CustomPage.asp?guidCustomContentID=59AC5D6C-0C89-11D4-A2CB-00508B1245EF

Quitting Smoking

2010-03-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

We all know the devastating health consequences of smoking. Legions have quit the habit. Yet many others continue to succumb to this potent addiction. Even though there are more and more medical technologies to enable the will of those who would be smoke free, the struggle goes on. Sometimes it all comes down to capturing the moment that is ripe for change. Maybe that moment is NOW.
Our current Advantage EAP Newsletter on quitting smoking is at
http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/March2010-SmokingCessation.pdf

Ron Salzbach on Music as Therapy

2010-03-13T06:40:00.000-08:00

Watching the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show at 12 years old, I knew I had to learn to play the guitar. By age 14, I started up a band with 3 neighborhood friends. My dad bought a station wagon to haul the equipment, and we started making a little money in the latter part of the exciting 1960’s. When it became clear that we were not going to become The Beatles, we moved on. My love for all types of music continues. It’s my therapy.
For a look at Ron back in the day go to http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/RSalzbachMusicJan10.pdf
And - Some of Ron's music is availble in the Resource Section of our website

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

2010-03-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Barbara Horton, LCSW, spoke on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Borderline Personality Disorders in February to the Lewis Gale Pavilion Peer Supervision Group, lead by Dorene Fick.

DBT was developed by Marsha Linehan at the University of Washington in 1993. This two year program teaches daily use of personal coping skills that are typically lacking in Borderline Personality Disorder. These include: mindfulness, dealing with personal crises, managing emotional swings, and interacting with others in a less volatile and more constructive manner. This program has shown favorable results where conventional approaches to psychotherapy have failed.

For more information:
http://behavioraltech.org/index.cfm?CFID=25880723&CFTOKEN=46361464

Winter Olympics

2010-02-27T09:28:00.000-08:00

The quadrennial Winter Olympics are here again for a brief wisp of time as athletes curl, swirl, ski, skate and slide their way to joy and glory. These Games continue to move to the forefront of sport consciousness swept along by a growing Gen X & Y mentality. The most recent tag of "NASCAR on Ice" speaks to their expanding reach. The higher, stronger faster dimension of the snow and ice games is palpable and an inherent part of their appeal.

For insight on the risk taking mentality in sport & efforts to help athletes compete safely, go to:
http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/risktakingfinal(3).pdf

Disposing of Unused Medications

2010-02-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

When the medicine cabinet is full to overflowing, what is the solution? For all their remarkable benefits, medications carry certain risks and responsibilities. Old medicines may go out of date and lose their effectiveness. Leftover pills may provide a means to self-medicate for a new problem without a doctor’s advice, a fairly common but still potentially dangerous practice. And certain medications, for example “pain pills,” may pose a temptation to the recreational drug user.
The February Advantage EAP Newsletter summarizes advice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on proper disposal of medications
FDA guidelines for the safe disposal of a broad range of medications are available at http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm101653.htm

Health Care Legislation & Mental Health

2010-01-26T06:14:00.000-08:00

Without proper health care, the inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are gradually eroded. The American Psychological Association is actively at work in the health care reform legislation that is now in Congress. APA’s efforts in advocating for quality health care have focused on the mind-body connection in health and mental health disorders.

For information on the status of the proposed health care legislation and mental health initiatives go to http://www.apa.org/health-reform/

New Year's Resolutions Revisited

2010-01-19T08:14:00.000-08:00

As January grinds forward, the cold may chill your will to keep those new years resolutions going forward. To help keep yourself on track with a good start to 2010 take a look at the January Advantage EAP Newsletter on setting realistic goals and making healthy new ways a part of your lifestyle. The newsletter is available at http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/January2010NewYearNewYou.pdf

PHR Clinicians Receive Bedside Manner Awards

2010-01-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

Congratulations are due to all the winners of the 3rd Annual Bedside Manner Awards, sponsored by Ourhealth magazine. We would like to recognize those at Psychological Health Roanoke who have been honored, including Alison Allsbrook, Lola Byrd, Emily DeFrance and Cathy Taylor. Special kudos to Steve Strosnider for his 1st place award.
A full list of honorees can be viewed at http://www.ourhealthvirginia.com/

Holiday Stress

2009-12-18T12:56:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is one of the most joyous times of the year, but also one of the most demanding, fatiguing, and chaotic. Full of hopes and expectations, it may weigh heavily on time, finances and expectation. The holidays are a “look back” time, offering a celebration of the good things, but also raising memories of loss and sadness.
For some thoughts on making the most of this time, see our December Avantage EAP Newsletter at http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/December2009Newsletter-HolidayStress.pdf.

Charlie Finn on the Winter Solistice

2009-12-14T16:59:00.000-08:00

At our 4th Annual Holiday Season Celebration, Charlie Finn offered his perspective on the approaching winter solistice, and its meaning in our work.

We Are the Winter Solstice

Before we eat, drink and be merry,
let us remember a good reason to do so,
let us remember who we are.
This is the year’s dark time,
the deep and dark December time.
Long nights will keep getting longer
until the great reversal point is reached on December 21st
when, sun standing still, the deepest advance of night
swings back towards the light.
What does this have to do with us?
It has everything to do with us
for we are the winter solstice!
We are the winter solstice in the lives of every man, woman or child
who comes through that downstairs door.
They come at a dark place in their lives,
a stuck place,
a weighed down with worry place,
a heavy with sadness place,
a place that most of all feels like a long dark tunnel,
but they come clinging to a hope there is a light at the end of it
and that some how, some way, some one can help them reach it.
We are the some how and the some way, but we are more than some one.
It’s not just what happens in the counselor’s office.
It’s every single encounter of kindness they receive,
from the first contact over the phone to every contact at the front window,
along with all the absolutely essential business behind the scenes
that make possible that mysterious reversal back towards the light
that can happen in the counselor’s office.
It takes a village, they say.
Well, tonight is for celebrating the whole village of us.
We have reason to eat, drink and be merry,
for we are the winter solstice!

Head Injury in Sport

2009-12-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

In a year of controversy about right and wrong behavior in sport, the good news is the serious attention being given to head injury. Football season will always bring its share, but the days of laughing off a hit to the head as a “bell ringer” are fading fortunately into obscurity. The really good new is the message that gets sent down the line to the college game, and to high school and to youth sport. Like it or not what the pros do sets the trend across the board –and, fortunately this is a trend that everyone can live with a little better.
For more information take a look at the article by Mike Sanserino from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (with comment by John Heil) which tries to put into perspective the controversy surrounding the decision of Steeler quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, to sit out this past Sunday’s game. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09335/1017514-66.stm

Sport & Society

2009-11-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

As sport moves ever more into the forefront of public consciousness, athlete behavior and misbehavior is receiving greater and greater scrutiny – as it should. The extraordinary fame and fortune heaped upon some athletes raises them to role model status - like it or not. With this comes potent downstream effects on societal norms for behavior, on and off the playing field. What to do with the worst transgressions raises a dilemma for all stakeholders, pressing them to be fair in disciplining the offender, while remaining sensitive to the message sent to those would be role modelers. Sadly, the latest national incident brings darkness to womens' soccer, which has been one of the bright lights of the rise of womens’ sports in the last generation. See for yourself at:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=4629837&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

Charlie Finn on Abraham Lincoln

2009-10-23T05:22:00.000-07:00

In these days of partisan acrimony and shrill attack, we have need of remembering the manner in which Abraham Lincoln's courage and kindness transformed adversities such as we are witnessing, and worse. Among Lincoln's greatest achievements of spirit... was his refusal to vilify, to demonize, to retaliate in kind when vitriol was heaped upon him.

Read the Roanoke Times for more of Charlie Finn's thoughts on the enduring relevance of Abraham Lincoln http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/cpmmentery/wb/221938

John Heil in Fitness Magazine

2009-10-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

In the October issue of Fitness Magazine, staff writer, Chee Gates offers advice about getting and staying fit - with some input from John Heil. In the article, “Bounce Back Better,” she notes that on the journey to your healthiest, fittest self, setbacks are inevitable. Gates goes on to identifies a series of strategies crucial to reaching your ultimate fitness goals. Check out Fitness Magazine website http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/ for a wide array of fitness information.

Poetry by Charlie Finn

2009-10-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

Charlie Finn is a licensed professional counselor specializing in addictions and working with adolescents. He describes the counseling process simply and incisively as: helping people get unstuck, learning to tap outer and inner resources when “up against it,” regaining confidence that “I have what it takes,” turning discouragement into encouragement, from “ain’t it awful” to “I can grow through this.”
Alison Allsbrook, who has worked with Charlie for about 15 years describes a strong silence presence that evokes trust and confidence. She takes care to listen closely when he has something to say, and is a fan of Charlie’s poetry.
A sample of Charlie's poetry is at http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/resources.html

Virginia Tech Shootings

2009-09-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

Following trauma, time passes, wounds heal and life goes on -- but the lessons of painful experiences must be remembered. The Lessons Learned report completed in the aftermath of the Virginia Tech Shootings by Psychological Health Roanoke and our associates is being published in the Online “Journal of Excellence”. By thus memorializing the event, we continue to honor the dead and those that responded to the tragedy with wisdom, skill and courage.
The paper authored by John Heil, Loren Johnson, Dick Gilbert, Joelle Inge-Messerschmidt, Ron Salzbach, Maisha Smith and Steve Strosnider is available at: http://www.zoneofexcellence.ca/Journal/Issue13/index.html

VT Psych Practicum Summer 09

2009-09-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

PHR continues to offer a Psychology Practicum to undergraduate VT psychology majors. Comments from Molly Madden follow.

Psychological Health Roanoke gives undergraduates an unbelievable experience on the inner workings of clinical psychology. The staff made it such a welcoming and pleasurable experience. The doctors were more than willing to take time out of their schedules to help me and were some of the nicest people I have ever met. They are very knowledgeable in their specific fields. It was very rewarding to work with each individual psychologist. Sitting in on group psychotherapy for patients with pain and medical problems helped me to appreciate what I have. I hope to have a long career in clinical psychology and will never forget I got my start at Psychological Health Roanoke.

Molly Madden

Motivating Your Teenager

2009-09-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

School is back in session, and the first round of exams is just around the corner. How will your teen stand up to this moment of academic reckoning? Will things be well begun or just half-done? Will priorities be in order or disarray? Check out the June edition of the Advantage EAP Newsletter for insight and advice for parents dealing with these tough teenage years. Click on the Resources tab on our homepage http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/index.html

Workplace Violence

2009-08-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

Workplace violence has increasingly become a topic of concern for businesses nationwide. It is estimated that some 2 million American workers are victims of violence in the workplace each year. Most employers now recognize the importance of helping to prevent workplace violence and bullying. The August edition of the Advantage EAP Newsletter offers some tips on establishing a healthy work environment and on offering protection from workplace violence and bullying.

Obsessive Compulsive Support Group

2009-08-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (often referred to as OCD) is a condition in which an intrusive thought causes anxiety. In response, the individual is compelled to think some other thought or take some action that neutralizes the anxiety caused by the intrusive thought. The OCD sufferer often feels trapped in a vicious cycle that ends up making them even more anxious. The classic example of OCD is an obsession with germs and dirt, or the compulsion to wash. Other forms include Checking, Counting, Repeating, Neatness and Hoarding.
On the second Thursday of each month from 600pm to 730pm, Dr. Sam Rogers meets with the Support Group at Psychological Health Roanoke, at 2727 Electric Road, Roanoke (La Premier Office building) -- talking about what OCD is, how it affects your life, and what you can do about it. This group is open at no charge to any one who thinks they may have OCD. Friends and family members are also welcome.

For more information about the Support Group call: 540-772-5140.

To learn more about OCD you can visit the following the web sites: Obsessive Compulsive Foundation (http://www.ocfoundation.org/) or the Anxiety Disorders Foundation of America (http://www.adaa.org/).

Good Luck to Reid Shores

2009-08-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

On August 18th, Reid will be leaving for his first year at Christopher Newport University. Reid has been with Psychological Health-Roanoke since March on a part-time basis to help with our computers. He graduated with Honors from Hidden Valley High School in June, and has received a CompTia A plus certificate in computers. Reid has been selected to be in the prestigious President’s Leadership Program at CNU and has received two scholarships from the University due to his high school performance. The President’s Leadership Program teaches leadership skills, has an emphasis on community service and encourages studying abroad. Join us in wishing Reid the best in his new academic career at CNU!

Internet "Addiction"

2009-08-11T16:22:00.000-07:00

On July 29th, J. Steve Strosnider, LPC and Managing Partner of PHR, was interviewed by Joy Sutton on WDBJ-7 on the topic of Twitter and FaceBook Addiction. The issue of Internet Addiction is an increasing phenomenon, seen frequently at PHR. Very few clients will present themselves as addicted to the Internet, but it is often manifested in marital and work related problems. The Internet can become the center of people’s lives to the detriment of relationships, jobs and overall well being. Internet Addiction can take many forms; from E-bay, Games, Twitter, FaceBook and Pornography. There is also the vagabond who surfs the Internet for hours.
The Internet has given mankind a power unprecedented in our history. As such, it is quite seductive and can become addictive. If one cannot limit time on the computer and/or it is adversely affecting jobs or relationships, professional help is indicated.

Welcome to Julian Taylor

2009-07-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

Julian Taylor has recently joined PHR on a part-time basis. With a Bachelor’s degree in biology and a Master’s degree in Human Development Counseling, he has a continuing interest in the effects of brain neurochemistry on temperament, and how culture affects behavior. Julian also values broad experience and changing circumstances as opportunities for growth, and attempts to apply this in counseling as well as in everyday life. A Navy veteran, he also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines. His work experience includes teaching in Australia, working as a counselor in a 900-bed prison, and coordinating a treatment team in a private psychiatric hospital. Prior to relocating to Roanoke, Julian lived in Charlottesville where he was an educator and in private practice. He has been licensed as a Professional Counselor in Virginia since 1979.

Geoffrey Bader

2009-07-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

Geoffrey Bader is taking a break from his medical record duties this summer to head off to Hawaii as part of a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship from the American Society of Plant Biologists. This award will allow him to dedicate full-time effort to a research project for a ten-week period this summer, and provides the opportunity to present his results at the Society's annual meeting in Hawaii. The study, titled "Uptake and Efflux of Auxin and the Polar Auxin Transport in Land Plant Gametophytes," is under the direction of Dr. DorothyBelle Poli, assistant professor of biology. Geoff is the first Roanoke student to be honored with this prestigious fellowship.

For more information:
http://roanoke.edu/News_and_Events/News_Archive/Bader_Receives_Distinguished_Fellowship.htm

Water for Tshapasha

2009-07-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

Last summers phone and computer tech is this years engineer without borders. Ethan Heil and fellow UVa students, Rachel Brown-Glazner and Veronica Gutierrez, are installing a water filtration system in a small rural village, Tshapasha, in the Venda region of South Africa. The project is student run and funded by a Jefferson Public Citizen Grant awarded to Ethan, Rachel and Veronica.
It is easy for us all to take the simple things, like clean water, for granted. But in an ever shrinking and contentious world, water and good will are increasingly precious commodities.

You can check out their website at: http://people.virginia.edu/~bms8a/watervenda/tshapasha.html

Summer Biathlon

2009-07-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

The Biathlon is best known as a winter sport event that combines skiing and shooting- but you will not need your boots and gloves for the event. This is its warm weather counterpart, and is part of the Coventry Commonwealth Games, which will be held Saturday, July 25th in Roanoke, Virginia.

Competitors begin with a 1 mile run that brings them to the shooting range. They lay down, pick up the rifle, shoot five shots at metal knock down targets, jump up, walk to the end of the range, and continue the running. One mile later they are back at the range, and shoot five shots from the standing position. The race ends with a 1 mile dash to the finish. Interval starts are used, with 1, 2 or 3 runners starting together every minute. Rifles and ammunition will be provided.

There is a team competition with a Police Team Trophy sponsored by Psychological Health Roanoke.

For more information about the event go to: http://www.commonwealthgames.org/.

Sports Medicine Seminar

2009-07-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with the Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia, a Sports Medicine Seminar will be offered on Friday, July 17 from 300pm-600pm. It is jointly sponsored by Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), Virginia Tech Primary Care Sports Medicine, Virginia Athletic Trainers Association (VATA) & Psychological Health Roanoke. There will be instruction in osteopathic manipulation by Drs. Mark Boyer, Jarred Harrall & John Tait of VCOM, and a presentation on the sport psychology of injury by Dr. John Heil of Psychological Health Roanoke.
Continuing education credits will be offered by VATA.
For more information go to: http://www.commonwealthgames.org/pdf/medical.pdf

Coventry Commonwealth Games

2009-07-10T16:28:00.000-07:00

Our clinicians and staff have long been closely involved with the Coventry Commonwealth Games and with Virginia Amateur Sports, the organization producing the event. Now in its 20th year, the Commonwealth Games is an Olympic-style sports festival for athletes of all ages and abilities in Virginia. The Games are sanctioned by the National Congress of State Games, the NCAA, and the Virginia High School League. There will be nearly 10,000 athletes participating in 50 sports.
The featured speaker for this years Opening Ceremonies (Friday, July 17) is soccer player, Tiffany Roberts, a member of both the gold medal winning team at the 1996 Olympics and of the 1999 World Cup Championship team. The opening ceremonies will conclude with a concert by 2006 American Idol finalist, Elliott Yamin. He is a worthy role model having coped with near deafness in one ear and Type I diabetes, to go on to achieve success in his musical career.
For more information go to: www.commonwealthgames.org

Mollie Guzo, LPC

2009-07-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

Mollie Guzo, LPC divides her time between PHR and the Lewis Gale Medical Center, Center for Behavioral Health. Her areas of clinical expertise are broad ranging from anxiety, depression & psychotic disorders to couples & marital counseling, eating disorders & body image issues.
For all the good that therapy does and for the sense of satisfaction it can bring to the mental health provider, it is a sedentary way of work. If a way of life is to have the right balance, there must be something else. For Mollie Guzo the remedy is to get up and go.
She completed the XTERRA Atlantic Cup Triathlon June 14 in Richmond Virginia. The competition involved a 500 meter swim, 12 mile mountain trail bike ride and a 4 mile run. Earlier in March, she ran in 13.1 mile half marathon at the Shamrock Competition in Virginia Beach, VA.

Remembering Michael Jackson

2009-06-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Following the untimiely death of Michael Jackson, Sam Rogers spoke with Joy Sutton of WDBJ-7. He offers insighs on the out-pouring of grief across the world at the passing of this iconic musicical artist.
People connect with artists because they express ideas and emotions that we all experience and struggle with. That is the essence of art. That is the reason art is important. This may be especially true for musicians and singers. The music that Michael Jackson produced helped millions of fans to experience and, at some level understand their own emotions. Most of us, if we hear the music of our adolescence, will remember with nostalgia or pain the emotions of that period of our lives. When an artist dies, especially if it is sudden and unexpected, it will touch us, and we will experience a sense of grief and loss. Without the tension of day to day associations, we place our idols on a pedestal. They seem greater than they are. Although we only knew that artist through his or her medium (music in this case), we are moved. The more that artist touched us, the more that artist expressed our own emotions, the stronger that loss will be. Although Michael Jackson had a somewhat uneven life, his music touched the hearts of many, and they grieve his passing..
The interview appears on the WDBJ-7 web site. (www.wdbj7.com) in the "Local Health" section under the title, "Why do the death of celebrities move us to tears?"

Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (VACLEA)

2009-06-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

The VACLEA Conference, hosted by Chief Mike Gibson of the University of Virginia, was held earlier this Summer in Virginia Beach. PHR was represented there highlighting our Police Assistance Program and our work with employment testing, training and consultation with public safety agencies throughout the state. VACLEA is the group responsible for safeguarding the wellbeing of college and university students throughout the Commonwealth. The campus environment presents its own unique set of challenges in balancing security and order with the need to explore and discover that is the hallmark of the college population. This means tackling everything from the day-to-day crime found in any environment, to the festivity of college football game day, to the dangers of student drug abuse.

Parenting Group Therapy

2009-06-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

“Children don’t come with a manual.” The first time I heard this, it went right over my head – having not yet become a parent. Upon having children of my own, I quickly came to appreciate the poignancy of this comment. No doubt, parenting is a challenge, and some children are clearly more difficult than others.
The Parenting Group Therapy sessions offered by Dorene Fick, LCSW are a great opportunity to take on some of the tough questions, with the guidance of a mental health professional and the support of other parents. Focused on those with children aged 2-12 years, the group sessions will begin in July and run for about 6-8 weeks. There will be separate groups for Mothers & Fathers (Step Mothers & Fathers are welcome, too).
For more information call 540-772-5140. Or, you may contact Dorene Fick directly at DFick@PsychHealthRoanoke.com

Sport Psychology Seminars

2009-06-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

John Heil will be conducting a series of Sport Psychology seminars at the United States Fencing Association (USFA) National Championships in Dallas, Texas.
The seminar schedule is: Parent Seminar - Achieving Excellence as a Sport Parent (Sunday, July 5th - 1pm); Mental Training: Focusing and Refocusing from Distractions (Monday, July 6th - 10 am); Goal Setting: Road Map to Success (Tuesday, July 7th - 2 pm); Mental Training: Composure Control (Wednesday, July 8th - 10 am). The seminars are primarily for coaches and athletes, but others, particularly parents, are welcome to attend. A special “Executive Performance” add-on session is available for the Goals Setting & Composure Control seminars – for those who wish to apply sport psychology high performance principles to their work environment. More information and instructions for enrollment are available at fencing.net

Katie Overstreet

2009-06-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

The clinicians and staff here would like to congratulate Katie Overstreet on her graduation, cum laude, from Roanoke College - with a major in Psychology and a minor in Education. Katie will be starting on her Master’s degree in the Counseling Education program at Virginia Tech, and is looking forward to a career as a child psychologist.
Katie has been with us about 2 years. Among other duties, she has been serving as our EAP Newsletter editor. This Newsletter presents psychological matters for the general public. At this point, she has produced a nice body of work. You can take a look on our web site in the Resources section. We are all very pleased to have Katie continue to work with us as she begins her graduate career.

ART & PSYCHOLOGY

2009-06-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

Bill Beamer is a former patient with us who sought treatment to help deal with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. While participating in biofeedback, he was able to experience a trance-like state, that provided relief for a time from pain. When he realized that he was able to produce this same state of mind through a methodical repetitive drawing technique, his longstanding interest in art took on a new meaning and purpose. Bill’s career has since blossomed.

John Yimin of Outsider Art has written that his work "lies in a world, somewhere between what you see and what you think” and describes it as “staggeringly forceful.” You can find out more about Bill and his art at http://www.outsiderart.info/ (Follow the link to U*Space Gallery in Atlanta, GA).

Bill notes that although he still has these disorders – but thanks to his art, the disorders don’t have him.

Dorene Fick

2009-06-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

After 10 years in suburban NYC as a clinical social worker in a Psychiatric Hospital, Dorene has relocated to the Roanoke Valley and joined Psychological Health Roanoke. Her practice focuses on adult, adolescents, women's and family issues. As part of her work, she serves as an on-site counselor at William Fleming High School, through a program developed by the Roanoke Adolescent Health Partnership. This position brings Dorene full circle to the beginnings of her interest in Social Work. As she notes: I had been an inner city teacher for 3 years (1 in Pittsburgh and 2 in Manhattan). I realized that I needed more skills to help these kids with the many struggles that went above and beyond classroom learning. This prompted me to enroll in Social Work School.
After a whirlwind indoctrination into contemporary urban youth culture and some adjustments in her treatment style, Dorene feels at home and fully a part of things at Fleming HS.

At the encouragement of her students this spring she attended the school production, Urinetown. Dorene describes this as a satirical musical comedy in which the minority poor attempt to overthrow the rich overlords. Urinetown challenges the authority of bureaucracy, corporations and small town politics. The poignancy of a not so happy ending is an unfortunate reflection of the reality of everyday life for many of these students, however, many of them rise to accept real life challenges with maturity and perseverance beyond their years.

For more about the Roanoke Adolescent Health Partnership check out their website at http://www.rahpteens.org/

Alison Allsbrook

2009-05-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

In a 10th grade geometry class, Alison’s thinking went off on a tangent to the idea of developing an “Adopt a Grand Parent Program.” She had been regularly visiting a long time grand-parently family friend who lived in a nursing home – and had noticed that there were some residents who were lonely and received few visitors. So she passed a note along to a friend and an idea took hold. Later that year the Roanoke Rapids High School Key Club developed this program, matching its 30 club members with a nursing home resident whom they visited on a weekly basis. Remarkably and thankfully, the program continues to this day.

Alison eventually went off to college to Wake Forest University with plans to be a lawyer, and hopes to follow in the footsteps of her father and grandfather. She admired the work they had done often providing services for people who were poor, uneducated or unable to stand up for themselves, and those in need – even remembering the bartering of legal services for fruits and vegetables from family farms.

It was a surprising twist that refocused Alison on her concern for the elderly and her eventual career in social work. While participating in a study abroad program in England in her senior year in college she completed a research project on “Health Care for the Elderly in Great Britain,” rekindling her interest.

Alison received her Master’s in Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill. She has been practicing since 1984 with special interests in the elderly, adult children with aging parents, people dealing with life transition issues, and GLBT individuals and couples. She joined Psychological Health Roanoke about 1 year ago.

Alison offers this quote from Winston Churchill: “You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give.”

Sport Parent

2009-05-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

With Mothers Day on the way, thoughts turn to all things parent related. Many remember the time when t-ball and all the rest was dad’s thing. But times have changed with dads coaching daughters, who in turn grew up as moms with the skill and the will to coach their own daughters – and now sometimes their sons, too.
Sport Parenting is still a great challenge made all the more difficult by the increasing expectations and pressures for success that now fall far too soon on children. Some points to ponder on being a champion sport parent.

1. Support your youth athlete by providing a safe, sensible opportunity to train and compete, and grow from the experience of sport.
2. Establish an ongoing dialogue with the coach so that you understand his or her philosophy and remain aware of your youth athlete’s strengths and weaknesses - athletically and psychologically.
3. Provide unconditional emotional support as your youth athlete rides the ups and downs of the competitive experience, and help him or her learn the lessons of winning and losing.
4. Avoid coaching (unless you are the coach), that is, avoid giving specific instructions or critique of the technical or tactical aspects of sport.
5. Accept - even as you are bewildered by - your youth athlete’s varying demonstration of composure and distress, maturity and neediness in the competitive environment.
6. Talk candidly with your youth athlete about the role you should play as a parent at competitions. Be prepared to keep your distance.
7. Work actively to manage your own anxieties and frustrations as you watch your youth athlete compete. Be sure to set these aside before you interact afterwards.
8. Show composure in the face of stress, and let this serve as a model to your youth athlete. He or she is watching.
9. Identify mutual expectations for your youth athlete’s commitment to training and competition as you make successive commitments to support his or her sport activities financially and logistically.
10. Guide your youth athlete in balancing sport, school, family and other responsibilities.

Check out our website for more on sport parenting

*John Heil

Virginia Tech Psychology Practicum

2009-04-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

PHR has been providing a practicum for VT undergraduate psychology majors. We asked Kristin to offer some comments on her experience

For the last 4 months, I have had the pleasure of interning for Psychological Health Roanoke. This rewarding experience has given me the chance to observe the inner-workings of a private practice and actually contribute to its daily operations. Being a senior psychology student at Virginia Tech, days away from graduation, I will be taking much of what I have learned at the practice with me. Not only was I able to get a grasp on the ever-confusing insurance and billing issues, but I was also able to observe a wide variety of therapy sessions. But I can say that what I will miss most are the people, everyone from the experienced psychologists I worked closely with to the staff who were always so kind and helpful. Overall, I think this rare opportunity has ultimately confirmed exactly what I want to be one day: a licensed psychologist working for a private practice like Psych Health Roanoke!

*Kristin Knihnicki

Officer Bryan Lawrence, Roanoke City PD

2009-04-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

Getting Roanoke City recertified as a Crime Prevention Community, introducing Project Lifesaver to the Roanoke Valley (for Alzheimers and other “wanderers”), Officer Bryan Lawrence makes it clear how closely the well being of a community is tied to the quality law enforcement.

Like so many in law enforcement embracing the job 24-7, Officer Bryan Lawrence, responding to an assault call off duty, blindsided by a perp, disabled with a spinal cord injury.

Well respected by his fellow officers, he is a finalist for America’s Most Wanted All Star Officer.

You can vote at www.amw.com/allstar/2009/

*John Heil

We Remember the Virginia Tech Shootings April 16, 2007

2009-04-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

We remember the shock & horror, the trauma to the Virginia Tech community, our personal losses & professional lessons learned.

We also remember the many acts of courage, the rapid response by police and rescue, the exceptional quality of medical care, the outpouring of support, the solidarity of the community and its psychological resilience.

Our professional perspective is detailed in the technical report: Psychological Intervention with the Virginia Tech Shootings: Lessons Learned and Recommendations for the Hospital Setting, which can be found at our website.

*John Heil

Who We Are

2009-04-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

We are Psychological Health Roanoke, a group practice of 22 counselors, psychologists and social workers serving the western triangle of Virginia. Our clinical catchment reaches north and south along the Blue Ridge Mountains, with consulting services extending eastward into the Piedmont and Tidewater areas of Virginia. On any given day, you may find us at work in any of our 3 office locations in Roanoke, Blacksburg and Alleghany County.

You may also find us lecturing in a University classroom, a medical school, a police academy or a community organization… counseling in a high school, a nursing home, or a hospital medical unit…conducting evaluations in a jail or public safety agency…consulting to regional businesses and sports organizations …ministering in a church, testifying in court, conducting research or sitting in Board room. We are also Advantage EAP, PHR Police and Public Safety Assistance Program, and a training site for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center Doctoral Psychology Intern Program and Virginia Tech Undergraduate Psychology Practicum. In the words of our Clinicians we are “committed, compassionate and resourceful.”

We are our administrative staff, our point of contact with the public, who cheerfully multi-task their way through the day answering the phones, sending out the mail and tending to the millions of details that come between. They are, in their own words “compassionate, courteous and detail oriented.” –for which the rest of us are grateful.

At work we make our own coffee and recycle our cans and plastic. In our free time, we play music and write poetry, sail the lake and hike the mountains, read books and sell cookies, fret about the economy and the state of health care, follow the bouncing ball of our childrens’ lives, mow our lawns and tend to our gardens, and debate the merits of UVA and VT sports.

*John Heil

You can visit us at http://psychhealthroanoke.com/