The Wounded Warrior Project

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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