National Stress Øut Week, November 8-14

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

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

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

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