Sport & Society

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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.