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    Consultee Contact

    Midwest Psychiatric Center, Inc. is a private psychiatric practice owned by my colleague, Dr. Rakesh Kaneria.  I provide therapy to adults and a small number of children/adolescents at this location.  We can accept most commercial insurances, as well as Caresource (of Ohio Medicaid) and Medicare.  Adult clients who work with me at MPC also have the option to see Dr. Kaneria for evaluation and medication management if desired or needed.  Child psychiatric evaluation and medication management are not available with MPC.    We are located in West Chester, OH near the UC West Chester Hospital, just off I-75, between Liberty Way. and Tylersville Rd.

    Call us:
    1-513-217-5221

    Send a message: Contact Us

    Film Review: My Name is Bill W.

    5 years ago · · 0 comments

    Film Review: My Name is Bill W.

    Image Credit: Warner Brothers, 1989

    Many individuals I work with or have worked with in the past have been involved in Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as AA.  During a recent session, one of my clients asked if I had ever seen the film, “My Name is Bill W.”, which I hadn’t.  This client went on to tell about the 1989 Warner Brothers film and lent me his copy of the DVD at his next session.  I’m so glad he did!

    “My Name is Bill W.” tells the story of Bill Wilson (played by James Woods), a WWI veteran who became one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, along with physician Bob Smith (played by James Garner).  JoBeth Williams plays Lois “Lo” Wilson, Bill’s wife, who struggles with heartbreak, loss, and codependency.  The movie tells the story of Bill’s struggles with alcoholism, compounded by the trauma of having served in a bloody war and later working the fast-paced and competitive business world as a civilian.  Through the story we watch the effects of alcoholism play out in Bill’s marriage, professional life, friendships, and finances.  We see his struggles with legal problems, physical injury, and withdrawal.

    Eventually Bill comes to acknowledge the problem and begins to make changes.  Through a friendship with Bob and another friend, Ebby (played by Gary Sinise), Bill begins to discover what sobriety can be like.  Ultimately he becomes involved with “The Oxford Group” (through his friend Ebby), which emphasize sobriety through a spiritual program of action.  From that experience Bill and Bob founded Alcoholics Anonymous in Akron, Ohio in 1935, and the “Big Book” was first published in 1939.

    There are several very poignant and powerful moments in the movie that really caught my attention.  One was a scene where Lois has come to recognize the patterns of codependency that are making her life unmanageable as her husband continues to abuse alcohol.  She confronts him:

    “Who am I?  I am  your nurse, your caretaker,  your cleaning lady, when all I really wanted to be is your wife.  I let you drag me down with you, deprive me of love, warmth, friendship, even common decency!  But I won’t go on with it anymore.  I can’t!  No more!  If you want to die, die!  But I’m not gonna let you take me down with you.  I want to live.  I’m going to live!”

    This scene marks a turning point in the Wilson’s marriage and, while dramatic and intensely emotional, begins to stimulate healthy change.

    Another scene that really hit home with me is a scene in the hospital, where Lois is talking with Bill’s doctor, Dr. Silkworth (played by Ray Reinhardt).  Dr. Silkworth, who later wrote the preface to the Big Book, “A Doctor’s Opinion”, presented what was a novel view of alcoholism at that time:

    “I’ve seen a lot of men like Bill.  I’ve got a theory, not too popular with my fellow doctors.  Excessive drinking is a disease, an allergic addiction.  It’s got nothing to do with lack of will power or moral fiber.  Some people can’t be temperate drinkers.”

    Indeed alcoholism is a disease and not a reflection of an individual’s true character.  There are people who can drink responsibly and in healthy moderation, and there are those who cannot and become dependent.  We can take Dr. Silkworth’s message even further, knowing all that we know about dependency on other substances.  A substance use disorder of any kind (regardless of the drug of choice) is a disease.  Bill acknowledges his powerlessness over alcohol, the grip the disease has on him in this passionate monologue:

    “It’s not you.  It’s me… I look out the window, and I watch all the normal people walking by.  It’s funny.  I don’t think I’ve ever felt really normal in all my life.  I mean, like other people.  I feel differently somehow.  Like I don’t quite measure up.  Ever since I can remember I’ve had this feeling deep down in my gut.  Scared.  I see people laughing, at ease with each other.  I’m on the outside looking in, afraid may that I won’t be accepted.  And then overseas I found that a drink, a few drinks makes me feel comfortable, like I always want to feel. It gives me courage to be with people, do things.  To dream.  The money, the success, it was all good for a while, but it never seems enough.  I always want doubles of everything to make me feel alive, worthwhile inside.  But then, that all began to slip away.  I feel cheated.  Angry.  Always so full of fear.  So I drink…more…and it makes it okay for a while.  I convince myself that this will turn around, tomorrow, soon.  That I’ll make it all up for you.  But it only gets worse.  I keep promising you, others, myself, ‘That’s it, no more, going on the wagon. That’s it!’  And I think I mean it, but the guilt and the depression.  I can’t look in the mirror ore at you, especially you, especially at you.  I’ve stopped believing in everything: people, God, myself.  I know it sounds insane, Lois, but in spite of all this, what I want right now more than anything else is another drink.”

    Many people with substance use disorders are able to achieve recovery.  As many do, Bill eventually comes to a crossroads, and he commits to sober living.  While in treatment, he shares with Dr. Silkworth of a deeply spiritual experience, one which he struggled to understand logically, but that marked a turning point in his recovery.  At this point, it appears Bill begins to fully acknowledge (step 2) and surrender to (step 3) a Higher Power.

    Bill: “All I remember is I was asleep and yet I wasn’t.  I had this terrible fear – sense of dread- that I was going out of my mind, dying.  And yet I wouldn’t let go.   Couldn’t.  And then…how do I explain this?  The room was filled with light from out there.  And I was at peace.  A kind of comfort I have never known before.  And the the light was gone but the peace still remained. Dr. Silkworth, tell me this is not another hallucination, the condition of a damaged brain.”

    Dr. S: “From the look of you, Bill, right now, I’d say no.  But, well, I’m a man of Science.  I don’t pretend to understand something like this.  Whatever happened, hang on to it.  It’s so much better than what you had yesterday.”

    As Bill begins to experience healing and sober living, like many in recovery, he is able to experience life on a deeper and more meaningful level.  Sober living brings him relief and vitality.  Many individuals who achieve longterm  sobriety report fuller lives and healthier relationships.  Bill tries to put this experience into words:

    “I can’t tell you how different I feel.  I can taste again and feel and smell.  I’m alive.  I’m really alive.  I haven’t felt this way in years.”

    What I love about this film is the honest depiction of addiction and recovery, as well as the expression of hope.  Healing, whole hearted living, and sobriety are available, and the AA approach offers a structured spiritual program of action to help those with substance use disorders achieve recover.  I recommend this film for anyone whose life has been impacted by a substance use disorder, including those who struggle with addiction themselves, as well as family and friends.  Much can be learned from Bill’s story, both in this film and in the Big Book.  “My Name is Bill W.” can be an invitation to reflect, observe, and even challenge.


    I give this film an A-.

    In general, this film is well done.  It is well written, and the actors portray many realities about alcoholism and recovery.  My primary complaint about this film however, is that I would have liked to have seen and learned more about the evolution of AA.  Bill’s story is definitely a powerful, however common story of addiction and recovery.  What makes his story extraordinary in my eyes is the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous.  I would have liked to have learned more about the establishment of the fellowship, as well as the writing and publishing of the book.


    Duchow, P. (Producer), Garner, J. (Producer), & Petrie, D. (Director). (1989). My name is Bill W [Motion Picture]. United States: Warner Brothers.


    For more information on AA, consider visiting the www.aa.org or reading my earlier post, “AA 101.”


     

    Healing Together through Song

    5 years ago · · 0 comments

    Healing Together through Song

    Photo Credit: Dayton Performing Arts Alliance

    On April 7th I had the honor of participating in a very special community concert in Dayton.  The choir I sing with at Incarnation Catholic Church in Centerville joined together with many other community choirs and music groups to put on a concert called “Unity through Harmony” with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Neal Gittleman.  The concert featured sacred music from around the world representing multiple religions, ethnicities, and languages.  Some of the participating choral groups included the Dayton Jewish Chorale, Omega Baptist Church Choir, Ministerio de Música Hispano Nuevo Amanecer, the University of Dayton Ebony Heritage Singers, and the University of Dayton World Music Chorale.  We performed at the Dayton Masonic Center to a large and enthusiastic audience.

    At this special event we were able to celebrate diversity and a shared love of music.  We learned to move to the music in new ways, sing in new languages, and form relationships with our neighbors of different religious backgrounds.  At one of the rehearsals, I had a lovely conversation with some singers representing the Jewish community.  We were able to draw interesting parallels between our two religions and learn about one another.  It was a reminder to me that Truth can be found in connecting with strangers…who can become friends!

    The concert itself was a moving experience, particularly in the pieces we performed after intermission when all the choral groups joined together in one massive choir.  The fullness of sound when all those voices of different ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and faiths sang as one ensemble made my heart swell with joy!  I was encouraged to see such unity at a time when division in our country seems to be increasing.  While there were times when the combined choirs sang in harmony, one of the pieces (One Voice by Ruth Moody, arranged by Neal Gittleman), closed in unison with the following moving lyrics:

    This is the sound of one voice. 

    One people, one voice, 

    A song for every one of us.

    This is the sound of one voice.

    After the concert ended, and we all said our goodbyes, I found myself reflecting on the powerful experience I had rehearsing for and performing in this concert.  The therapist that I am, I couldn’t help but think about the mental health benefits of what we had just experienced as a group of musicians, and more importantly, as human beings.  It’s also no wonder then, that 32.5 million Americans regularly sing in a choral group (Chorus America, 2009).

    In one of my favorite books on trauma treatment and recovery, “The Body Keeps the Score,” Bessel Van Der Kolk (2014) writes about the benefits of communal rhythm, theatre, and group song.  He reminds us that humanity has used creative expression, especially music, “to cope with [our] most powerful and terrifying feelings” (p. 332) and that, “Collective movement and music create a larger context for our lives, a meaning beyond our individual fate” (p. 333).  Throughout history, communities have used music to express, cope, heal, teach, and grow.  We see this in examples such as Ancient Greek Theatre, the religious rituals practiced around the world, military drills, and cheers and songs at sporting events.  During the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, group song encouraged growth and healing for the nation, particularly the well-known anthem, “We Shall Overcome.”  Similarly, communal song and dance were integral parts of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s work in South Africa in 1996 as the country healed from the wounds of Apartheid.  As Van Der Kolk states, “Our sense of agency, how much we feel in control, is defined by our relationship with our bodies and its rhythms.  Our waking and sleeping and how we eat, sit, and walk definitely the contours of our day” (p. 331).  So it’s no wonder we find relief and healing in movement and song.

    In 2011, the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation in Australia published a survey and literature review highlighting the benefits of group singing for individuals and communities.  The publication emphasized that findings in numerous studies show group song leads to increased self-confidence, empowerment, sense of wellbeing, and interpersonal skills.  It decreases feelings of isolation, increases social capital, and fosters denser social and friendship networks.  I’ve condensed some of the specifics of these findings below.

     

    The truly beneficial impact of group singing continues to be reaffirmed, study after study.  The positive social, personal, and functional outcomes of making music with others cannot be denied, especially in offering healthy meaningful activity and social connectedness even for those in adversity (Dingle, et. Al., 2013).

    I can attest to the many benefits of group singing from both my personal experiences and those shared with me by friends, family, and clients.  Even for those who claim they are “not musically inclined” group singing can bring such joy and togetherness.

    I close with some poignant yet playful lyrics from an old school Sesame Street song (Rapso, 1971).  This song has become a classic, covered by many artists and singing groups.  I hope in encourages you to smile and lift your voice in song, friends!

    Sing, sing a song
    Let the world sing along
    Sing of love there could be
    Sing for you and for me.

     


    Van Der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body keeps the score brain, mind and body in the healing of trauma. New York, NY: Penguin Books.

    Gridley, H., Astbury, J., et. Al. (2011). Benefits of group singing for community mental health and wellbeing: Survey and literature review. Victorian Health promotion Foundation (VicHealth), Carlton, Australia.

    Chorus America. (2009). How children, adults, and communities benefit from choruses: The Chorus Impact Study.Washington, DC: Chorus America.

    Dingle, G. A., Brander, C., Ballantyne, J., & Baker, F. A. (2013). ‘To be heard’: The social and mental health benefits of choir singing for disadvantaged adults. Psychology of Music41(4), 405–421.


    Acknowledgements:

    Neal Gittleman, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

    Dayton Performing Arts Alliance

    Kevin Samblanet, Incarnation Catholic Church


     

    Mental Health Month: #4Mind4Body

    5 years ago · · 0 comments

    Mental Health Month: #4Mind4Body

    Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable.  So much of what we do physically impacts us mentally – it’s important to pay attention to both your physical health and your mental health, which can help you achieve overall wellness and set you on a path to recovery.

    Did you know that Mental Health America (MHA) founded May is Mental Health Month back in 1949? That means this year marks MHA’s 70th year celebrating Mental Health Month!

    MHA is expanding its focus from 2018 and raising awareness about the connection between physical health and mental health, through the theme #4Mind4Body. We are invited to join in exploring the topics of animal companionship, spirituality and religion, humor, work-life balance, and recreation and social connections as ways to boost mental health and general wellness.  A healthy lifestyle can help to prevent the onset or worsening of mental health conditions, as well as chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It can also help people recover from these conditions. For those dealing with a chronic health condition and the people who care for them, it can be especially important to focus on mental health. When dealing with dueling diagnoses, focusing on both physical and mental health concerns can be daunting – but critically important in achieving overall wellness.

    There are things you can do that may help. Finding a reason to laugh, going for a walk with a friend, meditating, playing with a pet, or working from home once a week can go a long way in making you both physically and mentally healthy. The company of animals – whether as pets or service animals— can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life and ability to recover from illnesses. A pet can be a source of comfort and can help us to live mentally healthier lives. And whether you go to church, meditate daily, or simply find time to enjoy that cup of tea each morning while checking in with yourself – it can be important to connect with your spiritual side in order to find that mind-body connection.

    Mental illnesses are real, and recovery is always the goal. Living a healthy lifestyle may not be easy but can be achieved by gradually making small changes and building on those successes. Finding the balance between work and play, the ups and downs of life, physical health and mental health, can help you on the path towards focusing both mind and body.

    For more information, visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.


     

    “I Ask!” Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2019

    5 years ago · · 0 comments

    “I Ask!” Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2019

    The April marks the 18th annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign.  This year’s theme, “I Ask” builds on the idea that consent is a healthy, normal, and necessary part of everyday interactions.  “I Ask” champions the power of asking — whether it be asking to hold someone’s hand, for permission to share personal information with others, or if a partner is interested in sex.  It also highlights the importance of listening to and accepting the answer without pressuring someone to change their mind.

    Working with survivors of sexual violence is a big part of my work as a Certified Trauma Practitioner, as sadly the problem is all too prevalent.  In the U.S., one in three women and one in six men experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime.  I am proud to offer EMDR Therapy as a highly effective, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that promotes healing and empowerment for survivors.  Part of the healing process can including activism and awareness building, so I encourage all my clients, but especially those who are survivors of sexual violence, to join me in spreading the word about this year’s “I Ask” SAAM campaign.

    Launched in April 2001 by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an annual awareness and prevention campaign observed in April and is coordinated each year with assistance from anti-sexual assault organizations throughout the United States.  For more information on this year’s national campaign, visit www.nsvrc.org/saam.

    Consent can be confused or complicated with one partner of a relationship holds more power than the other.  It is important to be aware of how balance or imbalance of power can impact healthy intimacy in relationships.  There are ways to make sure your partner feels comfortable communicating their needs.  As a part of the “I Ask!” campaigne, here are some suggestions from NSVRC about power and consent that can be helpful in navigating relationships with love and respect.

     


    Smith, S. G., Chen, J., Basile, K. C., Gilbert, L. K., Merrick, M. T., Patel, N., … Jain, A. (2017). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010-2012 state report. Retrieved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/NISVS-StateReportBook.pdf


     

    National Child Abuse Prevention Month

    5 years ago · · 0 comments

    National Child Abuse Prevention Month

    April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The theme this year is “Strong and Thriving Families.”  This month and throughout the year,  we have the opportunity as  individuals and organizations to play a role in making our community a better place for children and families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect by creating strong and thriving children, youth, and families in our communities.

    Research shows that protective factors are present in healthy families. Promoting these factors is among the most effective ways to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. The factors are:

    • Nurturing and attachment
    • Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development
    • Parental resilience
    • Social connections
    • Concrete supports for parents
    • Social and emotional competence of children

    April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children and strengthening families. Everyone’s participation is critical. Focusing on ways to connect with families is the best thing our community can do to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect.

    In support of these efforts, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, its Child Welfare Information Gateway, the FRIENDS National Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention and over 30 national prevention partners have created 2019 Prevention Resource Guide: Strong and Thriving Families. The resource guide, designed for service providers who work throughout the community to support families, is available online at https://childwelfare.com/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/resources/resource-guide/.

    Another really helpful resource offered for families to build healthy connections and enhance parent-child relationships is the National Child Abuse Prevention Activities Calendar.  It can be found in both English and Spanish at https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/spread-the-word/activity-calendars/.


     

    What’s with the giraffes?

    5 years ago · · 0 comments

    What’s with the giraffes?

    One of the first things people notice when they come in my office for the first time is the series of three paintings of giraffes on my wall.  Many have asked, “Leah, what’s with the giraffes?”  I LOVE to share the answer to that question.

    There’s no doubt that giraffes are a source of inspiration for many people.  They show up in art, literature, children’s toys and books, music, and mascots.  Their graceful and majestic appearance captivates the eye and the mind, and their endearing expressions draw us in.  For many, giraffes symbolize welfare and happiness.  Often referred to as “Africa’s gentle giant”, giraffes represent cooperation, resourcefulness, intuition, and patience.  Due to their height and long, elegant necks, they are frequently used as symbols of vision, perception, and the elevated mind.

    Giraffes, particularly in their various stages of development, can illustrate the stages of recovery, and that is precisely the meaning I wanted to convey when I selected this art for my office.  Each of the three giraffe paintings in my office is intended to depict a phase of healing or recovery.  For the sake of this explanation, I will discuss the paintings in the context of recovery from addiction, however the concepts certainly can translate to healing from other forms of trauma or adversity.

    The first painting depicts a baby giraffe with its mother, and it represents the beginning of the recovery process.  Baby giraffes are born after 14 months gestation, and delivery typically occurs while the mother giraffe is standing. This means Baby drops about six feet, crashing down head-first into a new, scary, and dangerous world.  The fall does not hurt Baby, but forces causes him to the first deep breath of life.  Not too long after delivery, the baby giraffe begins to test out his body, walking on long, gangly legs with knobby knees and a wobbly gait.  Baby is very vulnerable at this stage.  In the wild, predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas are a threat to giraffes, especially calves that don’t yet have the strength or awareness to protect themselves.  So this means Mama Giraffe (and often times other females of the herd) look after the little ones, providing protection and guidance.

    Acrylic on canvas, Amy Jacomet, 2018

    To me the calf parallels the experience of individuals who are newly sober.  Even though they may believe that sobriety is good and desirable, sober living is a scary thing because it’s new or even unknown.  In the early stages of recovery, we need the support of safe and trusted people to help us, guide us, and even offer a little protection.  Supportive family members, AA sponsors, counselors, and trusted friends can offer the much needed encouragement to help us through the scary and vulnerable beginnings of recovery.  We also sometimes need a protected environment like a sober living house, treatment program, or new housing arrangements as a part of relapse prevention.  Just like the baby giraffe is not helpless (remember Baby gets up and walks very soon after delivery), in early recovery we must begin by taking action toward change.  This can look like joining a 12-step fellowship, participating in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and changing up our habits to limit our exposure to the people/places/things that can lead us to use.

    The second painting in the series depicts the juvenile giraffe, or as I like to call him, Junior.   By now he has grown larger and stronger.  He moves with more confidence and can run, reach, and explore.  He has learned some things about the world around him like who is friend and who is foe, where there is safety and where there is danger.  With this growing strength and confidence comes a little curiosity and even some boldness.  Junior begins to stretch, reach, and try new things – he’s learning to “stick is neck out”, as they say.  Sometimes Junior might get a little too bold and find himself in some sticky situations that could require the help of the older, wiser, or more experienced members of the herd. (Actually, Google tells me a group of giraffes is actually called a “Tower.”  Very apropos.)

    Acrylic on canvas, Amy Jacomet, 2018

    To me Junior reflects a lot of the experiences that go along with middle stages of recovery.  By this point we may have a few months or even a year (plus) of sobriety behind us.  We’ve identified triggers, overcome some cravings, and begun to establish habits that support continued sobriety.  We might be more than familiar with the 12 steps and have a growing number of effective coping skills and resources to help us manage when life gives us challenges.  There is still danger at this stage though.  Sometimes, like Junior, we get a little too bold and take chances that can compromise our recovery.  It’s important to stay self-aware and have accountability to others (like an AA sponsor) to help us stay on track or get back on our feet if we slip up.

    The third painting is of the fully grown, adult giraffe.  I like to call him Dude.  The mature giraffe is fully developed, strong, and aware.  He had gained a lot of experiences that inform his decisions, keep him safe, and help him thrive. Dude has strong muscles, and he moves with grace and efficiency.  He knows how to navigate his world and is able to find food and water to help keep him well.  When Dude encounters a problem, more often, than not, his instincts serve him well.  Giraffes, even fully grown, are still prey, so Dude has to remain aware and pay attention to his surroundings.  While he is self-assured and resourceful, he knows he is still vulnerable.  Hungry predators are still after him, so he can’t let himself become overly confident.

    Acrylic on canvas, Amy Jacomet, 2018

    The adult giraffe shares a lot of similarities with an individual who has been sober for an extended period of time.  In order to achieve years of sobriety, we have learned a lot about ourselves.  We are more self-aware and resilient than before.  Like Dude, we are skilled and equipped to handle many of the challenges that everyday life throws our way.  We have instincts, knowledge, and reliable resources.  But just like a mature giraffe, we must remain alert and aware of potential dangers.  We must be on the watch for threats to our sobriety and make daily efforts toward relapse prevention.  Too much confidence can land us in precarious situations.

    Recovery from addiction is not the only way to relate to the giraffes.  Certainly we can all relate to the process of growth and healing.  The dynamics of healing from just about any adverse life experience can be reflected in this metaphor.  Getting through a painful breakup, recovering from a severe illness or injury, moving to a new school/job/town, grieving, and so many of life’s challenges  take on a similar progression.

    My invitation to you is to reflect on these three paintings and their messages.  Which painting do you connect with the most at this point in your life?  How can you use that awareness to help you be health, safe, and fulfilled?


    A Message from the Artist

    The three giraffe paintings are the work of artist and writer Amy Jacomet from the Miami Valley.  You can find some of her commissions on display at Dayton Children’s Hospital.  A courageous woman with a strong sense of spirituality, Jacomet shares her faith through her art.  Here is a bit of her story:

    Amy Jacomet, Artist and Writer.

    “A type 1 diabetic at age 10, I found myself blind, with kidney failure and desperately needing an organ transplant at age 26. By 28, I received two healthy new organs and had regained some of my sight; however, I was left with the inability to see colors correctly.

    I went back to my roots of art many years after that and took to painting. At that time, I wanted to find a way to glorify God through my work. He had shown me so much love through my valley and I wanted to return that love to Him.

    After a quick prayer and creating my first painting, I heard Him say that He wanted His messages on the back of my work. I didn’t know what that meant until He gave me my first message and then placed it in the perfect person’s hands.

    Since then, I have been creating pieces for Him to show this world His great love.

    He has used my “inability” to see colors and detail to show His ability. I have felt so honored and blessed to be on this amazing journey with Him.”

    Below are the messages Jacomet inscribed on the back of each of the giraffe paintings.

    A journey awaits you. Do not be afraid to step into the unknown or unseen.  Instead, know that I have already gone before you, and I am patiently extending My hand to pull you up out of your debris.  The past is the past and you are no longer bound to it.  Be of good courage and take the first step.  I promise I will be by your side.  I am leading you to a land of prosperity, so take My hand, child, and allow Me to be your guide.  I know you are fearful, and I know you feel unsure.  But know that I would not call you out of your dry and desert land if I didn’t have a plan and a purpose.  You were created for great things.  Believe these things I say to you.  You haven’t yet seen your best days.  They lie ahead.  Now venture out and take this journey with Me.  I promise you will not be disappointed.  I have so much ahead of you as you draw near to Me.  Take one step at a time.  I promise you will get there.  Take that first step.  I am waiting to embrace you in My loving arms and show you the person you were created to be. Trust Me.  I have you.   

    You’re experiencing so many new things and being tested in new situations and circumstances.  Keep your eyes focused on Me like never before. Allow me to lead you on the path to the mountaintop.  You’ve exited the valley and are growing by leaps and bounds, but do not forget about Me and all that I have done for you.  I am still working My will and purpose for your life, shaping you along the way.  Allow Me to mold you.  Allow Me to show you the way to your victory.  You will conquer all.  Just be patient and do not rush ahead.  There is a time and place carved out especially for you.  It has been set aside and you have been set apart.  Be patient in your process and see what I can and will do in and through you.  You will be in awe when you see My plan unveiled before your eyes.  Trust Me.

    You are bold and courageous, strong and enduring.  You have shown great perseverance on your journey.  Taking on battle after battle and conquering all that has tried to rise up against you.  You have overcome and come to a place of victory.  Be very proud of what you have accomplished.  You have refused to give up and met every obstacle placed before you with great courage.  You didn’t give up when times got tough.  Even when you’ve been knocked down, you’ve gotten back up and continued on the path that has led you to success.  Congratulations.  Be very proud of who you’ve become.  Be very proud that you have withstood the test of time.  What was once a valley for you has now become a testimony.  Never forget where you came from, as it will keep you humble, but always look toward your future.  It is so bright, and you are going to embark on many amazing things and opportunities.  Always see yourself as I see you.  When you look in the mirror, be grateful for you position in life.  When I place others on your path, use your discernment and seek My face in knowing who and how to help.  I have brought you through this journey for a reason and a purpose. You have not been forgotten.  You will be honored.  Keep walking forward with your eyes on Me, and know that I hold your destiny in the palm of My hand.  I will never let you down.   


     

    Book Review: Girl, Wash Your Face

    5 years ago · · 0 comments

    Book Review: Girl, Wash Your Face

    I was really looking forward to reading this book, as I had heard wonderful things about Rachel Hollis.  I was introduced to Hollis’ work through a good friend who invited me to see the Hollis’ film, “Made for More.”  I had mixed reactions to the film, but I enjoyed her energy and positive attitude.  There was a lot of hype leading up to the release of this book, and I have to say, the title totally got me!  I love the message it sends about allowing yourself to feel – even if it means the “ugly cry” that makes mascara run – but then washing your face (literally or metaphorically) and taking care of your business.  It suggests a healthy balance of emotional authenticity and practical perseverance.

    The book was definitely well marketed, as there was quite a buzz before the book was even released.  It was all over social media, and people were talking it up right and left!  Not surprisingly, Rachel Hollis is a blogger and knows a ton about publicizing and internet marking.  Many of my friends and clients were also anxiously anticipating the book, having heard all the excitement.  The trendy cover and catchy title definitely got a lot of attention before the book was even available.  However in general, I felt let down once I actually got my copy.

    The book’s structure is pretty straightforward, and one that kept me reading.  Essentially, each chapter presents a lie Hollis’ debunks.  For example Chapter 1 is entitled “Something Else will Make me Happy.”  As a therapist, I find this reminiscent of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in that the goal is to root out unhelpful thinking habits (cognitive distortions) that keep us unhappy and unfulfilled.  While Hollis attempts to share lessons she has learned in her thirty-some years of life experience, she never boasts to be an expert in self improvement, psychotherapist, or guru.  Personally I respond to that transparency in two ways: 1. Good for you, Rachel, for being honest and humble, and for bravely sharing your story.  2.  While personal experience can produce a wealth of wisdom, most people are more apt to rely on the work of qualified professionals and researchers.

    All that being said, I really enjoyed the simple and conversational writing style.  Hollis writes with just as much energy as she speaks!  The light, “girl-talk” style made this an easy read, though there were moments in which the tone became a little preachy, though Hollis’ openly acknowledges the influence of her upbringing having a Pentecostal Preacher father.  At times witty, at times brutally honest, Hollis tackles some of life most difficult challenges in a very accessible way.

    Despite her quippy style and clever sayings, I was disappointed in the book’s content.  I found the book hard to relate to.  Many of the examples Hollis shares from her personal life are just hard for me to connect with.  I personally cannot relate to dieting so I can fit into a gown to wear on the red carpet with my husband, nor does saving up for a designer handbag motivate me.  I am not a party planner for the stars, and I don’t hob nob with celebrities.  Translating some of Hollis’ examples to my lifestyle was essential for me to personally find meaning in much of this book.  Along the same lines as relatability, “Girl, Wash Your Face” seems to be geared toward a very specific audience: wealthy, heterosexual, Christian women who are wives and mothers.  If that description doesn’t fit you, there will likely be chapters or portions of this book that you struggle with.  I did.

    Standing alone, each chapter has the potential to be inspiring and helpful, however the book in its entirety is contradictory at times.  For example, in chapter one, Hollis talks about the value to gratitude and finding contentment in life, not always looking to the next  goal as the source of happiness.  “When I finally achieve _______, then I’ll be happy” is no way to live life.  However, in chapter two, Hollis advocates for such a strong sense of drive and focus on a goal and not putting off working on your goal or looking to the future.  There are moments where she supports healthy self-care habits and pacing oneself, however seemingly in the next breath she endorses sacrificing healthy sleep in order to achieve.  She cautions about using alcohol as a coping strategy but then later identifies wine as a form of self-care.  Certainly any of these tidbits of advice in and of itself could be argued as helpful (e.g. someone who doesn’t struggle with alcoholism might celebrate with a glass of wine after achieving a goal, and that’s not necessarily unhealthy), but her messages overall are a little contrary and could be confusing to someone  in search of solutions.

    One thing I always look for in any self-help book is how the author addresses counseling, and as much as I was disappointed in the book in general, Rachel Hollis did not let me down here!  She shares a little about her own experience with personal growth, healing, and trauma recovery.  She does not shy away from acknowledging the role mental health care has played in her story, nor does she deter her readers from seeking help.  Therapy can help with a lot of the lies she challenges in her book, and I applaud her for encouraging others to consider working on areas in which they feel stuck with a trained professional.


    I give this book a C+.

    This book is not without value, but it wouldn’t be my first recommendation.  Overall I found it a little superficial and contrary, though well intended.  A savvy reader with a critical mind can certainly glean some benefit from this read, but it is far from the groundbreaking book I hoped it would be.  My response?  Girl, go to therapy! 😉


    Hollis, R. (2019). Girl, wash your face: Stop believing the lies about who you are so you can become who you were meant to be. Nashville, TN: Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson.


     

    Happy World Social Work Day!

    5 years ago · · 0 comments

    Happy World Social Work Day!

    March 19, 2019 is World Social Work Day, a time to celebrate the achievements of social workers world wide and take a message to communities to raise awareness about the contributions of the profession as well as needs for further action.

    This year’s theme is “Promoting the Importance of Human Relationships” emphasizing a particular core value of the profession that is of great importance. There are seven core values of the social work profession:

    • Service
    • Social Justice
    • Dignity and Worth of the Individual
    • Importance of Human Relationships
    • Integrity
    • Competence

    These values guide our efforts as social workers and must be central to all that we do.

    As I reflect on this year’s theme for World Social Work Day, I find it particularly relevant at a time when fear and division dominate our communities. Relationships are essential to what makes us human beings. Relationships create opportunities for growth, support, discovery, and healing. They also can lead to hurt, hate, division, and oppression. Particularly here in the United States, many relationships are becoming strained and even severed, families are being divided over disagreement and polarization. Politics, religion, and race have become hotter topics than they’ve been in years, and as a society we seem to be losing the ability to build healthy and fruitful relationships if there is any disagreement whatsoever.

    It’s time we extend the value of the importance of human relationships beyond the social work profession and related professions. Let’s work toward respectful connection and partnership, even when we don’t see eye-to-eye. It is in relationship that we grow and flourish as people.

    One of my favorite authors, Brené Brown offers some very useful suggestions on navigating relationships, forging connections, and finding true belonging in her book “Braving the Wilderness.” She tells us, “People are hard to hate close up. Move in.” If we take the chance to get closer to those with whom we have differences, it is easier to find mutual respect. You can read my review of the book HERE. I highly recommend it for those looking to more deeply connect despite today’s challenges.

    So much of what we do in our lives cannot exist without relationship. Business, art, sports, therapy, family…virtually every human activity involves some type of relationship. We are at our best when our relationships are healthy and strong. So today I am especially grateful for the healthy relationships in my life:

    • I am grateful for the relationship I have with our Creator, who sustains me every day.
    • I am grateful for my spouse who fills my life with love, laughter, and adventure.
    • I am grateful for my family who encourage and teach me, each in a unique and special way.
    • I am grateful for my colleagues and coworkers who help me hone and practice my craft.
    • I am grateful for my client’s who honor me with the chance to witness to their amazing journeys of healing and resilience.
    • I am grateful for my friends and neighbors who make me smile and bring joy to everyday life.

    What relationships enrich your life? I invite you to join me and the rest of the social work profession in celebrating human relationships, enhancing positive relationships, and improving those that are strained.

    Book Review: The 36 Hour Day

    5 years ago · · 0 comments

    Book Review: The 36 Hour Day

    You know how they say children don’t come with an instruction manual?  The same this is true for diagnosis of Alzheimers or Dementia.  However, this book comes pretty close!

    With the Baby Boomer generation officially entering the Senior Citizen category, many in younger generations are finding themselves navigating the murky waters of caregiving.  Understanding a diagnosis and disease progress is the first step, but the very nature of Alzheimer’s and Dementia is progressive, meaning caregivers are constantly in a state of monitoring and adjusting as changes occur.  “The 36 Hour Day” has been called by many “The Caregiver’s Bible” as it goes beyond understanding the disease and its progression and treatment.  It explores the impact the disease has on the family unit, strategies for caregiver respite and support, making difficult decisions (e.g. when Mom or Dad should no longer be driving), treatment options, and caregiver self-care

    While  this book is fairly comprehensive and widely recognized a go-to resource for caregivers, I do not recommend reading this book cover-to-cover.  Especially for those who are new to caregiving, the multitude of topics and problems addressed in the book can be overwhelming or even a little scary.  I advise using this book more as a reference, using the sections that apply to you, your loved one, and your family at the time, to avoid catastrophizing or excessive worry.  Don’t get ahead of yourself!

    This is an older copy. I highly recommend the more recent 6th edition.

    There are many additions to this book since it’s original publication in 1981.  The book has grown and evolved over the years, as our knowledge of Alzheimer’s and Dementia has also grown and evolved.  I recommend the more recent editions for the most up-to-date information and resources.  The 6th Edition was published in 2017.  Below you can hear one of the authors, Dr. Peter Rabins talk about the latest edition.


    I give this book an A.

    It’s comprehensive, honest, and compassionate.  Be prepared that reading it may stir up some strong emotions, however you will come away from reading informed, equipped, and self-aware.


    Mace, N. L., & Rabins, P. V. (2011). The 36-hour day: A family guide to caring for persons with alzheimer disease, related dementing illnesses, and memory loss in later life. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.


     

    AA 101

    5 years ago · · 0 comments

    AA 101

    Alcoholics Anonymous or “AA” is a common part of addiction recovery for many individuals who have struggled with Substance Use Disorders.  It is “an international fellowship of women and men who have a drinking problem.”  It was founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Bob Smith in Akron, Ohio and has spread globally since.  AA maintains a group identity that is “nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, [and] apolitical”, and the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

    The book “Alcoholics Anonymous” (commonly referred to as the “Big Book”) was published in 1939, and the original text has been preserved in subsequent editions.   It outlines 12 steps for achieving and maintaining sobriety.  The 12 steps are

    1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.
    2. Came to believe that a Power created than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
    3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
    4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
    5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
    6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
    7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
    8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
    9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
    10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
    11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
    12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

    In meetings, participants study the Big Book and the 12 Steps, share their stories (often called “giving a lead”), offer support and encouragement to one another, and build a community of individuals committed to sobriety.  Most active participants work with a sponsor to serves as a point person when support is needed, as well as a mentor in the recovery process.

    There are many similar programs modeled after AA including Al-Anon (for family members of alcoholics), Overeaters Anonymous, Debtors Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and others.  Additionally, there are other 12-step fellowships that are partially modeled off of AA including Celebrate Recovery.

    Due to emphasis on confidentiality and anonymity as well as inaccurate depictions of 12-step groups in film and television, there are many misconceptions about AA.  At best these misconceptions simply misrepresent the fellowship.  At worst, they hinder those in recovery from accessing potentially beneficial support and healing.

    Myth #1: I can’t go to AA because I don’t go to church.

    Many people in recovery believe AA is not for them because they do not participate in organized religion, have left or been separated from their faith community, or feel uncomfortable in church.  The reality is that ANYONE who is interested in recovering from a substance use disorder can participate in AA, regardless of their spirituality.  It is actually Step 2 which emphasizes the belief in a Higher Power and Step 3 which encourages surrender to it.  While the Big Book uses the word “God”, this is not necessarily restricted to the Judeo-Christian God.  The text actually emphasizes the ides of God “as we understood Him”, which allows room for an individual and evolving relationship with a Higher Power.  Many AA meetings take place in church buildings, but membership to a particular religion is not required.

    Myth #2: After I complete the 12 Steps, I’m done.

    An expression commonly used by AA participants is, “I’m working the steps.”  Most people work on the 12 Steps with the help of a sponsor.  A common misconception is that once a person gets to Step 12, they graduate or finish AA.  In reality AA is intended to be an ongoing process.  Steps 10, 11, and 12 are actually more like maintenance steps.  Step 10 is intended as a method of ongoing self-checking, emphasizing self-accountablity and honesty.  Step 11 is the practice of continued seeking, growth, and relationship with the Higher Power.  Step 12 calls for service, sharing, and ongoing sober living.  Much like a car requires routine maintenance and care, a person in recovery (and I would argue, everyone) needs habits that encourage healthy self-awareness, an ongoing journey or personal growth, and a commitment to relationships and community.

    Myth #3: All AA meetings are the same.

    There are a variety of types of meetings, each with a different goal, feel, and dynamic.  Closed Meetings generally consist of a specific and limited group of people.  Open Meetings are just that – they are open for anyone to participate, including observers who are no struggling with a substance use disorder.  Speaker Meetings (sometimes called Gratitude Meetings) tend to feature a visiting member who shares the story of their experience with addiction and recovery.  Big Book Meetings center around a certain section of passage of the Big Book and group discussion.  12-Step Meetings typically focus on a specific step, and in larger meetings participants may even divide into smaller groups based on the specific step they are working.   There are even online meetings.  While AA meetings are generally inclusive, there are some meetings aimed at a certain demographic or population (gender, sexual orientation, profession, language).

    As with any community of human beings, there is variance in dynamics and group culture among AA meetings.  Sometimes it takes a few tries before an individual finds a meeting where they feel “at home.”  Unfortunately, not all AA meetings are created equal.  There are some that remain very faithful to the original intents of the AA founders and others that stray from the tenants of the model.  Similarly, some groups naturally foster an atmosphere of mutual support, respect, and healing, while others can become distorted by unhealthy interpersonal dynamics or even toxically distorted interpretation of AA tenants.

    Myth #4: AA is only for alcoholics.

    Again AA is generally very inclusive.  Many indivuals in recovery have struggled with multiple substance, no just alcohol.  It is not uncommon for a participant in a meeting to identify as “an alcoholic and an addict.”  AA and its related groups can be very helpful to individuals who struggle with a variety of addictive behaviors (e.g. overeating, gambling, sex, illicit drugs).  Open meetings, again, welcome nonalcoholic observers, and meetings like Al Anon, Alateen, and Adult Children of Alcoholics cater to friends and family members of people with substance use disorders.

    Myth #5:  AA is treatment.

    AA and treatment are two different things.  AA is more accurately understood as a “spiritual program of action.”  It is the adoption of and practice of keep beliefs, behaviors, values, and traditions in the context of a community.  AA is peer-led and self-supporting.  Treatment on the other hand is facilitated by trained professionals in clinical settings with a prescribed set of interventions (e.g. medical detoxification, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, and psychotherapy).  Treatment can be finite, whereas AA in its truest form is an ongoing process.  AA and formal treatment can work beautifully together, along with other community and interpersonal supports, to help a personal on the path of healthy and whole hearted living.

    If you’re interested in learning more about AA, consider starting with the main website at www.aa.org.  There you can locate meetings near you, access the Big Book and other AA related literature, read daily reflections, make contributions, find other ways to get involved.


    Alcoholics Anonymous: The story of how more than one hundred men have recovered from alcoholism (4th ed.). (2001). New York City, NY: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.

    Marich, J. (2012). Trauma and the twelve steps: A complete guide to enhancing recovery. Warren, OH: Cornersburg Media.


     

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