Child Behavior -Is ADHD Behavior Therapy The Answer ?

Posted January 7th, 2010 by admin and filed in Cognitive Therapy
Tags:
Add a Comment

How on earth can you deal with defiant kids ? No pill exists for that ! It is now a well established fact in the medical profession that ADHD treatment should be a comprehensive one which will include a good dose of behavioral modification alongside with medication, diet, exercise and school support. In spite of taking medication, child behavior will not change at all in the long term. It may well get worse. There may be some improvements in symptoms such as restlessness, fidgeting and better focus and improved concentration but these are only skin deep. In the long term, the medication will not cure ADHD and if child behavior is left unchecked, it is unlikely that the child will outgrow ADHD and he will have a handicap for the rest of his life.

Going back to the defiant kids, there may also be other symptoms which could well be that of a co-morbid disorder like ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder). Symptoms will include an incredible amount of anger, outbursts and a generally aggressive attitude to both parents and siblings.

It is in cases like this that ADHD behaviour therapy comes to the rescue. If parents are prepared to make the required effort, it can well turn a disastrous situation around. Studies have shown that child behavior can be positively influenced by these methods. Similar success has been found with older citizens suffering from GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston got similar results when they tried cognitive behaviour therapy among the patients who had problems taking anxiety medication because of the side effects.

Talking of medication for ADHD it has been shown that about 20% of children have great difficulty in adjusting to these medicines because of the considerable side effects and grow less than normal kids. Stunted growth is not the only problem either as there are risks for heart health and psychotic episodes are linked to some of the other medications like Strattera. If parents choose an ADHD homeopathic remedy they can side step many of these problems and spend considerably less. They are just as effective in improving child behavior as pharmacological solutions .

There are now quite a few researchers advocating ADHD behavior therapy before medication and they are saying that this should be the first option rather than the last in trying to resolve problems with child behavior The drugs companies obviously do not agree and will try to discredit ADHD behavior therapy instead of spending money to research the long term effects of the psychostimulants they have poured down children’s throats while earning enormous amounts of money.

Fibromyalgia Relief With Magnetic Wave Therapy

Posted January 7th, 2010 by admin and filed in Cognitive Therapy
Tags: , , , ,
Add a Comment

A study regarding acupoints and magnetic wave therapy and Fibromyalgia was performed by the Mayo Clinic in the United States and presented at a pain conference held in Sydney, Australia. Great promise is shown when it comes to this non-invasive, ancient form of therapy. Anxiety, pain, and chronic fatigue are just some of the symptoms experienced by many fibromyalgia patients and shown to be effectively alleviated by stimulation of acupoints, or the points at which the body’s meridians contact the skin. While acupuncture is not seen as a cure for fibromyalgia, it can greatly enhance the patient’s quality of life over the long term, particularly with continued treatments.

This seems to be a viable alternative to the medications usually prescribed to counteract pain and depression.

About Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than the definition of an ailment. It has no known cause but is characterised by a set of symptoms that are common and chronic. It may be related to arthritis but is not a true arthritic disease of the joints, which involves joint or tissue inflammation. Instead, fibromyalgia is considered a rheumatic condition which impairs the tissues and joints and causes pain. There are a variety of symptoms those diagnosed with fibromyalgia suffer from.

These include cognitive difficulties; disturbance of sleep; headaches; irritable bowel syndrome; stiffness, numbness, and tingling of the limbs; restless leg syndrome; and sensitivity to temperature and light. It is usually women who suffer from fibromyalgia, but this does not preclude it from affecting men and children; race or ethnic background is not an indicator of a person’s likelihood of contracting the syndrome.

How Magnetic Wave Acupuncture Helps with Pain

Acupuncture, which can be accomplished via magnetic waves, electrical impulse, massage, or other methods that do not utilise needles, can alleviate many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia without the side effects of prescription medications. The procedure is non-invasive and the positive effects are nearly immediate. Muscle manipulation is usually not tolerable by anyone suffering from fibromyalgia so acupuncture provides a way to treat the symptoms without causing further pain and discomfort.

Stimulation of acupoints has a positive effect on stress and anxiety because it can release melatonin, the body’s natural chemical for relaxation. This can help a patient sleep better. Because chronic fatigue often leads to depression, getting sufficient rest aids the patient’s mood tremendously. Magnetic acupressure also stimulates circulation, which can provide the sufferer with increased energy and vitality.

Yet another benefit of acupuncture is the release of endorphins, which block feelings of pain. All of these benefits were supported by the Mayo Clinic study. Many alternative therapists already knew how acupuncture could positively affect patients suffering from pain, anxiety, and sleeplessness but the fact that highly respected members of the medical community confirmed their beliefs has brought a new level of acknowledgement to the practice.

For anyone diagnosed with fibromyalgia, acupuncture can present a viable, complementary treatment to help them lead a more normal and functional life. With a magnetic wave device, the procedure can even be performed at home, making it both simple and cost-effective. Talk to your physician about adding acupoint therapy to your fibromyalgia therapy options. Ref: http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2006-rst/3495.html

Common Types of Panic Attack Therapy

Posted January 6th, 2010 by admin and filed in Cognitive Therapy
Tags:
Add a Comment

Lots of people have used therapy to relieve panic disorders.  Since each person and their proglem is not the same, the amount of time the treatment can take to be effective can vary significantly.  Sometimes you may need to wait several months before you can start to see any results.

Patience is the most important factor when starting panic attack therapy.  One form of treatment may work for one person rather quickly, while a second person might need more time, or even a combination of different treatment types to improve their panic attacks.

Try to be flexible and don’t set specific goals for progress such as “I must recover in one month or else this method doesn’t work.”  This is a guaranteed way to frustrate yourself and ensure that you don’t experience results.  Give whichever treatment method you use a fair opportunity and give it time to show results.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common and usually successful way to ease panic and anxiety disorders.  CBT is used to help people begin to alter their thinking and behaviors.  If you are seeking anxiety or panic attack therapy methods, it is very likely that you will encounter this in some form.

When you do CBT, you will probably work out a plan with your doctor.  You may be given homework to be done by yourself such as jotting down your individual goals that you will use to gradually expose yourself to scenarios that may trigger anxiety or panic attacks for you.  You will likely be keeping a journal to record your thoughts and feelings as well as a way of looking back to see your progress in your recovery.

Depending on your condition, you might also be given medication.  There are a good deal of medications for anxiety disorders out there that can be quite effective.  Medication, though is not an answer.  It just dials down your anxiety so that you can start to seek an effective recovery program.

Here are some good exercises you may be asked to do as part of your panic attack therapy regimen.  Please consult with your doctor though before you begin any of these on your own.  These tools are intended to mimic some of the physical symptoms of anxiety attacks so that you can get used to feeling them knowing that you are in full control of the situation and eventually desensitize yourself from them.

First, you might try to breath heavily for thirty seconds or so.  Most panic attacks begin with hyperventilation, so if you can begin to do this on your own, you can start to feel more relaxed and stop a panic attack in the future.

Also try spinning around several times to create a feeling of dizziness.  Dizziness is another common symptom of panic and anxiety disorders.

Run in place or take up an aerobic exercise routine to raise your heart beat and get used to that experience.

Anxiety attack therapy can be a useful way of treating anxiety disorders by slowly getting you accustomed to typical physical symptoms of a anxiety attack.  Again, it may take some time to see measurable progress in your recovery so stick with whatever program or form of therapy your doctor recommends.

Friendship Hand in Hand with Massage Therapy in South Tampa 33629, Downtown Tampa, Macdill AFB and Hyde Park Bring Good Health

“Connecting with friends is good medicine.” This is the title of an article by Teresa Caldwell Board in the Summer 2009 online issue of Massage Envy Magazine. Board cites studies that link having strong social support networks to physical health and mental health. Massage Envy adds that massage therapy can be used to strengthen ties of friendship. Indeed, friends can help each other achieve and maintain good health by going to regular massage therapy sessions together in South Tampa 33629, Downtown Tampa, Macdill AFB and Hyde Park.Board cites the program director of the National Institute of Whole Health, Dr. Georgianna Donadio, Ph.D., as saying, “Human beings have a very strong need to belong. Strong social networks give you a sense of purpose and belonging that has a profound effect on your well-being.”Dr. Donadio added, “Feeling that you have friends who care about you, and people whose lives you contribute to, is a real stress-killer. Any time you reduce stress, you have less disease.” Several studies have confirmed Dr. Donadio’s statement, showing a strong link between stress and lowered immunity to disease. The Health Psychology Journal documents a 2005 study that showed how the flu vaccine was less effective in protecting first year college students who were isolated socially and were feeling lonely. The Genome Biology journal documents a 2007 study which showed that the genes of people who are chronically lonely undergo changes with respect to immunity. Such studies form part of the basis of researchers’ conclusions that link the feeling of isolation with higher risks of getting cancer, heart disease and viral infections.Conversely, studies have shown that people who are involved with a wide sphere of positive social relationships and are strongly integrated with a social support network develop a healthier immune system that leads to better mental and physical health. They have been shown to have longer lives with more likelihood of surviving heart attacks, less risks of having recurrence upon surviving cancer, less incidence of upper respiratory illness, less incidence of depression and anxiety, and less severe deterioration of cognitive abilities with age.Board refers to women’s self-care coach, Corrie Woods, author of The Woman’s Field Guide to Exceptional Living, in emphasizing the importance of finding time to establish and maintain real friendships. Woods says, “I challenge people to ask themselves, ‘What price am I paying when I feel disconnected from my support system?” She gives the following advice, too: “Learn how to say no to things in your current schedule so you can make time for friends.”Friendships and relationships should now be prioritized no matter how busy one’s schedule is. In fact, it looks like the busier one is, the greater the need for social relationships to dissipate stress and ensure one’s general well being. For those who do not have such connections, Woods recommends finding ways to reach out and meet like-minded people in order to make new friends. She mentions focusing on one’s interests when choosing a class to enroll in, a club to join or a cause to volunteer for.For those who have an existing network of friends, nurturing such friendships should become an integral part of life. Schedules can be coordinated and synchronized so that certain activities can be done together. This can range from tasks to recreation and relaxation. Fun activities can be enjoyed together, like going to the movies or a play, or engaging in a sport everyone likes. The latter can extend to other health and fitness activities, as well. Scheduling a massage session together in a massage clinic is another great bonding activity. Friends can schedule massage therapy sessions together even if they opt for different massage modalities such as Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage therapy and pregnancy massage therapy in professional massage clinics in South Tampa 33629, Downtown Tampa, Macdill AFB and Hyde Park.

Pet Therapy for the Elderly

Posted January 5th, 2010 by admin and filed in Cognitive Therapy
Tags: , , ,
Add a Comment

Linda’s mother had been receiving in-home care in NJ for several years. While the care was excellent, her mother just did not seem like her old self. Then one day, Linda, a 45-year-old mother, brought a puppy home for her own mother. It was then that she and her family learned firsthand the affect a pet can have on the health and outlook of a senior. Linda’s mother became more active: grooming, feeding, and playing with the new puppy rather than spending most of her time sleeping or watching television. Although she may not realize it, Linda’s mother is benefiting from animal-assisted therapy, which is commonly called pet therapy. Animals can be used to help offset emotional and sometimes even physical problems to improve the quality of life for seniors; a group that commonly experiences loss of mobility, loneliness, and depression. With a small bit of careful planning, the pet-senior relationship can be happy and beneficial for all concerned.Occasionally, as seniors age, they become more withdrawn and solitary, losing the desire and ability to develop new relationships. Pets offer much-needed companionship and can increase the quantity and quality of social interactions among their owners. Seniors who own pets have more frequent conversations. Rather than dwell in the past, senior pet owners tend to focus on current interests and activities, which can provide common ground with new acquaintances and increase the opportunity to form new bonds.Loneliness and depression can be traumatic for seniors. It changes the production of hormones, function of body systems, can contribute to the start or severity of diseases, and prolongs the amount of time the body takes to heal. Senior adults are a lonely age group for several reasons, including the loss of friends and spouse, or retirement. Many senior citizens end up in long-term care facilities that restrict personal belongings, including pets. Residents in their facilities also have to deal with the separation from loved ones. Loneliness in these facilities tends to be a common problem, which animal-assisted therapy can help decrease.Banks and Banks did a study with three long-term care facilities in Mississippi. Forty-five residents with no cognitive impairments, psychiatric disorders, allergies to animals, with a minimum of a sixth grade education and who could read and write in English were divided into three groups: 15 with no pet therapy, 15 with one 30-minuet session of pet therapy a week, and 15 with three 30-minuet sessions a week. It was found that the therapy reduced loneliness, though there was no difference between the second and third groups. This research showed that pet therapy can effectively reduce loneliness and therefore depression in older adults.

Asperger Syndrome Therapy – Is There Real Cure For It?

Asperger Syndrome Therapy

If you understand of a child who is having a greater degree of language impairment as opposed to other children or has fallen communication skills and moreover exhibits a restrictive pattern of thought and behavior, he may have Asperger’s syndrome. This condition is a great deal more or tinier similar to that of classic autism. Asperger Syndrome Therapy

The number one adjustment between autism and Asperger’s syndrome is that the child experiencing according to Asperger’s syndrome retains his early jargon skills. The peculiar symptom of Asperger’s syndrome is a child’s obsessive interest in a single object or topic to the exclusion of any other.

The child suffering from Asperger’s syndrome wants to know all about this one topic. Sometimes their speech patterns and vocabulary may resemble that of a little professor. Other Asperger’s symptoms include the inability to interact successfully with peers, clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements, repetitive routines or rituals, socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior, and last, but not least, problems with non-verbal communication.

Asperger’s syndrome sufferers find difficulty mingling with the general public. Even if they converse with others, they exhibit inappropriate and eccentric behavior. The Asperger’s syndrome patient may always want to talk about his singular interest. Developmental delays in motor skills such as catching a ball, climbing outdoor play equipment or pedaling a bike may also appear in the child with Asperger’s syndrome. Children with Asperger’s syndrome often show a stilted or bouncy walk, which appears awkward. Asperger Syndrome Therapy

The therapy for the Asperger’s syndrome mainly concentrates on three-core symptoms: physical clumsiness, obsessive or repetitive routines, and poor communication skills. It is unfortunate that there is no single treatment for the children suffering from the entire three-core symptoms.

But professionals do agree that the syndrome can be cured when the intervention is carried out at the earliest possible time. The treatment package of Asperger’s syndrome for children involves medication for co-existing conditions, cognitive behavioral therapy, and social skills training. Asperger Syndrome Therapy

The Asperger’s syndrome treatment mainly helps to build on the child’s interests, teaches the task as a series of simple steps and offers a predictable schedule. Don’t let your love ones suffer anymore! Lead them out through Asperger Syndrome Therapy program now!

Gestalt therapy techniques

Posted January 4th, 2010 by admin and filed in Cognitive Therapy
Tags:
Add a Comment

This humanistic approach, developed by Fritz Perls, grew rapidly in the United States in the 1960s. Although Perls’ methodology became more and more direct, the aim from the first was that clients should learn from their own experience to acknowledge previously denied feelings and aspects of their personalities.

Well-known Gestalt techniques include increasing the awareness of “body language” and of negative internal “messages”; emphasizing the client’s self-awareness by making him or her speak continually in the present tense and in the first person; concentrating on a part of a client’s personality, perhaps even on just one emotion, and addressing it (or asking the client to address it) as if it were sitting by itself in the client’s chair; the creation by the therapist of episodes and diversions that vividly demonstrate a point rather than explaining in words.

Such techniques are widely borrowed by other therapeutic disciplines to support their own practices. Gestalt therapy

is an existential and experiential psychotherapy that focuses on the individual’s experience in the present moment, the therapist-client relationship

, the environmental and social contexts in which these things take place, and the self-regulating adjustments people make as a result of the overall situation. It emphasizes personal responsibility. Gestalt therapy was co-founded by Fritz Perls, Laura Perls and Paul Goodman in the 1940s–1950s.

Gestalt therapy rose from its beginnings in the middle of the 20th century to rapid and widespread popularity during the decade of the 1960s and early 1970s. During the 70s and 80s Gestalt therapy training centers spread globally, but they were, for the most part, not aligned with formal academic settings.

Gestalt therapy rose from its beginnings in the middle of the 20th century to rapid and widespread popularity during the decade of the 1960s and early 1970s. During the 70s and 80s Gestalt therapy training centers spread globally, but they were, for the most part, not aligned with formal academic settings. As the cognitive revolution eclipsed Gestalt therapy in psychology, many came to believe Gestalt was an anachronism. In the hands of Gestalt practitioners, Gestalt therapy became an applied discipline in the fields of psychotherapy, organizational development, social action, and eventually coaching. Gestalt therapy focuses more on process (what is happening) than content (what is being discussed). The emphasis is on what is being done, thought and felt at the moment rather than on what was, might be, could be, or should be. Gestalt therapy focuses more on process (what is happening) than content (what is being discussed). The emphasis is on what is being done, thought and felt at the moment rather than on what was, might be, could be, or should be.

Is the Job of Occupational Therapy Considered Stressful?

Occupational Therapy involves the utilization of key daily life activities to help patients participate in these functions, regardless of their emotional and physical impairment. It is a method of therapy that helps patients achieve independence, even though their physical or mental functions may be limited. Therapeutic techniques help improve cognitive abilities and motor skills in order to improve one’s overall well-being and quality of life.
According to Canada’s Occupational Therapy Resource Site, www.otworks.ca, “Occupational therapists consider occupation to be everything people do to occupy themselves, including looking after themselves (self-care), enjoying life (leisure), and contributing to the social and economic fabric of their communities (work/productivity).”
Occupational therapy helps patients with such conditions as physical injuries, head injuries, amputations, mental health and developmental disorders, congenital disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, orthopedic injuries, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and post traumatic stress disorders. An occupational therapist can also help children with such conditions as developmental delays, physical disabilities, and sensory and attention dysfunctions.
According to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, stress is defined as “a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation.” One type of stress is job stress. Symptoms of job stress include: job dissatisfaction, sleep disturbances, short temper, stomach ache, headaches, low morale, and more. The consequences of stress in the medical industry can include: reduced patient care, increase in staff turnover, discontented patients, and less time spent with patients.
Occupational Therapy is one career that can be can be stressful. According to Chris Lloyd from the University of Queensland, Australia in his article “Work-related stress and occupational therapy”, some causes of stress and burnout are: “the caring nature of their work, repeated exposure to distress, repeated exposure to difficult behavior, prolonged interventions, and uncertain outcomes.”
There are many resources to help one reduce stress and prevent job burnout. Many experts recommend avoiding isolating oneself from friends, coworkers, and family, make sure that you do not take on too many problems, take care of your physical health, and maintain a sense of humor.
Occupational therapists are regulated in all 50 States and work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, private practices, children’s clinics, and nursing homes.
According to the United States Department of labor, “Employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase 23 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations.” A major factor for employment growth is an increasing elderly population and increased need for children’s care. There are also an increased number of individuals with disabilities or limited function who require therapy services. An aging baby-boom generation also increases the number of incidents of heart attacks and strokes which can require the services of Occupational Therapists.
Occupational therapy is a highly valued and respected medical career. Occupational therapists help patients overcome obstacles that prevent them from participating in daily life activities. Understanding and identifying the stressors that may be involved with a career in Occupational therapy will play a big part in implementing the best stress management techniques.

Autistic Therapy – Why is Play Therapy Important For Autistic Kids?

Autistic TherapyJust like routine kids, autistic kids sttink to play and properties love toys as well. Before beginning play therapy, we need to compose up rapport and trust as greatly as to arouse such a loan to play. Dad and mom are the the majority of suitable persons to initiate with the children, not only the tad spent up is indeed joyful but help to pull off the purpose of play therapy. Moreover, the opportunity to play together can help to increase their language skills. This is the great option for both parents and children with special needs, easily that parents crisis to put in extra struggle to plan this play therapy. The importance of playtime needs not over-emphasized, it is through this time that they learn motor coordination, develop skills to handle toys, learn skills to interact with his playmates, build up self-confidence, etc. Needless to say, playtime give kids the opportunity to pick up their social, emotional and physical developments. Also, choosing the suitable playtime activities can help to stimulate their language skills besides giving them enough fun. Followings are the suggestions to start with play therapy: Correct environment for play therapy: start with an appropriate decoration, such as play mat helps to define the play area, minimal distractions of sounds and visuals such as radio and TV, certainly gives them comfortable feel to play. Autistic Therapy Deciding right time for play therapy: always pick the right time when they are not exhausted or needing nap hours, better still to start after nap hour or when fresh. While playing, if they become bored or tired with these games, it is no point pushing them to continue, Also, in the beginning, is better to have shorter playing session says five to ten minutes and several of these short sessions spread out in a day. This way, not only helps to arouse their interest to continue playtime, it contributes to lengthen their attention spread. Picking new toys: is always good to start with plays or games that they are more interested with, and works up slowly to include toys that help to develop cognitively. Be flexible: learning from playtime is not necessary only at structured play sessions, it can be flexible while shopping, driving in the car, baking cakes or cookies, cleaning up the house, folding clothes, etc. Lastly, let them initiate: since our roles are more of supportive one, we should consider to let them initiate their moves, leave them playing unless they want us to participate, or choosing their choice of games during play therapy. Don’t let your love ones suffer anymore! Lead them out through Autistic Therapy program now!

Depression Therapy

Posted December 31st, 2009 by admin and filed in Cognitive Therapy
Tags: , ,
Add a Comment

Depression therapy is one of the treatments for this condition. Therapy equips you to fight the illness from several angles. It provides you with skills and insights that can help prevent the recurrence of the condition. There are three most common types of therapy that are used to treat this illness. They are cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic therapy.Therapy can teach you some practical techniques on how you can re frame negative thinking and work through the root cause of your problem. It can also empower you with behavioral skills that can help in combating the condition. Therapy helps you to understand why you feel a certain way. It also helps you to understand the triggers of your situation. Through therapy, you will understand what you need to do to stay healthy.Depression therapy helps you to understand what might be contributing to your situation and the changes you need to make to overcome the problem. Some of the themes that therapy can focus on are relationships, setting health boundaries as well as handling life’s problems. Taking a look at your relationships as well as building better relationships can help reduce isolation. Isolation is a risk factor for depression. Improving the current relationships and building a network of support can help to prevent this condition.When you are stressed and overwhelmed, talking to a therapist can provide you with positive ways that you can use to handle life’s challenges and problems. If depression therapy becomes difficult, don’t give up. You have to move forward and therefore giving up will mean that you go back to your old and less effective ways. It is important that you honestly discuss your feelings with a therapist.