Beyond the Tree

When looking at a tree, a typical person may not look too deep into it.  Like the age of the tree, what might have occurred there, the memories it made for others, the reasons for the cracks in the trunk, the lifted roots… there is so much more beyond the tree.

A tree can signify life, birth and whatever else you make of it.  It can be a place of peace and calmness, a place to create memories, or a place of mourning.  Looking at nature typically allows people to be free.

I love using art as a way of therapy, especially when working with children.  Trees are interesting to analyze because it relates to the artist from every perspective from the age to the details created.  The trunk may signify  the age where different movement represent ages in which significant events may have occurred.  Every time I analyze a drawing, the client is amazed (and so am I) at the accuracy noted.

Suggested reading, “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein.

Photo compliments of MegaPixels Photo, http:// www.megapixelsphoto.blogspot.com

Hypnotherapy Overview

Last week I became certified as a Rational Hypnotherapist, under the training of Dr. Aldo Pucci.  Hypnotherapy is done to help an individual express deep thoughts that may be uprooted.  While in the training, I learned (at a deeper level) how to help someone, to help themself.

There were subject areas addressed and I couldn’t help but to think how I could help apply the technique with my family and friends.  While it is frowned upon to counsel them under therapeutic context, hypnotherapy does not reject this idea because it is considered a different level of therapy.

Surprisingly, the teens I work with seems so eager to be “hypnotized” but they struggle the most with measurable, specific goals and true motivation.  The most successful client is someone who has a specific goal that they are wanting to achieve.  Some common issues that are seen with the most positive results are: anxiety, depression, anger, sleep problems, substance abuse, weight loss, and smoking.

I am looking forward to applying this practice with others and helping them to the best of my ability!

OA & Teens

I am currently working with a 13-year-old who suffers with anorexia.  I thought it was important for her to have added support so I started my search.  The local eating disorder clinics start at 14-years-old and older.  The OA meetings are for adults.  Although they do not turn anyone away, it is not encouraged.

I am thinking about forming a group for teens and young adults ages 12-20 for both males and females.  This would be for anyone who struggles with an eating disorder: anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating.  This group would be every Saturday for a minimum of 10 sessions.  Please let me know if you know someone who would be interested and/or have suggestions for a successful group.

For more information, please contact me.

Depression Outlets

When asked on a popular social networking site about what people use as an outlet for depression, the feedback was quite similar and repetitive.

The top 10 choices were the following:

1. Expensive shoes
2. Sex
3. Shopping
4. Band Practice
5. Exercise
6. Masturbation
7. Social interactions
8. Seeing a therapist
9. Liquor
10. Painting

Of the 10 different ways, only half were healthy ways.  Many people partake in unhealthy ways to take care of themselves.  It is important to identify what makes us happy and healthy.  Here are some healthy suggestions to use when depressed.

1. Exercise: When you exercise regularly, you tone your body and metabolism, regulates stress hormones like cortisol, and promotes the release of endorphins (morphine-like substances that your body naturally releases when you exercise).
2. Art:  Express your feelings and your artistic side.  You might come up with your most successful work while improving your mood.
3. Seeing a therapist:  Some people have a difficult time expressing themselves.  This is a great way to express yourself without people judging you and have an impartial person to listen to you.
4. Social Interactions: When depressed, many isolate.  This will only make you more depressed and focus on the pain rather then the positive things.  Get out there, call a friend, be social.
5. Read a book: This is distract you and can be uplifting.  I recommend reading Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.  It is very inspirational.

For more suggestions and/or feedback of what works for you, please email Amanda@amandalevison.com.