Tetris as a Vaccine for PTSD

A recent article in Psychology Today cites a study claiming Tetris (Yes, Tetris. The game of puzzle blocks) may help reduce the occurrence of intrusive and sometimes debilitating flashbacks that partially define PTSD. 

Tetris as a Vaccine for PTSD

Helping Kids Manage Anxiety

A friend of mine, Dr. Jennifer Dvoskin of Tucson, Arizona, shares tips on helping kids manage anxiety. Dr Dvoskin specializes in therapy for clients ages 12-25. 

Ten Ways to Help Kids Manage Anxiety

Looking for Gorillas

Oftentimes, therapists and other health professionals have a seemingly endless barrage of questions for clients. Some of these questions may have nothing to do with what you are seeking help for to begin with. Or do they? For professionals like myself, it is important that we obtain as much information as possible to develop an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to best serve the health and well-being of our clients.

Many disorders share common symptoms; and, slight differences in symptoms may make a large impact on one's course of treatment.  You may believe you have a sleep disorder, which is an absolutely valid belief when one cannot fall asleep or have difficulty staying asleep. So, you go to see a sleep specialist. After further questioning, the specialist also finds out that you have a low appetite and energy and are having difficulty concentrating. While these may all be sleep-related, they may also be signs of depression. The sleep specialist refers you to a mental health professional (hopefully).

It's easy to miss things when they are outside the scope of our awareness. This "inattentional blindness" has both positive and negative effects. It may help reduce our levels of stress or increase our productivity by not allowing ourselves to get distracted. It may also contribute to not recognizing the red flags of a cheating spouse or your child's grades diminishing at school. When we are not aware of the full scope of a situation and only focus on a few specifics, we miss making the best informed decisions we can.

This article explains Why Even Radiologists Can Miss A Gorilla Hiding In Plain Sight. If you haven't already done so, watch the video first and read the article afterward.

New Young Men's Group - Portland Area

Young Men’s Survivor Group

Youth supporting youth

focus of the group:

·      Support the growth of adolescent males through a period of marked transition and recovery from trauma, grief or loss

·      Members assist each other in responsibility, trust and healthy coping behaviors

·      Challenges individuals to engage in introspection in a therapeutic environment while establishing healthy peer relationships

The Young Men’s Group is a focused process group for adolescent males who may benefit from healthy peer support after a traumatic experience. It aims to assist young men in overcoming challenges with the support of other peers while concurrently challenging patterns of unhealthy behaviors.

Q: Who can benefit from the Young Men’s Group?

A: The Young Men’s Group is appropriate for any male age 13-17 who has survived a traumatic experience, grief or loss. Participants must be open and willing to participate in group discussions and process-oriented activities.

Q: When, Where and How Much?

A: This group will meet every Thursday evening beginning March 14 from 5:30-7pm at the Integrative Trauma Treatment Center. The cost of each session is $30 and a 15% discount is available for those who financially commit to a minimum of 8 group sessions.

Q: Where can I go to find out more?  

A: Call: 503-308-9408

A: Visit Drew Prochniak at www.psychologytoday.com or on Facebook

A: Visit ITTC at www.traumacenternw.com

Unbound

Unbound is a new project restoring emotional health through art. It serves as an avenue to work though issues we all face from a creative and empowered perspective.

Unbound selects issues/topics on a quarterly basis and hosts collaborative art projects to restore and process through art in the Vancouver, WA area.

Unbound is led by Jessica Boldt, a licensed independent clinical social worker.... Jessica is currently working in Vancouver as private practice clinician at Integrative Trauma Treatment Center. Jessica does not practice as an art therapist though is a creative minded individual, and has sought the avenue of art as her therapeutic outlet and voice of expression. Jessica was inspired many years ago to fuse art and the healing process together and could not be more excited for this!

UNBOUND is always seeking volunteers to assist with art efforts, being artists or therapists. We also are taking art donations to utilize at workshops and events.

Contact: jessica.boldt@gmail.com to get involved

Project Undound's Facebook Page

Psychological First Aid Goes Mobile

This may not be new to some of you, but the VA’s National Center for PTSD, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, and DoD’s National Center for Telehealth & Technology have recently launched a new application, called PFA Mobile, to the iTunes App Store. The app is intended for disaster responders who are trained in Psychological First Aid (PFA).

PFA Mobile includes:
• Summaries of PFA fundamentals
• PFA interventions matched to specific concerns and needs of survivors
• Mentor tips for applying PFA in the field
• A self-assessment tool for readiness to conduct PFA
• A survivors' needs form for simplified data collection and easy referral

This app will allow professionals to bring with them the knowledge and comfort of having an on-scene reference manual. While it certainly will not replace the need for training and experience, it will allow professionals to quickly reference material while en route to a scene, during or after a response.

PFA Mobile in iTunes App Store