SHY OR SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER - IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?

As a mother I only wanted for my children to become responsible human beings who had compassionate hearts and good people in their lives. Did you notice that I didn’t say anything about success? That’s because my first sentence is what I consider success. On to my main point; I also wanted my children to be who they are, to follow their own path without telling them who they should be.

Every year at the parent-teacher conferences I would be advised that my oldest child was “too quiet” and not outgoing enough. At first I accepted this observation and as a first time mother wondered whether I was doing something wrong. This is very common with first time mothers….always the questioning of parenting skills….always the guilt that maybe I wasn’t being a good enough parent. As the years went by, my attitude changed. I began to feel resentment toward the teachers. Here is my child, getting good grades, never getting into trouble, and having friends and the teacher is complaining that he is “too quiet”??

Why was I resentful? Because I know my child and I know his strengths and weaknesses. I do not consider his being quiet a weakness. My son was shy just like his mother. My son was an introvert. There is nothing wrong with being an introvert. Introverts just get more benefit from being introspective instead of getting their energy from being with people. Having said this, if my son was socially anxious it may have been a different story.

Now let’s talk about the difference between being shy and having social anxiety. The main question to ask if you wonder whether your child is shy, introverted or has social anxiety is this: Does this behavior negatively impact the child’s life? If the child seems well adjusted and mostly content, then the child is just shy. However, if you child seems anxious and does not interact much, perhaps it is social anxiety.

Social Anxiety Disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, version 5 (DSM-V) has symptoms of marked fear about one or more social situations in which the person is exposed to possible scrutiny by others, the social situations are avoided or endured with intense anxiety, the fear is out of proportion to the actual threat and causes clinically significant distress or impairment. Frequently people who have this disorder feel that they are being watched and judged. Usually they feel that they are being judged negatively. In most cases, they believe that they will behave incompetently or inappropriately and that they will suffer disastrous consequences. These people make more comparisons than the rest of us and compare themselves with people they perceive are better than they are. This way of living can be very distressing for a child, the parent of the child and for adults. Fear not! There is help!

Interpersonal Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – I-CBT is a very effective method for treating children and adults with Social Anxiety Disorder. In order to change feelings of anxiety and negative behavior, the thoughts have to be changed. We teach children to look at their thoughts realistically, challenge their anxious thinking to calm thinking and help them engage with others in a rational way. We look at their negative core beliefs (self perceptions) and help them to challenge those effectively. We help them stop avoiding stressful situations by slowly exposing them to these so that they can learn that not everyone is judging them (and even if they are it doesn’t mean it is a negative judgment.). We search to see if they have received a negative message somehow that has changed their self-perception and help them challenge this rationally. We have them join our children or teen groups so that they can learn appropriate interactions, as well as being more emotionally intelligent. We also teach their parents how to appropriately reinforce the behaviors they want their children to exhibit. All of these interventions, along with the child, teen or adult’s motivation for change can be extremely effective.

So what happened to my child? He has a wonderful soul mate, a terrific son of his own, and is working in the job that he enjoys. He still is a quiet guy but has great insight and empathy. It’s okay to be shy unless it is negatively impacting your life. He and I are proof!

Bonnie Lillis, LPC

New England Center for CBT

Bonnie Lillis is a Psychotherapist with New England Center for CBT (NECBT), located in Glastonbury, Connecticut.  NECBT specializes in the highly effective Interpersonal Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) modality invented by Dr. Thomas Cordier. I-CBT is a hybrid of Emotional Intelligence and CBT rudiments. I-CBT empowers patients to overcome and subdue their mental health issues by changing their thoughts. You can learn more about I-CBT at necbt.com. Coming soon – I-CBT.org.

DON'T BE A TIZZYHEAD!

Why is it that we get ourselves in such a tizzy about something that hasn’t even happened?  Also, why do we allow ourselves to get in such a tizzy about having to deal with other people’s bad or negative behaviors?

I was teaching someone I-CBT today and used a scenario surrounding a family dinner and the person’s fear that her mother will behave badly. There are many things wrong with this scenario but I only want to focus on a few. First of all, the person talking about the scenario is using a mental mishap that we all use – jumping to conclusions through fortune telling (stating what the future will bring without real evidence). Already she is telling herself that this bad situation will happen when she does not have any evidence for it! She is just basing this on something that probably happened in the past and now expresses fear that it will happen again (another mental mishap – generalization).

There are two problems with this. First, she is allowing herself to become anxious and agitated about something that has not yet occurred. This is such a waste of energy and her anxiousness will end up clouding the rest of her life until the actual event arrives. This doesn’t make much sense but it is something that all of us have done. I call it being a Tizzyhead. Makes me crazy when I do this to myself.

The second problem is this person is allowing her mother’s possible negative behavior to steal her joy with the dinner event. I can hear you saying to me “but it is her mother!!!” Yep, mother’s can definitely have power over us….however, if we have reached adulthood, we no longer need to feed into the old child baggage.

The point is she (and we) do not need to allow any of this to happen if  I-CBT is used to calm the anxiety when it occurs. She can tell herself this, “my mother may behave badly as she has in the past but that is her stuff, not mine. I do not have to allow her behavior to impact me negatively and I can choose to ignore. Remember it is not the people who are making us feel bad, it is what we think about the people and their behavior that is making us feel bad. You do have the power to change how you feel just by changing how you think. Imagine how empowering that is!

The other reason we become a Tizzyhead is that we may be anxious about confronting people who are behaving badly. Instead of communicating assertively, we avoid the discomfort and just become anxious (and angry). The more we avoid these situations, the more upset we become.

Don’t let others steal your joy. Change your thinking and communicate assertively. That way you won’t waste precious time and energy being a Tizzyhead!

Bonnie Lillis, LPC

Clinician, New England Center for CBT/Cordier Institute

5 Ways to Rediscover Joy

Dreams are strange. I have not studied dream interpretation but do find dreams to be fascinating. I generally do not remember my own; but when I do, I pay close attention. This week I had two memorable dreams. The first was actually a nightmare that included terrorism. The second was about a patient that came into my office (never saw this person before) and she said to me, “I’m too serious all the time”. She wanted to find out how to get her joy for life back. My response is inspired by both of these dreams. How do you get less serious and find joy?

1.      Turn off the news – Yes, I realize that it is important to know what is going on in the world but when we are bombarded over and over again with negativity and bad news it can have a disturbing impact on us. There seems to be no good news, which inspires hope, to balance the bad. Negativity breeds negativity and when terrible events in our country and world are replayed over and over, it can bring on a sense of angst, anger and fear. What also happens is one of our Mental Mishaps (general irrationalizations), Generalization. This means when something negative has happened, sometimes we believe it will keep happening even if it hasn’t happened to us. I have patients who are not living fully by deciding not to do things even if the possibility of something negative happening is so remote. Imagine the good things they may be missing because of their fear. Fear may eliminate the possibility of joy.

2.      Go outside – Yes, spend time in nature. Go to a state park, national park, botanical garden, beach or wherever you can find some beautiful nature to see, smell and feel. Beauty in nature can take you outside of yourself, remind you of how beautiful life on this world can be and distract you from negativity. Nature can build joy.

3.      Endeavor to take yourself less seriously – Oh boy, there are so many ways we do this. The most common way is with negative self-talk. Why do we beat up on ourselves so viciously? Try to be more empathetic to yourself. Be kind to your mind by changing your negative thoughts through I-CBT and you will feel more joy.

4.      Resolve conflict - Another way that we take ourselves seriously is through our righteous indignation. You know, when we feel we are right or have been wronged and no one can tell us any different….wow, does that sap some joy. That is the time to assertively and diplomatically start a conversation toward resolution. Then try to let some of that indignation go and move forward. Forgiveness can give you more peace which can lead to the possibility of joy.

5.      Do something for others – It is wonderful when you decide to do something for someone else and receive the unexpected benefit of feeling really good inside! Reach out to others in some way. It doesn’t take much; random acts of kindness are easy. Volunteer or even just talk in a friendly manner to the person waiting in line. It just may brighten the day for both of you.

Some of these actions are easy while others are hard. The point is that the more we allow situations, things or people to have the power to steal our joy, the less joy we will feel. Remember the first Cognitive Emotive Rule: It is not people, situations or things that make us feel bad, it is what we think about people, situations and things. Change your thinking and choose joy!

Bonnie Lillis, LPC

Moving Toward the Middle Ground

I have someone in my life that tends to live in the zone of inflexibility. What is this? It is called “rigid thinking” or thinking in black and white terms. I like these definitions: “unable to bend or be forced out of shape; not flexible, not able to be changed or adapted.” Now, before I go on I should say that there are occasions that we all have rigid thinking, especially when it comes to something that pushes against a strong belief system. Rigid thinking only becomes problematic when our passion to be right overrides our rationality.

Another term for this is all or nothing thinking – what we call a mental mishap taught through Interpersonal Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. What is the matter with this type of thinking?  THERE IS NO MIDDLE GROUND! Unfortunately, this type of thinking is so problematic because it does not allow for the sharing of ideas, being able to communicate effectively, and can be extremely destructive in relationships.

One of the things I notice about people who live in the zone of inflexibility is that they seem to feel that they are right. There is this righteousness (arrogance?) that comes across in their language. Almost as if they are thinking, “how can you not agree with me???” When I hear a patient express this type of thinking, I frequently hear myself say something like, “how is this thinking helping your relationship? Will your rigidity hurt or help your relationship?” You see frequently people who have all or nothing thinking often struggle in their relationships. It is hard to live with someone who is inflexible.

It is my job to point out the irrationality of this form of thinking. With I-CBT I ask people whether their thinking is actually factual or is it just their interpretation. I ask them if they are getting their needs met, whether they ultimately end up feeling good and meet their goals. The answer is generally no, no and no…..yet somehow it is hard for them to challenge their irrationality even if they can see that it doesn’t help them. This is one of the most difficult challenges for an I-CBT clinician – to watch such self-destructive behavior all in the name of feeling “I’m right and you’re wrong!!”

Guess what – there is always a middle ground. It occurs when we are able to step back, push the emotion aside, listen to the other person, challenge our irrational thinking and then compromise. Even if it means to agree to disagree, it still has a much better outcome than pushing others away with inflexibility.

What are your areas of rigid thinking? Do you recognize when you are using this? If not, ask a family member. I bet they would be happy to educate you! Next see if you can become more aware when it happens and then use I-CBT – life can be much more rational when you can learn where the middle ground lies.

Bonnie Lillis, LPC

5/27/16  

To Accept or not Accept? Radical Acceptance used with Interpersonal-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Have you have had a situation in your life when someone you love either does something or says something that is seemingly totally irresponsible and incredibly hurtful? I am guessing most of us have. Since this has occurred in my life very recently, I have been trying to figure out the most rational manner of dealing with it. Of course, I have used Interpersonal Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) to recognize my angry and sad thoughts and have been challenging those thoughts on nearly a minute by minute basis. Yes, I am really angry and really sad. Unfortunately, it is a situation that has no comfortable solution and one I have absolutely no control over.  Aren’t those the most difficult?

One of the components of I-CBT that we teach here is the five cognitive-emotive rules. The first rule is “It’s not the people, things or situations that make you feel bad, it’s what you think about the people, things or situations”. This is so very true in my situation, because I was actually thinking that it was so and so’s fault that I feel this way (sound familiar?) Actually, it was what I was thinking about the person’s motivation to do what she did and interpreted it negatively (mind reading!). As a result I became very angry and sad because it caused pain for several members of my family (including me). I am very protective of my family and unfortunately take anything that is said against one of them as a personal attack. This is my baggage – I am quite aware that it is irrational. However, this is clearly a situation that I need to come to a place of radical acceptance. I can do that through challenging my irrational thoughts and coming up with alternative situations. Radical acceptance is quite a concept – easy to understand, difficult to accomplish. However, the more I focus on this, the more I can use it in my current situation.

So, what is Radical Acceptance? It is to acknowledge the present situation without judgment of the events or criticizing yourself or others. It is when you recognize that the present situation is due to a chain of events that began far in the past. Radical acceptance is looking at yourself and the situation and seeing it for what it really is. It means that you stop trying to change the situation through anger and blame; just that you can refocus on what you can do now. This is very much in tune with I-CBT – seeing your thoughts for what they are and challenging them to calmer thoughts which leads to changing how your feel about the situation.

Here are some of the statements of radical acceptance or challenged thought statements that have helped. Note that many of them come from a place of emotional intelligence through the use of empathy:

• I can’t control other people’s behavior; I can only control how I think and feel about it.
• I can’t change what has already happened.
• Everyone has some brokenness; perhaps that person is coming from a broken place.
• Everyone is doing the best they can in this situation.
• My righteous anger can only create more hurt if I allow it.
• I know that I need to be forgiven for some of my past decisions; can I not offer forgiveness in this situation?
• It is what it is. 

I want you to know that radical acceptance (just like forgiveness) does not mean that thoughtless behavior is condoned. It means reframing the thinking that may lead you to irrational vindictiveness or hurtful behavior. It means being able to be in the moment, without judgment, and seeing the situation for what it is. Then you can use new rational coping thoughts and actually feel some peace and empathy instead of rage, indignation, and hurt. If you do this, imagine how you will be able to communicate your thoughts to the offending party – you will be able to talk about this in a diplomatic, assertive, and calm manner. This tends to be much more effective than flying off in a blind rage or using vindictiveness.

Practice radical acceptance along with the I-CBT concept of challenging your thinking and creating new, calm thoughts. You will feel better for it!

Bonnie Lillis, LPC

Clinical Director, NECBT

WHAT TYPE OF PARENT ARE YOU?

Parenting….it is one of the toughest jobs in the world. It is also one of the most rewarding! When we parent, we have to make so many on the spot decisions, deal with lack of sleep, worry, and have so much thrown at us all at once. How we deal with the stressors, behavioral concerns, etc. can have so much impact on our children. It is so important to learn what style you use and whether it is effective. In the parenting seminars we teach at NECBT, we talk about four common parenting styles – Authoritarian, Authoritative, Permissive and Uninvolved. In teaching these seminars, I really think we need to add a fifth – The Helicopterer.

First, let’s define the first four styles:

Authoritarian – Strict rules, high demands but unresponsive to children, punishment and explanations such as “because I said so!”

Authoritative – Establishes rules for conduct but more democratic. Parents are responsive to their children and work toward helping their children become responsible and self-controlled.

Permissive – Parent is lenient and responsive, indulgent with few demands. Low expectations for their child’s self-control. They avoid confrontation with their children. They are more like a friend

Uninvolved – Few demands, sometimes neglectful, sometimes rejecting or emotionally or physically abusive, not involved in children’s lives.

Helicopter Parenting is yet another style – and I think this may be a new style that is not healthy.  Helicopter Parenting is defined as “A parent who takes an overprotective or excessive interest in the life of their child”. This is the total opposite of an uninvolved parent. This is a hyper-involved parent! Why is this so bad? It sounds pretty good to be protective and interested….doesn’t it?

Here are some of the qualities of a helicopter parent:

• Manages most if not all of their children’s activities
• Believes everything their child tells them without clarification
• Frequently confronts other children, parents and teachers on their child’s behalf
• Basically, solve all of their child’s problems without allowing them to solve them on their own.

Here are some of the negative consequences for the children of helicopter parents:

• Anxiety and fear
• Inability to solve problems
• Learn avoidance as a way of coping
• Inability to deal with friendship issues
• Inability to develop social skills through unstructured play
• Inability to self-sooth or calm themselves

Some of you may remember when kids were sent outside to play “until the streetlights came on”.  In my childhood, we were allowed to go out and explore, make new friends, fight and make up with friends, learn and discover how to work within groups of friends, deal with whatever came up. There is something to be said for learning self-sufficiency, making our own mistakes and figuring out what to do to fix them, and feel the struggles as well as the sense of accomplishment when we came out of them through the use of our own devices.  I acknowledge we are in a different time; however, we as parents can learn how to let go a bit and help our kids make some of their own decisions, process with them their mistakes, and help them to become self-sufficient, confident and responsible. It’s kind of like having them on an invisible rope tied around their waist – you let the rope out occasionally and, when needed, pull it back a bit. It is allowing them to explore and discover, fall down occasionally, and being there to help them get back up again.

The good news is that we are able to help helicopter parents (as well as any parent!) through teaching I-CBT skills and a different, more effective way to get the behaviors they want from their kids through our Family Systems Treatment Method which includes Parent Management Training. We can also empower their children in individual and group therapy to help themselves learn how to challenge their irrational thinking, calm themselves and come up with more functional, rational thinking.

Let go a bit Helicopterers! Imagine a more rational, calm household with children who exhibit increased self-sufficiency. Sounds better, doesn’t it?

Bonnie Lillis, LPC

Clinical Director

What is OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) – How to Get it Under Control

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most debilitating forms of anxiety. It plays on one’s thoughts putting meaning to meaningless things.  OCD pushes one to believe that they are in control of their anxiety by engaging in behaviors that relieve one of those anxious feelings; however, in reality the person is not in control - the OCD is.

A common question people who struggle with OCD tend to ask is “when will these thoughts stop popping into my head or will my OCD completely go away?”  The truth is those thoughts will not stop popping into one’s brain and the OCD will not completely go away. The good news is you can learn to control OCD and learn to live a healthy, productive life by treating the OCD with Interpersonal Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

(I-CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and some medication.

So what is Interpersonal Cognitive Behavior Therapy and how can it make OCD easier to live with?  I-CBT is a type of therapy where we learn to identify irrational thoughts and change the way we think. Therefore, we change those well learned irrational thoughts to rational thoughts and begin to feel calmer and act better. Once you learn I-CBT then you can begin to learn and implement Exposure Response prevention (ERP) into your life.

ERP is a component of I-CBT. The individual who is being treated for OCD will be exposed to that feared thought or stimulus which triggers the individual to engage in compulsions. The individual will be blocked from engaging in the compulsions, which will bring the person’s anxiety up and then slowly back down.  The repetition of doing this exercise will cause the brain to habituate. When the brain habituates, the need to engage in compulsions goes to sleep. Once the brain habituates it is important to continue to practice the exposures to prevent an OCD relapse.  You could think of this as a bear going into hibernation. This may seem like a lot of work. However, rationally speaking, it is much more productive then spending and wasting so much of the time that OCD takes out of your life.

Also, it is important to note that I-CBT combined with ERP is extremely effective with specific phobias and other related anxiety disorders.  If you or someone that you know could benefit from our treatment at NECBT, please do not hesitate to call us at 860-430-5515.

David Goldwerd, MHC. I-CBT Clinician

www.necbt.com

Are Fear and Anxiety Holding You Back?

Is fear holding you back in your career? NECBT can help.

Oftentimes, we can let fears get in the way of achieving our goals and living the lives that we have envisioned. While there are certainly times when outside circumstances can influence how we live, it is often fear and anxiety that hold us back. Fear and anxiety are based in irrational thinking, and therefore, can be changed. At NECBT, we have had much success in helping people to challenge their irrational thoughts and beliefs at the core of these fears using our unique Interpersonal Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(I-CBT).

New Groups for Children and Adults

Group Therapy at NECBT can be effective for all ages.

Here at NECBT are in the midst of some exciting developments in the arena of Group Therapy.

While we have long been holding an ongoing Children’s Group to help our child patients develop Social Skills and work on their Emotional Intelligence, we are now introducing new groups into our repertoire!

Children’s Yoga, while previously incorporated into our Children’s Group, will now be its own separate entity. Children’s Yoga, once only offered every other week, will be offered for patients within our practice on a weekly basis every Monday at 4:45 pm.
Our Yoga Teacher, Mandee Morris, has completed her Children’s Yoga Training with KAY (Kidding Around Yoga), and makes the practice much more than just slow-movement and breathing. The class is fun as well as useful in guiding children toward mindfulness and our I-CBT based rational thinking.

Is your Child or Teen struggling with Anxiety this School Year?

The 2014-2015 school year is now in full swing. Children and teens are working on assignments, preparing for the first tests of the new year, and also trying to balance different extracurricular activities such as sports, music, theater, and scouts, just to name a few. It is important for our young people to be well-rounded and to be exposed to different experiences. However, on occasion, children and teens can become overwhelmed and anxious in the midst of everything going on in their lives.

Here at New England Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Psychiatry, we know that Anxiety comes in all different shapes and sizes. It can emerge in different circumstances, and at different times for every child or teen.

In some cases, a child or teen may have Social Anxiety brought on by the pressures to fit in with their peers at school. Other children may find that their Anxiety is brought on by test-taking and a fear of failure.

There are many different types of Anxiety, and they are each characterized by different symptoms.

National Suicide Prevention Week

There is always hope and beauty on the horizon. Suicide is not the answer.

According to www.preventsuicidect.org, in Connecticut, on average, one person dies from suicide every day of the year. One person a year dying from suicide would be too many. An average of 365 a year is simply tragic. These deaths can be prevented.

When an individual thinks about committing suicide, these thoughts are often brought on by feelings of hopelessness. Perhaps the individual feels as though his or her circumstances are unchangeable and that their lives will never improve. Sometimes suicidal thoughts may be triggered by major life events, such as the break up of a relationship, the loss of a job, or the death of a loved one. In nearly all cases, it can be said that when a person considers suicide, he or she is unable to see past their current situation into a future that undoubtedly can change.

Those who experience thoughts of suicide are often living with Anxiety, Depression, or a combination of the two. Anxiety and Depression are treatable.

Children and Adolescent Programs at NECBT

The 2014-15 school year has begun. At this time of year, children and teens may find themselves feeling anxious or depressed, either from the new added stressors from school, or even from social situations in which they feel uncomfortable. In some cases, families may be discovering for the first time that a child has symptoms associated with ADHD. Others may simply need help learning how to better manage their stress. At NECBT, we can help children, teens, and their families get on the right track this school year.

Treating children can be challenging. In fact, a child’s brain is not fully developed until his or her mid-twenties. At New EnglandCenter for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy our philosophy for treating children and adolescents is to highly involve the parents and/or guardians. We have had a lot of success with this approach to children’s therapy. Parents are taught the same I-CBT used in individual session as well as how to use evidence based reinforcement techniques to encourage preferable behaviors.  Parents are then better equipped to handle their child’s behaviors outside the office setting. 

For more about I-CBT, a hybrid of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotional Intelligence developed by American Psychotherapist Thomas A. Cordier, please see last week’s post here.

Moving Mental Health Forward

We at NECBT were deeply affected by Robin Williams' death. Suicide is an avoidable tragedy when individuals receive proper treatment for their Mental Health disorders.

It has always been our mission at NECBT to Move Mental Health Forward with Evidence-Based Treatment. It is of paramount importance that those who are living with symptoms of mental health disorders receive the treatment they need. At NECBT, our therapists are making a difference using Thomas A. Cordier's Interpersonal Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT). I-CBT is highly effective for treating symptoms associated with mental health disorders, including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, OCD, PTSD, as well as many others.

This past Sunday, 8/17, we premiered our first television commercial on the Connecticut CBS affiliate, WFSB. It is our intention to help as many people as we can, and to spread our message as far and wide as possible. In the past we have relied on word of mouth and social media to help us communicate our mission. Now, we want to reach even more people to make sure that everyone knows that NECBT is here to help. This is why we have now begun to advertise on broadcast television.

Please share this wherever you can. You never know who may be living with mental illness and could use some help. We teach patients skills to help them work through their symptoms. Even after they move on from our program these coping skills are always with them as they navigate new life challenges.

If you or your loved one is in need of treatment, please call our office at 860-430-5515.
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Effectively Treating Depression

Here at NECBT it has always been our mission to remove the stigma associated with mental illness. We are dedicated to moving mental health forward and making sure people get the treatment that they desperately need. Now, in the wake of Robin Williams’ tragic suicide , we are all presented with the challenge of making sure that those around us who are living with Depression and Anxiety get the help that they need.

It may be difficult to know who around you is living with depressive symptoms. Anxiety and Depression are the most pervasive of illnesses, and many cases go untreated every year. Through all of his struggles, Robin Williams presented a joyful, light, fun and life-brightening presence to audiences everywhere. Only his loved ones know what face he showed to them out of the limelight, but it is hard to live with the reality that Williams took his own life, and left the world without his brilliant and inspiring presence. Many of you may be aware of bright lights in your own life who are struggling with a form of Depression. It is not something that should be left untreated. Effective therapy may be that one thing that keeps an individual from taking his or her own life.

Good-bye Kim! We will Miss You!

NECBT's Kim Bronson

This week on the blog we honor our long-time Front Desk Office Manager, Kim Bronson. For nearly three years, Kim has provided a friendly face and welcoming atmosphere for NECBT patients and their families. She has been the first point of contact that most people have had with our organization, and has a rare talent for putting individuals at ease in what can often be a stressful time.

While here, Kim applied her natural empathy and kindness to helping patients understand the work we do at NECBT and guiding them to decide if our organization was the right fit for their needs. She also helped patients to better understand their insurance coverage, assisted in accommodating patient schedules, and provided incomparable support for NECBT clinical and administrative staff alike. She also has spent time with our Teen Group, often helping to facilitate meetings and connecting with the patients. Always going above and beyond, Kim has truly been an integral part of the NECBT family.

TED Talks, NPR, and Inspiration: All About Stress and Anxiety.

Even on a day off, we may be plagued with stress.

We all face stress and anxiety from time to time, and some of us deal with them daily. It seems that everywhere we turn these days, people are talking about stress and how best to handle it. 

For many summer may be a time for vacation and relaxation, but stress and anxiety do not always get the memo and take that break with us. Our minds still race, our muscles tense, and yes, whether at home or some new, exotic location, worries do not take a break.

With this in mind, today on the NECBT blog, we offer a small selection of some of our favorite mainstream work from the internet about dealing with stress and anxiety. Please feel free to leave us comments, or links to pieces on stress that you may have found in your internet travels, that you would like to share.

Medication Management at NECBT

I-CBT, combined with medication, can help get patients back on track.

Here at NECBT, we consider ourselves a therapy-focused organization. In most cases, we would prefer to approach Mental Health without the use of pharmaceuticals. However, we do understand that at times medication is necessary for individual patients, depending on the nature and the severity of their condition. With this in mind, we offer a Medication Management program that is in line with our philosophy: Medication only when absolutely necessary.

Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder

For some, with summer comes depression. NECBT can help.

Are you feeling a little down this summer, but don’t know how to explain it? Has this happened to you in summers past? Do you start feeling blue around the onset of summer, but begin to feel more at ease as the weather cools and we settle deeper into the autumn months?

If you answered yes to the above questions, you are not alone. While many individuals living with varying forms of depression, and specifically Winter SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), can find that the summer months, with their influx of warmth, sunshine and activity, can ease depressive symptoms, there is a percentage of the population that actually feels an increase in depressive symptoms with the onset of summer.

Welcome Alaina, NECBT's Newest Intern/Resident!

Alaina Brokaw is NECBT's latest intern/resident.

We are excited to announce that we have a new member of our Intern/Resident program here at NECBT! Please help us in welcoming Alaina Brokaw to our NECBT Team!

Alaina holds a B.A. in Psychology from UConn and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling at Yeshiva University in Bronx, NY. She has experience assisting college students who are on academic probation, conducting career counseling, and founding and facilitating discussion groups.

NECBT's Behavioral Training for Parents and Professionals

NECBT's Behavioral Training brings families together.

NECBT's Behavioral Training for Parents and Professionals class will be starting on Thursday July 10^th! As mentioned in last week’s entry, NECBT’s Behavioral Training is part of the three-tiered system of our Children and Adolescent Programming here at NECBT. All parents of children age 17 and younger are required to attend this 10-week seminar to learn how to help reinforce the I-CBT treatment that children are learning in individual sessions. However, Behavioral Training is a great learning opportunity for parents of patients of all ages. 

Behavioral Training is specifically designed for parents, teachers, and administrators looking to learn strategies to help improve children’s behavior in home, school, and social environments.