By: Jordan Thurman, MSW, LISW-S I have naturally curly hair. I am the only one in my immediate family that has such hair, which made it very hard for them to understand my hair care. I remember my grandmother trying to brush my hair while I screamed and then cried when I looked in the mirror at the frizzy mess before me. They had no idea what to do with it, and as a consequence, neither did I. I was taken to hair salons that would spend two hours trying to straighten my hair after they trimmed it, only for my hair to instantly curl back up the minute it was washed. As I grew up and muddled my way through trying to discover how to best care for my hair, I found myself able to locate salons that didn’t attempt to straighten my hair, but that was really it. No one really noticed the unique needs of my hair. It wasn’t until recently, I decided I was going to go to a hair salon that specializes in curl care. It was such a unique and wonderful experience for me. I felt understood and seen for the needs I had, and everything was all customized to me. I was able to be educated on things to better help my hair, and I left with a sense of pride in this part of me. I felt more confident and empowered. Why do I share that story on a blog post about Pride Month? The answer is simple: to help us recognize the differences between tolerance and affirming and why it is important to understand these differences. Many already know that intolerance is a bad thing. However, we think it’s enough to just say, “Oh you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community? Cool!” The reality is that this is far from enough. To start, we need to look at what tolerance is. If you were to do a quick Google search of the word “tolerance,” you would find that it is defined as the willingness to tolerate something “in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.” It is often described as an ability to endure something painful or unenjoyable. The essence of tolerance in the LGBTQ+ community is this: it sends a message that the individual makes us uncomfortable. There are many people out there that will go, “I’m okay with you being gay or whatever, but I would prefer you to not discuss that.” Imagine being on the receiving end of that for just a minute. Imagine going to a doctor, going on a date, or just any encounter with a person where you start talking about something important to you. Maybe you bring up your family, your job, a hobby, or anything else you love and enjoy. As soon as you bring that up, the person you are talking to becomes visibly uncomfortable. Two things would likely happen: 1. You would never bring up that part of you that is essential to you and keep a wall up or 2. You will make efforts to avoid seeing this person again. Many health care professionals, including therapists, fall into this category of tolerance citing that they do not believe it is necessary for treatment. These professionals are often left wondering why their patients stopped showing up to appointments despite doing what they believed was effective treatment for their patient’s needs. The reality is that a clinician in this mindset did more harm to a patient by promoting a sense of shame and guilt. As mental health professionals, it is important for us to remember we are to be culturally competent clinicians who embrace a comprehensive, biopsychosocial approach that meets the individual needs of a patient seeking services. When there is an aspect of a patient’s identity or culture that is not welcomed into the time together because it makes the clinician uncomfortable, then that clinician has failed to uphold best practice standards. The definition of affirming is simple: offering someone emotional support or encouragement. That’s like Therapy 101, isn’t it? We know taking this approach is what can help our patients believe that they are capable of growth. An affirming approach with the LGBTQ+ patient is an approach that invites that part of their identity to be part of the conversation with welcome arms. “I would love to hear more about your relationship. How long have you two been together?” “I go by Jordan, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. What name and pronouns do you go by?” In these moments, we can show we welcome that part. This is a place you can talk about that piece of you and what it means. This is important because as therapists, we should recognize that many systems can contribute to stressors as well as protective factors and resources. The harmful culture of tolerance and the effectiveness of affirmation is evident in research. In 2014, a study conducted Durso and Meyer found that 39.3% of bisexual men, 32.6% of bisexual women, 10% of gay men, and 12.9% of lesbians did not share their sexual orientation with health care providers. Another article written in 2015 by Sabin, Riskind, and Nosek found that stigma, lack of cultural sensitivity, and reluctance to address sexuality may hamper effectiveness of care. A study in 2006 by Steele, Tinmouth, and Lu found that positivity and inquiry about sexual identity led to disclosure, and disclosure led to regular health care use. Tolerance alone is not enough and could potentially cause more harm, particularly in a health care setting as it could lead to patients disengaging from services. If we want to keep patients engaged in treatment, we must embrace an attitude of affirmation. If we want to be a better ally to our friends and family, we must embrace an attitude of affirmation. Resources: Durso, L. E., & Meyer, I. H. (2013). Patterns and predictors of disclosure of sexual orientation to healthcare providers among lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 10(1), 35-42. Sabin, J. A., Riskind, R. G., & Nosek, B. A. (2015). Health care providers’ implicit and explicit attitudes toward lesbian women and gay men. American journal of public health, 105(9), 1831-1841. Steele, L. S., Tinmouth, J. M., & Lu, A. (2006). Regular health care use by lesbians: a path analysis of predictive factors. Family Practice, 23(6), 631-636. Jordan Thurman, MSW, lISW-SJordan works with a variety of clients, but has a passion for working with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, survivors of trauma, and individuals who have experienced loss. She specializes in working with new parents, as she is certified in perinatal mental health, and she has specific training in working with perinatal and infant loss. Author, Stacy Ruse LPC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, DBT Certified Therapist, IFS Intensively Trained
We can all make a difference, even in small ways, to help uplift, support, and be an ally for LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized communities. We believe in empowering and advocating for ALL persons and beings and supporting marginalized groups by standing up against systemic bias and oppression for LGBTQIA+ and ultimately for everyone. We believe in more inclusion, and that at the deepest level we are all connected. We open our hearts and creative energy centers to welcome a full spectrum of ways to identify with in terms of sexuality, gender, and beyond, including but not being limited to queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, non-binary, and more. We believe we are all connected, energy is fluid, and that we all are empowered to have our own unique ways of expressing ourselves. So it is best to be in the present and to have ways to describe what we experience creatively among one another, and if we learn to accept and love ourselves, we will love and accept others and vice versa. Some Ways to Empower and Ally
Other ways you can help may include volunteering at shelters and participating in and/or donating to groups like the Trevor Project in providing national resources. PFLAG (formerly known as Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) connects parents, families, friends, and allies of LGBTQIA+ community members to support one another and the members of the LGBTQIA+ community members in their lives. Counseling Services Looking for compassionate and supportive counseling services, Contact Us. Learn more about our services & our specialties or join one of our DBT Skills Groups! Check out our Trauma Talks YouTube Series & Blog Read Article "How to talk to children About Gender, Inclusivity, Sexuality, and LGBTQIA+ Author, Stacy Ruse LPC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, DBT Certified Therapist, IFS Intensively Trained. Stacy is a modern-day Light-Worker, Trauma-Crusader, Shame-Untangler & Star-Seeker. Revealed: Three actions every therapist needs to take immediately to improve their teletherapy sessions by Charles Roberts, ED.D, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS It will be years before we fully understand how the coronavirus pandemic has changed society. But one thing that is certain: teletherapy is here to stay. Last spring, teletherapy became a lifeline for clients during the lockdown. Almost a year later, therapists and clients are still seeing benefits to this mode of treatment. It’s convenient for clients. It has expanded access for those who have transportation barriers or who face community stigma. And most important, research is finding that symptom reduction and client satisfaction rank about the same for teletherapy as for in-person sessions. Yet despite the widespread adoption of telehealth tools in the past year, obstacles for therapists are still prevalent. Very little formal training exists that is specific to mental health providers. Telehealth has unique policies and procedures above and beyond in-person visits. Technology issues can derail a session. And there are a host of legal risks to navigate. Continuous improvement is at the heart of what we do. In the spirit of continually improving how we serve clients, here are three video teletherapy best practices therapists need to incorporate into their teletherapy sessions now. #1 – Set Your Sights on the Setting Creating the right ambience is just as important on a video platform as it is for in-person sessions. Dress professionally and be on time. Remove visual clutter and physical distractions from your practice space. And don’t overlook lighting—it should be adequate without being harsh. Always position your camera so that light sources, including windows, are in front, rather than behind, you. Pro tip: always look at your camera, not your client’s face, to show engagement. Keep in mind that positioning the camera too close to your face can make a client perceive that you are in their space. It may also cut off nonverbal cues, like hand gestures. #2 – Know Your Technology You may need to pull double duty as IT support, so make sure you understand how your technology works before diving in. Start by ensuring your internet connection is fast enough to support video conferencing. Test your video and audio connections before every session. And always create a back-up plan with each client during your first session. Even with preparation, technology and internet connectivity can fail without notice. You and your client should both know what to do when this occurs so that their care is not interrupted. #3 – Protect Patient Privacy Teletherapy presents a host of risks related to the Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards. At the most basic level, sessions need to be conducted in spaces that are free from interruption. You will also need to ensure that your device has a lock and is not used by any members of your household. From a technology standpoint, all text messaging, email applications and videoconferencing platforms must be HIPAA compliant. All emails, text messages, instant messages, chat history and clinical records will need to be preserved and stored in the client’s file. Compass Point uses HIPAA-compliant video and email platforms, and all Compass Point therapists have access to these tools. More Best Practices for Teletherapy Mental health providers have a challenging ethical landscape to navigate. Keeping current with new guidelines can feel overwhelming at times. Compass Point is offering a one-day webinar called Best Practices in Private Practice (Ethics). The webinar will be available in March, May, September and November as a live webinar. It will be offered in June and August on location in Mason, Ohio. The course will be worth three CEUs. This training will clarify Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist board and insurance company rules. We’ll also look at best practices for using teletherapy, including avoiding common legal risks. Register for the course today. Charles Roberts, ED.D, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS
Coping with Covid is a group at Compass Point for Individuals trying to figure out life during the ongoing Pandemic. Please join us as we find meaning, purpose and life satisfaction in this 'new normal.' This group may be a fit for you if :
- You live in Ohio - You have a smart phone, tablet or computer with internet connection - The pandemic has affected your day-to-day life -Changes have caused you stress, anxiety, etc. This group will cover different mental health topics including tips, tricks and resources we can use to build awareness, motivation and coping skills. FACE COVID offers a set of practical steps for responding effectively to the Corona crisis, using the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). F = Focus on what’s in your control A = Acknowledge your thoughts & feelings C = Come back into your body E = Engage in what you’re doing C = Committed action O = Opening up V = Values I = Identify resources D = Disinfect & distance Russ Harris is an internationally acclaimed acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) trainer and author of the best-selling ACT-based self-help book The Happiness Trap, which has sold more than 600,000 copies and has been published in thirty languages. He is widely renowned for his ability to teach ACT in a way that is simple, clear, and fun—yet extremely practical.
I am very excited that Compass Point is offering groups that will be using mindfulness to reduce stress and improve overall physical and mental health. Mindfulness is a bit of buzzword at the moment. It may have popped up on your social media or at your job. What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the art of being fully present, fully aware, and fully engaged in this moment without judgment. Mindfulness allows you to reduce the stress hormone cortisol which allows your body to function in a healthier way. So why would you want to learn how to do that? Mindfulness has been around for thousands of years but it is only in the last 60 years that scientists have really studied it in depth. What they discovered was astonishing and will be taught in the class. In short mindfulness has been researched and found to be helpful with improving:
Please note that Mindfulness does not replace your current medical and mental health treatment but rather enhances it. It gives you the tools to get the most out of your treatment. We tend to look at the mind and body as separate but Mindfulness is a holistic practice that embraces the interconnected whole. If you struggle with any of the above issues, I expect you have noticed how when you are stressed your health is more difficult to manage and vice versa. If you want to find ways to better manage this cycle this group could be for you. The group will meet weekly for 9 weeks and include a time of teaching and a time of practicing techniques. There is daily homework that is essential to getting the most out of the group.
Interested in signing up? Please give the front office a call at 513-939-0300 to ask about the next available start date. What attendees had to say about MBSR
Compass Point is now offering Mental Health Services in Mason, Ohio Compass Point Counseling Services, a mental health private practice, is partnering with Lee Side Wellness, a psychiatric practice, to bring comprehensive mental health and psychiatric services to a brand new location in Mason. The new Mason location will open Monday, August 5th in a 1,600-square-foot located conveniently right off of interstate 71 at 3615 Socialville-Foster Rd, Mason, Ohio 45040. This partnership will allow a “one stop” comprehensive experience to our mutual clients who are looking for quality mental health care In addition to medication management as well as TMS treatment for chronic depression. Both mental health facilities are grounded in the core values that all people matter, are of sacred worth, and warrant the finest in mental health and psychiatric healthcare. The office will open with 7 clinicians: Chrisha Anderson, Stephanie Baker, Debra Bruemmer, James Canfield, Geralyn Cleary, Mariah Goodwin and Dana Mcdonald. The new location will have 5 individual therapy rooms along with a large group therapy space. “Good mental health is essential to our overall health and gives us the sense of well-being we need to live fulfilling and satisfying lives," said Founder Charles Roberts. Compass Point offers comprehensive behavioral health services for all ages, including addictions recovery, adolescents, dialectical behavior therapy, disordered eating, family therapy and a mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy program for those with chronic health conditions. Lee Side Wellness nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and psychiatrists assess, diagnose, and manage a variety of conditions through psychotropic medication management. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports one in five American adults will experience mental illness within a year — with about 60 percent of people not seeking out mental health services. “This can have devastating consequences, as recent government reports show. For the third year in a row, life expectancy in the United States has fallen, primarily due to drug overdoses and suicides, conditions that are preventable with help from behavioral health specialists,” Roberts said. Compass Point has locations in West Chester, Fairfield, Anderson Township, Kenwood, Dayton and Western Hills in addition to this new Mason office. The group is currently hiring for independently licensed clinical counselors and social workers. The Addictions Support group |
When: The last Saturday of the Month Where: Anderson Cost: Private Pay $30 This group is open to adults who have been impacted by a friend or family member with addiction. This is an education and support group focused on teaching skills to help family and friends be more effective with their family/friend. Each month we will cover a different topic. The April 27th group will cover: Self Care: Caring for ourselves as well as our addicted family member or friend. |
The Teen Talks
6:00-7:30pm Mondays in Dayton from June 17-August 5
14-18 (high school age)
4:00-5:30pm Thursdays in Dayton from June 20-August 08
14-18 (high school age)
3:30-5:00pm Tuesdays in Anderson from July 2-August 20
These groups are for teens to discuss common themes such as academic pressure, depression, anxiety, and social stressors.
We will also learn and utilize skills effective in coping with difficult emotions, managing stress, communicating effectively, and practicing relaxation.
To learn more or register for our next start date please call our front office at 513.939.0300
or register online.
Amanda Freis MSW,LISW
Julie Arnold lsw
In response to those changes, the brain adapts to the presence of alcohol and other drugs, increasing the chances that a person will develop a substance use disorder. Substance use disorders are types of mental health disorders that are more commonly called addiction.
It’s possible to have more than one mental health disorder. Substance use disorders often co-occur alongside other mental illnesses. More than half of people with substance use disorders also have a mental illness. Sometimes the mental illness comes first. In other people, substance abuse occurs first. In both situations, each disorder amplifies the symptoms of the other.
“A large number of people with substance use disorders also have some psychiatric disorders which may or may not be major,” Dr. Timothy Huckaby, medical director of Orlando Recovery Center, told DrugRehab.com. “A lot of people have underlying depression or underlying anxiety.”
Other common co-occurring disorders include personality disorders, behavior disorders and psychotic disorders. With comprehensive treatment, individuals can recover from addiction and most co-occurring mental health disorders. But failing to address co-occurring disorders during addiction treatment increases the chances of relapse.
The phrases “mental illness,” “mental health disorder” and “mental health issue” are often used synonymously. In its diagnostics manual, the American Psychiatric Association uses the term mental disorder to define mental illnesses, but the organization also recommends using the term mental health challenge.
The American Psychiatric Association defines a mental disorder as: “a syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotion regulation or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological or developmental processes underlying mental functioning.”
Mental disorders are different from developmental disabilities. Developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities, impair social interaction, mobility, language and self-sufficiency.
Substance use disorders and other mental health disorders can co-occur alongside developmental disorders. But the term co-occurring disorder most commonly refers to substance use disorders and mental disorders.
Dual Diagnosis & Comorbidity
Dual diagnosis is an outdated term for co-occurring disorders. Both of these terms are sometimes confused with comorbid disorders.
Comorbidity is a broad term used to denote the existence of multiple physical or mental diseases or disorders. Co-occurring disorders and dual diagnosis are specific to substance use disorders and other mental health conditions.
Any mental health disorder can co-occur alongside substance use disorders. The most common types of co-occurring disorders include mood, anxiety, psychotic, eating, personality and behavioral disorders. Each category includes numerous types of mental disorders that can range in severity.
Symptoms of personality disorders vary widely based on the type and severity.
Behavioral Disorders
Behavioral disorders most commonly occur in children. Many healthy people exhibit behavior problems, such as inattention, defiance and hyperactivity. However, behavioral disorders are characterized by chronic behavior problems that last at least six months.
Common behavioral disorders include:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Conduct disorder
Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders
The physical and emotional symptoms of co-occurring disorders vary depending on your life circumstances, the type of substances you use and the type of mental illness you possess.
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The symptoms of mental health disorders are similar to the side effects of addiction. Thus, it can be difficult to determine whether a mental illness is caused by substance abuse or vice versa. Reputable addiction treatment centers screen patients for mental illnesses and develop plans for treating co-occurring disorders simultaneously.
Manage your anxiety and depression holistically Compass Point is Partnering with Trio Natural Oils and Wellness using doTerra oils to teach you ways to manage your mental health symptoms. Learn how oils work with your body to improve a variety of symptoms such as: anxiety, depression, headaches, focus. |
Where: Compass Point Counseling Services Anderson Location When: 08/28/2018 at 7pm Cost: $35/person includes class and bracelet Address: 463 Ohio Pike, Suite 102B, Cincinnati, Ohio 45255 |
Where: Compass Point Counseling Services Fairfield Location When: 08/30/2018 at 6pm Cost: $35/person includes class and bracelet Address: 1251 Nilles Rd, Suite 5, Fairfield, Ohio 45014 |
This class is open to CPCS clients, therapists and the public.
Why am I telling you about EMDR?
I was trained by Dr. Stephen Dansiger, a certified EMDR therapist from the Institute of Creative Mindfulness. I experienced a life changing shift when he himself demonstrated the 8 phases of treatment on me. Keep reading and I will tell you more about these 8 phases later. During my experience I felt a relief, something years of talk therapy had not been able to process for a long time. As a clinician, I feel passionate about giving as many people the opportunity to learn about and benefit from this treatment as possible.
But what is EMDR therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Don’t worry, it is way less complicated than it sounds. It is a non-drug, non-hypnosis, psychotherapy that combines many positive elements of numerous therapies along with left/right brain stimulation (known as bilateral stimulation), developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the 1980’s. EMDR therapy involves a trained therapist waving their fingers from left to right (some therapists use a light bar to achieve this part of the therapy), in a windshield wiper motion, which will trigger the brain to bring up the painful memories in an effort to process them and speed up the healing process. All of this is done in a safe environment with you and your therapist present. You are not alone in the processing of your memories. The therapist will also work to reprocess negative beliefs, images, and feelings and replace them with more positive ones. The outcome is the feeling of resolution and a more peaceful state overall. EMDR therapy has successfully treated millions of people of all ages, has gained notability with veterans of war as a primary treatment modality for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, but also many types of other traumatic stress and negative symptoms that come along with different experiences.
You’re probably wondering how simple “finger wipers” do all that? Interestingly enough the “finger waving” is key to the therapy. It engages something called bilateral stimulation (right to left eye movement), which repeatedly activates the opposite sides of the brain. This releases emotional experiences that are "trapped" in the nervous system. When this happens it assists the neurophysiological system, the basis of the mind-body connection, to free itself of blockages and begin to heal. In a basic sense, when a person experiences an adverse event, or trauma, the brain cannot process the event as it does normally. The brain instead takes this event and stores it, sort of like “I’ll get to this later”. Unfortunately, the “I’ll get to this later” never quite happens and essentially these adverse feelings, memories, and thoughts become “stuck” in an isolated memory network. They can easily become re-triggered by sound, smell, feelings, and environments that were activated during the traumatic event. EMDR therapy is able to guide the person in a safe, contained environment to “unstick” the memories, reprocess them, and replace them with more positive images. Once this happens,the person can begin to move forward with healing.
Who is the best candidate for EMDR?
EMDR therapy is for children, adolescents, and adults. If you or a loved one has ever experienced panic attacks, complicated grief, dissociative disorders, pain disorders, anxiety, performance anxiety, depression, addictions, phobias, sexual and/or physical abuse, body dysmorphic disorder, or personality disorders, then EMDR therapy may be a helpful option for you.
**It is important to note that a consultation with a EMDR trained therapist is the best way to determine if EMDR is right for you.
EMDR therapy has been designated by the American Psychiatric Association, U.S. Department of Defense, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, as a highly effective and empirically supported treatment modality for the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
What happens in EMDR Therapy sessions?
EMDR therapy has a standardized set of protocols that a therapist will follow. There are 8 phases to the treatment, that are moved through at a varying pace depending on your readiness for the next stage. An EMDR therapist is trained to know appropriate pacing but you can determine whether to continue or stop at anytime. The therapist is there as a guide to help you get the most out of the experience, and at times may gently aide in pushing you through painful moments.
Why bring up painful memories? Isn’t it best to forget them and move on?
By avoiding the painful memory you might continue to experience the lasting effects of the event, through nightmares, stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. By holding onto these memories you stop yourself from moving on. The problem with avoidance, or ignoring these memories, is that it is a temporary relief. For a brief moment it allows you to feel better and put aside the pain, but it doesn’t remove it, and worse, it allows it to keep its power over you and your joy. Often, this painful memory rears its ugly head at times when we are not prepared and leaves us crippled by its effects. EMDR therapy is not just bringing up painful memories, its moving through them in a safe, contained way. It alleviates suffering, and replaces it with positivity.
What happens when I’m done with all 8 phases?
After the 8 phases you will likely continue to process the material for days, weeks, or perhaps even months. You might have new insights, vivid dreams, feel angry or numb with no real answer why. This is because your are finally processing the unpleasant memories you were holding onto for so long. Your therapist will guide you through this process and advise best practices for moving forward. Some people feel a slight buzzing all over their body, similar to the feeling of when they stand up too fast. Don’t worry, this will soon fade. Your right and left hemisphere are stimulated by the finger waving motion and it is only natural that you will feel something afterwards. Often times, after a person has processed one of their target issues they will notice that some of the other target issues, are no longer are troubling them. This is because our memory networks are linked in ways we aren't consciously aware of. Its normal to cry, feel tired, need time to be alone, or feel a little “off” because your body is starting the healing process. Allow it to heal.
So this all sounds like something I might want to try. What do I do now?
I would be more than happy to help you in your journey to healing! You can call our main office at 513.939.0300 and ask the office staff to schedule an appointment with Jennifer Burns for an EMDR session. I am currently taking new clients and would love to meet you.
JENNIFER BURNS, MA, LPC
I am an empathic, non-judgmental therapist that is here to listen, support, and laugh with you. I believe humor is therapy and have built my life around my passions, laughing and healing. In addition to being a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have substantial training in improv comedy and enjoy bringing this to my sessions. Humor has the power to make you feel in control of a situation, making it more manageable and helping you to release fear, anger, and stress. Life is not always how we imagined it, and sometimes pain makes it difficult to see the joy. |
EMDR International Association
The Institute for Creative Mindfulness
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: National Center for PTSD
- The individual therapy of the middle school DBT® program focuses on helping the client generalize skills taught in skills training to their daily life. Individual therapy occurs weekly with a therapist who is highly trained and adept at understanding your family and child's dynamics. Your child will be learning a host of skills in weekly skills class; however, at times may need assistance in applying them in their own life. The individual therapist will also use the diary card to help the middle schooler become more aware of their moods and urges. The parent does not participate actively in the individual session typically; rapport and trust between client and therapist are paramount. This therapist could be different from the skills trainer and could even be from a different agency from Compass Point if you already have one that you prefer. We encourage parents to get a therapist if they need to work on their own emotional needs and can help facilitate that if needed.
- The middle school DBT® Skills Training Classes are intended for children that are not yet in high school. This has nothing to do with intelligence; rather, the research shows that the middle school brain does not learn well through metaphors, analogies or abstract thinking (DBT® is the therapy of metaphors!). The researched protocol shows that teaching skills via the same syllabus as high schoolers - but in a private family session works better. This session will be in addition to the weekly therapy and provides an environment for members to learn and refine skills for daily coping in a more concrete way. Our intensively trained DBT® clinicians closely adhere to, and are compliant with, full DBT® protocol. Skill sessions run for approximately one year, meeting weekly for sessions with one or both parents in attendance to learn the skills too. The goal is that the parent becomes the skills expert and will coach the middle schooler at home. Children and parents practice mindfulness, review homework and learn new skills each week together. Note: It is recommended that the same parent attend each week.
- In addition to weekly therapy, skills generalization is also available during phone coaching. Phone coaching in this age bracket is for the parents, not the child. This is a component to the comprehensive DBT® program in which parents are permitted to call your therapist 24/7. Phone coaching consists of a 5-8 minute phone calls or brief text exchanges when the child is in a crisis; prior to engaging in any maladaptive behavior. This will help the family in order to get figuring out which skills to use.
So the first question, what is ACES? ACES is a program developed for people that have done a full year of DBT but find there are still areas in which they could improve. It builds on the foundation of DBT. It’s primary purpose is to introduce the idea of building your life in such a way that you no longer need therapy. It can be scary to contemplate life without therapy when you have been in therapy for years. ACES is all about setting yourself up for success when you do graduate from therapy.
The second question, what kind of commitment is it? ACES 6:15-7:45 every Monday night for a year. There is an expectation to do homework every week and to be seeing an individual therapist weekly at the start of the program. The plan would be to decrease the individual therapy over time. The homework includes reading material and practicing skills.
Why so long? Most of you will have been in the mental health system for years. Making the change is a process and we want to set you up to not only succeed but thrive. For that reason the curriculum is pretty comprehensive. We spend a month on each on 12 important topics.
- Behaviorism-This helps explain why we and others do what we do.
- Mindfulness-DBT covers the basics but we talk through how to make it a lifestyle.
- Anxiety Management-Chronic anxiety is one of the most prevalent issues in western society.
- Emotion Regulation-Here we go deeper into how the emotion system works.
- Dialectics-Life is full of seeming opposites and extremes. We look at how to synthesize these to find the most effective path.
- Distress Tolerance and Radical Acceptance-How we deal with the facts even when we do not like them.
- Time Management-Time is our most precious commodity yet we struggle to use it effectively
- Depression Management-Like anxiety, depression is remarkably common.
- Interpersonal Skills-Improving your ability to relate to people is always helpful.
- Establishing and Re-Establishing Relationships-Effective relationships are a major predictor of mental health.
- Succeeding in Usual Care-What do you do when you no longer need a full mental health team to meet your goals and maintain progress?
- Anger Management-Anger can either spur us toward our goals or block us from them depending on how we relate to it.
How do I know if it is right for me? Have you done a year of DBT? Then it might fit you. Are you currently seeing a therapist or would you like to? Then it might fit you. Has it been three months since you engaged in self-harm or acted on suicidal thoughts? Then it might fit you. Are there things on the list of topics that you want to improve on? Then it might fit you.
How do I get in the group? If you have a compass point therapist simply talk to them about doing an application and they can contact me. I will give them the application and let them know when the groups next open is. The group opens once a month but caps at 12 members. If you do not have a compass point therapist, you or your outside therapist can contact me at Compass Point or ask any staff to connect you with me for an intake to ensure you are a good fit for the group.
Please note this is a private pay group that charges $20 per week.
I have been providing therapy for a diverse group of clients for the past several years. I believe strongly in the power of therapy to help people make they changes they want to see in their lives. I take a strength based approach with all of her clients. i draws on diverse counseling models, including person centered, cognitive behavioral, play and expressive therapies, family systems, trauma focused child behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. continue reading |
DBT Friends & Family Support Group Cost - $25 Meets -quarterly on Saturday Mornings Presenters: members of the Compass Point DBT team |
The goal of DBT Friends and Family is two-fold:
1. We seek to support you and connect you with others who understand this stress
2. We seek teach you core DBT skills and concepts so that you can relate and help your loved one
This group is offered in both Anderson + Fairfield on a rotating basis. Ask the front office where the next class will meet
To sign up for the next meeting call the front office at 513-939-0300
Behavioral Therapy skills class and are still struggling to find their life worth living -or- are seeking a greater understanding or practice of DBT skills and concepts of behavioral change.
Goals of DBT-ACES: Clients will push ahead with new goals to help them create a support network, acquire employment that is in line with their values and needs, experience their emotions and are able to demonstrate mastery of standard DBT skills. At completion of DBT-ACES, the client will be finished with standard weekly therapy or will seek a specific treatment (ie: exposure therapy). It is recognized that continuing with standard weekly therapy keeps the client dependent on the mental health system thus reinforcing their identity of mental illness.
Additional Requirements: The client will need to continue with an individual therapist and continue using a diary card. If the therapist is unfamiliar with the DBT-ACES protocol, an overview will be provided. As mentioned above, a goal is to reduce dependence on the mental health system; as time progresses the standard rules of phone coaching will change and frequency of appointments should decrease. The client must be free of suicidal and self-harming behavior for at least 3 months prior to beginning DBT-ACES.
For more information please contact the facilitator, Charity Chaney, at Compass Point Counseling Center (513) 939-0300
- Therapy - Broadly speaking, mental health therapy is a process designed to improve quality of life by exploring and altering one’s thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviors. Therapy can help with a wide spectrum of issues, from general stress to severe mental health disturbances. Sessions may take place individually (i.e., with a therapist and a single client present), between couples, within family units, or in a group setting. Therapy may be conducted by a clinical mental health counselor (you will see the initials LPC or LPCC after their name), chemical dependency counselor (LCDC or LICDC), social worker (LSW or LISW), psychologist (PhD or PsyD), or psychiatrist (PhD).
- Case Management- At times, people may need extra assistance with practical concerns due to difficulties stemming from mental health issues. Case managers - also known as case workers or CPST workers - are advocates who work closely with individuals to actively address such practical concerns; they help to increase individuals’ functioning and independence by working to remove barriers in the environment. Some examples of issues a case manager might help with include applying for benefits, connecting with support groups, finding/applying for housing, and organizing appointments.
- Medication Management - For some issues, medication can be useful in providing symptom relief by altering brain chemistry. Psychiatric medications can help with issues such as low or fluctuating mood, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep difficulties, concentration problems, hallucinations, and more. Medications affecting mental health are typically prescribed by a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner following an in-depth evaluation of symptoms, social history, and medical history. Once a psychiatric medication is prescribed, its effects are monitored closely and on an ongoing basis by the prescribing physician.
- Outpatient - The majority of mental health treatment takes place in an outpatient setting. This means that sessions are held in an office or community setting on a fairly unintensive basis (weekly, biweekly, monthly, bimonthly, etc.), and that once each session is complete, clients are free to resume their activities as normal. Outpatient appointments generally last approximately one hour.
- Intensive outpatient - Like outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient - or IOP - treatment allows clients the freedom to resume activities as normal following each session. The main difference is the frequency and duration of sessions. Intensive outpatient treatment typically takes place several days per week, and sessions last up to 2-3 hours.
- Partial hospitalization - When a person’s treatment needs exceed what intensive outpatient can offer but do not require full hospitalization, partial hospitalization - or PHP - is an option. As the name implies, partial hospitalization usually takes place in a structured hospital setting. Partial hospitalization programs typically require anywhere from 4-8 hours of treatment per day (with breaks) 3-7 days per week, depending on the program and the level of care needed. Clients are permitted to return home at the end of each treatment day.
- Inpatient - For those who are experiencing acute mental/emotional distress and who require close monitoring in order to ensure their safety and/or the safety of others, inpatient care may be selected as the appropriate level of treatment. Inpatient stays occur in a hospital or clinical setting and generally last anywhere from 24 hours to several months. Following an inpatient stay, clients may be referred to a partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or outpatient program for continued care.
- Residential - As with inpatient treatment, residential treatment involves 24/7 participation by clients, meaning that they are present at the facility every day and overnight for the duration of their stay. In contrast to inpatient care, residential treatment typically takes place in more casual or “homey” quarters and may last up to 6 months or longer. Residential treatment facilities are a common choice among those in recovery from addiction or eating disorders.
If you are not sure which type of treatment or level of care is appropriate for you, an initial diagnostic assessment by a qualified mental health professional is a good place to start. The evaluating practitioner can use the information you provide during the assessment to determine areas of need and provide referrals accordingly. Here at Compass Point we offer a service called Care Connect which helps match you to the type and level of care that you need.
So, you have a general idea of what is out there in terms of mental health treatment...but how do you access it? Here are some options:
- Request a referral - Many primary care physicians have access to mental health resources.
- Contact your insurance provider - If you have health insurance, your insurance provider can help you find in-network practitioners. Keep in mind that many insurance companies will provide some coverage for services even if your preferred provider is out-of-network; should you opt for an out-of-network provider, it will be your responsibility to ask your insurance company about out-of-network benefits.
- Ask around - Your friends, family, and coworkers may have recommendations.
- Search the internet - A simple search - e.g., “outpatient therapist Cincinnati Anthem insurance” - can reveal numerous options. You may also be able to find reviews/testimonials for providers, which can be useful in selecting a good fit.
- Come see us - At Compass Point, we place high value on ensuring that each individual is connected with the appropriate type and level of treatment, and we have compiled a comprehensive list of resources in the Cincinnati area to ensure that this can be achieved in a smooth and efficient manner following intake/assessment.
I am a licensed professional counselor as well as a nationally certified counselor. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University and my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northern Kentucky University, where I served a term as secretary for Chi Sigma Iota honor society. I have worked in outpatient, community/home-based, intensive outpatient, and residential settings, and am familiar with a diverse range of individuals and issues. My areas of experience include stress, anxiety, phobias, depression, trauma, grief and loss, addiction, anger, life transitions, relationship issues, and chronic pain and illness. To schedule with Nicki please call the front office at 513-939-0300. |
Below is an article from Alyx Beresford on the benefits of practicing weekly zen meditation shared from her blog, your mental restoration.
Meditation 101
- Sit upright and still on meditation cushions (zafu and zabuton) with three points of contact with the floor to stabilize you. This should be a comfortable position and should not cause straining. For example, if you cannot get yourself into lotus position, don’t! It is encouraged that you find a position that you can hold for the duration of the meditation without discomfort. Frequent shifting is discouraged, I recommend that you experiment with different positions in your first few weeks.
- Clear your mind as best you can and focus on either nothing or your breathing.
- Practice non-attachment when you notice your mind drifting (as it will) by gently bringing your attention back to your breathing. The reality is that your mind will wander and it will wander more when you are new to meditation and/or when your stress is higher. We can acknowledge this without judging ourselves or the practice. It is simple, not easy! Many people complain that they feel MORE anxious when they try to quiet their mind…which may be true because they have removed all of the distractions that they normally put between their feelings and their consciousness. Ride that wave, calmness will follow. It reminds me of snorkeling in choppy water…the water is only choppy until you put your head under the water to see the reef below!
- Length of meditation varies, the magic isn’t in the number of minutes; rather it is in the willingness to practice steps 1-3 over and over and over. Meditation is a muscle that most of us forget we have, thus it is out of shape and needs to be worked consistently over time.
- The benefits of sitting practice are innumerable. Science finds that:
Alyx Beresford MSW, LISW-S, DBTC, is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and obtained her Bachelors’ degree from the University of Cincinnati and her Master’s degree from the University of Kentucky. Alyx is the director of the DBT® Center at Compass Point and is the lead facilitator of the adolescent DBT® skills training classes. She is a blogger and entrepreneur who is passionate about helping others and their mental heath. You can read her blog, Your Mental Restoration, here. |
The TAPS Program CINCINNATI CARE GROUP American Legion Post 450 450 Victor Steir Drive, Milford, OH 45150 Contact: Nikki Glutz at nikki.glutz@gmail.com Meets the 1st Thursday of every month. |
If there's not a TAPS Care Group in your area and you're interested in finding other local community support you can request a community resource report. If you're interested in starting a TAPS Care Group in your area, the first step is to become a TAPS Peer Mentor. For more information about a TAPS Care Group or becoming a peer mentor, please email info@taps.org or call us at 800-959-TAPS (8277).
Mary Feldmann is a clinical counselor at Compass Point Counseling Services with a special interest in military families and working with people working through addiction. Mary enjoys volunteering and giving back to our community. You can find her at most of the TAP meetings. You can view her full biography here. |

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