Thoughts about contemporary psychotherapy and personal growth from Karen Carnabucci, MSS, LCSW, TEP, non-traditional psychotherapist, coach, educator and psychodramatist at Lake House Health & Learning Center at 932 Lake Ave., Racine, Wis.
A man having lunch on a park bench noticed a chrysalis on a nearby tree branch. A large caterpillar was struggling mightily to emerge from the small opening of its cocoon. Feeling sorry for the bug, the man took out his pocket knife and use it to slice a larger opening, hoping to make the exit easier for the emerging butterfly. The caterpillar flopped out, fell to the ground and died.
When the man recounted his experience later during a conversation with a friend, his friend told him that the caterpillar – in the process of leaving the cocoon, pushing against its sides and struggling to move its body forward – converts certain tissues into muscle and strengthens its wings and makes its body slim and able to exit. Only then can it emerge to its new life as a beautiful butterfly.
I think of this story when I talk with parents who love their children so much that they want to make their children’s lives as easy as possible. Invariably, these parents “help” their children way too much, and the children are never able to build and exercise the muscles they need to become responsible adults.
Are you a helicopter parent – the kind of parent who pays extremely close a child’s experiences and tries to micromanage every aspect of your child’s life?
Remember the story of the caterpillar. You have the opportunity to give your child positive emotional health and being less dependent, neurotic and less open, a slew of personality traits that are generally thought of as undesirable. More here about helicopter parents from MSNBC.
Just when your thoughts are filling your head, and the stories that you are telling yourself about your life are crowding at the edges of your experiences, and giving no room for openness and presence...
Along with the growth of interest in alternative medicine, a growth in the interest about choices in alternative psychotherapy.
"Alternatives" don't just come down to herbs, massage and yoga, as valuable as they are. People can experience significant growth and change -- often in short amounts of time -- with activities that use drama, guided imagery, music therapy, art therapy, sand tray therapy and other modalities that speak to people's whole brains, not just symptoms.
When people think about seeking counseling -- or "talk therapy" as it is often called, it is important to know that there are other options available
Psychodrama -- translating from the Greek to "mind in action" -- is an action method that has been adapted to psychotherapy treatment since the early 1920s. A psychodrama director, as the therapist is called when working in this method, will assist a person in exploring an issue or problem in action, which may include experimenting with a variety of role play, working with simple props or making other active choices in the context of therapeutic concerns. It is not necessary to feel like you are an "actor" or actress but rather experiment with For more information, see American Society of Psychodrama and Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama Certification. Good book: The Living Stage: A Step-by-Step Guide to Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy.
Art therapy encourages expression of feelings in the making of art -- whether painting, drawing, working with clay, making collages and also three-dimensional objects. In working with an experiened art therapist, people can experience the self in new ways and gain a feeling of empowerment in expressing their creativity. Another good site here. Good book: Art Therapy Sourcebook (Sourcebooks).
Music therapy helps people express feelings and communicate with a variety of music, sometimes live and sometimes recorded. It improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses. Music therapy interventions can be designed to relieve stress and reduce pain and improve memory, as well as many other documented health benefits. Good book: Acting Your Inner Music: Music Therapy and Psychodrama.
Systemic Family Constellation Work is a very leading-edge healing method coming from Germany, developed by Bert Hellinger. It has recently arrived in the Midwest through several psychotherapists in Milwaukee and postulates that trauma, pain and personal problems are often connected to the troubles of previous generations. Most often defined as a "soul healing" process, it is done in groups and works with the unconscious to explore influential trans-generational family bonds. Good book: Love's Hidden Symmetry: What Makes Love Work in Relationships.
Animal-assisted therapy involves including animals -- dogs, horses and the like -- in working with people in emotional pain as well as those experiencing physical and mental disabilities. One of many good sites is Delta Society.
Imagine a constellation in the sky – a grouping of stars that depicts your ancestors.
Each one has an invisible string connecting one to another and to you. As you live your life, you are tethered to these people of the past. You’ve inherited some of their characteristics: Grandma’s love of baking, your dad’s eyes, Aunt May’s red hair…
But there’s more.
You also have inherited their joys and sorrows, and you may be carrying pain, guilt, anger or other burdens from past generations that impact your life today – even if you do not exactly how or why.
The “Ancestors, Constellations and Healing” groups at Lake House Health & Learning Center are a new and profound way to help you connect and correct the past so that you can move forward with a sense of inner peace. Each participant may be involved as much or as little as they are comfortable with, sharing general issues, not details.
Whether you merely observe or actively participate in this safe and confidential setting, you’ll learn a lot about yourself and how you are a part of those who came before you. .
We're adding more dates for 2011, alternating between day and evening times to accommodate your varied schedules. See calendar for more details.
This unconventional healing process of Family Constellation Work comes from Germany and I've started a web page with article links and information to newcomers and interested others.
Groups begin on Monday, Jan. 10. Your insurance may cover some or all of the fee, although a sliding scale may be available for those without insurance. Contact Karen at (262) 633-2645 for reservations or questions.
Help with constellation survey
The International Systemic Constellation Association (ISCA) is currently creating a research study on the effectiveness of constellation work. If you have taken part in a group or individual constellation session with Karen at Lake House and are willing to complete a preliminary questionaire based on your experience, please follow this link. Your input is greatly appreciated.
Jan. 13 Ancestors, Constellations & Healing Jan. 14 Make A Vision Board For Meetup Jan. 14 Professional Training: Make A Vision Board Jan. 15 Tarot For Self Discovery Jan. 19 Learn to Make Your Own Flower Essence To Ease Emotional Challenges Jan. 20 Natural Health, Homeopathy & Other Remedies Jan. 18-20 Homeopathy appointments with Marybeth Buchele
Services at Lake House Health & Learning Center
Psychotherapy
Coaching
Professional training with continuing education credits
Wellness classes
Personal growth groups
Homeopathy
Massage
Reiki
Feng shui
Referrals
It's the new year, and how are those resolutions going for you? Are you committed, motivated, dedicated to what new change you want to bring into your life?
Or has that great resolution already faded into obscurity in the first week of the new year?
I had the pleasure on Thursday to take part in the annual Whole Body Detoxification program at Roots and Legends, with the invitation of the program's originator Arthur Shattuck. The invited topic was change: how not only approach change but to sustain change over a period of time.
It's an important subject because the four-week detox program involves changes in food (no cheese), in storing foods (nuts and oils in refrigerator) and personal habits (no deodorant, aluminum pots or plastic bags.)
That's the challenge. I always refer to Changing for Good: A Revolutionary Six-Stage Program for Overcoming Bad Habits and Moving Your Life Positively Forward by James Prochaska, John Norcross and Carlo DiClemente. The trio has elegantly sketched a six-stage process of change. It begins with "pre-contemplation: -- which most of us would call "clueless" -- to the final stage of "termination" -- which most of us would call "success." In the middle, there are the steps of contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance.
It's those middle steps that we need to identify. We identify them because we need to know where we fit with them.
Among the first questions that we need to ask is, "Am I really serious about this change?"
Most of us hope (secretly!) that the change will happen magically and we won't have to take responsiblity for it. Other times we may be wishing for change, but the people around us don't want to change. Then we need to have a plan to pursue our goal even when other people may not approve, support or understand.
So, good luck and good contemplating and good planning to those of us in the detox program. And for you? You don't need to wait until 2012. Just figure out where you stand in the six steps of change and start again.
Thinking about the past year? Here is a way to make a good end to 2010:
Remember all of the painful and difficult experiences that took place. Write these experiences in your journal and say one by one, “I acknowledge and agree that this happened.”
Notices how you feel in your body when you make this acknowledgement.
Then remember all the joyful and wonderful experiences that took place during the year. Write these experiences in your journal and say one by one, “I acknowledge and agree that this happened.”
Notice how you feel in your body when you make this acknowledgement.
It's nearly 2011! That means that Wisconsin professionals think about making our goals while also figuring out how to get continuing education hours by Feb. 28.
The January training will help you learn how to make a vision board as fun and interesting tool to help your clients, students and other learners to focus on their dreams in a positive way. The training is designed for counselors, coaches and others who work with people who may need to set goals.
In this hands-on session with Karen Carnabucci, LCSW, TEP, you make your own vision board and you will learn:
The story behind vision board tradition
Alternatives to vision "boards" for various populations.
How to carry the process for significant personal growth so the project is not craft-oriented or busy work.
How to integrate with additioinal experiential processes including psychodrama, guided imagery and others.
From 1 to 4 p.m. with three continuing education hours for social workers, licnesed professional counselors and addictions counselors, plus psychodrama credits. Tuition is $35 for program, materials, handout and credit hours. Send check to Lake House and contact Karen at (262) 633-2645 to reserve. Details on this and other trainings here.
Here's an example of a vision board that I recently created:
Book update
I'm hard at work at writing "Integrating Psychodrama & Systemic Constellation Work: New Directions For Action Methods, Mind-Body Therapies And Energy Healing" with my co-author Ron Anderson. Our deadline is February 2011and Jessica Kingsley Publishers tells us the book will be published in August 2011.
Karen to present at psychodrama conference
Karen will be presenting "Stories Of Our Ancestors" at the 69th annual conference of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy & Psychodrama on May 1, 2011 in Clearwater, Fla. For information on the full schedule of workshops and other events, find brochure here.
Constellation conference in 2011
The U.S. Systemic Constellations Conference is planned for Oct. 28-30 in San Francisco. It brings the Constellatins community together to enhance connection, belonging and expansion. Whether you are a Constellation professional practicing or learning Systemic Constellation Work or new to this healing process, please explore the full web site for details on the many presentations and workshops.
Eating disorders resource
Gurze offers a free 48-page catalogue with more than 200 carefully selected eating disorder resources including books, DVDs, newsletters, free articles, facts about eating disorders and a list of treatment facilites. Here's the order link.
I keep this catalog available for my clients and supervisees. Gurze is offering a 50 percent discount until the end of the year to get the word out. Also, check out the newly reorganized bulimia.com web site, which inlcudes "Quick Links" on the right-hand menu bar, with topic-driven, hand-selected articles, books and information.
Sand tray training
Postive comments on the recent "Sand Tray Theatre" training for professionals, when participants had the hands-opportuonity to create a series of sand tray scenes, starting with gentle work with their hands in the sand and then continuing with various vignettes for various therapeutic and coaching issues.
We ended up with this final scene:
Among the comments on the evaluations:
"This should be a series!"
"I liked the hands-on aspect."
"I can see how I can use this with my clients."
"Great personal growth..."
This is one of the most popular trainings at Lake House, and it will be offered again in 2011 for those who requested it. Next training program: "One-To-One Psychodrama For Individual Psychotherapy, Coaching & Personal Growth" on Feb. 18. See calendar.
"Listening can be the greatest meditation"
Philosopher Eckert Tolle talks about listening to patients in this great video -- not just with words but also with presence of heart, mind and spirit. "The most important part is the energy field of listening," rather than just the story, which elevates the human interaction and avoids deletion in the helper.
As the year ends, we remember all the goodness that has happened at Lake House during 2010.
We've introduced spiritual teacher Markus Kasunich, had fun with InterPlay, and made healing art in the open art studio with artist Robin Mitchell, plus enjoyed a succesful and well-attended Health & Gift Fest.
We've hosted Marybeth Buchele, who's become our visiting resident homeopath, offering workshops, classes and appointments with homeopathic and natural remedies, the only homeopathic practice in Racine. (She'll be back in January!)
People have come from Illinois, Milwaukee, Racine, Union Grove, Burlington and Kenosha to take part in our new "Ancestors Constellations & Healing" groups, and particpants in our trainings for helping professionals and educators have been enthusiastic.
It's been gratifiying to have so many people embrace these new ideas and programs. Stay tuned for more. We have great programs coming up for 2011.
Keep holidays happy and healthy.
See my blog with lots of tips to stay healthy and enjoy the holiday season. Avoid overeating and overdrinking, rest and have remedies for colds and flu.
Make sure your insurance company isn't overcharging you!
Here's important news from the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers:
Insurance companies are attemping to undermine the new mental health parity bill with high co-payments. The chapter has been informed of at least three insurance companies in Wisconsin that have charged consumers specialty doctor co-pays instead of a primary doctor copay as the result of the new mental health parity law.
Federal regulations prohibit the charging of a specialty doctor co-pay for mental health services. Anyone who is charged a specialty doctor copay instead of a primary doctor copay should file a complaint with the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. You also should send Marc Herstand, execuctive director of the Wisconsin NASW chapter, a copy of any response from Office of Commnisioner of Insurance.
When people (men, politicians) cry...
Such a good blog post, we want recommend it. A little essay on crying, inspired by John Boehner, U.S. Congressman who will be the new speaker of the House.
Tune into this beautiful solstice video
Truly we are all one in this beautiful universe. Enjoy!
You can turn this phrase into reality with some thought and planning.
The key is to take care of yourself.
Many people have learned to use flower essence remedies for calming at stressful or busy times. Here's a link from educator Nancy Buono, who tells how you can pick flower remedies to keep your spirits light, avoid discouragement and deal with the chaos that is present in some families.
Make sure you get enough sleep, always a good plan for people who want to keep their emotions even. Make sure that you are eating properly and stay away from sugary and salty items if they are trigger foods for you. This is the time of year that I make a list of meals and snacks that I can eat daily and keep away from sugar, which is an addictive substance for me.
Overeaters Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous can help you to refrain from overeating and drinking if you expect to be tempted. Some communities and clubs have all-day meetings for recovering alcoholics and many find online "meetings" helpful, especially when the weather is cold, cold, cold. Use your search engine like Google to find online meetings that stretch around the globe.
Thanks to Hazelden, here is realistic advice for family members who are dreading the holidays due to someone else's drinking. The advice comes from Bob Poznanovich, formerly an interventionist, who defies the myth that the holidays are not a good time to get help.
Worried about a catching a bug? There are many natural remedies that will help build your immune system. See your neighborhood acupuncturist or natural food store for healing teas (yin chiao) and other herbs like astralagus that you can add to your chicken soup to fortify your immune system.
If you want to go the homeopathic route, natural remedies like Allium cepa helps with runny noses, colds and red watery eyes; Oscillococcinum helps with symptoms of flu, like fever, chills, body aches and pains.
Finally, remember to rest. With all the bustle, remember that your body needs rest to heal and recharge.
Just about every news channel and every other Internet article is commenting on the tears of John Boehner, the congressman who cried on the 60 Minutes news program the other week. And just about every news commentator is analyzing those tears -- is he weak? Does he have an emotional problem -- as Barbara Walters says -- or is crying a virtue because he is showing his feelings as a sensitive man?
This bit of news brings up lots of opportunities to talk about feelings, as one blogger on The New York Times who questioned why a man -- who will be the most powerful Republican in Congress -- is tearing up while talking about opportunities for himself in the United States with has a record of two decades in Congress voting "against nearly every boost for the working stiff. "
Much of the current "debate" is focusing on when or if it’s appropriate for men in public life to cry. However, we have to be careful about jumping to conclusions about tears and what they mean, whether they are leaking out of men's eyes, or women's eyes or anyone else's eyes.
Tears, in themselves, mean nothing in particular. In counseling, we learn that everyone cries at some times, even sociopaths. Alcoholics have cried buckets of tears and then go out the next day to take the next drink, not at all mindful about the havoc their drinking wreaks for families. Abusers sob about their sorry-ness and promise never to hurt anyone again -- and then continue to batter the people they say they love while refusing to find help to address their anger. It's been reported that former president George Bush cried after visiting wounded service people and just last month when talking with NBC's Matt Lauer about facing a military family after their son's death. And, of course, we also know about the tears of Brett Farve on the day of his first retirement.
What is important about crying is the experience. Is the person -- man or woman -- actually able to actually feel his or her feelings -- or do they seem to have a life of their own, separate from our humanness and personal vulnerability? Do the feelings impact on his or her relationship with other people in a positive way? For instance, are the person's feelings able to be integrated into a sense of empathy with other people's feelings, experiences and needs? Does that empathy advance the quality of relationship because we are sensitive to the needs and feelings and vulnerabilities of others?
Crying is an important emotional release and often serves as a great stress reliever. Asked to give suggestions about whether to cry or not, I typically recommend crying -- it is entirely human. But what we really need is empathy, sensitivity and humanness in all of us -- including our nation's leaders.
We had people dancing with smiles on their faces for the InterPlay programs in November! If you missed the groups with Georgia Jean Kaftan, she'll be back this weekend for more.
More fun, more joy and more opportunities to connect with self and others, that is. Enjoy the introductory program and learn how InterPlay is changing the world at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, and bring light to season at the "Re-Visioning The Darkness" at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4.
Free will donation for the Friday program; $10-15 donation for Saturday program.
Thursdays through Dec. 16 Open art studio with Robin Mitchell Dec. 2 Holidays, Peace And Families: Systemic Constellation Work with Karen Carnabucci Dec. 4 Blessing Of The Gifts, when we'll sort, package and bless gifts for the needy in Racine County, our annual charity project. Dec. 15 Professional Networking Women
Make best use of your insurance benefits before Dec. 31
The clock runs out on your 2011 health insurance benefits on Dec. 31. Take advantage of your regular health insurance or other health savings accounts right now by scheduling for your health care needs, including psychotherapy. This is especially important if you've paid a big deductible throughout the year. Contact your insurance company for visit your insurance site online for details.
Need a gift? We have gifts at Lake House
Give the gift of health and well being with a gift certificate from Lake House Health & Learning Center. It won't be the wrong size or the wrong color but will say "I care" in a big way.
Gift certificates for coaching, psychotherapy and Tarot For Self Discovery personal growth sessions are available from Karen Carnabucci, licensed psychotherapist and coach.
Gift certificates for massage, Reiki, Reiki-ssage and Reiki-Reflex are available from Helene Hellesen, certified massage therapist and Reiki master. Pure bliss!
Gift certificates for feng shui consultation sessions are available from Niiti Gannon and Sea Daniel of Wind Water Feng Shui. They're good for the holidays, as well as housewarmings, anniversaries and engagements of the season.
We also have our newly published Lake House Cookbook available for just $5 with many of the healthy recipes we've enjoyed for our five years at Lake House. See web site for contact information or call (262) 633-2645.
Free housecleaning for cancer patients
If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning thanks to Cleaning For A Reason.
The services take place once per month for four months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her ZIP code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire United States and currently has 547 partners that help. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information.
Slow down and breathe...
Take a moment to slow down and breathe with this video of images and music:
InterPlay is an active, creative way to unlock the wisdom of the body. InterPlay is easy, fun, and life changing. It is based in a series of incremental "forms" that lead participants to movement and stories, silence and song, ease and amusement. In the process, we discover the wisdom in ourselves and our communities.
InterPlay integrates body, mind, heart and spirit. Life has become so fragmented. InterPlay helps to pull everything back together so we get more of what we want.
Georgia Jean Kaftan, left, practicing the fun of InterPlay.
InterPlay teaches the language and ethic of play in a deep and powerful way. If you are convinced that seriousness is the path to inner wisdom, then you might want to look elsewhere. If you would like to become a "recovering serious person," then InterPlay might be for you.
Georgia Jean Kaftan, a retired attorney, recovering "serious person" and certified InterPlay leader, will facilitate the Nov. 19 and Dec. 3 evening introductions and the Nov. 20 and Dec. 4 afternoon "Revisioning The Dark" InterPlay programs at Lake House. Maybe she'll even talk about how InterPlay changed her. See calendar for specific info
Veterans Day was last week but every day is an important day to refocus attention on the sacrifices and needs of those who risked their lives in service to our country. Psychologist Ken Pope offers this list of resources for people in the military, veterans, veterans' families and friends and and professionals who are interested in helping veterans here.
The use of a sand tray and miniatures offers an engaging way to work with children, teens, adults, couples and groups. Sand tray can be used to clarify and resolve the conflicting energies, motivations, values, and voices that often contribute to a sense of “stuckness.”
The process also engages people who may have difficulty in talking about their problems or life issues. In Friday's training with Karen Carnabucci, MSS, LCSW, TEP, you will learn:
What is needed to add sand tray to your work repertoire.
How to introduce sand tray processes to the people you work with.
The use of sand tray for self disclosure, identifying problems and problems solving.
Options for the use of sand tray with other creative arts
From 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 12, with three continuing education hours and psychodrama hours. Tuition is $35. Handouts and beverages will be provided; in addition, participants will have the opportunity to purchase “starter” miniatures for a nominal fee of $5.
Here's a picture of a sand tray creation with one of my clients, who was addressing personal and professional growth in embodying leadership and power. She was given the opportunity to express her vision of embodying power. At the beginning of the process, the items were spaced far apart; by the end of the process, she pulled them together in this arrangement.
She gave permission to share this picture-- take a look:
The arrangement of items looks like a mandala, doesn't it? The maker used a variety of images of women's bodies, plus ritual items such as a bundle of sage and a smudging feather.
As always, Karen's trainings offer continuing education credits for social workers, licensed professional counselors and addiction counselors, plus psychodrama credits.
There is a body of research that shows that mindfulness meditation does significantly reduce the relapse rate of depression. This research is now being embraced by many practitioners of Western medicine – even some quite conservative ones!
With more of my clients seeking non-medication resources for depression, here's a book for laypersons that I like to recommend:
The Mindful Way Through Depression: Freeing Yourself From Chronic Unhappiness by J. Mark G. Williams, John D. Teasdale, Zindel V. Segal, Jon Kabat-Zinn. Guilford Press, Through simple lessons drawn from Eastern meditative traditions and cognitive-behavioral therapy, this book demonstrates how to sidestep old habits such as rumination and self-blame that inevitably lead to despair, so people can face life’s challenges with greater resilience. Jon Kabat-Zinn gently and encouragingly narrates the accompanying CD of guided meditations.
E-books available
Check out Karen's e-books for sale at Lake House Health & Learning Center's store.
The Psychodrama Notebook (formerly Practical Psychodrama) is a great review for psychodrama certification candidates and anyone who wants an overview of the magical action method of psychodrama. Whole Person Marketing gives practical and creative ideas for building and marketing holistic practices.
We've been having a lot of fun putting together Saturday's Fall Health & Gift Fest.
It's 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lake House Health & Learning Center, and it's definitely not your ordinary holiday fair. We've assembled artisans, chefs, writers, health professionals and others with beautiful jewelry, hats, purses, photographs, eco-journals and much more.
Find the whole list of artisans and events, plus pictures, here. And join us -- no admission, just a donation of non-perishable food for the Racine County Food Bank. You'll find us at 932 Lake Ave., just across from Gateway Technical College in Racine.
How to make a meaningful holiday?
Every year I ask myself, "What would make a meaningful holiday for me?" And I ask my clients. And I ask anyone else, too.
The more answers I get, the more thoughtful I can become about creating a good and positive holiday for myself.
This is the time when we often feel overwhelmed with all the demands of the holiday. The truth is that many people face the holidays with dread, disgust, fear or worse – or a combination of the above.
For some people, the holidays are a time of emotional stress and financial pressure. We may feel the special loneliness as we miss important people who have departed our lives through death, divorce or residential moves. We may be stirred with feelings of regret or distress about family relationships that are filled with tension when we wish there could be love.
Yes, we need to think about this. But we must be aware of thinking too much and we need to marry our thoughts and plans with the context and gifts of experience.
The logical question that I have learned to ask myself is:
“What kind of meaningful experiences can I create at this time of year for myself and those I love?”
If I want to experience joy, I strive to give myself opportunities to put myself in situations where I will find joy – taking part in activities that are fulfilling and enjoyable and spending time with people who are healthy, warm and positive.
Although not every experience during the season can fit that assignment, my intention is that most of my decisions will lead to good experiences.
The experiences that I create will live within me.
I carry those good experiences wherever I go, just like I hold the memory of my prom date that I created as a woman in my thirties. Furthermore, I can revisit those experiences within myself that are warm and comforting – no matter what time of year they took place.
So today and during this holiday season, I wish you good experiences. Experiences that will build warm feelings and good memories.
I also wish that we can value the gifts we contain within ourselves:
The brain – which thinks and reasons – is a gift. And the body – which senses and holds much unconscious material – is also a gift.
Perhaps you are remembering a good moment, a moment of joy that you treasure that makes you smile, or a moment of logic that failed and gave you a great and important learning. Or your own discovery how your brain and emotions have successfully worked together for the good of you.
Have you been with a friend who's tripped on the edge of the rug -- and you felt an inner twinge as you watched that stumble?
That's because of mirror neurons, a little known but newly discovered aspect of our amazing brains. A mirror neuron is a neuron that fires when a person acts and when a person observes the same action performed by another. It seems that the neurons "mirror" the behavior of the other, as though the observer was himself or herself taking action.
This new discovery has many implications for those of us who practice psychodrama and experiential therapy such as dance therapy, drama therapy and other expressive therapies where some people watch others. This means that we "take in" the new healing image even if we are not actively participating, but simply watching other people. It also has implications about what images are imprinted in our brain and our consciousness when we watch movies, walk around in our neighborhoods and spend time with other people.
Best-selling author, political adviser and social and ethical prophet Jeremy Rifkin investigates mirror neurons, the evolution of empathy and the profound ways that it has shaped our development and our society in this funny and profound YouTube video:
There’s a crispness in the air, and the holidays are approaching…
Lake House Health & Learning Center will open its doors on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 932 Lake Ave., for its Fall Health & Gift Fest and celebrate its fifth anniversary.
We’ll transform our facility into a cornucopia showcasing local artisans, shopkeepers, health professionals and health resources who will share their wares with the public -- just in time for holiday shopping..
Among the treasures you will find are jewelry, purses, photography, art, crafts, natural soap and body products, Chinese healing teas, cookbooks, cultural gift items, and gift certificates for massage, coaching, personal development sessions and other health services.
Tracy Bernhardt (Labyrinth Herbals) will offer handmade herbal infused soaps, lip balms and bath tea.
Christiana Eckert will offer photographs, with all benefits to support the work of SmileTrain, which provides cleft palate surgery to impoverished children around the world.
Leayn Tabili (Anthelion Hancrafted Jewelry) will offer a variety of contemporary jewelry including beading and chain maille as well as purses and other accessories.
Bev Schumacher (Learning Props) will offer quality educational games and books for English and bilingual preschool learning.
Barb McCloskey (Beaderella Jewelry) will offer a variety of handmade jewelry including necklaces, earrings and bracelets.
Craftswoman Marge Meyers will offer handmade purses and hats.
Craftswoman Penny Schaubel will offer felted hats for adults and children.
Harmony Botanics
Carol Smith (Harmony Botanics) will offer a line of natural body washes, body oils and lotions, lip balms, soy candles that have been scented with pure essential oils and certified organic spices.
Kathryn Rouse (MayaWorks) will offer the colorful textiles woven by Guatamalan women along with other handcrafts from this fair trade nonprofit organization that promotes economic development for Mayan women and their families.
Sara Lancaster (Re.told Journals) will offer handmade vintage book and eco-chic journals.
Humor writer Mary Tompsett (Posing As Normal) will offer a peek at her recently published novel, Whinny From The Heart, with the idea that fun and humor are an integral part of health and well being. She'll also sell a collection of her humor columns, with proceeds to benefit the Racine County Food Bank.
Ben Lehner of Circa Celeste (Circa Celeste) will bring soups and muffin mixes to purchase for gifting or for yourself to make the holidays tasty and easy for entertaining friends and family.
In addition, Helene Hellesen, certified massage therapist and Reiki master and owner of Massage Pause, will offer chair mini-massages and gift certificates.
Labyrinth Herbals
Karen Carnabucci, creative arts psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker at Lake House Health & Learning Center, will demonstrate the use of the Tarot images for personal growth and answer questions about experiential and non-traditional psychotherapy. Her Lake House cookbook will debut with natural and healthy snack, food and beverage favorites collected through the five years at Lake House.
Arthur Shattuck, practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and owner of Roots And Legends, will offer healing teas and quality medicinal chocolate, miso soup and a miso cookbook and answer questions about food for healing.
Marge Meyers creations
Michele Foy, life coach, will demonstrate her method for communicating directly with the subconscious with the use of a pendulum. She will show exactly how to achieve pain relief, stop smoking and get rid of fears that are interfering with living your life to the fullest. She will offer a free instruction packet and you may purchase a "Phone for the Subconscious," if you feel that you might need one.
In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to take a look at a full-spectrum light box that is a non-medication alternative to Seasonal Affective Disorder, sometimes known as "winter blues" or "winter depression" due to the lower level of sunlight in the winter.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no charge to attend although visitors are encouraged to bring a donation of non-perishable food items for the Racine County Food Bank.
For more information on specific artisans and their wares as well as directions, call (262) 633-2645 or join Lake House’s page on Facebook.
Just a couple of spaces left for our all-day women's retreat and training with Gerlinde Gelina and Systemic Constellation Work on Oct. 30. See details here.
How I used Sand Tray Theatre to remember a murder victim
Our community of Racine has been shaken this month with a brutal murder of a good-hearted community volunteer in the woods in the city's Sixth Street neighborhood. A chronic offender has been charged with the crime, but this incident has still been a common topic in the sanctuary of the healing space at Lake House as people have responded with anger, fear, worry, confusion and sadness.
I had the opportunity to use the healing power of the sand tray with a client who was was struggling to find her way out of her thoughts and feelings of grief and distress.
Sand tray, adapted from the sandplay approach of Jungian analyst Dora Kalff, is a rich experiential option for working with people when words are not enough. It's the training topic for Nov. 12 and is useful with so many populations and situations.
My client -- who has given me permission to share her sand tray image -- honored the deceased woman while also transforming her personal image of the murder site, a strip of woods near the city's Sixth Street to one of healing and honor. Her memorializing image included several sheltering trees, an open hand to illustrate the murder victim's giving nature -- one of the victim's last generous actions involved giving quarters to people in laundromats -- stones with favorite insprational words "laugh" and "imagine" and a filmy purple butterfly to signify transformation.
Here is her image:
Sand tray as a memorial to a great loss.
She arrived distressed, talking quickly and shaking and left peaceful and accepting. These are the kinds of transformations that can take place with experiential therapies that work with the mind, body and pirit
Training for Sand Tray Theatre: Using Miniatures In Action is Nov. 12 and offers continuing education credits. Fee is $35. See calendar for details; please sign up by Thursday, Nov. 11, by calling (262) 633-2645.
Trauma resources
Thanks to Dr. Christine Dunning, professor at the Trauma Counseling II class at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, for these excellent resources for trauma:
PubMed comprises more than 20 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals and online books. Use search function to find what you're looking for, including free full-text articles.
CSA Illumina provides user-friendly searches to more than 100 databases published by CSA and its publishing partners including the social sciences.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network focuses information for parents, caregivers and a varietyh of professionals on children's issues, including many, many trauma topics, treatment facts, audio and multi-media presentations and funding opportunities.
Dealing with sticky client situations?
Even experienced therapists encounter road blocks during client sessions or have difficulty dealing with certain client situations. For example, when a client is crying uncontrollably or resists making changes or doing homework.
New Harbinger is proud to offer Quick Tips for Therapists—fast and free solutions to common sticky client situations mental health professionals encounter. Find Quick Tips for Therapists on the book publisher' site.
Karen's e-books available
Check out Karen's e-books for sale at Lake House Health & Learning Center's store.
The Psychodrama Notebook (formerly Practical Psychodrama) is a great review for psychodrama certification candidates and anyone who wants an overview of the magical action method of psychodrama. Whole Person Marketing gives practical and creative ideas for building and marketing holistic practices.
Men who are veterans who served for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) can help with a well-being study while earning up to $299 for their participation.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison will start a Veteran's Wellness Study at the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds at the Waisman Center. The study will examine the effects of complementary and alternative programs on health and well-being for recently returned veterans.
The study will take place at the the university's Waisman Center in November or December or both months. Depending on the level of their hours of participation, participants can be paid up to $299.
Veterans who are interested should e-mail at wellness@mailplus.wisc.edu or call (608) 263-0803 to schedule a screening appointment.
(We don't see anything for women veterans, who also served. Maybe next time...)
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by J. Mark G. Williams, John D. Teasdale, Zindel V. Segal, Jon Kabat-Zinn. Guilford Press, Through simple lessons drawn from Eastern meditative traditions and cognitive-behavioral therapy, this book demonstrates how to sidestep old habits such as rumination and self-blame that inevitably lead to despair, so people can face life’s challenges with greater resilience. Jon Kabat-Zinn gently and encouragingly narrates the accompanying CD of guided meditations.
