People may question or wonder how the presence of a pet in a counseling office aids in the therapeutic process. Many animals are currently being used in a multitude of settings but I will speak only of the one I work with, my dog! Prior to introducing my golden retriever as a “therapy-assist” dog, I…
By Randy Brazzel MA, LPC, LMFT Unfortunately, traumatic experiences are a relatively common event. Current estimates are that as many as 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetimes. Given the number of veterans who have experienced combat, the frequency and intensity of recent natural disasters, and…
Mindfulness is a state of mind where the focus on the bodily sensations is at its highest peak. A mindful person is aware of how his/her body is reacting to the anxiety provoking thoughts and symptoms of anxiety. In the practice of mindful art therapy one practices to be present and remain present to face…
Because of the recent press about the amazing benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy more and more therapists are bringing their dogs to work. Is this Animal Assisted Therapy? Animal Assisted Therapy involves a trained counselor or therapist working with a trained animal in a goal-directed way within that therapists’ area of expertise. The therapist should…
“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Crack-Up. Many consumers seek a quick fix. They go to a variety of untrained “therapists” searching for a remedy for instant gratification. …
What Is Love? Today’s word is love. A lot of conflict happens because people have different definitions to this simple word. Most of the time, I think those definitions are wrong. So what is love? After all the poetry, music, books and movies on the subject, you’d think we’d have this one down by now.…
eniors facing early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s usually suffer from boredom, powerlessness, and loneliness. Therefore, art activities for seniors with Alzheimer’s should aim at improving their quality of life in the years they struggle with this disease. Art therapists working with this population focus on strengthening the remaining cognitive and physical abilities of elderlies instead of…
Studies have shown that art therapy as well as play therapy with children with cancer have positive effects on their mood, as they alleviate fear and enhance quality of social life. Creativity, spontaneity, and freedom that come with art activities allow children with cancer to destroy, create, and recreate negative experiences that are associated with…
Many men and women in the military have significant problems adjusting to civilian life after active duty. They have problems sleeping. They are agitated and jumpy, easily angered. Thoughts and images about the war come back to them at unwanted times in unwanted ways. They often feel emotionally disconnected from others including family. …
I wrote the folowing article for the National Psychologist, In my 27 years of practice as a clinical psychologist, I have been guided by a continuous curiosity to study and implement the most effective tools for helping my clients experience relief and healing. Whether the techniques are firmly rooted in the psychotherapeutic establishment or newly…