Mental health is much more than serious illnesses : thesouthern.com - Southern Illinois news – Carbondale, Marion IL

Mental health is much more than serious illnesses : thesouthern.com - Southern Illinois news – Carbondale, Marion IL

Metro Arts and Architecture - metrobits.org

Metro Arts and Architecture - metrobits.org
Spend a day alone or with a friend taking in the Art work and the Sights typically underground in various subway systems.  A nice time to reflect while being a tourist in your own back yard.

~ Sarah

~ Another Favorite Quote ~

"You can never cross the Ocean unless you have the Courage to lose sight of the Shore." 

 ~ Author Unknown"

Wishing you all a wonderful week as you persevere against what you've believed were unfavorable odds.  One day you'll look back at the difficult or questionable times and wonder how you could have sold yourself short.  Embrace all that you are, and never give up HOPE.  

Best regards,

 ~ Sarah

YOU Are NOT Weak

Depression, anxiety and panic attacks are NOT a sign of weakness.   They are signs of having tried to remain strong for TOO long!   1 in 3 people go through this at some point in their life.  Don't buy into the MYTH you are weak.  Your STRENGTH has simply been sapped.  Give your self a break.  Do something kind for yourself.  It is NOT an issue of being self absorbed or selfish.   I'm always surprised when I hear someone say, "Isn't that being selfish?"   NO, it's being self INTERESTED in the name of HEALING!


Warmest regards,
 ~ss~

Favorite Quotes

"Everybody is a genius. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid." Einstein

Warmest regards,
~ Sarah

You "Look" Good!

Is mental health the equivalent of looking good?
- Has any one had the experience of being sick, ill, physically or emotionally and been offered compliments such as, "You "Look" good." How did it make you feel? Now, I know NO ONE can "make" us feel any given way - Still, we all have personal reactions to the manner in which others interact with us in any number of situations. Did you wonder, "What am I suppose to look like if I say I'm depressed, or sad, or just feeling down in the dumps?"

I've had clients complain because family and friends seem to think they're faring better than they really are because they took the time to "look" decent. Does someone need to get to the point of not showering or taking care of the "Activities of Daily Living" before a personal friend or professional "helper" believes them?

- Has anyone attempted to communicate hurtful or angry feelings only to be told, "You didn't "Look or Sound" upset! How is someone 'suppose' to look; how loud does someone need to raise the pitch or change the tone in their voice in order to be taken seriously?

How others perceive us can be problematic. In a culture where "Looking Good" trumps "Feeling Good" or "Sounding Good",'sometimes' all that seems to matter is APPEARANCE, which may lead an individual to quit asking for help because their efforts are frustrated and thwarted time and time again.

Next time you meet with a friend, family member or even a colleague experiencing a difficult time, be thoughtful about your comments. Compliments are nice, but they have their place. Sometimes we say things without thinking, so remember it's always better to listen first before trying to talk someone out of their feelings. Don't be too quick "Fix" the problem. Maybe all that's needed is someone who will lend an ear to "Hear".

Warm regards,
~ss~

Therapy Services Offered by *Sarah Swann, MSW, LCSW

SWANN PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES has been offering counseling services in the community of Studio City, CA for the past 15 years. During these difficult economic times, Sarah has reduced the standard fee, and continues to offer a sliding scale to individuals who qualify.

Sarah's devout dedication to the ethical principle of confidentiality has led her to steer clear of Insurance Panels. Disclosing personal information to Insurance Companies related to WHY someone has sought therapy, i.e., to work on the myriad issues life presents along the way, simply goes against her grain. Insurance Companies, NOT individuals, NOT Doctors, NOT other professionals in the industry of mental health and well-being are dictating IF one can be seen AND for how long. They require disclosure of diagnosis, which Sarah believes is NONE of their business. True, they are a "Business", make a TON of money (as we all know); they clearly have a right to know, however, the degree to which they control treatment has become burdensome and intrusive, AND....what happens with that information....where is it stored (?)....these are questions that are not clear and are of concern to Sarah when treating the very private matters that bring individuals to treatment.

Most people have a very difficult time sharing their innermost thoughts, not to mention "secrets". To have trust breached is very painful; we all know THAT from personal experience. Divulging ones inner secrets is difficult at best, even when there's a promise to not discuss what is brought into the the therapy. Do YOU trust having your personal information FAX'd to huge Insurance Companies for the purpose of authorizing you to receive treatment? Most people don't hide or keep private when preparing for heart surgery, or seen in an emergency room for a broken bone (not unless that broken bone is a result of "Domestic Violence"). Those MEDICAL 'issues' don't tend to carry a sense of "shame" with them. HOWEVER, matters pertaining to emotional wounds and scars are often held tightly, protected for long periods of time; they tend to carry a sense of "badness" or embarrassment with them. Sarah understands trust is something gained over a period of time, and sometimes it takes awhile before clients feel a sense of ease disclosing matters that often lay beneath the surface of the "presenting problem".
There's an analogy that's worth sharing; "It was not the TIP of the iceberg that sunk the Titanic;
it was the massive piece of ice UNDERNEATH the surface of the ocean that caused that great ship to sink." What brings people to therapy, and what's REALLY GOING ON are often entirely separate "entities."
All that to say, Sarah does not want to take chances YOUR private matters fall into the wrong hands.

Therapy takes place in a caring, comfortable, warm and non-judgmental atmosphere. Her experience is one in which her clients experience REALLY BEING HEARD and UNDERSTOOD. She is interactive and encouraging because she does not believe increasing the level of an individuals anxiety is particularly productive when help is being sought for issues related to anxiety, stress, depression or other difficulties experienced as a result of the "human condition".

Areas of treatment for brief or on-going therapy with individuals and couples includes:
- Acute anxiety disorders, including P.T.S.D.
- Situational depression often triggered by major life transitions.
- Issues related to relational and attachment disorders.
- Grief/Bereavement/Loss - Death and Dying - End of life decision making processes for
individuals and families struggling with the intricacies of this final stage in the life
cycle.
- Working with new parents/mothers by educating and increasing awareness about how to raise secure children. This is grounded in her understanding of how the brain develops and functions in an interrelationship between the
primary caregiver, typically the mother, and the environment during the first 3 years of an
infants life.
- Adults with insecure, anxious, ambivalent attachments can also make great strides in therapy due to the reparative process that can take place in the intersubjective space of the therapeutic relationship.
- Adjusting to medical conditions; auto-immune disorders, cancer, diabetes, chronic pain.
- Extensive experience working with HIV+ individuals, and the GLBT population.
- Low self-esteem; sense of worthlessness.
- Substance abuse issues, which are often a means of self-medicating and regulating affect. This
work is done while client is concurrently participating in 12 Step programs.
- Families of the chronically mentally ill; understanding the importance of adhering to
treatment recommendations for psychotropic medication management.

Sarah offers a free 15 minute phone consultation.
We live in a "Quick Fix" society. If it were possible to make major life changes and adjustments that endure over time by
simply reading a "Self-Help" book, there would LIKELY be fewer individuals reacting to
the demands, stress and strains of the 21st Century. It's time to abolish the myth that weak people ask for help. No one deserves to struggle alone; EVERYONE deserves to be heard, and to be the recipient of ~ Help ~ Hope ~ Healing ~

There is NO guarantee of a "Cure", however, Sarah's experience working in the field for almost
20 years has informed her she has the capacity to make others feel important, worthy, and hopeful
about overcoming that which interferes with the quality of life most seek in their relationships
with "Self" and with others.

Give her a call at: 818-726-5854 to set up an appointment.
*Filed under Sally Swann, LCS#17715 with Department of Consumer Affairs, BBS, CA
Feel free to view her Education, Knowledge Base, Skills and Work Experience on her LinkedIn profile.

Best regards ~

Allan Schore. JOY & FUN. Gene, Neuropsychology and Brain Development.

In this interview, Allan Schore, Ph.D., author of Affect Regulation & Origins of the Self, Affect Regulation & Disorders of the Self, and thirdly, Affect Regulation & Repair of the Self, focuses on how the brain is "Hard Wired" for Relationships. Dr. Schore's seminal series is a masterpiece. He's a brilliant mind, and has definitely made his mark in history.

**I am FOREVER grateful to his wife, Judith Schore, Ph.D. for her influence and encouragement throughout my education and career.

Evelyn Glennie shows how to listen | Video on TED.com

This is a beautiful presentation about we can use our bodies to hear, to REALLY LISTEN, whether to music or another human being. Very insightful and moving. As a therapist, I've learned to utilize my body with more self-awareness as a tool for understanding what's REALLY GOING ON, rather than trust my intellect and/or theory to guide my individual interventions in the course of a therapeutic encounter. Another great "Talk" from TED ~ An "Idea Worth Sharing"

Evelyn Glennie shows how to listen | Video on TED.com

Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability | Video on TED.com

As usual, TED Talks presents ONCE AGAIN a powerful message about the BRAIN, and how we are hardwired to "attach"/"connect" with other human beings, which tends to produce a sense of well-being, meaning and purpose in life.  I hope you find the presentation speaks to something deep within your core, validating that being "REAL", genuine and authentic is a vitally important personality characteristic, and adds to your ability to be "Self Aware".

Warm regards,
Sarah ~
Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability | Video on TED.com

THE BRAIN IS WIRED TO SEE FACES

~ ABOVE THE CAR IS A PATCH OF BROWN, WHICH STOOD OUT, SEEMING TO BE SEPARATE FROM THE COLOR IN THE PHOTOGRAPH ~  
THE SNOW IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA, JANUARY, 2011.
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?  
AN EXAMPLE OF HOW AMAZING THE BRAIN IS! 
ONCE I NOTICED THE FACE, I'VE BEEN UNABLE TO SEE THIS AREA OF THE PHOTO ANY OTHER WAY.  I NEED TO WORK AT SEEING THE TREES WITH DRIED/DEAD LEAVES.  MY BRAIN ORIGINALLY INTERPRETED THIS AREA AS A FACE, AND I FINALLY CAME TO THE REALIZATION THE IMAGE WAS CREATED BY THE NEGATIVE SPACE OF THE DEAD LEAVES ON THE TREES.  


INITIALLY, I QUESTIONED WHETHER WHAT I SAW WAS A REFLECTION IN A WINDOW.  THE PHOTOGRAPHER CONFIRMED IT WAS NOT.  
MY MIND WAS FASCINATED, THEREFORE, CURIOSITY WRAPPED ITSELF COMPLETELY AROUND FOCUSING ON WHAT COULD HAVE POSSIBLY CAUSED THE IMAGE OF A FACE. 
 I QUESTIONED OTHERS, WONDERING IF ANYONE ELSE NOTICED WHAT I WAS SEEING.


I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I LOVE LEARNING HOW THE BRAIN FUNCTIONS.
THIS ALSO REMINDS ME OF THE FAMOUS RORSCHACH TESTS, A PROJECTIVE METHOD OF PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING IN WHICH A PERSON IS ASKED TO DESCRIBED WHAT IS SEEN IN VARIOUS "INK BLOT'S".


AS THE TITLE DESCRIBES, OUR BRAIN'S ARE GEARED/WIRED TO RECOGNIZE FACES, AND WE OFTEN SEE THEM IN CLOUDS, ROCK FORMATION'S, ETC.  I'M POSITIVE YOU SHARE THIS PHENOMENON, AND THOUGHT I'D SHARE MY RECENT EXPERIENCE OF SEEING A FACE, WHICH APPEARED TO BE SOMETHING OTHER WHAT IT REALLY IS ....  DEAD LEAVES IN A TREE .... NOW  IT'S DIFFICULT FOR ME TO SEE THAT, NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRY.  I SIMPLY SEE A FACE.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED MY LITTLE ADVENTURE, EXPLORING FURTHER HOW THE BRAIN FUNCTION'S.  I'M INTERESTED TO KNOW WHAT YOUR EXPERIENCE WAS WHEN LOOKING AT THIS PHOTOGRAPH.  THANKS FOR INDULGING MY INTEREST AND CURIOSITY.

   ~ WARM REGARDS, SARAH ~

The New Paradigm Shift in the Arena of Mental Health, Theory & Treatment

The 1990's ushered in what is often referred to as, "The Decade of the Brain", which was highlighted in Discovery Magazine. During that time, and through the beginning of the 21st Century (to present day) Neurobiology / the Neuroscience's have referred back to John Bowlby's original theory of ATTACHMENT, and have expanded upon it. Thus, the awakening of a new dawn, and a paradigm shift in the field of Mental health and illness, with a focus on "relationships", "connectedness", and specifically "attachments"; Secure vs Insecure and anxious, with 3 level's of anxiety; ambivalent, avoidant and detached (dissociative).

The brain is a powerful organ, which weights just a little over 3 pounds. Yet, it is responsible for everything we are and do, consciously/explicitly, as well as unconsciously/implicitly. How each individuals brain develops is completely dependent upon its interaction with the surrounding environment, and the interpersonal connections within the baby's small world. Ultimately, how an infant grows and matures into an adult, secure with a "true" sense of "self", confident, with self worth and esteem, OR with a "false" sense of "self", anxious and insecure, with difficulties interacting with both the "self" and other's in the outside environment is completely dependent on the "world that surrounds" the child, i.e., the "primary caregiver(s)" especially during the first 3 years of life, with the brain being "right dominant", and the left hemisphere catching up around 36 months of age.

Today, "therapist's" of various persuasions (Mental Health, Health and Well-Being, Alternative Treatment modalities) are turning to this new paradigm and utilizing it as both theory and therapeutic "tool", if you will, by being aware of their own "Mind-Body/States of Mind" connection(s), and understanding how the two brain's in interaction with one another in the therapeutic setting has the potential to produce positive outcomes in treatment by utilizing this knowledge - integrating it into building a positive therapeutic alliance and rapport by using their own "felt sense", Self Awareness & "Self" as a tool for better understanding how to perceive some disturbances as "Disorder's of Trauma", (which coincides with "projective identification").

Modern Attachment theory, better known as Affect Regulation theory (How affect is regulated/stressor's coped with) is presenting not just a new "theory", but a modality of treatment specifically designed to understand how the brain grows and functions, and how it influences, yet is entirely separate from the Mind-Body connection (and in fact, separate TOO because the right and left sides of the brain are responsible for different types of functioning, and are independent of one another EXCEPT through a huge band of neuronal fiber's that bridge the two hemisphere's of the brain; this has been referred to on HOUSE as, "The Washington Bridge" in the brain -- The Corpus Collosum.

This new information is assisting professional's/therapist's/practitioner's with how to understand the "internal working models" in their client's, and what area of the brain needs to be reached (specifically the Amygdala in the Limbic/Reptilian system of the Mid-Brain) in order to potentially change the actual structure's of the brain by changing the manner in which "neuron's are fired", which can "re-wire" the brain to become more adaptable and flexible within the therapeutic relationship, and then carried out into the larger world of client's. This offers client's a new experience, and hope for potentially changing behavior's and deeply embedded pattern's of relating that no longer work effectively in the best interest of any given individual, thus increasing SELF AWARENESS - because of the brains plasticity/flexibility, which does not stop growing or changing until much later in life than was previously believed -- well into the "Senior Years" of LIFE.

This is an exciting time ~ The evolutionary process from Freud to present day, with individual's such as Allan Schore, Ph.D., Peter Levine, Ph.D., Pat Ogden, Ph.D, Judith Schore, Ph.D, and Daniel Stern, Ph.D., to mention only a few of the pioneer's currently going down in the history books of the "Psychologies".
Yes, "From Cradle to the Grave" (John Bowlby) ~ Very true when applied and observed in the behavior of the human "Species" ~ The need to be attached, to feel safe and secure in the presence of other's, and with ones own sense of "SELF".
This new way of perceiving relationships implies "TWO BRAINS" are communicating while in interaction with one another, whether in the process of therapy OR with other types of relationship's. As Allan Schore, Ph.D. states in, "The Right Brain, Implicit Self", what was once called "The Talking Cure" is now being referred to as "The Communicating Cure", (Chapter 12 of "KNOWING, NOT-KNOWING, AND SORT-OF-KNOWING; Psychoanalysis and the Experience of Uncertainty; Editor Jean Petrucelli, Ph.D.; For the American Psychological Association, Division of Psychoanalysis 39).

Books of Reference are listed under INFORMATION on Facebook, Sarah Swann, MSW, LCSW Psychotherapy.
You may also "Google" Allan Schore, Ph.D., "Affect Regulation and the Origin's of the Self, "Disorder's of the Self, and Repair of the Self", as well as the article written by both Allan Schore, Ph.D. and Judith Schore, Ph.D., "Modern Attachment Theory; The Central Role in Affect Regulation in Development and Treatment"; Clinical Social Work Journal, 36:9-20, and of course, John Bowlby's seminal series of Attachment, Separation, and Loss.

Appreciate those who find this type of information interesting or helpful, personally OR professionally. As always.....

Warm Regards,
Sarah ~

John Bowlby ~ Attachment Theory, "From the Cradle to the Grave" & Allan Schore, Ph.D., Affect Regulation Theory

Keep an eye out for a new Blog entry I've written on my Professional Facebook page.
It will appear here on my Blog in the near future.

Some interesting information about how the brain develops, grows and functions from the time of birth, and how an infant's interaction's with the primary caregiver(s) (typically, the mother) actually impact the manner in which the inner brain structure's develop.
The implications for this are Secure Attachments vs Insecure, Anxious attachments of either the ambivalent, avoidant or Detached/Dissociative type.

I look forward to sharing this information with you, and hope you can find some value in it to apply to your own life....especially young other's/families raising young children.....children are our future.

Warm Regards,
Sarah ~

Born to be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life

Candace Silvers ~ RelationShip from Dating and Duality

 ~ WHAT CANDACE IMPARTS THROUGH HER TEACHING IS AWESOME & BRILLIANT ~ WORD'S of wisdom .... words OF wisdom .... words of WISDOM ~ With great admiration ~ Thank you for allowing me to share with other's!      Warm Regards,  Sarah ~

Saint Thomas Aquiness

"We must love them both ~ those whose opinion we share, and those whose opinion we reject ~ For both have labored in the search for truth, and both have helped us in finding it."

HENRY DAVID THOREAU

I MAKE MYSELF RICH BY MAKING MY NEEDS FEW.

From "The Writing Corner"

Winston Churchill said, "(Human beings) occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened."

Is that an accurate description of how you operate in life?
Do you see new and foreign ideas or thoughts that speak the truth as exciting to ponder, or are you afraid to learn how to navigate in uncharted waters?

Feeling "lost", whether literally or figuratively ~ lost on the road ~ in your head ~ spiritually dead ~  These are common themes that occur at various milestones in life.  Truth can always be found, however.

How do you operate during these phases?
Stay stuck, or move foward?  Refuse to accept the truth, or to have a new perspective of what "the truth" really means?

The opportunity is there for a reason ~ challenge yourself to think outside the box, or to make the box bigger ~ whatever your perception & solution to finding your way back from being "lost", and finding your own personal "TRUTH",  the choices you make will impact other ways of "being" in your life, AND your entire sense of "Self."

~ WHAT is the truth?
~ What IS the truth?
~ What is THE truth?
~ What is the TRUTH?

(I thank Candice Silver's for introducing me to this type of exercise in writing, and for reaching inside myself  while simultaneously  helping you do the same.)

REMEMBER, THE TRUTH IS ALWAYS TO BE FOUND ~ YOU CAN FIND THE ANSWERS FROM DEEP WITHIN THE WELL OF YOUR "SELF"  IF YOU JUST TAKE A FEW COURAGEOUS MOMENTS TO BE HONEST ~ BECOME INCREASINGLY AND INTERNALLY  MORE "SELF" AWARE.  YOU MIGHT FIND YOU'RE NOT AS "LOST" AS YOU INITIALLY BELIEVED!

Warm Regards,
Sarah

QUOTE ~ For the Day ~ OR ~ For a LIFETIME!!

"EXPECTATIONS ARE RESENTMENTS IN THE MAKING."    (Anonymous)   BUT, brought to my attention via the infamous "Social Media" venue, and my "Friend"  J. Henry from our Northern neighboring Country,
CANADA ~ Home to the Winter Olympics, 2010.   Thanks J.H.

Wishing you all well ~
Until next time,
With warm regards,
Sarah

WHAT KEEPS US "STUCK"?

"When we remain stuck in the power of our own wounds, we block our own transformation."
(Carolyn Myss)

"When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself;
art cannot manifest; stength cannot fight; wealth becomes useless; intelligence cannot be applied."
(Herophilus)

"You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call "failure" is not the falling down, but staying down." 
(Mary Pickford ~ Actress & Producer, 1893 - 1979)