Interview with a Therapist

For this week’s blog, I decided to do something a little different. I have a lot of questions about the mental health field, for I want to be a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner when I am older. I know what I want to do, but sometimes I am not so sure of the route I should take to get there. To answer some of my questions, I decided to interview my boss, Amber Madden. I learned a lot from her answers, and hopefully you will too!

How many years of college did it take for you to become a therapist?

       I attended 4 years of college for my bachelor's degree and then another 2-3 years for my masters. How much time one may spend on the masters degree is dependent upon how many classes they may choose to take at a time. I was working full time while pursuing my masters, so I took classes at a bit of a slower pace.

What is your favorite part about your job?

       My favorite part about my job is the amount of creativity it provides. In general, I am the type of person who likes to have the ability to explore different elements of creativity and to have new challenges. I have found the mental health profession to offer a variety of ways to be creative whether it is from developing individualized treatment plans for challenging clients, creating a private practice, utilizing social media to advocate for mental health or writing on a widespread range of topics related to mental health. There are lots of ways to be creative in this field and I find it adaptable to almost any industry as mental health applies to almost everything we do.

To be successful , what are 3 qualities that you believe a therapist should have?

       Self-discipline - I say self discipline, because there is a significant part of mental health that requires devoting extra time and attention to clients in order to make sure they are receiving quality services. There are many times I need to devote extra time to researching about mental health conditions and the best and most effective ways of treating those conditions. At times, this can feel a bit like I'm preparing for a research paper, which may not be ideal to some individuals. However, I find this is important in making sure clients needs are met. Along the lines of self-discipline also comes with documentation. Documentation is a HUGE part of mental health practice and one of the areas that many clinicians have the most suffering because it can be unpleasant to have to spend additional time documenting sessions. It takes a great amount of discipline, especially in private practice, to make sure proper documentation is completed.

       Interpersonal Skills  or "Soft" Skills - I once read a book about becoming a "master" therapist. Actually, the name of the book is, On Being a Master Therapist, by Jeffrey A. Cottler and Jon Carlson. In this book, the duo explored on what elements were believed to become a "master" therapist. Time and time again, they referred to the relationship between the therapist and the client. This was also based on years of research and experience. I also believe this is a very important quality to have for being a good therapist. A therapist needs to have excellent interpersonal skills in order to be able to effectively listen to their clients, as well as convey empathy and caring about their presenting conditions. The relationship often is more important than the therapist skills utilized, as well.

       A Knowledge of Ethical Principles - Do no harm continues to be a message in the medical and mental health professional world that is often stated. Therapists have a responsibility to their clients to ensure they are constantly helping them and not harming them. Many times, this can often refer to any ethical dilemmas that may come up during therapy and how the therapist navigates these challenges. A quality therapist needs to be well versed in the ethical guidelines of how to work with clients and what they can and cannot do to help clients.

What college did you attend, and what degrees did you receive?

       I attended University of the Cumberlands receiving a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I attended Union College to receive a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. Lastly, I received a Graduate Certificate in Eating Disorder Treatment from Northern Illinois University.

What made you decide to become a therapist?

       I have always thought of myself to be an analytical person and someone who has enjoyed learning about people. When I was in college for my undergrad, I actually started out as a music major. I played violin and piano growing up and I thought I wanted to become a music teacher. However, I found the classes VERY challenging, the competition was steep between students and at the end of the day, I really did not know how much I actually wanted to teach. As part of my undergraduate basics, I was required to take an Introduction to Psychology course. I was completely fascinated by the material in this course. I loved everything I was learning and the learning felt effortless, so I took another course, Abnormal Psychology. Again, I continued to be intrigued by the material and it all felt very effortless because I was so interested in what I was learning. I switched majors and decided to commit myself to becoming a mental health professional, mostly because I really liked learning about people and the different parts of our lives that makeup who we are as individuals.

What is your preferred style of therapy?

       I would not say I have a preferred style. I utilize a blend of humanistic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and existentialism. The mode of therapy I utilize tends to be based on the presenting problems of the client and how they perceive their problems.

What are some things you do outside of your work to help you maintain a happy, healthy life?

       I love to take walks and listen to an audiobook or podcast. I also really love cooking when I have the time for it. I enjoy reading and of course, watching some Netflix from time to time. Most importantly, I like to spend time with my family.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring therapist, what would it be?

       I would tell an aspiring therapist to make sure they attend an accredited school, one accredited by CACREP. I did not know about CACREP at the time I pursued my degree and the schools were not as widely recognized. I am credentialed through the National Board of Credentialed Counselors now, but a CACREP degree would have been nice, as well. This is a single decision that could potentially have a large impact on the types of employment you can find when you begin looking. I would also advise aspiring therapist to plan well for student loans. I have been fortunate in that I worked for a place that partnered with the National Health Service Corporation and I was able to trade my service for student loan repayment. This has been a huge saving grace for me. I know many others her struggle with upwards of 200k debt and it is so important to make a plan for that when going into this field and how you will plan to pay back those loans or try to work for a place that may help you pay them back.

---

Kylee Roberts, Mental Health Therapist

Co-Written by Amber Madden, LPCC-S

Mental Health Book Recommendations

    When mental health awareness is portrayed in any form of media, that is a step towards educating the public on these issues. Reliable books about mental health are always great to read, especially if they give advice on how to overcome a problem you are dealing with or provide some comfort through a difficult time in your life. In today’s post, I am going to be listing five different books about mental health that may help with your issues. I will also include the price of the book, and a link to where you can purchase it. I hope you enjoy some of my choices!

#1 “The Body Keeps The Score : Brain, Mind, And Body In The Healing Of Trauma” - Bessel Van Der Kolk

Paperback Price : $11.40 not including shipping

https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748/ref=zg_bs_4682_sccl_1/144-3414386-2582164?pd_rd_i=0143127748&psc=1

#2 “The Myth Of Normal” - Gabor Matè

Paperback Price : $24.99 not including shipping

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1785042726/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=

#3 “Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present (The Path to Calm)” - Nick Trenton

Paperback Price : 14.79 not including shipping

https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Overthinking-Techniques-Declutter-Emotional/dp/B08XLLF3PG/ref=zg_bs_4682_sccl_17/144-3414386-2582164?pd_rd_i=B08XLLF3PG&psc=1

#4 “Never Binge Again(tm): How Thousands of People Have Stopped Overeating and Binge Eating - and Stuck to the Diet of Their Choice! (By Reprogramming Themselves to Think Differently About Food.)” - Glenn Livingston

Paperback Price : $14.95 not including shipping

https://www.amazon.com/Never-Binge-Again-Permanently-Overeating-ebook/dp/B014V1Q6SI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=85S9A2BYA6OJ&keywords=eating+disorder+novel&qid=1666481566&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjA3IiwicXNhIjoiMi4yMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=eating+disorder+nov%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

#5 “ Healing Is a Gift: Poems for Those Who Need to Grow” - Alexandra Vasiliu

Paperback Price : $14.89 not including shipping

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Gift-Poems-Those-Need/dp/B09K1XG82J/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=36FFQXU6DAECB&keywords=anxiety+novel&qid=1666481689&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjkwIiwicXNhIjoiMS40NiIsInFzcCI6IjAuOTIifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=anxiety+nivel%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

---

Kylee Roberts, Mental Health Virtual Assistant

Co-Written by Amber Madden, LPCC-S

Anxiety Article Roundup

When people receive a mental health diagnosis, or just want to learn more about mental health as a whole, they usually venture onto the internet. Even though the internet is not always reliable, it can be a good place to find facts and stories about mental health topics. However, it is very important to check the source that you are reading from and make sure it is reliable. For today’s post, I decided to find some reliable blogs that will educate you readers on anxiety. I am going to include some factual blog posts, and some stories that people have surrounding anxiety, as well. I hope these blogs help you to understand anxiety better.

#1 “What is anxiety, and how can you deal with it?” by Rhiannon Wardle 

https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/what-is-anxiety  

#2 “Anxiety ; What it is , what to do” by Francesca Coltrera 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/anxiety-what-it-is-what-to-do-2018060113955  

#3 “My Journey With Anxiety And Panic Disorder” by Anonymous 

https://www.nami.org/Personal-Stories/My-Journey-with-Anxiety-and-Panic-Disorder  

#4 “ My Struggles With Anxiety And Depression” by Alyssa  

https://www.thealist.me/alyssas-thoughts/anxiety-and-depression/  

#5 “Anxiety…it’s more than the stuff that is going on in your mind” by Sue Wood and Chris Williams  

https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/blog/anxietyits-more-than-the-stuff-that-is-going-on-in-your-mind/  

#6 “COVID-19 Anxiety” by David H. Rosmarin  

https://www.centerforanxiety.org/covid-19-anxiety/  

#7 “ All About Anxiety : Coping Mechanisms And Support” by Anonymous  

https://www.familycentre.org/news/post/anxiety-blog-posts  

#8 “Treatments for Anxiety” by Adam Felman, medically reviewed by Marc S. Lener 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/ articles/323494  

---

Kylee Roberts, MH Virtual Assistant

Co-written by Amber Madden, LPCC-S

How to Practice Positive Thinking

One of the biggest problems in the world today is pessimism. Pessimism is when you have a negative outlook towards almost everything in life. This can cause more stress, and negatively affect your mental health. Turning pessimism into positive thinking can be a hard transition, but it comes with many benefits. Positive thinking can increase your life-span and lower your chances of developing depression. In this article, I am going to give some tips on how to think positively.

Identify Where The Negative Thinking Is Coming From

    The first thing you need to do when you are trying to think positively is assess your life and find the source of the negativity. Is it coming from a situation in your life? Is it coming from negative thoughts about yourself? Once you find where the negative thoughts are stimming from, then it is time to slowly transition those thoughts into positive ones. Take small steps into thinking about the negative things in your life positively. It can be hard, but putting a positive spin on the bad things in your life can help your mental health tremendously.

Spend Time With Positive People

    One thing that can trigger a pessimistic mindset is being around others with a pessimistic mindset. We humans tend to copy the behavior of the people around us. By surrounding yourself with people who are positive, it can encourage you to be positive, as well. Putting yourself around positive people can give you encouragement, help you reach more goals, and boost your self-esteem. Try looking for people who encourage you instead of people who put you down.

In conclusion, having a positive mindset is great for your mental health. While a negative mindset can lead you to feeling fatigued and stressed, a positive mindset uplifts your energy and gives you a better quality of life. If you are struggling with developing a positive mindset, visit a mental health professional and voice your concerns.

---

Resources

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, February 3). How to stop negative self-talk. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 6, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950

Santos-Longhurst, A. (2019, February 21). How to think positive and have an optimistic outlook: 8 tips. Healthline. Retrieved August 6, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-think-positive#overview

Think positive: 16 simple ways to start thinking positive​. The Berkeley Well-Being Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved August 6, 2022, from https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/think-positive-16-ways-positive-thinking.html

---

Kylee Roberts, MH Virtual Assistant

Co-written by Amber Madden, LPCC-S

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a common mental illness in today’s society. Every year, about 11% of Americans have a panic attack, and 3% of them go on to be diagnosed with panic disorder. People with this disorder typically begin to show symptoms during their adolescent/early adult years. The majority of people who have panic disorder are female; however, any gender can develop this disorder. In this post, I am going to describe panic disorder and how you can get help for it.

What is Panic Disorder?

    Panic disorder is when a person has frequent panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden feeling of fear that comes over someone, even if no danger is present. Panic attacks can cause physical reactions, such as sweating and shaking. However, not everyone that has had a panic attack will develop this disorder. People with panic disorder are so afraid of having another attack that they change their everyday life to avoid things that could cause them to have an attack.

What are some symptoms of Panic Disorder?

     Some symptoms of panic disorder include:

• Many sudden panic attacks

• Fear about when another attack will come

• Avoidance of situations that could cause an attack

     Symptoms of a panic attack include:

• Chest pain

• Chills

• Intense fear

• Shaking

• Sweating

• Nausea

• Heat flashes

• Dizziness

What causes Panic Disorder?

    It isn’t known exactly why people develop panic disorder. However, it is proven that panic disorder can be hereditary. Also, people with other health issues, such as anxiety and depression, are more prone to panic attacks than others. Alcohol and drugs can increase your risk of developing panic disorders. Some experts think that panic attacks are caused when the body’s survival instincts work too strongly and/or too often. Many parts of the brain and biology play a role in developing panic disorder.

How do I get diagnosed with Panic Disorder?

    To be diagnosed with panic disorder, according to the DSM-5, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You must have frequent panic attacks that occur out of the blue.

2. At least one of your attacks must be followed by one month or more of worrying about having another attack.

3. You avoid situations that you think may cause an attack.

4. Your panic attacks aren’t caused by medication, a medical condition, or another mental health condition.

    If you are only suffering from panic attacks and not from panic disorder, it is still important that you seek help for your issue. Not all of this list has to be met for a serious issue surrounding panic attacks to be present.

What are the treatment options for Panic Disorder?

    One way to treat panic disorder is by using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a form of psychotherapy. You discuss your feelings and your triggers with a mental health professional, and they help you change your reaction to them. As your response to your triggers change, panic attacks happen less frequently. Also, certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can make panic attacks less severe and less frequent. Things you can do at home are exercise regularly, have a healthy diet, and manage your stress.

It is important that you get help as soon as you start having panic attacks. Even if it is not a panic disorder, something else could be wrong. Panic attacks can cause extreme stress and stop you from doing things that you love. There is no need to be embarrassed about seeing help for your panic attacks, for you may find a treatment that works wonders for you!

---

Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Panic disorder: When fear overwhelms. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved July 21, 2022, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms

Panic attacks: Panic disorder, anxiety disorder, symptoms, causes. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved July 21, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4451-panic-disorder

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2018, May 4). Panic attacks and panic disorder. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 21, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2018, May 4). Panic attacks and panic disorder. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 21, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376027

---

Kylee Roberts, MH Virtual Assistant

Co-Written by Amber Madden, LPCC-S

Common Treatments for Anxiety and Depression

Did you know mental illness affects over ten million people, and half of that number do not receive any form of treatment? After a diagnosis, it can be hard to decide what to do and what treatment route to take. This post is going to focus on giving different treatment options for some of the most diagnosed mental disorders. Those include Major Depressive Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, and Panic Disorder.

What are some common treatment routes for Depression?

    Depression is a common mood disorder that induces feelings of sadness and dread. The first thing you should do if you are suffering symptoms of depression is go to a mental health professional and get a diagnosis. After your diagnosis, you can start considering different treatment routes. One option for treatment is medication. Your doctor may prescribe to you an antidepressant, which may be paired with an antipsychotic or a mood stabilizer. Keep in mind, it is important to look at the side effects and risks of said medication before committing to taking it. Therapy is also a good form of treatment. Talking with a mental health professional can help you find ways to cope with your depression and replace your negative thoughts with positive ones. Brain stimulation therapy is also an option, which stimulates brain cells and sends electrical currents through the brain to relieve severe depression. Sleeping regularly, surrounding yourself with people you love, and trying to stay positive may also relieve some symptoms. If your symptoms are very severe, a hospital stay may be needed.

What are some treatment options for Anxiety?

    Anxiety is a constant feeling of worry or fear. After a diagnosis, it is important to establish some sort of treatment plan. One thing you could do on your own is learn more about Anxiety and develop some relaxation techniques that work for you. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to help with Anxiety. This type of therapy teaches you ways to ease your symptoms and get back to everyday life. Some of these skills include positive self-talk and challenging your fears. Regular therapy can also be used as a form of treatment. Exposure Therapy can also be used. Exposure Therapy works by confronting your fears head-on, and is an effective form of treatment. A doctor might pair your other forms of treatment with an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication. Going to a support group with other people who struggle with Anxiety could also help you find out new coping mechanisms and ways to ease your symptoms.

What should I do after being diagnosed with Panic Disorder?

    A person with Panic Disorder suffers from severe panic attacks. It is always important to educate yourself when you are diagnosed with a disorder. You can research ways to calm down during a panic attack and see if those methods work for you. Psychotherapy, where a patient talks regularly with a therapist, is commonly used to treat Panic Disorder. Therapists typically use methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is designed to change how you react to a panic attack, and Exposure Therapy, which is used to help patients overcome their fears surrounding their disorder. Medication, such as Anti-Anxiety and Beta-Blockers, can also be paired with other forms of treatment.

Finding the right treatment for you can be stressful and seem impossible. However, finding the right treatment is trial and error. You could try medication and not get any better, but try Psychotherapy and see yourself start to improve. It is important to not give up when searching for the right treatment plan. Almost every mental disorder can reach some kind of recovery through treatment, whether it be learning to cope with your disorder or it going away completely!

---

Resources

“Depression (Major Depressive Disorder).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Feb. 2018, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007.

“Depression: Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9290-depression.

“Anxiety Disorders.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 May 2018, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350967.

“Managing and Treating Anxiety.” Managing and Treating Anxiety - Better Health Channel, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/anxiety-treatment-options.

“Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms.

---

Kylee Roberts, MH Virtual Assistant

Co-written by Amber Madden, NCC, LPCC-S

Mental Health Myths

Mental health is very complex, and therefore is commonly misunderstood. One of society’s biggest problems today is the stigma that has been created against having mental health issues. This is very harmful because it can prevent people from getting the help they need. The only way to stop this is by educating yourself and others on what is true and what is fake about mental health. This post will focus on debunking common myths surrounding mental health and giving you the truth behind them.

Myth #1 : Having a mental illness is rare.

Mental illness is actually more common than cancer and diabetes. About one in five Americans have had issues with their mental health, and one in twenty have a serious mental disorder. Today, about 450 million people are living with a mental or neurological condition.

Myth #2 : It is impossible for children to have mental health issues.

It is very possible for young children to show warning signs of serious mental health issues. Half of mental health disorders show first signs before the age of 14, and three quarters show signs before the age of 24. Because of this myth, many children are deprived of the mental healthcare they need. Giving care to children can help before the illness begins to affect their everyday life.

Myth #3 : Taking medication for your mental illness is bad.

Just like any other illness, sometimes taking medication is necessary. Medication for mental illness can be used to help people function in general and in society. It can also be used to ease symptoms of their disorder. When paired with therapy, medication can greatly improve the quality of someone’s life. Therefore, the use of psychiatric medication should not be looked down upon.

Myth #4 : You cannot prevent mental illness.

Addressing risk factors, such as exposure to trauma, can greatly reduce the chance of having a mental illness. Some different ways you can address risk factors are :

• If you experienced a traumatic event, try to get help as soon as possible. Early treatment can reduce the risk of having problems in the future.

• Reduce the stress level in your job and home.

• Try to keep yourself in positive situations and around positive people. By doing this, you can reduce your overall healthcare costs and have an overall better quality of life.

Myth #5 : There is no way to recover from a mental illness.

Mental health does not stay the same, and can change many times over the course of your life. Going to therapy and getting the help that is needed can help you work through your problem and recover. However, recovery does not always mean that the problem is gone. Recovery means you have learned to live with your problem and you have found ways to cope with it. Some mental health problems never go away, such as schizophrenia. Others, like depression and anxiety, might go away with the proper treatment and care.

This may be surprising to you, but many people genuinely believe these myths surrounding mental health. This is very harmful misinformation. The stigma surrounding getting help for mental health can cause some people to never seek treatment at all. Some even take their own lives because they are scared what people will think of them. This should never happen. Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. Learning the truth behind these myths can help you and others, and could possibly save a life.

---

Resources

“Mental Health Myths and Facts.” Mental Health Myths and Facts | MentalHealth.gov, https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/mental-health-myths-facts .

“Six Myths and Facts about Mental Illness.” NAMI, https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2019/Six-Myths-and-Facts-about-Mental-Illness .

familydoctor.org editorial staff and Alex Rice. “Mental Health Myths: Stop the Stigma.” Familydoctor.org, 28 Sept. 2021, https://familydoctor.org/mental-health-myths-stop-stigma/amp/ .

“Myths & Facts About Mental Illness.” Frontier Behavioral Health, 22 June 2022, https://fbhwa.org/facts/about-behavioral-health/myths-facts-about-mental-illness .

“11 Myths about Mental Health.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-mental-health-misconceptions .

---

By Kylee Roberts, MH Virtual Assistant

Co-Written by Amber Madden, NCC, LPCC-S

When You're Celebrating this July 4th...

I contemplated not writing this. After all, our Nation is at a time in history when everything is very uncertain, tormented and broken. On this 4th of July, a day that marks our freedom, I want to remind you of a few things… of not only all of the things that we have fought for, but also of all the things that could so easily be taken away if we don’t stop fighting.

The position statement from the American Counseling Association says it better than I probably ever could. From the American Counseling Association:

“We recognize that the loss of access to safe, legal abortion may hinder the ability of women to participate within the workplace and society effectively and successfully. Unwanted pregnancies may affect women’s education, employment, earning prospects, and health. These effects would disproportionately fall on those who are already marginalized, those living in poverty, people of color, nonbinary, and transgender people, as well as those who live in medically underserved areas (e.g., few primary care providers, high infant mortality, high poverty). 

Overturning Roe v. Wade means we can expect an increase in economic hardship and insecurity that may lead to increased stress, lower life satisfaction, decreased work productivity, increased turnover, and decreased mental well-being. Professional counselors assist clients and students facing life’s challenges such as the deeply personal decision to have an abortion, and how to access such services.”

Let freedom ring. ~ Amber

~~~

In 1777 all states passed rights to take away a woman’s right to vote.

The first state, Mississippi, granted the right for women to hold property in their own name…. with their husband’s permission.

In 1875 Minor v Happersett, 88 U.S. 162 (1875): The U.S. Supreme Court declares that despite the privileges and immunities clause, a state can prohibit a woman from voting. The court declares women as “persons,” but holds that they constitute a “special category of _nonvoting_ citizens.”

1890 The first state (Wyoming) grants women the right to vote in all elections.

1900 By now, every state has passed legislation modeled after New York’s Married Women’s Property Act (1848), granting married women some control over their property and earnings.

The Constitution is finally AMENDED in 1920 to declare every woman the right to vote.

In 1963 (less than 100 years ago) The Equal Pay Act is passed by Congress, promising equitable wages for the same work, regardless of the race, color, religion, national origin or sex of the worker.

In 1972, in Eisenstadt v. Baird, 405 U.S. 438, the Supreme Court rules that the right to privacy encompasses an unmarried person’s right to use contraceptives.

In 1973 Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 and Doe v. Bolton, 410 U.S. 179: The U.S. Supreme Court declares that the Constitution protects women’s right to terminate an early pregnancy, thus making abortion legal in the U.S.

In 1974 Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleur, 414 U.S. 632 (1974), determines it is illegal to force pregnant women to take maternity leave on the assumption they are incapable of working in their physical condition.

In 1976 General Elec. Co v. Gilbert, 429 U. S. 125 (1976), the Supreme Court upholds women’s right to unemployment benefits during the last three months of pregnancy.

In 1978 The Pregnancy Discrimination Act bans employment discrimination against pregnant women.

In 1981 Sandra Day O’Connor is appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve as the first woman on the Supreme Court.

In 1993 Harris v. Forklift Systems, Inc., 510 U.S. 17 (1993) The U.S. Supreme Court rules that the victim did not need to show that she suffered physical or serious psychological injury as a result of sexual harassment.

In 1994 The Violence Against Women Act funds services for victims of rape and domestic violence, allows women to seek civil rights remedies for gender-related crimes, provides training to increase police and court officials’ sensitivity and a national 24-hour hotline for battered women.

In 2000 United States v. Morrison, 529 U.S. 598 (2000). The U.S. Supreme Court invalidates those portions of the Violence Against Women Act permitting victims of rape, domestic violence, etc. to sue their attackers in federal court.

In 2010 The Affordable Health Care Act is signed into law. Under this law, private health insurance companies must provide birth control without co-pays or deductibles. The law requires private insurance companies to cover preventive services.

In 2013 The ban against women in military combat positions is removed; this overturned a 1994 Pentagon decision restricting women from combat roles.

~~~

---

Resources:

https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/resources/womens-rights-movement/detailed-timeline/

https://www.counseling.org/news/updates/news-detail/2022/06/24/american-counseling-association-expresses-opposition-to-overturn-of-roe-v.-wade

Amber Madden, NCC, LPCC-S

Bloom Therapy Services, Clinical Director

The Differences Between Anorexia and Bulimia

    Eating disorders affect about 9% of the population worldwide. No matter your age or your gender, you can still be impacted by an eating disorder. This post is going to focus on two different types of eating disorders, Anorexia and Bulimia. Both of these mental illnesses can have extreme effects on the body and mind. This article will hopefully help you to see the risks of Anorexia/ Bulimia and how to get help if you are struggling with disordered eating.

What is Anorexia/Bulimia?

    Anorexia Nervosa is typically described as an eating disorder where someone restricts their food/calorie intake to the point where they become malnourished and underweight. Typically, people with Anorexia have a fear of being overweight and distorted body image. In some cases, people struggling with Anorexia may exercise compulsively.

    Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder where someone binge-eats and then induces vomit, abuses laxatives, or does anything that can undo the effects of their binge-eating. These are called “compensatory behaviors''.  Much like Anorexia, people who wrestle with Bulimia have a fear of being overweight while having a problem with binge-eating. Because of this fear, people with Bulimia “purge” after a binge to stop weight gain.

What are the symptoms/signs of these disorders?

    Some symptoms/signs of Anorexia include :

• Noticeable Weight Loss

• Has concern about eating in public

• Restricts food intake and/or certain food groups

• Stomach cramps

• Dizziness

• Fainting

    Some symptoms/signs of Bulimia include :

• Signs of binge eating

• Evidence of purging

• Goes to the bathroom immediately after every meal

• Bloating

• Discolored / stained teeth

• Swelling around the jaw and/or cheeks

How are these disorders diagnosed?

To be diagnosed with Anorexia according to the DSM-5 , the following symptoms must be present :

1. Restriction of food intake leading to low weight

2. Fear of gaining weight or becoming fat , even while being extremely underweight

3. Denial of the seriousness of their low weight

To be diagnosed with Bulimia , the following criteria must be met :

1. Recurrent episodes of binge-eating

2. Uses compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain

3. These behaviors occur at least once a week for at least 3 months

4. These behaviors do not occur only during episodes of Anorexia

    It is also important to note that if you do not show all of these symptoms, but you are still struggling with some characteristics of an eating disorder, it is imperative that you seek help.

What are the consequences of these disorders?

    About 10% of people struggling with Anorexia die because of it. They tend to die due to starvation, suicide, or health-related problems. Also , long-term Anorexia can result in infertility, seizures, and osteoporosis. Anorexia can also result in electrolyte imbalance, which can result in death.

    Bulimia can prevent proper digestion, which can cause extreme bloating, constipation, and bacterial infections. Binge - eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and vomiting can create permanent damage to the esophagus. Heart failure can also happen due to the body breaking down its own tissue because of low calorie intake.

What are some treatment options for Anorexia/Bulimia?

    Treatment all depends on the severity of the Anorexia. If it is very severe, the person struggling would need to be hospitalized and tube-fed until the needed amount of nutrients is obtained. Other treatment options include residential/ outpatient treatment and eating disorder therapy.

    Extreme cases of Bulimia can call for hospitalization. However, different types of therapy and treatments are available to help if your case does not call for a hospital stay. You could start by seeing a mental health professional and starting a treatment plan to help with your struggles.

If you are struggling with Anorexia or Bulimia, it is important to get help as soon as possible. Even if you cannot see the harm these disorders are causing you right now, in the future some of the consequences mentioned above may begin to show in your life. Recovering from an eating disorder is not an easy thing to do, but there is hope in recovery!

Amber Madden, LPCC-S is a certified in treating eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia. She has availability for virtual sessions if you think you may need to schedule an appointment or consultation. Click here.

Resources

“Anorexia Nervosa.” National Eating Disorders Association, 28 Feb. 2018, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/anorexia

Bothwell, Samantha, et al. “What Is the Most Serious Health Risk from Anorexia Nervosa?” Eating Disorder Hope, 9 June 2022, https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/blog/what-is-the-most-serious-health-risk-from-anorexia-nervosa

Chandler, and Chandler. “What Are the Primary Characteristics of Bulimia Nervosa?” Eating Disorder Hope, 9 June 2022, https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/blog/what-are-the-primary-characteristics-of-bulimia-nervosa

“Bulimia Nervosa.” National Eating Disorders Association, 22 Feb. 2018, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/bulimia

“Health Consequences.” National Eating Disorders Association, 22 Feb. 2018, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/health-consequences

“Eating Disorder Treatment: Know Your Options.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 14 July 2017, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/in-depth/eating-disorder-treatment/art-20046234

By Kylee Roberts, MH Virtual Assistant

Co-written by Amber Madden, NCC, LPCC-S

Meet Our New Virtual Assistant!

I’m happy to announce the addition of Miss Kylee Roberts to our practice. Kylee is going to be helping with lots of “behind the scenes” sorts of things including excellent customer service for answering our phones and responding to our email referral requests. I am also excited to say that she is going to be helping out here on the blog with writing some posts herself! In addition, you’ll get glimpses of her work through our social media accounts and many other helpful tasks.

You can read more about Kylee below!

Hello! My name is Kylee Roberts and I am the new Virtual Assistant here at Bloom Therapy Services! I am a high school student who plans on going into the mental health field when I am older. Can’t wait to talk with you!

~ Kylee

About Kylee

Kylee Roberts is a Junior in high school. She finished her sophomore year with a 4.7 GPA, and has an ACT score of 30. She is very active in her school’s extracurricular activities, including softball and choir. Kylee recently received the Rogers Scholar Scholarship. She is also very active in her community, where she organized a Christmas gift giveaway at her local nursing home this past year. Her career plans for the future is to go to college and become a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Introducing Our New Therapist

We would like to make a special announcement in welcoming Michael Killibrew to the team as a contract therapist. He is excited to begin offering services and is currently accepting new clients via telehealth. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Michael, please contact us via our email at bloomtherapyky@gmail.com or through our Contact form.

Hello my name is Michael Killebrew I am a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate with 3 years of addictions counseling and mental health counseling experience. My theory of choice is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but I am versed in many other theories. I look forward to working with you.

~ Michael

Professional Bio

Michael graduated from Austin Peay with a Bachelors in Psychology. He received a Masters of Education with concentration on Mental Health Counseling. He worked in Community Mental Health for 1 year with a wide range of populations (depression anxiety schizophrenia, ADD/ADHD, grief counseling, school based therapy, geriatrics, and IDD). He has two years experience with substance abuse and addictions counseling and has worked in two Suboxone clinics as a substance abuse counselor.

Introducing Our New Practicum Student

We would like to make a special announcement in welcoming our incoming practicum student for the Fall 2021 term. She is excited to begin offering services and is currently accepting new clients via telehealth. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Alyssa, please contact us via our email at amber@maddenwellnessky.com or through our Contact form.

I’m Alyssa Clary, a student working to finish my masters in Mental Health Counseling. I believe in approaching mental health issues from a holistic approach when addressing issues including trauma, depression, and anxiety. Having previously worked in drug recovery and a mental health facility, I’ve had the privilege to discover what it means to hold hope and journey with others through what can sometimes be very challenging circumstances. I look forward to joining my clients on this journey to become more wholey healthy and filled with hope.

~ Alyssa

Professional Bio

Alyssa is currently a masters level student in the mental health counseling program at Asbury Theological Seminary. Alyssa obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 2015. She has experience working with various age groups as a substitute teacher for Christian Academy of Louisville. From 2015 until 2017, she was the Program Manager for the Teen Challenge of Kentucky program at Priscilla’s Place. In this position, she provided one-on-one meetings with residents of the addiction recovery center, helping them to focus on the development of life skills and relapse prevention. Her studies and interests have focused on sensorimotor psychotherapy, trauma treatment, as well as a focus on children and adolescent treatment. In addition, she is an active member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the Kentucky Counseling Association (KCA).

#WakeUpWeightWatchers (My WW Story)

A few weeks ago, Weight Watchers announced the company would be offering free signups for adolescents this summer. In a press release the company voiced, "Weight Watchers intends to be a powerful partner for families in establishing healthy habits. During the summer of 2018, Weight Watchers will offer free memberships to teenagers aged 13 to 17, helping the development of healthy habits at a critical life stage." The same release also revealed the company stands to increase revenue by more than $2 billion by new member growth and retention. 

This is both disturbing and problematic the company would take such a bold move to "hook" an audience and following at such a young and vulnerable age. With much of society targeting children and adolescents with alarming (and skewed) statistics citing that today's generation will be the first to not outlive their parents due to obesity, the company seems to be taking advantage of a "global problem." 

There is much that could be said on this subject and I'm sure there are numerous articles and information you can read which will share all of the data and research as to why this is such a bad idea. Instead of sharing that information again, I thought I could lend to speak to you from experience.

When I was 12 years old, Weight Watchers was my first introduction into the diet world. At this young and vulnerable time, I don't even remember being "overweight," or what society may have deemed as overweight for an adolescent. What I do remember is attending the meetings with my Mom and thinking that it looked like fun. I was intrigued by the community the women had and the idea of a weekly weigh-in where I would be showered with positive attention (if I lost weight) sounded like something I wanted to be a part of, too. Joining Weight Watchers felt like a rite of passage because all women who are grown-ups are on some sort of a diet - or at least that's what I believed.

Obviously I was young, at the age of 12, but I thought I would share here my memories that stand out the most for me from my experience of being a participant of Weight Watchers as an adolescent. My hope is that if you are a parent considering this for your child, that you will reconsider.

What Weight Watchers Taught Me:

• That losing weight was positively rewarded and reinforced, while gaining weight was something to be ashamed of. Many women would even have meltdowns and end up crying after a "bad weigh-in" at the back of the room.
• Lunchtime at school became very complicated and uncomfortable while on WW. During my time at WW, tuna fish sandwiches and carrot sticks were all the rage. So, while all the other children at school were enjoying their lunches with fun snacks and well-rounded meals, I was eating tuna fish and crackers. I remember it feeling very isolating.
• Weight gain was something to be ashamed of. I can remember our WW counselor once posing the question, "What good things come from weight gain?" It was as if implying that only bad things come from weight gain, when really, this shouldn't even be part of the conversation we're having because a specific weight is not the only indicator of better health.
• My Binge Eating began while I was a member of WW. It was almost a known fact that all the women would congregate after the meetings and have a "cheat meal" out together somewhere after the meeting. I can remember eating so much that afterwards I always felt sick and miserable. 

These are specific memories I have, but there are many other take-aways for how being an adolescent in WW would have a negative impact on my life for years to come. The program would be my first experience in positive reinforcement for weight loss, thus solidifying in my young mind the falsehood that a thinner body is a better body. Weight Watchers would be the first of many diets that I would try for the next two decades. Like many other individuals who are susceptible to an eating disorder after dieting, Weight Watchers would become my gateway onto this path where I would later struggle with anorexia, binge eating and exercise bulimia.

Considerations Before Enrolling Your Teen

Meeting Are Not Led By Professionals - Perhaps one of the most notable faults of Weight Watchers in considering the program for your teenage child is the program lacks medical or mental health professional guidance. Most community meetings are hosted by a "leader." The Weight Watcher leaders (at least during that time) were untrained professionals who usually were "graduates" of the program having reached their goal weight. As such, they have practically no training as a medical or mental health professional.

Diets Are Not Conducive for Development - Another criticism is the fact that due to this lack of professional guidance, the program would most likely lack the information and knowledge needed to be able to provide adequate care for a developing adolescent body. In present day media, we see numbers and bold, fear-mongering statements indicating that the vast majority of Americans are overweight and are just on the cusp of death! Other statements also tend to claim that childhood obesity is at it's highest ever recorded. However, there is very little said about how many young children and adolescents will actually gain weight during puberty. This is NATURAL and supposed to happen. I'm sure at some point, you've probably heard the statement that children, "grow out, then up." Placing adolescents on a diet could deprive their growing body of the needed nutrients and resources to aid their bodies in the maturation process. This could have a significant impact on brain development, psychological functioning, as well as cause lack of energy.

What Message Do We Want To Send Our Youth? - Lastly, another consideration - do we want the conversation with our youth about better health to be based on their appearance? If as a parent, the concern is of your child's health, are there other areas you can provide improvement without labeling them as a WW member? Are there sports clubs or groups they can become involved in which may also lend to healthy discussion about their changing body? For example, Girls On the Run is a national organization which teaches young girls about their body and has mission to encourage confidence, self-respect and empowerment. There may be other ways to help your adolescent rather than a central focus on their weight and appearance, which could only further solidify a negative relationship with their body.

As stated previously, it is my hope that this discussion will give you pause and consideration before you decide to sign your teen up for Weight Watchers. Perhaps instead of Weight Watchers, you might consider an intuitive eating or Health At Every Size therapist for your teen's weight concerns. I would be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have! 

---

Join Us! 

Each season we read a new selection of a Intuitive Eating or HAES related book.

Free Membership Available! 

Sign up Now

Ongoing Support for Your Non-Diet Journey

 

(This page is continously updated. Be sure to bookmark it and visit again!)

Recovery work for body image and binge eating can be riddled with lots of up's and down's along the way. It will be helpful for you to have supportive resources to turn to in times you're feeling the struggle a bit more.

Directions: Challenge yourself to engage DAILY for at least 20 - 30 minutes in some type of helpful resource outlet. Below you will find a list of different methods and outlets for resources.

 

Podcasts

The Food Psych Podcast - Chrissy Harreleson, RD

Nutrition Matters - Paige Smathers, RDN, CD

The BodyLove Project - Jessi Haggerty

Life. Unrestricted. - Meret Boxler

The Love, Food Podcast - Julie Duffy Dillon

Body Kindness - Rebeccas Scritchfield, RDN

 

Books

Intuitive Eating - Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD and Elyse Resch, MS, RD, FA, DA

Body Respect - Linda Bacon and Lucy Aphramor

Body Kindness - Rebecca Scritchfield

Health At Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight - Linda Bacon

Blogs

Immaeatthat.com - Kylie Mitchell, MPH, RDN

Thereallife-rd.com - Robyn Nohling, RD, NP

The Joy of Eating - Raychel Hartley, RD

 

Instagram Feeds

The Body Love Society - @thebodylovesociety

Beating Eating Disorders - @beatingeatingdisorders

Project HEAL - @projectheal

The Moderation Movement - @moderationmovement

 

Facebook Groups

Bloom Nutrition - Disordered Eating Support

Food Psych Podcast Listener Crew

Intuitive Eating Support Group

Dear Diet - A Journaling Activity

Below is a journaling activity we complete in Beat the Binge. I challenge you to write your own letter to your diet(s) and see what comes up. 

Dear Weight Watchers,

You were my first introduction into the dieting world. At only 12 years old, I was introduced to you SO YOUNG. Perhaps probably most messed up of all, was the fact that I didn't even join you because I wanted to lose weight, but because I wanted to be "in the club." I wanted to be part of this adult world and feel included with my mom when she went to meetings. I wanted to "weigh-in" with others and feel like I belonged. However, the fun was over when I began having to take tuna fish sandwiches to school and watch my other friends eating their normal lunches. You set me up for my first experience binge eating when every week we would "celebrate" weigh-in day by going out to eat afterwards. Because I knew I would be faced with another week of tuna fish sandwiches, I would feel compelled to eat as much as possible during these meals. I remember I would leave feeling stuffed, sick and guilty for eating so much. Weight Watchers, you did nothing for my life but make me feel like being on a diet was a mandatory passage into adulthood.

Dear YM Magazine (and others)

This particular issue in this magazine became a "diet bible" for me. It introduced me to over 100 diet tips that became a way of eating for me. In addition, YM Magazine, your publications brainwashed me into believing I would never be loved, never feel like I belong and never find happiness unless my body looked a certain way.

YM Magazine Cover

Dear Suzanne Somers,

I found your diet book in a box of yard sale items in a family yard sale. I remember sitting down and reading it from cover to cover. Your weird diet of combining different food pairings had me taking the bread off my sandwiches at school some days and eating only the meat and cheese on others. Dear Ms. Somers, you were my first introduction to "fear foods" many of which I sometimes still feel slight discomfort when eating even today. For nearly 6 years, I avoided white pasta, white bread, potatoes, potato chips, white rice and even carrots, peas and corn.

Dear Food Rules,

I spent the better part of my college years not allowing myself to have an enjoyable meal more than once a week. I usually would "splurge" on breakfast once a week, and the rest of the week I would stick to strictly "healthy" items. In addition, I also only allowed myself to have one dessert a week and three cans of soda a week. My friends marveled at how disciplined I was, but you only provided a false sense of security. For any deviation from you, including going out with friends for pizza, would send my guilt into a downward spiral. I would then feel compelled to run miles and miles afterward. I missed out on so much of the college experience because of you.

Dear Calorie King

I can't even remember where I found your book, but I remember it was my first introduction into counting calories. After discovering your book I could no longer go out to eat without first methodically looking up each meal and item of food in the book to see if it "fit" into my daily calorie intake. Mr. Calorie King you sucked all the fun out of dining out and taught me an entirely new approach to obsessively controlling my food.

Dear Weird Hot Dog Diet,

My coworkers first introduced me to you and I thought you sounded silly, but then I witnessed them losing weight. It sounded disgusting that I was to subsist on hotdogs, tuna fish, bananas, eggs and other weird items. But I gave you a try anyway. Dear Weird Hot Dog Diet you did nothing but make me hate feeding myself for a total of about 2 weeks. I definitely did not look forward to meal time during this 2 weeks, but maybe that was the point.

Dear MyFitness Pal,

When I first discovered you, I thought you were the greatest thing to have happened in my "health" journey. When I first computed my goals into your system, you told me I needed to eat 1100 calories a day to reach them. I began eating this amount calories and did in fact lose a considerable amount of weight. However, I also lost energy, became hyper focused on food because my body was actually slowly starving. Over time, my body adjusted to this low calorie intake and began to actually start gaining weight, despite the low calorie intake. I became more and more focused on you and more and more depressed and confused that I didn't understand why you were no longer working. Over time, this low calorie intake caused many other physiological responses in my body, including depression, loss of my cycle and even hair loss. Dear MyFitness Pal, I understand you are useful for some, but for me you're just another diet that causes me to feel crazy around food.

Dear "Clean Eating"

Once again I was fooled into thinking this was THEY way to be eating and the epitomy of health. Your philosophy of avoiding all foods that were processed and not naturally from the Earth were somehow evil to my body. You convinced me that foods such as chocolate, cheese and even cereal should be avoided. I believe you masquerade as healthy, but you're actually just another diet. You imply restriction and define the moral code of "good" and "bad" foods.

Dear Intermittent Fasting,

You almost had me again. After reading some "research" that seemed to indicate you might, indeed, be the solution to weight loss I believed that maybe I should give you a try. In order to make you work it meant giving up my favorite meal of the day, breakfast. I would spend the better half of the morning tired and lethargic because I had no energy from not eating anything. After the designated window of eating time opened, I would be so starved that I would sometimes overeat at lunchtime, which would leave me feeling stuffed, sick and leave my stomach upset for the rest of the day.

Dear Atkins,

You came into my life during a time when I was really trying to work on not dieting. However, after witnessing and overhearing my coworkers having success from following your plan, I almost decided to try you, too. I felt more and more confused about your way of eating because how could vegetables ever be considered "bad" for you. But on your plan I was only "allowed" so many ounces of vegetables on meals. On another note, I was to exist on literally no carbohydrates, an important source of energy for any human body to live on. I hated how I was having to focus on every meal and it seemed like I was having to relearn how to eat, when eating should be a natural thing.

Dear MyFitness Pal,

You continued to lurk in the background during my visits with the diets in between. I have spent years having an affair with you from the other diets. When I was engaging in another diet, you were always there in the background, whispering to me and telling me lies like, You know I worked before, I can work again. You know you've been eating more than 1200 calories on some days. You know this is the REAL reason you haven't lost weight. You know if you just would focus on every little item and put it into the plan it would work. MyFitnessPal, I finally decided to get rid of you once and for all and delete you from my phone. You bring me nothing but constant reminders of a time that I have moved away from now because I'm doing something different.

My Fitness Pal Delete Screen

Dear Diets, All of You,

You have been there overshadowing some of the most important moments in my life. No matter how happy of occasion or amazing it should've been, you've been there to partly ruin it. Dear Diets you suck. And you do nothing but suck the joy out of my life. No. More.

Different Types of Diets - From Break the Mold Course

What would you say to your diet(s)?

If this type of post resonates with you, then I invite you to check out my online courses Break the Mold: Building Body Positivity or Beat the Binge. 

---

Get Your Free Meditation

Body Acceptance Form