WORKSHOP AND BOOK REVIEWS
Have a nice day. . . or else! - by Heidi Evers, SDMHCA President
I recently attended the American Mental Health Counselors Annual Conference which was held this year in Philadelphia, PA. There were many interesting breakout sessions. One of my favorites was a session entitled "Positive Psychology in the Counseling Room: Promises and Pitfalls". This session was facilitated by Richard Ponton, Ph.D. from Monmouth University and Sharon Moleski, MA of Catholic Charities. One reason this session attracted my attention is that I share the presenters belief that much of society, and sometimes counseling, is focused on "what is wrong". The presenters shared that Positive Psychology shifts from the usual, deficit focused approach which is one that emphasizes diagnosis, treating disease, Professional helpers and problem focused, to a more strength focused approach which looks at what is right, strength assessments, learning and practicing new behaviors, and helpers are considered "fellow explorers".
Another aspect of this session that I appreciated was the fact that they gave handouts which we can use back in our own counseling environments as well as ones that have examples on them so that we can recall easily how the technique was used. I would be happy to send these to anyone interested. The presenters also shared of interventions which we can use in our own settings as well, rather than focusing only on the concept. One intervention uses looking at the positive self. In this intervention, the counselor would ask questions such as "Who does the client admire and what are their strengths?" "Who admires the client and what strengths do those people see?"
-Explore with the client what strengths are being overlooked or underrated.
-Explore past successes an the internal strengths associated with them.
-Discover if the client's presenting problem relates to a particular character strength, as a source of solution. Focus on exercising that strength.
-Connecting with the client's positive self- and growing from it.
-How is the client like you- what strengths do you share?
-How is the client different from you- what strengths does the client have that you do not?
This information is only one slide of a very good presentation! If this has sparked your interest, please feel free to e-mail me at hevers@wildmail.com with your address and I will send you the information. As the presenters shared in a final slide with faces to match, Have a nice day. . . . or else!
Successful Aging - by Carol Hamvas, SDAADA President
The summer is gone and I'm still working on goals I'd hoped to accomplish in July.
One of the things I did do was attend a workshop on "The Aging Brain/The Rejuvenated Brain." It was very involved and complicated. I'm still trying to comprehend my notes and the handouts.
However, they did sell a book, Successful Aging by Mary O'Brien, M.D. [Concord, CA: Biomed General, 2005], which is very practical, easy to read, and full of wonderful quotes. I especially like the one from Gandhi: "There is more to life than increasing its speed."
We don't always have to be busy. Which of our duties are self-imposed? What is our attitude toward getting older? Are we taking care of our health? It is never too soon to start and, as long as you are breathing, it is not too late.
"It's not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts!" - Adlai Stevenson