Cat courage

Volunteering at the shelter returns my efforts ten fold with adorable moments of animal behavior that I am privileged to witness. Today I arrived to find two new kitties, hiding behind one of the play structures. They are 4 1/2 year old litter mates and almost identical twins. Both raised in the same home by the same owner. Yet It was very clear that Della and Rock each  had a unique role in their relationship.

I knelt on the floor next to where they were hiding. They were backed into a corner each one looking in a different direction as if playing sentry duty. I approached Della first as she seemed to be the less frightened of the pair. I am never certain about whether my approach will be welcomed or  not so I always offer the back of my hand for a sniff first. Della allowed me to touch her, and within a few minutes she was accepting pets and chin rubs, all be it, still in the hiding place. She could not be coaxed out.

After a bit I moved the play structure just enough to be able to see Rock's face. The poor guy looked so rattled. as I offered the back of my hand for a sniff it spooked him and jetted under his sister for comfort. He crawled right under her and she allowed it, calmly. His face was buried in her tummy. Not being one to give up on a cat, I offered my hand again to Della who gave me a knowing look and a head butt, then began to purr. I continued petting her for a few minutes hoping that Rock would get a sense that it was OK, and that I was a safe person. The side of Rock's cheek was exposed and I gently rubbed it and cooed his name. Next I had his eyes, then much to my surprise, he bolted under me, just like he had done to his sister. So I stayed there, crouched, with him allowing me to give him comfort and pets for a good long time. Someone came in and he darted back behind the play structure, his sister followed and cuddled him like he was her kitten.

I have to say that was one of the cutest exchanges I have ever seen between two cats. Della clearly has more courage than Rock and she also knew exactly how to comfort him-Just adorable!

                                                                     Here is Della

Here is  Rock

Please choose adoption

Free pet Neuter in Ingham County

LANSING, MI --- The Capital Area Humane Society is pleased to announce, thanks to grant funding from PetSmart Charities totaling $120,910 over two years, CAHS is able to offer free spays and neuters for cats living in Lansing zip codes 48910 and 48911.

WHAT:

1. The Capital Area Humane Society Spay & Neuter clinic is offering free spay & neuter cat surgeries for Lansing residents living in 48910 and 48911 zip codes.
2. All cats and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old and weigh two pounds.
3. Rabies vaccines and microchips are included at the time of surgery, if needed.
4. Proof of address is required.
5. People who live in other ZIP codes, but need help, are encouraged to call the clinic to discuss other options
6. Residents in 48910 and 48911 wanting to schedule free surgeries for their cats can call 517-908-0756 be 517-908-0756.

WHEN: Now and over the next two years.

WHERE: All surgeries will be performed at the Spay & Neuter Clinic located at 5919 South Cedar Street in Lansing.

WHY: Spay and neuter is the only effective way to address the pet overpopulation problem in mid-Michigan. According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, about 250,000 animals end up in Michigan shelters every year.

I am a "lunatic", it's official!

Every Wednesday afternoon Lewis and I go to the local shelter and work with the "shy" cats to try and make them more adoptable. Recently because of one very shy kitty we have been going in twice a week. Oden was brought to the shelter on March first of this year and has spent months hiding behind his littler pan. He was clearly traumatized and very dispirited, to the point he was at first refusing food. He was on the top of every one's concern list. His only comfort was another little kitty named Mittens who was brought in 3 weeks before Oden and also very shy. Much to every one's surprise these two little trauma victims found one another and buddied up. They would curl up together and try to hide behind anything they could find. As time went by it was clear that  these two would do better in a separate cage away from the busy activity of the other cats. They were put in side by side cages with a pass through to each others cage.

Volunteers worked hours and hours to gain Oden's trust. Finally he learned to trust that hands of respectable humans. He would allow petting but still hid as soon as his cage door was shut. Last week Sunday I made a special trip in to the shelter to see Oden. After all, he and mittens had been there in cages  for nearly 4 months. I worried that time was running out. Oden had made great progress, sometimes eating while I had his cage door opening and on Sunday he did not hide when I left. I was able to view him through a window on my way out. I thought to myself " I wonder if my friends would think I am weird if I asked them to pray for a cat to find a home?" I thought, well I have never prayed for a cat, but I think I will try envisioning this kitty with a quiet loving home, that includes his best buddy Mittens.

A few days ago when the moon was full I went outside for my usual spiritual ritual. I use the full moon to remind me to pray for my hearts desire. As I stood there looking up at the moon I said " This one is for Oden and Mittens." What could it hurt to make a wish for them right? After all I have everything I need and time may be running out for these poor little kitties that nobody seems to want.

Well, today is Wednesday and I made my usual trek straight to Mitten's and Oden's cage only to find them empty! My heart leaped and then sank-I went to the desk to ask where they were, bracing myself for the worst. But much to my surprise I learned that someone had taken them in to foster them, both. I choked back tears and tried to  go find other kitties to work with but I ended up having to leave so I did not burst into tears in front of all of them and leave them to think I am a lunatic, no pun intended.

Here is Oden after much work on trust:

Here is Mittens:

Here is a cute little video the staff made that I think proved very helpful in getting these to long term cage cats, some much needed love and freedom.

http://www.petango.com/webservices/adoptablesearch/wsYouTubeVideo.aspx?videoid=2trwlGJXxV8

So, now I will ask you to pray for these two- that all goes well and a  blessing to the person who took them in. May their good Karma be ten fold! And next time you see the moon, remember this story.

How and why Downsy Dude Rescue Ranch was conceived

This is a story of trauma, joy and enlightenment. I have had my share of "bumps" in the road. In 1989, having a child with Down's syndrome certainly shook my world to the core. At first I was angry. "Why me?" I asked, "why my son?" "Why at all?" "How could a creator who is supposed to be all loving do this to anyone?" I shook my fist at the sky and wept for nearly two years. There is a grieving process that happens when you give birth to a child who is not what you were expecting. I had no prior notice that there were any issues with the pregnancy. "No fair! I am a good person!" I said over and over again. At a time when I most needed my spirituality, all my beliefs about Karma were ripped away from me. I felt picked on by God, and it hurt so bad.

My marriage failed, I lost my house, and I could not function well enough to continue the business I had worked so hard to build. Lucky for me, I had two darling babies at home who kept me going. They, with their never ending sparkle every time they looked at me, saved me. My daughter, with her early development of language, and mobility would dote and kiss on her baby brother several times a day. She was oblivious to his disability. She adored him, and it taught me that love is love, plain and simple. My son, thrived under here tiny leadership, always trying to keep up with her, he strived to obtain the skills she had at 14 months his senior.

As the years went by they quietly, by their very nature, helped me come to realize that I had not been picked on by God after all. I had been picked out by God, and what an awesome life the three of us have had since. I went back to school earned 3 degrees, and bought another house. We raised several rescued animals together joyfully, and I was able to provide a living for us by working with children in one capacity or another over the past 20 years.

Recently another "bump" made me take a step back and really think about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Breast cancer reared it's ugly head, and once again I questioned "why does this happen to people?" "What is the meaning of all this?" I did get my answer, but it came a little bit later. After my third recurrence and more doses of Chemo therapy than I care to recall, I decided it was time to take some time off work and get my health in check. It was scary resigning the job I had worked so hard to acquire, but my gut was leading me. Chemo took its toll, and I got a mortality pie in the face so to speak. I was shown clearly that life is not to be taken for granted. It made me think hard about how to spend my remaining days.

I knew I still had goals and ideas that had taken a back burner do to obligations over the years. I also wanted to find a retirement activity that I could involve my son in so that I could spend as much time as possible with him, and also demonstrate to the world what I knew about him. He is a teacher. He teaches love on the highest level.

In his community based education program in high school he had two favorite placements. One was in a daycare, and the other was at a local animal shelter. Epiphany! He loves the same things I do. It was staring me in the face, and I would not have seen it had I not been forced to take time off from work and given myself the luxury of time to think.

Downsy Dude Rescue Ranch will allow me to take all the skills I have acquired, all the therapeutic experience I have been privileged with, as well as all my favorite passions and apply them to the world in way that includes both my children. My daughter holds a degree in Zoology, and is excited about the project as well. She knows she will inherit the project some day and her little brother, who is now 22, will be by her side as a seasoned helper.

Suddenly all the "bumps" made perfect sense.

This is why I love kids!

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/inspiring-elementary-schooler-cerebral-palsy-runs-amazing-400-154523256.html

Cat Fishing Downsy Dude style

In preparation and training for Downsy Dude Ranch Lewis has been practicing cat enrichment. Here is a clip of him cat fishing with the famed Spinner Lure.

Check out this brave little beast-

Here is one of those stories that makes you cry in exasperation, then cry with joy for the outcome.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/blind-dog-rescued-trash-pile-gets-eyesight-back-141952873.html

Please join me in sending a thank you note to Hope for Paws in L.A.
http://www.hopeforpaws.org/?page_id=54

Shy Kitties at the shelter- Intervention update

A month ago I wrote about 3 very scared kitties at the shelter who had very little chance of being adopted because they would hide when people came in to select a cat. To refresh your memory:
Dede:


Millie:

Bella:

 Well I am ecstatic to report that after a month of intervention both Dede and Millie have found their forever homes and Bella is out of her igloo (where she was hiding) and greeting people as they come in. I am sure she will be adopted now that she has some basic trust of human hands. I have not felt so gratified in a long time. I actually wept with joy when I showed up to work with Dede yesterday and learned that she had gone home. Good stuff man!

A rat, a cat, and a lesson in confidence

Last year when my daughter, Ashley, had an extra part time job working with a snake breeder, she came upon a tiny feeder rat that apparently "looked at her a certain way." Well, to make a long story short, the tiny rat ended up in her pocket rather than as the planned meal for one of the large snakes she was care taking.

Since then MoJo the rat has grown into one of her most beloved pets. His cage is adorned with  a giant running wheel, a sling hammock and he has many toys to play with outside his cage as well. Mojo is so used to human interaction that he travels with Ashley. At home his cage is left open where he has two cat friends as companions. Mojo and Ashley are visiting my home this week, and I was worried about my three cats who are all  sharp mousers.

While Ashley was out visiting friends she asked if I could play rat grandma and baby sit her beloved white and camel rodent with red beady eyes. I have actually grown quite fond of Mojo, as his personality is quite apparent and cute. I agreed as long as we could clasp Mojo's door shut so I could be sure my cats would not bother him. I would be mortified if one of my cats were to hurt him. I also put him in the living room and shut the door between spaces to keep my cats out, just in case.

Well, one of my cats, Patchouli, has been known to stalk a mouse for hours if one happens to mistakenly end up in the house. She will perseverate like  protective gargoyle until she either drives the mouse out, or worse.  Yesterday I came in from the garden  and Patchouli had pried open the living room door and was on the desk behind Mojo's cage. I gasp at the thought of her having access to him and immediately went to the case to see if there were any limbs missing.

Much to my surprise MoJo was on the side of the cage checking out Patchouli. He appeared very confident and showed no fear what so ever. He was just as  interested in her as she was in him. When Patchouli put her paw on his cage, he lunged at her with a nip to let her know that any attempt at getting him would be met with bitten toe pads. The look on Patchouli's face was priceless. It was a mix of apprehension, curiosity and respect.

I could not help but be amazed at the power of Mojo's confidence. It took Patchouli by surprise, and she immediately respected Mojo, even though she is a giant in comparison to him. She has visited him on the desk several times since and shows no aggression what so ever. There is something valuable to be learned from this little rescued rat. Confidence is power.

Finally: MiMi the cat goes to Mexico!

Here is a guest article written by a friend of mine who is living out her dream. She tells a story of transition, courage and wonderment. Using her cat as a frame of reference, Benne  Rockett gives us a glimps of her exciting new, self directed life.  

Six months ago I packed my car and moved to the Yucatan.  That’s in Mexico ya’ll!  My little toaster car, a 2005 Scion XB, can hold almost as much as a 5’x5’x10’ storage space.  I managed to bring an IKEA futon by deconstructing the frame and sucking the life out of the cushions.  Thank You Space Bags!  I packed towels, bed linens, kitchen supplies, and a few personal items into three green 20 gallon plastic totes.   Under front seats, I slid two packaged sun shade cloths, jewelry placed in a cupcake covered pan, and a canister filled with Non-GMOs from Humble Seed.  Filling the backseat floorboard, was  my beautiful mandolin, my grandfather’s Singer sewing machine, a crate full of tools, a divided tote with art supply do-dads’, and two 4’ multi-drawer towers filled with cookware and spices.   My dear friend, Jessi, was squished into the front seat.  Her bags, a kitty litter box and a tote for cat food, were placed on either side of the backseat items.   Finally, Mimi the Cat, who rode inside a soft, luxurious crate, was wedged securely between the two front seats.   This configuration was well rehearsed weeks in advance.  Still, I barely managed to squeeze three changes of clothes into the mix. 

Mimi the Cat has achieved international notoriety.  She may not be the first kitten to sleep in a sex motel, but she is certainly one of the first house cats to do so.    Her first evening was spent behind the security walls of a no-tell-motel in Matehula, MX.  Given a half dose of cat Benedryl, she came out of her carrier with the grace of a sea sick ships’ captain.  By the time we turned in for a nights rest in the single king sized bed built for twenty people, she was back to her fluffy fur ball self.

For her second night in Mexico, Mimi the Cat elected to stay in a very posh and super expensive hotel, the former home to one of the Pre-Revolutionary Spanish governors of Puebla, Mexico.   And why not!  Puebla is home to more churches per captita than any other city in all of the Americas and houses the first ever library on this continent.  Mimi the Cat loves shinny things and prefers sleeping on any book I am reading, thus, Puebla made her “A” list.  After a pleasant evening spent with spinning frescoed angels, gilded concrete molding, and a quick shower in the fully converted contemporary bathroom lounge, she was ready to hit the road.  

Not one to miss an opportunity to hear the magnificent tales of NAFTA truck drives, she bought a bottle of tequila, stored it neatly alongside her Ziploc packet of Benydryl, both tucked into her Hello Kitty backpack, and made it all the way to Villahermosa, MX.   Looking particularly glamorous after a head to tail-tip brushing, Mimi the Cat was ready for the shimmering sleaze of a red hot night in her second no-tell-motel.   Behind paper thin walls, fellow flea baggers enjoyed her night of singing a beautiful rendition of “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina”, a favorite of her mother.   In the morning she apologized for not having song “Las Mañanitas” to the very handsome Pero Gãrgola, the rooftop watch dog .

Finally arriving in the Yucatan, she was challenged by a two Mexican Federales.  While one searched her papers, the other taunted her by calling her a tiger – he put his hand up like he was going to claw her and let out a low growl.  Mimi the Cat remained calm.  Once at the beach, she shed her coat, and gazed at the magnificence of the Gulf waters.  After a leisurely week of tanning, she finally met the village idiots.  Not afraid of their dogged attempts to steal her fur coat, she casually approached the leader, the local garbage man and leader of the deadly La Basura gang, lifted her paw to his muzzle, and challenged him to a dual.  Some members of La Basura were so fearful that their shaking caused imediate loss of fur and teeth.  One poor fellow lost the tip of his tail.

Now, the village idiots are persuaded that Mimi the Cat is an extraterrestrial raccoon, sent down by the Mayan gods to change their fate.   Images of her likeness have been posted on the sides of many fishing boats at the Ria, and fisher man from all around bribe her with tasty morsels.   Life is Good in Mexico.

http://www.newsfromabroad-online.blogspot.com/

What Benne does not mention in the article is that she is a very savvy and talented mental health professional who is now using her experience to assist other ex-patriot woman in the huge adjustment (and sometimes the hazards) of moving to a new culture. Be sure to click on the link at the end of the article and check out her site. It makes a good uplifting read.

Reality Therapy

Reality Therapy: William Glasser is responsible for the development of Reality theory which is based on Choice Theory. This theory asserts that individuals determine their own fate. Our perception controls our behavior and we behave appropriately or inappropriately to fill our needs. In this theory there are five genetically based needs. They include survival, love, belonging, power or achievements, freedom or independence, and fun. Our behavior is based on our attempts to meet these needs. Problems occur when we don’t take responsibility for our behavior. Taking responsibility is a key goal. The counselor’s role is that of teacher and model. The counselor strives to assist individual to become psychologically strong, clarify goals, make a realistic plan to meet needs, eliminate excuses, and focus on present behavior. Techniques used include confrontation, role playing, humor, avoiding blame, and feedback to client generated plans for change. Strengths of this theory include the ability to use it with different populations, it is very concrete, it is short term and solution focused, it focuses on the here and now, and promotes client responsibility. Limits of this theory are that it ignores the unconscious, personal history, and mental illness.

Transactional Therapy

Transactional Analysis: Key figures in Transactional analysis are Eric Berne, Carl Steiner, Thomas Harris and Graham Barnes. This theory asserts that people can change. The individual is composed of three interacting ego states.  These ego states are child, parent, and adult. Our transactions with others come from these three states. Key to this theory are the concepts of ulterior transactions and psychological games. A simple example of an ulterior transaction might be “has anyone seen my purse?” This really means “look for my purse!”  Psychological games occur when a series of ulterior transactions are used to create a predictable outcome. The goal of Transactional Analysis is to assist the client in becoming aware of games, eliminate the need for ulterior transactions, and therefor gain the ability to have game free, genuine, and healthy relationships. The role of the counselor is to teach and make agreements with the client for change. Techniques include contracting for change, confrontation, and concentration on early memories which are believed to create the frame of reference from which the three ego states operate. Often Gestalt techniques are also used. Strengths of this theory include the fact that the concepts are easy to understand and clearly defined, it is easy to combine with other theories,  it put responsibility on the client, and is goal directed. Limitations of Transactional Therapy are that it cannot easily be used with persons of limited cognitive functioning and there is a lack of emphasis on the qualities of the counselor.

Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt Therapy- Fritz Pearls is responsible for the development of Gestalt Therapy. This approach is based on existential principals as well, and has a here and now focus.  Gestalt is a German word that means something as an organized whole is perceived as more than the sum of its parts. Pearls believed that people have needs and when these needs are met it contributes to the wholeness of a person, but then another need takes its place. The goal of Gestalt Therapy is for the individuals to become “whole beings.” Focus is on the inner wisdom of the client, the importance of emotion, and a keen awareness of the here in now. The counselor must be authentic, exciting and energetic. The focus on the here and now is believed to help the client complete unfinished business. The counselor assists the client in being aware of their verbal and nonverbal messages in order to bring them to congruence. The emphasis is on making choices now, growing up mentally, and shedding neuroses.  Techniques include the use of experiments, frustration actions, fantasy, role playing, psychodrama, dream work, exaggeration, using the phrase “ I take responsibility…” and the empty chair technique. The empty chair technique is used when the client has a conflict with another person. They imagine the person setting in the empty chair and have a safe place to examine the dynamics of the conflict. The client can shift between chairs and imagine they are the other person. The key goal here is self-awareness of how one is functioning in regard to the conflict. The strengths of Gestalt Therapy include the many techniques available to use, and the fact that it stresses doing and being in the here and now. Limitations of Gestalt Therapy include the lack of a strong theoretical base, it does not allow for passive learning, does not allow for testing or diagnosis. In addition, Gestalt Therapy  has a self-centeredness to the approach.

Existential Counseling

Existential Counseling: Key figures in Existential Counseling include Rollo May, Victor Frankl, Abraham Maslow and Irvin Yalom. This theory finds it basis in Phenomenology. Or in layman’s terms the study of our experiences taken at their face value, and what they mean to us. We have freedom of choice and are responsible for our fate. We search for meaning and struggle with being alone or not being connected to others. Anxiety and guilr are central concepts. Anxiety is thought to be the threat of non-being and guilt occurs when we fail to fulfill our potential. The goal of this type of therapy is to help the client understand who they are and who they are becoming, bring awareness to the freedom of choosing responsibility and other personal goals. The role of the counselor is similar to that of a Person Centered therapist. There is a focus on the uniqueness of the client and on an authentic personal relationship. The counselor assists the client in moving from an outward frame of reference to accepting responsibility, and understanding the power off one’s own choices. Techniques include building a trusting and genuine relationship with the client, assisting in awareness on one’s uniqueness, confrontation, imagery and awareness exercises. Strengths of this theory are the use of philosophy and literature to inform and direct,  and it is particularly effective with anxiety. There is a stress on continuous growth and is effective in cross-cultural counseling. Limitations include the fact that Existential Counseling is not fully developed, therefore there is a lack of training available for counselors, and it does not mix well with other theories, and does not allow for diagnosis or testing.

Rational-Emotive Therapy

Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy: Key figures I Rational-Emotive Therapy include Albert Ellis, Maxie Maultsby and Janet Wolfe. This theory asserts that humans are both inherently rational and irrational, people can disturb themselves by what they think, that children are the most vulnerable, and that the words people use to describe themselves are often a mistake. This theory supports the belief that it is not the events of our lives that disturb us but our interpretation of those events. It teaches that self-talk is the source of disturbance. The goals of REBT include helping the client live more relational and productive lives, stop irrational thinking, stop self-defeating habits, gain tolerance and acceptance of self and others, and the elimination of thoughts such as, “I ought, I should, I must” which are viewed as wants that a person makes into demands in their minds. The role of the counselor is to teach, confront and correct irrational thinking. The counselor teaches the client how to analyze their self-talk. One very popular technique is called the A-B-C-D-E system. It is used to assist clients in evaluating how their thoughts or belief system are affecting them, and how to gain rational control of it.  A=an event or “Activity”. B=belief-a form of self-verbalization. C=consequent affect or feeling which can be rational or irrational. D=Disputing of the irrational belief causing the affect. E= effect or thoughts that change the self-verbalization once analyzed. Other techniques used in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy include role playing, bibliotherapy, imagery, and home work.

Strengths of this theory include the concreteness of the methods which are easy to teach, it is short term and it combines well with other theories. The main limitation of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy is the fact that it cannot be used with all clients, especially the mentally impaired.

Adlerian Counseling

Adlerian Counseling: Key figures are Alfred Adler, Rudolph Dreikurs, Don Dinkmeyer, and Thomas Sweeney. This theory focuses on social interest as a primary motivator. It asserts that birth order has a major impact on individuals and assumes that future goals are major influences on growth and development. Neurosis is viewed as a failure in learning which results in distorted perceptions.  The major goals of Adlerian Counseling include bringing about client insight, cultivating social interests, correcting faulty assumption and/or mistaken goals, and bringing about behavioral change through acting “as if.”  The counselor is viewed as an equal partner in therapy, models, teaches, and also assesses the client’s situation, shares hunches, assigns homework and encourages the client. Techniques include the use of empathy, support, warmth and collaboration. The therapist focuses on the client’s strengths and responsibility through confrontation, as well as examination of the client’s memories, dreams, and priorities. Adlerian counselors ask the question “What would be different if you were well?” Strengths include the major contribution of ideas to the counseling profession, the encouragement and support of the counselor, and the partnership view of the counseling process. Limitations of Adlerian Counseling include the lack of a strong research base, the vagueness of the concepts and the narrowness of the approach.

Next post: Rational-Emotive Therapy

Person Centered Therapy

Person Centered Therapy: Key figures include Carl Rogers, Angelo Boy & Gerald Pine. This theory focuses on the person as being basically good, positive and trustworthy. It asserts that under the right conditions the client can grow. The therapist is key to creating this condition. The therapist concentrates on the uniqueness of the client and creates a model of personal warmth, empathy, acceptance and genuineness. Goals include self-exploration, openness, and acceptance of oneself and others.  Self-direction is strongly encouraged. Techniques are acceptance, reflection, active listening, open ended questions and unconditional positive regard. Strengths of Person Centered Therapy include openness, it can be applied to a wide range of human problems, it is effective with specific disorders such as adjustment disorders, it is a short tem treatment, and holds a positive view of human nature. Limitations include the lack of concreteness, it ignores the unconscious and innate drives, and it works best with verbal intelligent clients. Person Centered Therapy addresses only surface issues.

Next post: Adlerian Counseling

Behavioral and Cognitive-Behavioral therapy

Behavioral and Cognitive-Behavioral therapies: Key players are B.F Skinner, Joseph Wolpe, Albert Bandura, John Krumboltz, Donald Meichenbaum and Aaron Beck. Goals include helping the client make good adjustments, modify mal-adaptive behavior, learn productive responses, set and achieve concrete goals, and change behavior and/or thoughts. This theory asserts that all human behaviors are learned, and that old behaviors can be extinguished. In this theory, the counselor is viewed as teacher, director and expert. The counselor is active in assisting the client in clarifying goals and modifying behavior and thoughts. There are a wide range of techniques that can be used in sessions depending on what the client is trying to achieve. For example if behavior changes are the goal, both positive and negative reinforcement is used. There is a focus on extinction of undesirable behaviors using self-monitoring and environmental planning. For fear based behavior such as phobias, one might use systematic desensitization, flooding, stress inoculation, and thought stopping techniques. Strengths of this theory include a focus on symptoms, focus is on the here and now, an abundance of available procedures, is based on learning theory, it has a well documented success rate, and it  can be used in combination with other theories. Limitations of Behavioral and Cognitive-behavioral therapy include the fact that it does not include the total person (just behaviors), it ignores past history and the unconscious, and does not consider developmental stages.

Next post: Person centered therapy

How to choose a therapist

 Did you know that not all therapists use the same theories to do counseling? In fact there are several theories that therapists base their practices on. These theories are the basis for techniques that will be used during your counseling session. There really isn’t one best theory, just a variety. In fact, a good therapist should know all of them and use the one that is most appropriate to fit your needs. The reality is however, that most therapists do tend to use the one that best fits their beliefs. So, the answer to the question of how to select a therapist depends largely on what it is you are looking for. The most common forms of therapy include Psychoanalysis, Behavioral & Cognitive-Behavioral,  Person centered, Rational-Emotive, Reality, and Existential, Gestalt, Transactional analysis and Adlerian. This 9 part article will outline each, with a note of who the major players were in developing the theory, and give a general idea what you can expect from a therapist who comes from each perspective.

Psychoanalysis: Key players are Sigmund Freud, Anna Freud and Heinz Kohut. Goals of Psychoanalysis include making the unconscious become conscious, working through unresolved developmental stages, helping the client cope or adjust and the reconstruction of the personality. There is an emphasis on early childhood and stages of sexual development, as well as ego defense mechanisms. The counselor is viewed as the expert and encourages exploration of the unconscious. Techniques include free association, dream analysis, interpreting resistance, and analyzing transference. Transference refers to the thoughts or feelings that are from past experiences that are transferred to the therapist during therapy. Strengths of this theory include a focus on childhood experiences and a battery of instruments that can be used to interpret unconscious thoughts. Limitations of this theory include the fact that it is focused on pathology, is limited mainly to psychiatry, is long term, and therefore is usually expensive.

Next post: Behavioral and Cognitive-Behavioral therapies

Jelly donut heaven

Could not resist posting this wonderful picture. Check out the hole in the box were this guy gained entry LOL!