One of my passions in bridging the gap between what we determine is “dysfunctional” in mental health and what is “healthy”. I believe we all have strengths and weaknesses, and that those all play out on a spectrum of ability. We compare to ourselves to how we believe we should individually perform or act (our potential) and how we perceive societal expectations from others (cultural/interpersonal norms). Because of these expectations, it is sometimes hard to view ourselves as the continuous work in progress that we are. Having a set of adaptive psychological tools is crucial to a more fulfilling and satisfying life (Iacoviell and Charney 2020; Ramaci, Bellini, et. al, 2019). This is true if you are struggling with severe depression, or if you are pushing the limits of human performance (and in fact, you can be doing both).
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Most individuals in the US view therapy as solely a treatment for disorders as defined by the DSM. I support mental health treatment in its many forms, have worked in the field addressing severe emotional impairment, and recognize (and use) tested clinical treatments for many DSM diagnoses (including depression, anxiety and trauma). However, insurance coverage of individual therapy, and the treatment models they reimburse, support the medical view that therapy requires emotional distress and is a reactive practice and not a proactive one. As a result, therapy, and the growth-oriented skills developed there, are not as accessible to the general public, despite the demonstrated benefit they provide beyond treatment of specific disorders, such as impact on subjective well being and longevity (Fuller-Thompson, et al. 2020).
There are not many programs out there that seek inclusivity between emotional growth and peak performance. So I’m working to build a model to bring together those two aspects of mental health practice.
With your help to fill this gap, we are working on hybrid, self-directed/professional supported program. The program will seek to reduce stigma around emotional growth, reframe therapy as a cultivated practice, not “treatment”, and build an affordable model for integrating “self-help” with professional support.
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This program will be offered at a discounted rate for those participating in the pilot launching next year.
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We are hoping to test this program for effectiveness and will need enough interested participants before we can begin. It will consist of 12 sessions over a period of 6 months, will be a waitlist vs treatment group design, and will require commitment to 2 follow up interviews during a 1 year period after completion of the program.
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If you would like to participate, please use the survey button to express your interest.
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