Experts disagree...What do you think of "The Secret?"

"The Secret," a best-selling DVD, is also available as an inspirational book, written by Rhonda Byrne. The basic tenant is that the things upon which we focus tend to become our reality, as we allow things to happen and do things, consistent with this structured focus, in order to manifest our desires. Furthermore, "The Secret" emphasizes the power inherent within the "Law of Attraction" and "The Power of Intention." Although all the ideas shared within this remarkable program are not necessarily based in science, one can nonetheless benefit from acting "as if" the ideas are all-true, in order to facilitate success. I believe that the true wisdom of "The Secret" is its ability to captivate a world's imagination, by offering its heartfelt reminder of the true nature of limitless possibilities and the power of human perseverance.

Scranton's John Norcross, Ph.D. on CBS News - March 1, 2007

Video hosted by youtube.com.
Image hosted by cbsnews.com.

In my opinion, 19th Century German philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer, seemed to have summed it best by having declared "All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."

James Arthur Ray's website.

Click HERE to watch the entire DVD version of "The Secret."

Era Of Pills Means Less Talk Therapy???

A recent news story stated that the "Era Of Pills Means Less Talk Therapy." The article highlights the current trend over the decrease in psychotherapy offered, during psychiatric visits. Although it may be true that many insurance companies offer psychiatrists reimbursement incentives to offer more "medication management" than "talk therapy," psychotherapy remains an integral part of mental health treatment.

Within private practice, psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in prescribing psychotropic medication. Psychologists are licensed, non-physician specialists who offer counseling or psychotherapy services. Most insurance reimburses for full 45-50 minute sessions with psychologists. It is not uncommon for many patients to be simultaneously treated by both a psychiatrist and psychologist.

Does Therapy Really Help?

Psychologists are healthcare professionals who rely upon scientific method to understand human behavior. Within a clinical setting, psychologists apply their expertise in a balanced manner, between a directive style and the recognition of the importance of allowing themselves to be more of a facilitator to help their clients help themselves. For most people, this approach allows for accurate assessment of presenting concerns and facilitation of personal growth.

As humans, we do have an innate capacity toward health. Physically, for example, if we cut ourselves, we usually heal. Sometimes, however, if there is an infection, the cut will likely fester, continuing to cause problems, until the wound is cleansed. Therapy can be considered a way to help clean festering, "emotional wounds" that are contributing to present concerns. Although we are a species that is fairly resilient, therapy is a deliberate way, however, to facilitate our resiliency, in order to allow positive change to occur sooner, rather than later.

Talking with an objective other can offer a unique perspective conducive to emotional growth. When attempting to be supportive, unfortunately, family and friends can often make inappropriate comments, like: "Forget it" or "Don't worry about it." Usually that tactic is much easier said than done. Although well-intentioned, these statements tend to serve to further alienate oneself from one's feelings. One's feelings (both pleasant and unpleasant) offer the useful purpose of guiding one in better understanding oneself. It is the misunderstanding or avoidance of feelings that is often a catalyst to undermining our innate process, which helps us to be resilient in the first place.

There is a growing recognition of the fact that "mental health is fundamental to a person's overall health, indispensable to personal well-being and instrumental to leading a balanced and productive life." This awareness likely contributes to the fact that about 15% of our country's population now use some form of mental health services in any given year. Nonetheless, despite effective treatments, according to Dr. Satcher's 1999 Surgeon General's Mental Health report, "Nearly half of all Americans who have a severe mental illness fail to seek treatment". The fact that nearly one in five Americans are affected by a mental disorder, reinforces the understanding that "few Americans are untouched by mental illness", whether directly or indirectly.

Mental illnesses range from clinical anxiety and depression to Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Anxiety disorders, the most common form of mental illness, affect more than 10% of Americans yearly. Almost 25% of Americans will suffer an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.

Misunderstandings about therapy have kept many from seeking timely, effective care. Similar early misunderstandings, within the medical field, for example, had also existed within the field's early years. I trust that the continued acceptance and appreciation of the discipline of psychology will dispel any residual misunderstandings about its efficacious use and appropriateness to overall healthcare.

Is Our Society Becoming More Callous?

I am writing in response to the disheartening headline that shocked local and national media observers. A recently released surveillance video depicted a tragic hit-and-run scene, wherein witnesses seemingly ignored the elderly Hartford pedestrian, who lay motionless in the middle of the busy street. The report appears to insinuate that our society has become callous to its brethren. Although I certainly do not condone the onlookers' inaction, I do hope to offer insight into their questionable behavior.

Image hosted by nytimes.com
What happened in Hartford is likely an example of what is termed the "bystander effect." Each witness, perhaps confused and aghast at what they just evidenced, look at the other witnesses to see what they are going to do, assuming that the others will take responsibility. The sum result is total inaction. Ironically, this man likely had a better chance of getting help sooner, if there were only one or two witnesses present. When there exist more than two witnesses, the social phenomenon of "diffusion of responsibility" can bring about the bystander effect.

Understanding the existence of this phenomenon can help future bystanders break free from its effects. Additionally, if one finds oneself in the role of the victim, one should attempt to single out a particular bystander, by pointing to the one witness and requesting their singular assistance. Although the severity of his injuries certainly prevented this victim from making any requests, it is somewhat reassuring that at least some of the witnesses, in this case, did phone 911.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, during which the free National Anxieties Disorders Screening Day is held. Consider what Kim Bassinger, Marc Summers and football great Earl Campbell have in common. They have all suffered from an anxiety disorder, America's most common mental illness. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, nearly a quarter of the American adult population will suffer from an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives.

Unlike normal worries, these individuals can experience a variety of symptoms which can include spontaneous panic attacks, endlessly checking and rechecking their actions, persistent, uncontrollable worry and social anxiety, which interferes with their lives. The symptoms of anxiety disorders are characterized by fear and anxiety that appear for no apparent reason.

Anxiety disorders include Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Phobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Left untreated, these conditions often become accompanied by depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. Although most sufferers never connect with appropriate treatment, effective treatments do exist, which can offer relief within a relatively short period of time.

The first week of every October is designated as Mental Illness Awareness Week, during which the free National Depression Screening Day is held. Consider what Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Hemingway, and Brooke Shields have in common. They have all suffered from clinical depression. Depression and manic-depression strike more than 17 million Americans each year, according to figures from the National Institute of Mental Health. Fewer than half, however, actually seeks treatment, despite the fact that treatment can help 80 - 90 percent of those affected.

Common symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, restlessness and irritability, changes in sleep and appetite, loss of energy and thoughts of death or suicide. Manic-depression includes feelings of euphoria or agitation. Clinical depression is more than just the 'blues. It is a real, pervasive condition that even has the potential to be life threatening. A sufferer has no better chance to "just snap out of it" than someone, for example, with a seizure disorder simply controlling their attacks. The screenings initiatives are invaluable opportunities for people, who might otherwise be timid about discussing their concerns or symptoms, to do so without feeling pressured.

Click HERE For Information on a FREE Mental Health Screening!

Click HERE to watch excerpts of the online VIDEO:

"The Pain of Depression - A Journey Through the Darkness"

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) -- Effective For Military's PTSD Symptoms

The Department of Defense now encourages troops to seek psychological counseling, having recently eased its policy on disclosure mandates. I applaud this initiative, especially since about one in eight of our American soldiers are reportedly returning from Iraq, suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. As treatment, the Department of Defense/Department of Veterans Affairs Practice Guidelines have also placed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in the highest category, recommended for all trauma populations, at all times.

EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that assists patients in resolving disturbing memories. It is imperative that any lingering misconceptions surrounding its efficacy be dispelled, in order that more soldiers are afforded the opportunity to alleviate their suffering, by applying this remarkable therapeutic approach.

As a Pennsylvania psychologist, I have been using this form of therapy, since 1995. Most of the concerns, about EMDR, seem to have been centered upon the notion that there existed little evidence for its use as one of psychotherapy's "empirically supported treatments." In so much as it is vital that no health care provider do patient harm, my question is to consider the harm that could occur, however, if EMDR is not offered as a timely treatment option.

Throughout the years, it has been my experience that EMDR seems to help patients make a link between what they "know" to what they "feel." This "break-through" is invaluable, especially with the trauma patient who is finally able to resolve their torment. Numerous studies also appear to support this same contention that EMDR offers a protocol and treatment approach that is efficacious, time efficient, and particularly indicated when dealing with patients with trauma-based issues, like many of our young soldiers.

OPEN FORUM

Use this space to create your own topic of discussion!

The Secret Law of Attraction and The Power of Intention

On my website, I host several inspirational videos, including videos featuring Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. Wayne Dyer, and "The Secret." I find the basic tenant of the "The Secret" quite inspirational, in that the things upon which we focus tend to become our reality, as we allow things to happen and do things, consistent with this structured focus, in order to manifest our desires.

Although all the ideas shared within these programs are not necessarily based in science, I do believe that one can still benefit from acting "as if" the ideas are all-true, in order to facilitate success. Furthermore, I believe that the true wisdom of "The Secret" is its ability to captivate a world's imagination, by offering its heartfelt reminder of the true nature of limitless possibilities and the power of human perseverance.

Click for ebook The Secret of the Ages by: Robert Collier FREE Ebook download of the 1926 book that inspired Rhonda Byrnes. Image hosted by google.com. Ebook hosted by tigerseyedowsing.com.	Click for ebook Think and Grow Rich by: Napoleon Hill FREE Ebook download of the 1937 book that inspired Bob Proctor. Image hosted by google.com. Download hosted by life-with-confidence.com.
Click for ebook The Master Key System by: Charles F. Haanel FREE ebook download of the 1912 book. Image hosted by google.com. Download hosted by thefreemasterkey.com.	Click for ebook The Science of Getting Rich by: Wallace D. Wattles FREE ebook download of the 1910 book. Image and download hosted by wowio.com.
Click for ebook As A Man Thinketh by:James Allen FREE ebook download of the 1902 book. Image hosted by google.com. Download hosted by healtalk.com.	Enjoy a FREE preview of Rhonda Byrne's 2006 book, "The Secret." It is also available as an instantly downloadable ebook. Click HERE. Image hosted by google.com

Click for ebook The Principles of Successful Manifesting FREE ebook download of 2008 ebook. Image and download hosted by www.dreammanifesto.com

100+ additional FREE ebooks related to "The Secret"
25 Self-help / Inspirational Videos
12+ FREE Inspirational Audio Programs
(Hosted by universallawstoday.com.)

Learned Helplessness and Self-Esteem

"Living Life on Life's Terms" means that there are certain things concerning life, about which we must adhere. For example, one of the "terms" of life is that we need to breathe air and drink water. One of the other "terms" is that sometimes bad things happen to good people. Nonetheless, we can learn from these experiences. One of the things that we often learn is that we do have choices.

Young circus elephants, for example, have often been trained to keep them from escaping, by tying them to a post, while they are still very young. After countless, fruitless attempts to free themselves, the baby elephants believe that they cannot escape. Eventually, even as strong, adult elephants, they will not attempt to flee. The elephants have leaned to be helpless, despite their new reality.
Not unlike other animals, humans can mistakenly learn to be helpless. Unlike most other animals, however, we have the unique intellectual capacity to understand the nature of our limitations, in order to rise above them.

What we focus upon tends to become our experience. If we believe that we are "bad" and "deserve to be punished," then that becomes our reality. If we understand, however, that we were "victimized," that sometimes bad things do happen to good people, we can learn from our unfortunate experience that we still do have choices, despite our initial feelings of "learned helplessness." We can eventually "accept life on life's terms" that despite what happened, that does not make me who I am. I am a good person who has positive choices and deserves good things. This new, healthier perspective now becomes our reality, as we allow things to happen and to things, consistent with this empowering belief.

Virtual Light and Sound Machine Meditation FREEWARE for Effortless Stress Management

Since 1997, Herbert Benson, of the Harvard Medical School, has reaffirmed that "Sixty to ninety percent of [doctor-patient] visits are prompted by conditions related to stress." Especially in today's world, stress management is truly vital to emotional, relational, and overall physical health. As a psychologist, I understand that most tend to consider meditative exercises as too difficult to learn; and too time consuming to practice.

Although activities like watching television and listening to music can be relaxing, they do not illicit the relaxation response that is most beneficial for managing stress. In order to de-stress, people need to do something that sounds contradictory, namely engage in activity that is not passive. The Surgeon General recommends physical activity for stress management. One can also manage stress by engaging in self-meditations.

De-stressing with...

"Virtual Light & Sound Machine"
Meditation FREEWARE

Even though Light and Sound Machines are effective devices that help to induce healthy meditative states, most also consider them to be too expensive. To sample the positive effects of these devices, "Flasher 1.51" is actually a fully-functional, virtual Light & Sound Machine freeware program, that was created in the early 1990's. It was designed to similarly entrain brainwaves with precisely timed, flickering lights. One can simply choose the settings one wants, sit in front of the computer monitor, and close one's eyes. The software then pulses the monitor so that the flickering is experienced behind one's closed eyelids. It offers a remarkably effective, seemingly effortless feeling of DEEP RELAXATION, within only a few minutes. The effect appears very similar to the experience of using actual Light & Sound Machine goggles.

This meditation enhancer was recently given new life, by an American computer programmer. It now allows the previously out-dated program to function within today's modern Windows environment. I often recommend it to my patients who want to better mange their stress.

Virtual "Light & Sound Machine" Meditation Freeware Installation Instructions

The effectiveness and ease of audio hypnotic programs can even be enhanced with the use the meditation enhancer software technology, described above. For some FREE audio hypnosis downloads and complete information on Light & Sound Machine technology, please feel free to visit my website: www.ThePsychologist.com/