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Methadone Myths

By Raul Rodriguez, M.D.
Medical Director

Methadone, administered properly, is a highly effective treatment for opiate withdrawal and pain management. But it is also associated with a great many myths and urban legends. Let’s sort out a few of them right now.

Myth: Methadone rots your teeth
FACT: Taken in liquid form, methadone will not harm tooth enamel if patients brush properly after ingestion. That being said, there are a couple of reasons why methadone patients may have excessive tooth decay. Opiate dependence can lead to frequent vomiting which will wear away at tooth enamel over an extended period of time. Furthermore, people with an opiate dependence often do not care about proper dental hygiene and may go extended periods without brushing their teeth.

Myth: Methadone ‘gets into your bones’.
FACT: Many patients undergoing methadone withdrawal report feeling pain “in their bones”. A common side effect of detoxification is a heightened sensitivity to pain, and while the pain may appear to originate in the bones, methadone does not impregnate the bones or weaken them in any way.

Myth: Methadone is the hardest detox of all opiates.
FACT: Withdrawal from a prolonged use or high dose of methadone can be more difficult than withdrawal from other substances. Fortunately, recent advances in medical science and the emergence of medications such as Subutex and Suboxone have significantly eased the withdrawal process. The truth is that methadone withdrawal, when supervised by an experienced professional, can be done safely and with minimal discomfort.

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Caffeine: Comfortably Cutting Consumption

By Christie Caggiani, RD, LD/N

How much? When? Is it good or bad for me? Caffeine confusion is a common topic of discussion and is surrounded by fears of headaches and morning lethargy if they are to “give it up”. We know that a little caffeine can be helpful for mental alertness, however, if you find that your energy and moods are dependent on it, you’re likely drinking too much. To make some changes, take the following steps:

Write down the coffee, tea, energy drinks and soft drinks you drink for a few days. This will help you understand when and how much you drink.

Decrease intake gradually over 1 or 2 weeks by eliminating ½ cup of coffee/tea or 8 ounces of soda each day.

Switch to “half-caff” in the morning and decaf in the afternoon. Eliminating caffeine late in the day will help restore restful sleep. Well rested, you will have more energy during the day and feel less need for caffeine.

Substitute caffeinated drinks with beverages such as Teecino® or Pero®, herbal tea or water with lemon.

Exercise or keep active during the times that you used to drink coffee, tea, and soft drinks. If you get adequate activity, you will have more genuine energy and feel less need for caffeine.

Fuel yourself. Caffeine only stimulates the central nervous system, it doesn’t provide actual fuel or energy. If it’s been 3-4 hours since you’ve last eaten, you probably need food, not coffee! Include a mix of carbs and protein at all meals and snacks regularly throughout your day to ward off caffeine cravings.

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Safe Sailing in the Sea of Life

By Dr. Patty Shutt
Clinical Director

Relapse Prevention is a set of life skills that are anchored in self-awareness. Recovery is far more difficult than just “don’t pick up.” Sobriety simply opens up the doorway to self-awareness. Facing difficulties, while maintaining awareness is the foundation for building mastery and self-esteem. A person who is buoyed up by “real” supports that come from within can truly begin the process of rebuilding. Each day that one faces life challenges with awareness and courage, another board is set in place for building the boat that will soon sail safely in the sea of life.

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Meet The Therapist: Dr. Stephanie May

Tell us about your practice.
I received both a Masters and Doctorate in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and did my post-doctoral training at the Renfrew Center, a nationally recognized eating disorder treatment center in Coconut Creek. I have spent much of my career specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, improving self-esteem, and strengthening relationships between couples.

How do you approach therapy?
My highest priority in working with my clients is to form a collaborative relationship that is based on respect, dignity, compassion, and results. It’s important for me to take the time to get to know and understand each client as a whole person so that I can give them the specialized individual care they deserve.

What is your “Radiant Woman” workshop?
The workshops are dedicated to helping women (adult and teen) improve self-esteem and create a healthy self-image. I am really proud of how the Radiant Woman workshops have developed and all the wonderful people I have connected with.

What do you hope your clients gain from therapy?
I want my clients to be healthy and present in their lives. I want therapy to not just be a “good experience” for my clients, but would like for them to walk away from the experience knowing that something tangible was created in their lives as a result.

What brought you to Delray Center?
I am thrilled to be a part of this dynamic team of professionals. It is refreshing to work with so many people who value a holistic approach to healing. I look forward to expanding my practice here.

Anything else?
I love to backpack, especially in the mountains of Colorado. Also, I am a practicing Yogini!

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THE NEW CO-DEPENDENCY: A Special Summer Book Study
Moderated by Jen Bilot, Med., LMHC

Codependency is a common problem in relationships of all kinds; parent/child relationships, marital relationships, friendships and so on. It is something that we learn and, therefore, something that we can and must learn new skills to overcome. This Book Study will include skill building in boundary setting, communication techniques, healthy emotional expression, acceptance of life circumstances and detachment.

See Jestine in Building 2 to sign up and purchase your book. Please register by June 20th and come to first session prepared to discuss Section 1 of the book. I look forward to seeing you there!

THE NEW CO-DEPENDENCY
Mondays 12:00 – 1:00 pm
4-Week Session Begins June 27th
(Group will not meet on July 4th)
$100

Delray Center and The Sacred Treehouse will be closed on Monday July 4th.

 

 

In this Issue:

•Alcoholism and Controlled Drinking: How much is OK?
•Making Them Ready: Preparing your child to become an adult.
•Just BREATHE: How to conquer stress.
•Practical Support: How to help a loved one with an eating disorder.
•Goodbye: An original poem by Ross
•Delray Center Announcements

Click Here to Download

Facing Denial

Raul Rodriguez M.D.
Medical Director

Denial is a huge problem with many types of addictions and eating disorders. Both people who suffer from these conditions and those around them are susceptible to denying that a problem exists. There are two lines of thinking that can be especially dangerous: “Everybody does it” and “I can still function”.

Social drinking and dieting are both legal and socially acceptable. If everyone around them is drinking (or dieting), it’s easy to view their behavior as normal. Even prescription medication can be easily justified. The line between socially acceptable and dangerous is not always easy for people to see.

Eating disorders are easily hidden and addiction can take awhile to become obvious enough for someone to get fired (or go to jail). So while the person’s behavior is clearly unhealthy and problematic, they may still be able to hold their job and manage their responsibilities during the day and look otherwise ‘normal’ up until five, six o clock at night. This ability to blend in and keep up appearances not only fosters a sense of denial but it can also disguise the true nature of their condition to others.

Denial, both by the person suffering from an addiction or eating disorder and by their loved ones, is perhaps the single most significant barrier to treatment. And while the patients themselves may be difficult to reach, those around them need to maintain perspective and objectivity. No one wants to admit a problem exists, but that is exactly what needs to be done to save a life. 

Body Image and Eating Disorders

Nicole Friedman, Psy.D.

Many, if not most women struggle with negative thoughts and feelings about their bodies. Our society as a whole reinforces such beliefs by placing undue emphasis on weight and body shape. The media glorifies the grossly underweight models and movie stars that young women, unfortunately, look to as icons of beauty and success. Unable to achieve an impossible goal, many women and young girls develop a negative attitude towards their body. When taken to extremes they engage in chronic dieting, excessive exercise, and unhealthy eating habits ultimately laying the foundation for the development of an eating disorder.

When a woman suffers from an eating disorder, her thoughts and beliefs about her body become exaggerated, distorted and all consuming. Food or thoughts about food, weight and body image begin to take up an inordinate amount of time and emotional energy. For these women, addressing ‘real’ emotional pain is oftentimes so difficult, that they redirect focus to seemingly ‘safe’ topics such as body, weight and shape. The body becomes a warehouse for every negative feeling and emotion.

In order for a substantial change to take place, women with eating disorders must shift their focus from the external (body) to the internal (self). The difficult step of facing the real emotional pain is the first and most frightening phase in the healing process. Fortunately, with the support of experienced medical professionals, women who suffer from eating disorders have an excellent chance of succeeding in that first step and moving on to a full and complete recovery. 

The Many Faces of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders manifest in several different forms – some of the most common are listed here:

• Anorexia – characterized by a refusal to maintain a healthy body weight, an obsessive fear of gaining weight and a poor self-image
  
• Bulimia – restricting food intake for a period of time followed by an over intake or binging period that illicit feelings of guilt and low self-esteem
  
• Binge Eating – episodes of uncontrollable eating
  
• Compulsive Overeating – frequent episodes of uncontrolled eating, or binge eating that may feel frenzied or out of control, often consuming food past the point of being comfortably full

A Change of Thought

Clara Bossie, M.S. IMH/IMT, C.Ad. B.Ed.

If someone asks you, “what do you want?” Could you tell them? Would you reply with, “I don’t know?” All to often we carry on about things we ought not do or want others to not do. Over time you may even forget what you do want. Learning to focus your attention on the outcomes you desire will not only bring you closer to your goals, but will also give you a greater ability to regulate your own emotions.

Your brain will adjust your body chemistry for what it thinks is coming. In fact, by focusing on sweets you can change your insulin levels. Imagine what this could this mean for those of us who brace ourselves for stress producing events!

When you are assuming the worst, you are focusing on what you don’t want. That is why you are feeling upset… because of the upsetting thought. Can you shift your thinking to what you do want, of good things you have now, of your goals for the future? This shift will create a chain reaction and increase your ability to regulate your emotions. 

CLARA-fied: How to Challenge Negative Thoughts

Changing a thought pattern is a great challenge. One strategy is to write your thoughts down and look your words over. Can you say it differently, challenge the thought, and omit unproductive words? Think of this more as you would a word problem than an expressive writing assignment.

Thought: “Everyone hates me!”

Challenge: Who is “Everyone”? Everyone = Mom who is sad but does not hate me, Dad who is angry at me but says he loves me, Sister who is too scared to talk to me right now, Brother who is okay with me right now and who I know loves me even though he did not say.

Thought: “I should go study for class.”

Omit: I should go study for class = I can go study for class

5 Things You Need to Know About Your Medications

Patricia Barlow, PA-C

When I meet a patient for the first time I am often surprised at how little they know about the medications they take. The following are 5 things EVERYONE should know about their medications:

1) Know the names of all your medications. If you don’t think you will remember the name — write it down.

2) Know why you are taking the medication. When I ask a new patient if they have ever been treated for hypertension, they will often say no but write down a high blood pressure medication on the list of prescriptions they are taking. If it is important enough to put in your body then know why you are taking it.

3) Know if you have any allergies to medications. Allergies are different than a side effect such as making you tired. An allergy, such as shortness of breath, is a reason that prohibits the medication from being prescribed.

4) Know if your medication reacts with any other medications you are on. (See #1) The best place to find out interactions is with your local pharmacist.

5) Know how much the medicine costs and if it comes in a generic form. This may not be possible at the time it is prescribed (due to insurance being somewhat of a mystery as to what is covered) but you should know if a generic is available in the event that the medication is out of your price range.

By Patty Thomas Shutt, Psy.D.
Clinical Director

Mindfulness is present‐state awareness; an awakening from what is going on in our mind, bodies, and surroundings at any given moment. Mindfulness is not thought, but rather the experiencing of thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. As I drive along the path to work I will often find myself caught up in a series of thoughts having to do with my day ahead, or replaying the morning scenes of chaos. At some point I wake up from this out of body dialogue that has pulled me out of the drivers seat and become aware of the numerous thoughts swirling in my head.

Sometimes it takes a horn, a screech of tires, or a near crash to bring my attention to the distance I have traveled away from the present. I then take the proverbial step back, by noticing my breath first. Just awareness of this one autonomic breath ‐ in and out – and I fall into mindfulness of that very moment. It is like waking up and it feels both invigorating, and calming at the same time. Meditation is the formal practice of training the mind, it helps individuals to slow down, harness their thoughts, and begin to direct attention to what is purposeful. Dedicating between 30 and 60 minutes each day to a formal practice will nurture and feed the growth of mindful living, just as weight training prepares an athlete for the big game. There is no need to go to an ashram to study meditation or to remove ourselves from the world.

It is within our daily life, with our current struggles that we must learn to steady the mind, examine ourselves without judgment, and cultivate the will to overcome all obstacles created by our ego and past conditioning. This chiseling away at the outer layers of our being and getting to the core is a primary purpose in life. This truly releases the self and unifies us with all other living creatures, seeing what is real ‐ that we are all connected, unified, as one. This may sound like a lofty goal, especially with the limited resources people have today.

We have so much electronic equipment to help us stay connected to others 24/7, but have lost the ability to connect with our self. There is no short cut. The path is long and often difficult to navigate with all the obstacles placed in our way, but letting go of all the trappings of our material and fast‐paced world will facilitate falling into mindfulness. Discover this awakening for yourself ‐ join me on Monday mornings at 11:00 am for Beginning Meditation.

VITAMIN D: THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN
By Doreen Cott, A.P.

Vitamin D plays a vital role in overall health and well‐being. It has a beneficial effect on the immune system, cardiovascular system, bone health and development. It can also protect against many forms of cancer, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, depression, MS, rhumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and chronic fatigue. As you age, you need more Vitamin D. People aged 50 and older need twice as much Vitamin D as those under 50 (400 IU per day) and people over 70 need even more (600 IU per day) Foods rich in Vitamin D include salmon, sardines, fortified milk and cereals.

Besides getting Vitamin D from food or supplements, perhaps the best and most cost effective way to ensure that your body is getting enough Vitamin D is through sunlight: either 10 minutes of direct exposure on at least 30% of your bare skin or through the eyes and visual system. The eyes are the  best choice, when you consider that the visual system has evolved specifically for light. When sunlight comes into the eyes it goes directly to the pituitary or ‘Master’ gland, which is in the optic chiasma deep in the brain.

By Chaya~Sharon Heller, BA, IYT, AYC, LMT

Ayurveda literally translates as the wisdom or science of daily living and originated in India over 6,000 years ago. It is the oldest known medical system still in use and is practical knowledge of self‐healing that anyone can learn. The basis of Ayurveda is to unlock the human potential by raising awareness of the human condition and the essence of who we each uniquely are at all layers of our being and living authentically, according to the natural rhythms of nature, which includes understanding the symptoms of change.

This can be done through the practice of yoga, meditation, and lifestyle modifications such as appropriate diet, body treatments, massage, and purification. At the core of these ancient principles is the consideration of our relationship to ourselves and the environment, and the process of getting in touch with one’s true nature at all levels: physical, energetic, emotional, intuitively and spiritually. To be focused in any one area means the exclusion of another, and vice versa; to leave any one level out, is incomplete and not a holistic system.

When someone is stuck in any one part of themselves, their prana or bio‐energetic life force is not fully flowing, causing fragmentation and disease. As a Yoga and Ayurvedic Practitioner I evaluate the prana vitiation and can recommend methods to bring it into balance in order to create wholeness and harmony between body, mind and spirit, resulting in overall wellness. In addition, a consultation includes assessment of your dosha (elemental composition) and condition, utilizing skilled questioning and observation, pulse diagnosis, and tongue analysis and the creation of an appropriate health plan. Ayurveda and Yoga can support healing from the practice of stillness and deep relaxation, and the resulting accessibility of energy, clarity, flexibility, strength, and confidence that this integration brings.

Attend The Healing Power of Ayurveda and Yoga, a 5‐part lecture series sponsored by The Sacred Treehouse. Call 561.243.9696 for registration and additional information.

CURRIED TURKEY SALAD
Serves 8

• 3 cups chopped cooked turkey (or chicken)
• 1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks)
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• ½ cup thinly sliced green onions (4)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup chutney
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp snipped fresh basil or ½ tsp dried basil, crushed
• ¼ cup toasted cashews or almonds

In a medium bowl, combine turkey, celery, cucumber and green onions. For dressing, stir together mayonnaise, chutney, curry, lemon juice, basil, and ½ tsp salt. Pour over chicken mixture; toss to coat. Cover and chill for 1 to 4 hours. Before servings, stir in toasted cashews or almonds.

Submitted by Christie Caggiani, RD, LD/N

By Patty Shutt, Psy.D. and Nicole Friedman, Psy.D.

Here at the Delray Center, our clinical team is highly trained in providing two evidenced based treatments that are effective with diverse populations. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), originally developed for trauma victims to process and heal from PTSD, is a highly structured therapeutic approach that is client centered, time‐limited, and remarkably effective.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) was originally developed for highly suicidal clients. However, subsequent outcome research has found that DBT is effective in treating a multitude of psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and substance addiction. DBT encompasses four modalities, each addressing critical life skills; they are: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation and distress tolerance. Over the past two years, our clients have experienced successful treatment outcomes combining the use of EMDR and DBT inspired skills group.

Clients work with an EMDR trained therapist in individual therapy 1‐2 times weekly and participate in a 2‐hour skillsgroup weekly. The most successful results are achieved by individuals who actively participate and complete a second series of DBT, which facilitates integration of skills into long‐term memory and leads to more natural application of skills in daily life. Please inquire about appropriateness of these treatments for you or a friend or family member.

The benefits are life changing and often clients wish they had been exposed to these treatments earlier in life. In fact, one of our talented therapists is trained in treating children and adolescents. To learn more about these treatments, go to www.emdria.org andwww.behavioraltech.com.

Dr. Patty Shutt is Clinical Director at The Delray Center for Healing and has nearly two decades of experience working with individuals and groups to improve mental and emotional functioning. She is a trained EMDR therapist and co‐leads the DBT skills group with Dr. Friedman.

Dr. Nicole Friedman works with individuals, couples, and families utilizing a caring compassionate and integrated therapy approach designed specifically to meet the needs of each client. She is a trained EMDR therapist and co‐leads the DBT skills group with Dr. Shutt.

NATURAL VISION ENHANCEMENT
By Doreen Cott, A.P., L.Ac.

Our eyes, the windows of our soul, are powerful tools of the brain. They are made of the same tissue material as the brain itself, a direct extension of the brain pushing itself out through the eye sockets searching out light.

Fortunately, most of us were born with physically perfect, healthy, normal eyes and possess the potential for the sharp, clear vision that was designed to be enjoyed over an entire lifetime. We know that there are many cultures where the majority of individuals enjoy excellent eyesight well into adulthood, including the elders.

In fact, it has been reported that Australian Aborigines possess vision that is 5 times better than Westerner’s eyesight! So what happened to our good eyesight? Why are we experiencing an epidemic of people who need to rely on glasses and contact lenses to see?

The answer is stress. Our stressful lives affect us negatively in many ways. Visual stress increases the pressure inside the eyeball. Over a period of time the increased pressure makes the eyeball stretch and deform causing vision to become distorted or blurry. Thankfully, we are not stuck with the vision that we may have ended up  with.

MANAGING CONFLICT
By Jennifer Bilot, MEd., IMH

Conflict is a natural part of life. Anytime we are in a relationship with someone, whether it is a partner, friend, or family member, there is the potential for conflicts to arise. While conflict is not necessarily a bad thing, it can make us very uncomfortable! In fact, unmanaged conflict can seriously harm relationships so it is important to deal with it effectively. Here are some tips to help you navigate through difficult conflicts:

• Clarify: Sometimes our assumptions about another person’s thoughts, feelings or motives are incorrect. Take a minute to clarify and understand what the other person is saying.
• Communicate: Clearly communicate your understanding of the conflict ‐ make sure you are saying exactly what you think and how you feel.
• Open Up: Maintain an open and relaxed body posture and tone of voice. This can often keep a conflict from escalating into an unmanageable situation.
• Respect: Always treat others with respect. Although this can be a challenge, during a conflict it is essential. Remember, “Words of disrespect may create wounds that are difficult to heal.” For more tips on conflict as well as other relationship issues, come to the Life Strategies group on

Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Some of our upcoming topics will include giving and receiving feedback and managing criticisms. I look forward to seeing you there!

TAKE THE DELRAY CENTER CHALLENGE!

Practice Jennifer’s Conflict Management tips the next time you are engaged in a serious but no confrontational conversation.

Remember:
Clarify
Communicate
Open Up
Respect

Later, assess your progress. How did applying these skills affect the outcome of the conversation? Which skill was the most difficult to apply? Keep these tips in mind during your daily interactions and you will find it easier to apply them when a conflict arises.

NATURAL VISION ENHANCEMENT

corrective lenses that seem to keep getting stronger and stronger as our vision continues to deteriorate. Our vision is a dynamic system which is the sum total of a holistic processthat  involves many acquired or learned visual  skills.

These visual and perceptual skills can be enhanced through vision training. Natural Vision Enhancement (NVE) is a holistic program of vision training and overall eye health. Developed by an ophthalmologist and based on ancient teachings from the Yoga Sutras, NVE offers an alternative approach to treating the different types of visual problems that lead both children and adults down the road to glasses or surgery.

NVE integrates fun and easy eye exercises with relaxation techniques. These are ocularmotor exercises, which work by systematically training the nine muscles that directly impact vision. NVE increases strength, flexibility, accuracy, and endurance for every type of visual skill. It conditions the extra‐ocular muscles, cleanses the eyes and relaxes the visual system naturally.

NVE activities are also designed to ‘switch‐on’ the visual hemisphere of the brain and tone‐up the connection between mind and eye leading to improvements in vision, memory, concentration, comprehension, and imagination.

While vision training can be especially important for children because their visual and perceptual skill sets are still developing and coming on‐line, it is never too late to improve visual power and develop good visual habits.

Doreen Cott, A.P., L.Ac. is a certified Bates’ Method Practitioner who has been teaching Natural Vision Enhancement for over 20 years. Her book, ‘Natural Vision Enhancement’ is available at The Sacred Treehouse. To schedule an appointment, call The Delray Center at 561.266.8866.

TROUBLE SLEEPING?
By Patricia Barlow Bernstein PA‐C

Have you tried several sleep medications and still don’t get a good night’s sleep? When you wake up in the morning do you feel like you never went to bed? Do you keep your spouse up at night with all the loud snoring?

You may have a condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts. The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax. These muscles support the soft palate, the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate (uvula), the tonsils and the tongue.

When the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in, and breathing momentarily stops. This may lower the level of oxygen in your blood. Your brain senses this inability to breathe and briefly rouses you from sleep so you can reopen your airway.

This awakening is usually so brief that you don’t remember it. You can awaken with a transient shortness of breath that corrects itself quickly, within one or two deep breaths, although this is rare. You may make a snorting, choking or gasping sound. This pattern can repeat itself five to 30 times or more each hour, all night long.

These disruptions impair your ability to reach the desired deep, restful phases of sleep, and you’ll probably feel sleepy during your waking hours. People with obstructive sleep apnea may not be aware that their sleep was interrupted. In fact, many people with this type of sleep apnea think they sleep well all night. Some symptoms of sleep apnea include the following:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
• Loud snoring
• Observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
• Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath
• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headache
• Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)

Many people don’t think of snoring as a sign of something potentially serious, and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. But be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience loud snoring or excessive drowsiness.

WHEN TO CONSULT A DOCTOR

Consult a medical professional if you experience, or if your partner observes, the following:

• Snoring loud enough to disturb the sleep of others or yourself
• Loud snoring punctuated by periods of silence
• Shortness of breath that awakens you from sleep
• Intermittent pauses in your breathing during sleep
• Excessive daytime drowsiness, which may cause you to fall asleep while you’re working, watching television or even driving

Natural Vision Enhancement Therapy

Tired of wearing glasses or uncomfortable contacts? You can improve your vision using a system of fun and easy eye exercises developed by yoga masters and ophthalmologist Dr. W.H. Bates. Natural Vision Enhancement can help

• Correct poor vision caused by myopia, astigmatism, and farsightedness, crossed, lazy or wandering eyes.
• Relive eyestrain, tension headaches, dry or tired eyes.
• Improve peripheral vision, night vision, hand‐eye coordination and depth perception. In addition to vision improvement, the exercises and techniques used in this program can also improve concentration and visual memory retention – great for both students and adults. Natural Vision Enhancement Therapy is offered at The Sacred Treehouse and will be moderated by Doreen Cott, A.P., L.Ac., certified Bates’ Method teacher with over 25 years of experience.

Natural Vision Enhancement Free Introductory Class
Thursday, September 16th at 6:00 pm

Natural Vision Enhancement Therapy
Thursdays 6:00 ‐ 7:00 pm (Adults Only)

Sessions begin September 23rd
Saturdays 12:00 ‐ 1:00 pm (Adults & Kids)

Sessions begin September 24th
Children aged 8‐11 must be accompanied by an adult

Visit www.sacredtreehouse.org or call 561.243.9696 for registration details or more information.

Welcome Chaya!

We are pleased to announce the arrival of Chaya Li Sharon, BA, IYT, LMT, AYC, ERYT500, who will be joining our family of esteemed professionals. She brings with her over 25 years experience as a Spiritual Teacher, Ayurvedic Holistic Health Educator, and Senior Kripalu Yoga instructor. Chaya’s warm personality and enlightened approach to health and healing are an ideal complement to our philosophy of wellness. Please join us in welcoming her to our team!

NEWS FROM THE SACRED TREEHOUSE

Mindful Mondays begins this September

Begin every week with a focused mind and peaceful heart. Find the tools you need to develop body, mind and spirit all in one place. The Mindful Monday Package (a $47 value) costs $40 and includes:

• Mindful Yoga 10:00 – 11:00 am
• Meditation 11:00 ‐ 12:00 pm
• Book Study 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Participants must pre‐register to attend.

The Stoics: Faith in Reason

6‐week session begins September 20th

Stoicism, often misunderstood in modern culture, is actually a way of life that is rich, nuanced, imbued with clarity, and friendly toward all. Discover this ancient philosophy and learn how the human capacity to reason can control desires and reduce suffering. Moderated by Jack Fisher, M.Div. Mondays 12:00 ‐ 1:00 pm

The Sacred Treehouse

Located in The Delray Center for Wellness 120 SE 4th Avenue, Delray Beach FL 33483
www.sacredtreehouse.org
561.243.9696

TUNA AND WHITE BEAN SALAD
Serves 4

1 ½ cups chopped and peeled cucumber
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
1 ½ Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
¼ tsp back pepper
1 (15‐oz) can, rinsed & drained (or 1 ½ cups cooked) cannellini, GreatNorthern or navy beans
2 (6‐oz) cans chunk light tuna, drained
1 (2‐oz) jar diced pimiento, drained

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, toss well to coat. Serve with whole grain crackers and vegetables.

Submitted by Christie Caggiani, RD, LD/N

Adapted courtesy of US Dry Bean Council

By Clara Bossie, M.S. IMH/IMT, C.Ad. B.Ed.

Take a moment to think about your life way back in the dark ages when you were a child. Do you remember what you learned, lacked, liked, and could do without? Be honest ‐ you don’t have to share your thoughts with anybody, unless you decide to. Ask yourself:

• What parenting styles did you experience as a child?
• How did your parents teach you to be well behaved?
• How did your parents discipline you?
• Did they always teach and correct you with anger?
• How did they encourage your independence?

Unless you consciously make other choices, you may slide into the same style and approach as your parents. It is natural to internalize your parents’ discipline. For some, this would be a good thing while others may believe it is their worst nightmare. By being aware of your own upbringing, you can begin to think about the parenting style and approach that helped shape you verses how you parent now.

You can begin to make decisions about adjusting these things.Self knowledge is the secret, isn’t it? Studies show that a parent’s responses and demands are the most influential components within a parenting style. Responsiveness relates to allowing your child space to make individual choices, modeling assertiveness, modeling emotional regulation, as well as responding to the specific needs of your child.

Demandingness relates to the demands you make on your child to be part of the family, expectations for mature behavior, your discipline methods, and your willingness to confront behavioral problems. Reflecting on responses and demands can leave parents wondering if they are too flexible or strict. It is very easy to get caught up in the minutia of effective and ineffective parenting.

Instead, ask yourself about the unspoken motivator that grounds your responses and demands… is it a love approach or fear approach? If your responses and demands are rooted in fear it is likely you are teaching your children that love and worth are gained only if they meet certain conditions. If, on the other hand, they are rooted in love, you are conveying the message that love and worth

BENEFITS OF PEDIATRIC ACUPUNCTURE
By Doreen Cott, A.P.

Children are great candidates for natural healthcare and respond very well to alternative and Oriental Medicine. They usually react very quickly to treatment because the disharmony or imbalance in their bodies has not had a chance to cement itself into a deep‐seated and ingrained pattern as it often does in adults.

Common childhood conditions treated with Oriental Medicine include: anxiety, cough, allergies, fever, asthma, ADD/ADHD, digestive disorders, constipation, urinary tract infections and bed‐wetting. The best approach with children is to de‐emphasize the acupuncture needles and instead employ any of the variety of non‐needle techniques that are equally effective treatments. We had fingers before there were needles, and so acupressure was being used long before acupuncture.

In addition to acupressure and massage for children, there is also EStim (electrical‐stimulation), cupping (suction), and moxabustion (heat at the acupuncture point). All of these forms of stimulation are done gently and comfortably, even pleasurably. If needles are used, it is very few (2‐3), and only if the child is receptive to it. Children quickly discover that acupuncture is painless and is not the same as getting a shot at the Doctor’s office.

DOUBT? OR REALISTIC CONCERN?
By Jessica Marchena, MS, LMHC

You can cause yourself needless stress when you let doubt get the best of you. But sometimes, your feeling of doubt may actually be a realistic concern. Learning to differentiate between doubt and realistic concern is important. Realistic concern means you are not equipped to handle the situation and you should take action to gain the necessary skills or ask for help. Ignoring a realistic concern can be risky.

You could put yourself in a situation where you are subjected to physical or emotional harm. The next time you are distressed, label the situation that is directly connected to your distress: “starting a new job”, “getting a speeding ticket”, or “having an argument with a loved one” for example.

Then, assess your resources to determine whether you are experiencing appropriate realistic concern or needless doubt. Ask yourself, “Do I have the appropriate skills to face this situation?” If so, your concern is unrealistic and you are letting your doubt get in your way. Don’t let doubt rob you of your self‐confidence. By questioning your competency or desirability, you allow doubt to stop you from taking effective action. Remember, if it is realistic concern, seek additional information, skills, or experience; if it is doubt, take action!

Based on the book “Think Confident, Be Confident: A Four‐Step Program to Eliminate Doubt and Achieve Lifelong Self‐Esteem” by Dr. Leslie Sokol and Dr. Marci G. Fox.

MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY MOMENT

A lifetime of days is made up of minutes. By paying attention to how you spend your time, you can live a more fulfilling life. Here are eight things you can do to make the most of every minute:

1. Give yourself more time. Try waking up earlier; even a few minutes will set a more comfortable pace for your day.
2. Don’t crowd your day. Don’t pack your schedule too tight, leave time to breathe or handle an unexpected event.
3. Ask what’s important. Take a critical look at your daily activities and responsibilities. You’ll be surprised at the time you can find by eliminating tasks that aren’t necessary or beneficial.
4. Take time for relationships. Making time for people you love will enrich your life and help you slow down.
5. Take time for reflection. Don’t jump from task to task without thinking. A minute or two to plan and evaluate will save time in the long run.
6. Don’t let yourself get hurried. Give your full attention to the task at hand and you will make the most of your time.
7. Cultivate patience. Look for opportunities throughout the day to practice the art of patience – for example while waiting in line or dealing with children.
8. Slow down your mind. Give thoughtful consideration to everything you do and say. Daily meditation is a great way to help you slow down.

Adapted from “Take Your Time: How to Find Patience, Peace and Meaning” by Eknath Easwaran.
Available at The Sacred Treehouse bookstore

DELRAY CENTER ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW LIFE STRATEGIES GROUP

Jennifer Bilot, MEd., LMHC is leading a Life Strategies group on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. This group will cover a variety of topics including communication, interpersonal relationship issues and self‐care. Participants will be able to process current issues and develop practical skills in areas such as communication, boundary setting and stress management.

CHOOSE A LOVING APPROACH

Are unconditional no matter what. It is surprising how many parents and teachers unknowingly use fear responses to achieve good behavior. On the surface it looks like it works but the unspoken messages can create collateral damage long into adulthood. When your child fears the wrath of a parent, they will certainly exhibit good behavior.

Unfortunately, a child will often revert to poor choices or the inability to make choices when the enforcer is not present. Responses and demands communicated and rooted in love foster an internal motivation that leads to well thought autonomous choices.

These parents can take comfort in the likelihood that their children will rely on a set of learned beliefs to make smart choices, even when they are with friends who may pressure them to do otherwise. Remember, it is never too late to strengthen your parenting skills or come to a co‐parenting agreement.

No two parents have exactly the same parenting style and even your approaches may not be an exact match. Ideally, of course, two parents living together can choose to have a meeting of minds, at least trying to find a balance of parenting styles. Have a little conference or two to discuss your household’s style. Whatever style you decide on, make sure you are respecting your children, honoring their autonomy, and nurturing their needs.

SUCCESS FROM MISTAKES

By Clara Bossie, M.S. IMH/IMT, C.Ad. B.Ed.

Personally, most of my “AHA moments” come both from gut wrenching mistakes and minor faux pas. When I was a child my mom would say, “Do what you think is right.” ARGH! Of course, I know it is not right! Even though it was painful at times to feel complete responsibility for my own mistakes, I am thankful for them.

When children get answers wrong on tests or quizzes, their grades suffer commensurately, as they should. Of course, no one likes to be wrong, but what would those mistakes feel like if they were seen as just learning instead of “I’m stupid”? When you see a child facing a dilemma, your emotions push you to rescue them, but wait! Don’t take away your child’s opportunity to make a choice.

Don’t bully them into doing it your way. They may not make the healthiest choice the first time but if they are able  to develop a strong sense of self they may chose wisely the second time around. A child will see the learning experiences in their mistakes over time; however, they will need your help! Remember, have patience and enjoy the journey!

WHAT MAKES YOU TICK?

By Jessica Marchena, MS, LMHC

In January’s article, I introduced the topic of self doubt and how it can hamper your life. This month we will talk about how to use your emotions and thoughts to conquer that doubt. Which situations lead you to emotional distress? If a situation causes you to have a strong negative reaction, the cause is usually underlying self‐doubt. Once doubt is activated, you begin to second‐guess yourself, and you are bombarded with thoughts.

Thoughts driven by doubt are self‐critical, fear driven, and typically negative. There is a tendency to stop attending to all internal and external stimuli and to hone in on the specific experience that pushed the doubt button. You forget about the situational factors and believe you are to blame. When you view any situation through a negatively biased lens, you experience unpleasant emotions such as fear, sadness, and anger. But, you can capture thoughts before doubt clouds your interpretations of events. Many of us are more aware of our emotions than our thoughts.

You can learn to use emotion as a signal to pay attention to your thoughts. Depending on the action or inaction you choose and whether you are able to perceive each situation, your doubt is affirmed or contradicted. Remember the obstacle in the road. If you choose to retreat, sabotage or evade, your doubt will increase; but if you choose to act, your doubt will subside. It is the choice of action that makes the difference!

Based on the book “Think Confident, Be Confident: A Four‐

Step Program to Eliminate Doubt and Achieve Lifelong

Self‐Esteem” by Dr. Leslie Sokol and Dr. Marci G. Fox.

T H E D E L R A Y C E N T E R

C O N N E C T I O N

TIPS FOR TURNING MISTAKES INTO TRIUMPHS

• Praise your child’s successes (even very small ones) and praise your child when they try hard.

• Tell children what to do instead of what not to do. Instead of “don’t throw the ball” say “roll the ball on the floor.”

• Let children know that mistakes are a natural part of growing up and that everyone, including adults, makes mistakes.

• Try to ignore temper tantrums and other negative behavior as much as

possible.

• Show appreciation when children cooperate, help you, say kind things to other children, obey the rules, and do other positive things.

• Exhibit self‐control and patience while your child is learning new skills. Children do not learn new skills all at once.

• Separate the misbehavior from the child. For example, say “I don’t like it when you throw toys, but I still like you. I know you will do better

tomorrow.”

• Most importantly, let your child know you believe in them.

THE DELRAY CENTER FOR HEALING FEBRUARY 2010

D E L R A Y C E N T E R • P E R F O R M A N C E F I T N E S S

403 SE 1ST ST. • DELRAY BEACH FL 33483 • 561.266.8866 • WWW.DELRAYCENTER.COM

BEGINNING TO FEEL…REALLY FEEL

By Jennifer Bilot, MEd., IMH

It sounds easy doesn’t it? … to feel. But for some of us, it may not be that simple. We may believe that showing our emotions will make us vulnerable or perhaps we were taught that emotions are not meant to be on display. Sometimes, we may be afraid of our own feelings or afraid to express these feelings.

We may even be afraid of how others may react to our feelings. Maybe some emotions are seen as “’negative” such as anger. But, what happens if we don’t feel? The feelings have to go somewhere… they don’t go away! Suppressing our feelings can lead to physical problems such as stomachaches or headaches.

It can also lead to an “overreaction”. We may reach that point where something small may be “the final straw” and we react with an outburst of emotions! This outburst is often a reaction to pushing feelings down until they have nowhere else to go. Remember that it is OK to feel all feelings.

Feelings are not “good” or “bad”, they are emotions that we all have. Also, it’s important to understand that feelings are not character traits – because you feel angry does NOT mean you are an angry person. Feelings are something we experience, they pass through us, and we can accept them for what they are.

THE ROLE OF A NUTRITION THERAPIST

By Christie Caggiani, RD, LD/N

More often than not, it is assumed that a Dietitian/Nutritionist’s work is about telling people what they should and shouldn’t eat. In reality, creating healthful eating patterns takes a process‐oriented, therapeutic approach. Those of us who do this work are referred to as Nutrition Therapists.

One important role of a nutrition therapist is as an educator. We teach patients about normal and abnormal food intake patterns and metabolic rates. Additionally, a nutrition therapist will help patients recognize the body’s physiological, biological and emotional reactions to food, exercise and substance abuse. A central part of nutrition therapy includes helping patients understand the connections between emotions and behaviors.

As part of a comprehensive team, nutrition therapists work closely with other health‐care providers to continuously reveal to patients how their body image, food and weight behaviors mirror their relationship behaviors, acting as a type of “language”.

We assist patients in developing a sense of trust in themselves and in their relationships, and we help patients identify their needs and learn how to appropriately meet them. A good nutrition therapist will go far beyond prescribing a diet, they will guide and teach patients how to foster a healthful relationship with food, develop normal eating patterns and eventually maintain their weight within a healthy range.

ACHIEVING HEALTHY WEIGHT WITH ACUPUNCTURE

AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE

By Doreen Cott, A.P.

Weight loss comes under the concept of “weight control” because we are concerned not only with losing weight, but also maintaining a healthy weight. This is a multi‐faceted problem, and a good weight control program involves diet, exercise and stress reduction techniques. Oriental medicine and acupuncture are useful tools in the battle with weight loss and maintenance. Acupuncture is an adjunct therapy. It is not a panacea or a wonder cure, however acupuncture is effective in making it easier to lose weight.

Acupuncture needles inserted into specific points on the body and in the ear release endorphins which have a calming and relaxing effect making it easier to deal with stress, frustration and anxiety that can trigger overeating and bingeing on fattening foods. Because endorphins also affect the digestive and hormonal systems, acupuncture can also help rebalance slow moving metabolic and the digestive powers. Acupuncture and oriental medicine address both the physiological and psychological aspects of weight loss.

This time‐honored medicine promotes better digestion, smoothes emotions, reduces appetite, improves metabolism, and eliminates food cravings. A growing body of research supports the use of acupuncture in weight loss. A 2003 study published in The Journal of Medical Acupuncture found that participants receiving acupuncture lost more than three times more weight than the control group. And in a study conducted by the University of Adelaide in Australia in 1998, 95% of participants receiving electro‐stimulation on acupuncture points reported appetite suppression.

The results showed that the acupuncture group was more likely to experience a reduced appetite and to lose weight than the control group. From a Western perspective, acupuncture has been shown to have an effect on the function of the nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, food cravings, and metabolism.

All of these factors can help to energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety. In the struggle to eat less and expend more energy, you may find that acupuncture is just what’s needed to overcome cravings, boost energy, enhance your metabolism, and increase your willpower to succeed!