[Todd Schmenk]

Hey all –

Here is a short version video of a presentation I had done locally for a support group (It was for cancer, but the guidelines apply here as well) in how to build a support team. What also needs mentioning is that it is completely acceptable (and often necessary) for those on a support team to build their own support team. This presentation is also aimed at what to do during the initial impact of the onset of the situation so there is a lot of concentration on 5 specific tasks that should be undertaken. If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to respond or e-mail me and I will respond as soon as possible.

Here is to your support.

Todd

https://youtu.be/M89zzoKyzBcSupport for Chronic Illness: Building a Team

[Todd Schmenk]

In my position as a counselor, I can attest to the fact that many folks do go to counseling to help in supporting their efforts.  About a third of my practice is in helping those experiencing difficult thoughts and emotions related to their diagnosis.  Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is the typical approach I use in working with them and seems to fit the situation best since it follows closely the serenity prayer, courage to change what you can, the serenity to accept what cannot be changed and the wisdom to notice the difference.   There is also a growing body of research supporting this approach for this type of situation. ACT helps to increase psychological flexibility to be able to handle the situation you might find yourself within to the best of the situation and your ability.

I also note that those who come in are typically those with the diagnosis, but for those who come in who are more in a supportive role, they also have reported back that the service was well worth their time.  Specifically, many had never considered building their own structure of support.  There is nothing wrong, when in a support role, in doing this action and in fact, it has been shown to increase the effectiveness of support for the main person with the challenging illness.

The services are out there and an ACT therapist can offer a different approach to enhance and address your situation.  So why not look for one in your area and learn how to build your own team and get the support you need?

[Todd Schmenk]

Just following up on a question for how to find an ACT therapist. Places like Zencare and Psychology today tend to have a place where clinicians list whether or not they utilize ACT in their practice, but keep in mind that there is no certification for ACT and you will need to ask them whether they have worked with Steve Hayes, Russ Harris, and what other workshops they may have gone to. Also – if they are a member of the Association for Behavioral and Contextual Science (ABCS(they have a listing there of clinicians by region as well)).

You can also dod a simple google search for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in my area”. Good news is that many of the hospital systems are beginning to look to ACT as a replacement or complement for CBT in that as the evidence grows, this is becoming a go to intervention supported by insurance coverage.

Also – be on the look out for the use of metaphors (little stories) in session and more emphasis on what you might be experiencing at the moment or the whats and hows of the experience versus the why.