May 5, 2014
by Christie Hunter
Everyone wants to live in a world with limitless vacation days. In reality, only one segment of the population achieves such a lifestyle: retirees. Once the threshold of retirement is crossed, 40 years of full-time employment seems worth the hard work. However, the romanticism that surrounds this milestone is tempered by physical aches, pains and other conditions that come with age.
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March 22, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
When it comes to managing and treating Adult ADHD things get complicated. Most people would like to believe that taking a stimulant in the morning and at noon would remedy all their symptoms and related problems. That is definitely not the case, though the majority of people who use medication find it helps. Some find the side-effects are intolerable. Others are not willing to take stimulant medication. Regardless, medication is only part of the solution for those who can and will take it.
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When people talk about expectations they often wrap it with a preceding description such as “high expectations” or “low expectations” or “no expectations” at all. It is interesting when you look at the traditional definition of what an expectation is and ponder how it fits for your life.
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I do not believe that counselling needs to be isolated and enclosed within four walls… what happens in sessions should be able to be used on the outside, in someone’s lived life. Sometimes this is called experiential therapy and is why I believe that horses help creating practical applications of the utmost importance. Can you imagine having 40 acres and five horses as a part of the counselling experience? What kind of a world would that create to allow the freedom to explore and express yourself.
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February 8, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
In the past few years mental health practitioners have become more aware of the connection between food, exercise and mental health. Research in these areas supports what some have known for years – we can manage and eliminate some of the more common mental health symptoms by changing what we eat and moving our bodies more.
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It is my belief that solidarity can touch both clinician and anyone accessing services. In an individualistic world we are bombarded by messages that we need to be able to do things on our own and it permeates through our being, influencing our action. However this is completely contrary to our nature. We are born dependant and needing to be cared for and we thrive in community. Therefore the concept of solidarity is necessary and takes belonging to the next level.
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Therapy with animals can be an alternative approach to traditional face-to-face treatment with the special needs population. While animal-assisted therapy is a newer form of treatment, early research has suggested its effectiveness, especially with children with pervasive developmental disorders.
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December 2, 2013
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
This article discusses ten natural approaches to manage anxiety disorders. Find out more about possible underlying causes of anxiety and conditions that mimic anxiety symptoms.
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