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Letter from the President Jeffrey Morrison
www.morrisontherapy.com
The holiday season is full of sharp contrasts. For many it is a time of outward light cheer but for others (or after all the cheer and shopping) it is mixed with inner dark fears. Fear is not seasonal but during the holidays it gets stirred up. Most of my new clients seem anxious and disconnected. As a culture we live with so many fears. How do we manage our own and help others face their fears?
There is an old African teaching about fear. A hungry lion pride sends its oldest member who is without teeth but still can roar to one side of the approaching herd. When he roars the animals run away from the roar towards the rest of the pride that lies waiting in the tall grass. "Run towards the roar," the elders tell their young.
Fear comes from the root "fare" as in "thoroughfare." We may run from our fears but the word means "to go through it." Fear protects us from what is underneath, that dark and messy stuff pushed into the shadows of our being. If we have the courage to turn toward our fears and go through them we may discover that next to our vulnerabilities and wounds lies our purpose and meaning.
Facing the darkness out there or in here is not easy work. I told a story to a client recently who was struggling with an upcoming visit back into the craziness of her family. "Our soul makes two agreements before our birth which are forgotten as we enter the temporal world. One is not negotiable. It is our purpose in this life. The other is and needs to be, it is the circumstances of our birth and the way we were not fully accepted in our families or communities." From these circumstances arise our less than feelings and the "troubles" we find our self in and fear facing. If we can face those fears and go through them, we can face the big risk of becoming ourselves.
My client's eyes got very big. She got it. She is more than her family troubles. They are the "grist for the mill" of her life. She didn't have to ask, "Is that true?" It was a story, a way at looking at the world that rang true for her.
Each day we see into the lives of people who have lost touch with themselves and run blindly from their fears. Some times I feel that way myself. I have learned to turn toward the roar by being present in my body and listening. I am also discovering the power of stories, dreams and myths that contain a life lesson that can be used to guide us on our journey.
A client recently wrote about her journey facing her fears this way. "My medicine comes in symbols, stories and myths. It comes as an enormous lead ball inside my ribcage that crushes my lungs and won't let me move of breathe until I acknowledge it, say hello to it and find out what it has to say."
I am enjoying working with myths, stories and my favorite method of helping clients face their fears, Focusing. They sustain my ability to turn toward my fears and help others do the same.
May the new-year find you turning
toward the roar and finding your way though.
This letter was inspired by author, mythologist and story-teller Michael Meade and my wonderful clients who teach me so much about "going through it." ~ Jeffrey Morrison |
January Speaker
Seattle Counselors Association Training
Friday, January 15, 2010
The Powerfully Addictive Medium of the Internet: Sex, Love and Video Games
Hilarie Cash, Ph.D., LMHC, and Jay Parker, CDP
A lot has happened in the 10 years since Hilarie Cash, LMHC and Jay Parker, CDP, formed their company, Internet/Computer Addiction Services.
- South Korea and China have declared Internet Addiction (IA) their #1 public health threat;
- The American Medical Association is seriously considering whether or not to include it in their next iteration of the DSM;
- The first in-patient treatment facility for IA in the USA has opened.
We and our clients are swept up in this digital revolution. What are the clinical implications of these changes? What do you, as clinicians in the digital age, need to know to be effective?
The topic is huge, but Jay and Hilarie will attempt to give you enough information that you can assess for an Internet Addiction, make an appropriate referral, or if providing the primary care, know where to turn for more information and support.
It is our experience that many clinicians, untrained in addictions, look at behavioral addictions like Internet Addiction as simply symptomatic of underlying conditions, like anxiety, depression, Axis II diagnoses, etc. In our opinion, this is a huge mistake. There are usually co-morbid disorders with any addiction, chemical or behavioral. But the addiction itself needs to be addressed and the addictive behavior stopped if the underlying problems are to be successfully treated.
Even if abstinence is not achieved, success is more likely if the clinician is always aware of and talking about the need to address and work on the addiction itself. A clinician may have to settle for harm reduction, especially when dealing with video game addiction in a non-abstaining adult. Without 12-step meetings readily available, going "cold turkey" is a tough call for such clients.
We are much more fortunate with sex/love addicts, because here in the Seattle area, there is a strong recovery community. A clinician can push for abstinence, knowing there is a community where the addict can receive excellent support, daily, if necessary.
In this training, participants will leave with:
- An awareness of internet/computer addiction.
- An understanding of the clinical implications of internet/computer addiction.
- An understanding of clinical assessment and referral for internet addiction.
- An awareness of information and resources for clinicians working with internet addiction.
Dr. Hilarie Cash is a psychotherapist in private practice in Redmond, WA. She co-founded Internet/Computer Addiction Services with Jay Parker in 1999, and in 2009 co-founded reStart: Internet Addiction Recovery Program, an inpatient, therapeutic retreat center in Fall City, WA. In 2008, she and Kim McDaniel co-authored "Video Games and Your Kids: How Parents Stay in
Control". She is nationally and internationally recognized as a pioneer in the field of internet and video game addiction.
Jay Parker, after a successful career in basketball as a college coach, scout and recruiting specialist, became a LCDC in Houston, Texas in 1994. He first worked for the National Basketball Association's Drug/Alcohol in-patient treatment center and their Aftercare Program. He was then Director of the CBA's Drug /Alcohol Education & Prevention Program. He started CEU/
Training educations programs @ West Oaks Hospital and The Right Step Treatment program before relocating to Seattle in 1997 to be an administrator for Lakeside-Milam Treatment Center in Kirkland WA.
In 1999 Mr. Parker joined forces with Dr. Hilarie Cash to create Internet/Computer Addiction Services [I/CAS] in Redmond WA. His focus is in the treatment of Sex and Love Addiction. He created a unique treatment model called " No More Secrets". Our
program has helped over 120 Men and their families in that time. Mr. Parker wrote and published a book in 2004 "Sex and Love Addiction, My Journey From Shame To Grace", and is a nationally know speaker on this subject.
Contact Dr. Cash and Mr. Parker
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| February Speaker
"Sleep and Mental Health, A Dynamic Interplay"
Dr. Catherine Darley, ND
In my office, many people with insomnia report also being anxious. This is a good example of the way in which mental health problems and sleep disturbances are often seen together. Indeed, it's a situation where one condition can feed into the other: poor sleep worsens mental health, while mental health problems frequently undermine healthy sleep.
In this discussion we'll look in depth at a few conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, and depression. There is a strong correlation between these disorders and sleep complaints. For instance, the ADHD population has higher rates of sleep disorders than average. When the sleep disorder is properly treated, a significant percentage of these patients no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD!
It's not only sleep disorders which undermine healthy sleep, but the simple chronic sleep deprivation that fully 47% of our society experiences. With sleep deprivation people can become more moody, irritable and angry, they are unable to mentally focus, and are physically more accident prone. Aren't these complaints you frequently hear from your clients?
In the second half of the presentation we'll discuss the screening questions you can use in your office to assess whether sleep is a contributing factor to your patients' situation. We'll also discuss the sleep effects of common prescription and over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
By the end of the event you'll have a good understanding of the interactions of sleep and common mental health conditions, how to simply assess in your office if further sleep intervention is needed, and how your patients' medications are influencing their sleep.
Dr. Catherine Darley is a naturopathic physician who specializes exclusively in the care of people with sleep disorders. She has a background in conventional sleep medicine, which she combines with her training as a naturopath to bridge these two worlds. In her private practice at The Institute of Naturopathic Sleep Medicine, Dr. Darley helps people of all ages sleep well. She also provides sleep education to a wide range of groups, from PTAs to health professionals. For corporations she consults on optimal work schedules, alertness and productivity. |
Groups and Workshops
Relationship "Processing" Group for Men & Women
In this group, clients are able to experientially work on their social skills and intimacy issues with one another. These interactions help clients to reveal what they do not know about their style of relating and how they are perceived, which creates a great deal of material for the client to bring to individual therapy.
- Monday evenings from 6:00-7:45pm in the Greenlake area
- Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the Greenlake area
- 16 week initial commitment
- The cost is $55.00 a session
- Space is limited and some individual therapy is a prerequisite
Relationships Are Hell: Is It True? Join Grace Bell, Certified Facilitator of the Work of Byron Katie, for a day looking at a troubling relationship in your life, whether it is a primary partner, parent, child, yourself, your body, food, money or career. No relationship is too big or too small for inquiry.
January 30, 2010 9:30 - 5:30 $125. Monday night drop-in group begins Jan. 18th, 7:30 pm, $30 per evening. Teleconference class begins Jan. 18th noon Pacific time for 90 minutes for 8 weeks.
WELLNESS SUPPORT GROUP
For anyone with an ongoing health challenge
Meets every other Tuesday
1/26/10 to 5/4/10, 1:30 pm to 3 pm
1/26, 2/9, 2/23, 3/9, 3/23, 4/6, 4/20, 5/4
Location: Edmonds, near Stevens Hospital & 5 Corners
SUZANNE A. FOX, MSW, ACSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Phone 425-775-4262; Email: safox44@gmail.com
This is an opportunity to learn practical health and wellness skills, taught in Chronic Disease Self Management Programs. These strategies and resilient attitudes can make a significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
Over the years I have seen the power of support groups to help people relieve much of the confusion and isolation of illness, decrease symptoms, gain strengths, and increasingly value their own unique life journey. The groups consist of 8 sessions with specific topics, time to journal, and time to share. We will also have fun. Some of the topics covered include:
- Becoming your own health scientist
- Responding to social pressures for productivity and busyness
- Dealing with difficult comments
- Getting out of the push and crash cycle
- Staying within your energy envelope
- Setting boundaries for self care
- Relaxation and mindfulness for stress and physical pain
- Dealing with illness and difficult emotions
- Communicating with health professionals and insurance companies
- Finding strength and inspiration in the tough times
- Embracing the imperfect life
As David Spero, RN and Health Coach says: "Illness is the best teacher, Awareness is the best medicine, Self care is the best care."
Suzanne Fox has over 25 years experience as a Clinical Social Worker and a strong commitment to serving those with chronic health issues. Please contact Suzanne at 425-775-4262 or safox44@gmail.com
A brief pre-registration phone interview is required. Groups are small and space is limited, so sign up early. Short term individual counseling with a health focus is also available.
Vashon Focusing Retreat
Come to my warm and cozy Vashon Studio and meet other Focusers. Brush up on your skills, exchange Focusing rounds with others and perhaps meet someone you would like to develop a Focusing partnership with. We will use themes of winter as we look inward and say hello to our inner process.
When: Sunday January 17th, 9:15 to 4:30
Where: Morrison Therapy Studio on Vashon Island
Fee: $75. Level one with any teacher required.
Register online at www.morrisontherapy.com or contact Jeffrey Morrison MA, LMHC and Certified Focusing Trainer at 206-935-7850 or Jeffrey@morrisontherapy.com
Focusing Level Two: Accompanying the Inner Relationship
Are you ready to deepen your experience and practice of Focusing? In Level Two you'll be learning more about the "edge," that place where what is unclear becomes clear, and how that is the key to transformation. You'll learn more about Presence, the ability to be with anything that arises. And you'll learn more about the relationship between the two, how Presence helps the edge form and how Focusing allows us to access wisdom that is so holistic it's as if the problem knows how to solve itself!
When: February 13th and 14th from 9:15 to 4:30
Where: Morrison Therapy Studio on Vashon Island
Fee: $225. Level one with any teacher required. Half price if you are repeating.
Register online at www.morrisontherapy.com or contact Jeffrey Morrison MA, LMHC and Certified Focusing Trainer at 206-935-7850 or Jeffrey@morrisontherapy.com
Northwest Focusing Retreat on Hood Canal
Are you interested in learning more about Focusing? Participants teach mini workshops from a Focusing oriented perspective. No experience necessary! There will be music, laughter, creative opportunities and time for learning, Focusing and meditation as well.
When: March 12th through the 14th
Where: Hood Canal area
Contact Jeffrey Morrison at Jeffrey@morriosntherapy.com for more information.
Cost: There is no fee for attending. There will be a cost for room and board.
Level Three: Supporting the Inner Relationship
Learn how to hold a session for the Focuser in a gentle and empowering way, while offering suggestions without intruding. Your understanding of the Focusing process deepens as you learn to make contact with a felt sense, keep it company and listen, while holding Presence.
When: April 10th and 11th from 9:15 to 4:30
Where: Morrison Therapy Studio on Vashon Island
Cost: $225. Level two with any teacher and a commitment to a Focusing partnership. If you do not have a partner but would like one please let me know.
Register online at www.morrisontherapy.com or contact Jeffrey Morrison MA, LMHC and Certified Focusing Trainer at 206-935-7850 or Jeffrey@morrisontherapy.com
Level One: Encountering the Inner Relationship
Bring awareness into your body and sense the subtle ways your inner heart communicates with you. Build trust in this inner relationship and create a safe and nurturing environment within. Learn the first important skills of holding Presence in a Focusing partnership.
When: May 22nd and 23rd
Where: Morrison Therapy Studio on Vashon Island.
Cost: $225. A Focusing session with any teacher is required.
Register online at www.morrisontherapy.com or contact Jeffrey Morrison MA, LMHC and Certified Focusing Trainer at 206-935-7850 or Jeffrey@morrisontherapy.com
Level Four: Facilitating the Inner Relationship
Learn a compassionate approach to blocks, inner critics, thoughts and distractions, and "resistance." You'll learn what to do when your companion feels "nothing" or "too much." Learn to sense when to let go of rules, recognize exceptions and go with the flow.
When: June 26th and 27th from 9:15 to 4:30
Where: Morrison Therapy Studio on Vashon Island
Register online at www.morrisontherapy.com or contact Jeffrey Morrison MA, LMHC and Certified Focusing Trainer at 206-935-7850 or Jeffrey@morrisontherapy.com
Cost: $225. Level three with any teacher and ongoing Focusing partnership required. Half price if you are repeating. | |
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Seattle Counselors Association meets on the 3rd Friday of each month (except July,
August & December) from
8:00 to 11:00 am at the
Swedish Cultural Center
1920 Dexter Avenue North
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| CA Leadership Team
2009-2010
President
Jeffrey L.Morrison, MA
4505 - 44th Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98116
Jeffrey@morrisontherapy.com
206.935.7850
Vice President
Gila Fein, MA
1812 E. Madison St., #106
Seattle, WA 98122
h: 425.881.1232
c: 425.941.0190
gilafein@comcast.net
www.feincounseling.com
Past President
AnnMarie Stankovich
MA, LMHC, NCC
444 Ravenna Blvd. NE, Suite 301
Seattle, WA 98115
amscounseling@comcast.net
c: 206.354.6384
www.amsbusinesscoaching.com
Treasurer
John Tran, MA
1812 East Madison Street, Suite 102
Seattle, Washington 98122
w: 206.617.2338
info@capitolhillcounseling.com
www.capitolhillcounseling.com
Secretary
Lorynann Nichols, MS, LMFT
Center for Couples & Family Healing, PLLC
11417-124th Avenue NE, #204
Kirkland, WA 98033
o: 425.889.0832
c: 206.290.8305
f: 425.827.6221
loryann@verizon.net
www.centerforcouples.com
Committees
Membership
Barbara Farwell Alexander
1914 North 34th St. Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98103
barbara@oasiscounselingseattle.com
206.949.7929
www.oasiscounselingseattle.com
Newsletter Editor
Grace Bell, MA, RC
17102 Brentwood Place N.E.
Lake Forest Park WA 98155
gracebell@comcast.net
206.829.8048
www.goodisnow.com
Programs
Dennis McCarthy, MA RC
1904 Third Avenue, Suite 315
Seattle, WA 98101
dennis@unstuckseattle.com
206.595.2659
www.unstuckseattle.com
Programs
Tony Barrick, Ph.D.
210 West Galer Street
Seattle, WA 98119
drtony@queenannepsychotherapy.com
206-718-4488
www.QueenAnnePsychotherapy.com
Web Liaison
Stephanie Bender
5029 - 11th Avenue NE, #204
Seattle, WA 98105
stephanie@stephaniebender.com
h: 206.853.8349
w: 206.259.9311
www.stephaniebender.com
Hospitality
Sarah M. Heath, MA
753 North 35th, Suite 204
Seattle, WA 98103
206.282.7223
sarahmary@mindspring.com
sarah@sarahheath.com
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Join SCA!
For membership information and an application to join SCA, please log on to our website:
seattlecounselors.org
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Membership &
Meeting Fees
Annual Membership
Fees
Individual .............$85.00
Agencies ...........$115.00
Student/Senior......$42.50
Half-year ..............$42.50
(Apr.-Sept.)
Meeting Fees
Member ...............$20.00
Non-member.........$30.00
Student/Senior......$15.00
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Mission Statement
Seattle Counselors Association is a professional community of mental health counselors serving the entire Puget Sound region. We challenge ourselves to continue growing in our work.
We invite an exchange among diverse individuals and disciplines, embrace creative tension, support the self-reflection that underlies ethical practice and welcome new practitioners. |
Meeting Schedule
8:00 Registration
8:15 Introductions
8:50 Networking
9:00 SCA business
9:15 Speaker
10:45 Networking
11-12 Board Meeting
(Open to all)
Refreshments provided! |
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Office Space Available
Cozy West Seattle
Office Available
Wednesdays & Fridays
Contact Jeffrey Morrison at 206-935-7850 or
email for more information
Remember to send your listings to Grace Bell. The next newsletter will be published in March 2010. The deadline for submisstions is mid-February.
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SCA Connections is the newsletter of the Seattle Counselors' Association and is published five times a year. All rights reserved© by Seattle Counselors Association.
Submissions may be sent to gracebell@comcast.net.
Please use email for all inquiries & submissions.If you don't have access to email, call Grace at 206.829.8048
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