To help adults
with serious
mental illness
live a better life. |
Project Transition is an apartment-based treatment and recovery program for adults with serious mental illness, including personality disorders and dual diagnosis.
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"Change" is a theme that defines the world we live in today. Some changes we plan, others we react to, and a few we stumble through.
Over the past 26 years, Project Transition has seen remarkable changes in the nature and scope of our work. Each day, we strive to find new ways of touching the lives of the people we serve. Rest assured, if Project Transition is involved, there will be change!
While we have increased in numbers we've also grown in our understanding of how to treat mental illness, in our commitment to each other and in the diversity of the programs and services that we offer.
We are excited to present to you Project Transition's first newsletter featuring information about our growing community. Please take a moment to learn about some of our programs, including expressive art therapy, our new family support group and the use of creative media to offer valuable information about the importance of wellness in psychiatric rehabilitation.
As Project Transition continues to grow, we are dedicated to keeping our members first in all things. As they transition toward positive change, our members are surrounded by a loving staff and a supportive community.
 Thank you for taking time to read about our services. We trust that this newsletter will be of value as you navigate your own changes.
Sincerely,
Paul Keisling
Executive Director, Project Transition |
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Project Transition's Faculty of Presenters will participate in the following upcoming events:
May
Family Connections began mid-May and will run for the next 12 weeks. Look for the next cycle beginning Fall 2009
June
June 11th at PMHCA Conference, Harrisburg, PA
> Loren Crabtree, MD, presents "About Borderline Personality Disorder: 'BPD 101'"
> Rosemary Harren, AAC, and Erin McNally, CPRP, present "Keys to a Life Well Lived: Wellness, Food Choices, and Eating Behaviors"
> Loren Crabtree, MD, presents "Combined Recovery in Dual Diagnosis"
June 30th at USPRA Conference, Norfolk, VA > Karen Fairman, RN, CHEd, presents "Workforce University: A Model for Recovery-Oriented Staff Education and Development"
July
July 8th at the NAMI National Convention, San Francisco, CA
> Neal Stolar, MD-PhD, presents "Cognitive Therapy for Psychosis"
> Neal Stolar, MD-PhD, Book Signing: "Schizophrenia: Cognitive Theory, Research, and Therapy"
July 13th for Friends Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
> Paul Keisling, MSW presents "Creating Communities of Caring and Belonging"
July 20th for Friends Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
> Jack Gomberg, MD, and Trent Tangen, MA, HLC, present "Wellness and Recovery"
August August 3rd at Northeast MH/MR, on the grounds of Friends Hospital, Philadelphia, PA > Harvey Weiner, DSW, presents "The Current Understanding of Addictive Disease"
September
September 9th for NAMI York County, PA
> Loren Crabtree, MD, presents "The Many Faces of Bipolar Disorder: More Poles than Two"
If you are interested in learning more about our Faculty of Presenters or scheduling a presentation, please contact Cherie Brummans at cbrummans@projecttransition.com or (215) 997-9959 x224. |
  Spring Sprouts Hope and Challenges by Loren Crabtree, MD
Project Transition President and
Psychiatrist in Chief
Spring is a many splendored time of change for our members at Project Transition. The weather calls out to us as flowers bloom, trees produce their buds and the "sap is flowing." It seems life all around us is bursting with abundance!
For many, spring is energizing and hope-lifting. For others though, this season can trigger despair about life's worth and potential. While this reaction is counter-intuitive and frustrating for many, it may help to understand the underlying reasons for this negative response to springtime:
- As compared to other times of the year, some feel more "confined" in programs or hospitals.
- Newly-energized persons can feel and express the urge to "break-out" of the constraints of a program. They may find themselves straining for more independence and often demonstrate control of their lives by acting "out of control."
- Those with lowered energy levels can further withdraw into helplessness and depression as they see a greater gap between their own situations and the energy and hopefulness of the world around them.
It is important to understand that these are predictable challenges of springtime that call for greater understanding, patience and resiliency among our members, staff, family and friends. Some of the ways that you can help are to:
- Be more aware of the challenges that come with springtime.
- Try not to be overly reactive to another's behavior.
- Remember that this, too, shall pass.
And finally, share your renewed creativity and optimism with those in our community who are challenged by spring's changes. Your joy and positive energy could be just what doctor ordered! |
Mental Illness is a Family Issue
Project Transition is currently conducting our second cycle of "Family Connections," a 12-week program created by two members of the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD), Dr. Perry Hoffman and Dr. Alan Fruzzetti. The program is designed for family members and loved ones of those struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and emotional regulation issues.
Family Connections has taught me concepts and skills that have been genuinely helpful during high conflict situations. I've gained a better understanding of my family member's experience of BPD, as well as the ways in which my emotional responses to her have affected both of us.
During more quiet moments, what I have learned has led me to a deeper level of acceptance.
- Family Connections Participant, Spring 2009
With permission from the creators, Project Transition offers this education and support program two to three times a year. Each meeting is facilitated by staff members who provide information, validation, skills training and mutual support to participants. At the end of the 12 weeks, attendees will have new skills for managing their relationships. Those who wish to continue with the program are offered a chance to participate in the next session or even train to become a family facilitator.
"Borderline Personality Disorder is one of the most stressful and burdensome mental illnesses a family can experience. We are proud to be able to offer this innovative and valuable curriculum," said Amy Gaglia, Project Transition Program Director.
About Family Connections at Project Transition
- Facilitated by Project Transition staff members
- Much of the skills training is based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) interventions (e.g. Validation, Mindfulness, and Effective Communication skills)
- Meets for 2 hours, once a week for 12 weeks
- Open to family of any Project Transition member living with BPD, BPD traits, or other mood disorders
- For more information about Family Connections at Project Transition, contact Liz Jordan at ejordan@projecttransition.com or 215-482-0360x105.
- For more information about the original Family Connections program or about NEABPD, visit www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.com/family-connections.shtml
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Express Yourself!
In addition to traditional therapies, some of our members benefit, and greatly enjoy, our Expressive Arts programming. "People who have experienced significant trauma in their lives, as have many of our members, can have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. Expressive Arts gives our treatment team valuable insight into our members' experiences, even when they have difficulty finding the words," said George Sellers-Bruch, Project Transition Program Manager.
While communicating verbally may be a challenge, some people feel more comfortable in an art studio where they can convey significant thoughts and emotions. Whether pasting images into a collage or splashing bold swaths of color across sheets of paper...members speak through their artwork and gain greater self-esteem through the process.
The pieces below were created by two participants in our Expressive Arts program and were included in a recent art show.
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Wellness for Life
Check out last month's article exploring the psychological and physical benefits of proper nutrition.
"...In spite of our busy and complicated schedules, there is a way to eat that will leave you feeling satisfied, alert and clear headed. Consuming three healthy, well-balanced meals and two small snacks each day can provide the physical and mental fuel you need to stay alert and feel well. Simply put, good food can have a significant impact on your mood!"
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Thank you for taking the time to read about the news and events at Project Transition.
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