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July 2013
The Institute Insider
Keeping you connected ~ Nurturing your professional growth
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Meet Our Faculty
 | | Vivien B. Deitz, LCSW-C, MSW, BCD |
Vivien B Deitz is a licensed clinical social worker, has been known throughout her career for her unique ability to promote self-understanding and growth - helping people improve the quality of their lives through individual psychotherapy, group therapy and self-help training. At present, she manages her private practice in Clinical Social Work in North Bethesda, Maryland and offers varied psycho-educational workshops. Learn more about Vivien here. >>
Please join Vivien on Monday, September 30 for an insightful and informative training entitled "Working With Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom." In this workshop, clinicians will become aware of one of the most intimate conversations we can have with ourselves - Dream Work. They will discover that dream exploration is a powerful technique to use in their work.
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Message from Lisa Ferentz LCSW-C, DAPA
Founder and President
Dear Friends,
I have a confession to make: sometimes, I don't get enough sleep! People often ask me how I am able to accomplish so much and spin so many diverse plates in the air, and one of the answers is that I burn the candle at both ends. As I get older, however, I feel the effects of an inadequate night's sleep more and more. After researching some of the possible short- and long-term adverse effects of sleep deprivation, I have made a concerted effort to turn off the lights and go to sleep earlier- even if I haven't accomplished everything I needed to get done. I have discovered that it makes a palpable difference when I do get enough sleep, and the things that haven't been finished eventually do get handled. In fact, after a good night's sleep, they get handled better!
In this issue, we will explore the impact of sleep deprivation and look at some positive strategies that we can offer our clients and put into practice ourselves, to maintain our efficacy as clinicians. Hopefully, the summer months mean a slowing down in your lives, and the opportunity for more rest and relaxation. If that it is the case, make it a personal goal to get some extra hours of sleep. It will leave you feeling rejuvenated and have a profoundly positive impact on your emotional and physical health. So catch up on those Zzzz's now, and we look forward to seeing you in September, bright-eyed and alert, when our Fall trainings resume!
Warmest Regards,
Lisa Ferentz
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Understanding the Impact of Sleep Deprivation
by Lisa Ferentz, LCSW-C, DAPA
As a society, we tend to rationalize and condone our lack of sleep. We feel compelled to get as much done as possible, even if that takes precious hours away from the restorative properties of a good night's sleep. But in the short-term and over the long haul, a lack of sufficient sleep can take a huge toll on our physical health and our emotional and mental capacities. Our ability to handle stress will be compromised, so inter-personal or environmental challenges that would normally be manageable become exacerbated and overwhelming. There are some clear warning signs that are indicative of sleep deprivation. See if any of these symptoms, taken from the work of Tom Scheve, resonant with you or your clients.
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The Surprising Toll of Sleep Deprivation
by Lawrence Epstein
How much sleep is enough? Is how sleepy you feel a good judge of whether or not you are getting enough sleep? If you get less sleep than some ideal amount but you feel fine, could you be damaging your health anyway? Are we getting less than we used to? Recent research provides some surprising answers. Adults typically need seven to nine hours of sleep each night to feel fully rested and function at their best. However, Americans are getting less sleep than they did in the past. A 2005 National Sleep Foundation poll found that Americans averaged 6.9 hours of sleep per night, which represents a drop of about two hours per night since the 19th century, one hour per night over the past 50 years, and about 15 to 25 minutes per night just since 2001.
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Clinician Resources
Publications
- "Say Good-night to Insomnia," by Gregg Jacobs
Curing insomnia with a six-week program, without the use of drugs.
- "No More Sleepless Nights," by Peter Hauri
Explains how to keep a sleep diary as a way to pinpoint the sources of insomnia, and then provides different treatment strategies.
Video
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Counseling and Self-Care Tips
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CLINICIAN TIPS and TIPS for SELF-CARE:
Since we are ALL affected by sleep deprivation, the following tips are meant for us to teach our clients and incorporate in our own personal lives as well! When possible, create regular sleep and wake schedules, the more consistent we are the better it is for our health. Use soothing bedtime rituals including soft music and lighting to condition your brain to associate those experiences with sleep time. Turn off laptops an hour before bed and avoid books or activities that stimulate, cause excitement, stress or anxiety before going to sleep. I am a strong believer in not watching late night news! Think about ways to create a "sleep conducive" environment that is dark, comfortable, and quiet. Don't underestimate the value of using a good mattress and supportive pillow.
Many researchers advocate using your bed for sex and sleep only. Doing work, eating, or watching TV in bed brings new and unwanted associations to your brain and body. If you have trouble falling off to sleep, don't watch the clock at night as it will increase your anxiety, making it more difficult to fall asleep! Stop eating 2-3 hours before bedtime, restrict fluids to decrease having to go the bathroom at night, and end your exercise workouts at least 3 hours before bedtime. Exercising late at night raises our body temperature and makes us more alert, both of which make it harder to fall asleep. Avoid caffeine in tea, soda, chocolate, and coffee close to bedtime, and avoid nicotine which can cause nightmares and create withdrawal symptoms as you attempt to fall off to sleep. Lastly, don't ignore body pain as it is one of the biggest reasons why we can't fall off to sleep at night.
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Talk Radio with Lisa Ferentz
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How to Manage a Narcissist
A shockingly high number of successful people meet diagnostic criteria for narcissism. In this hour, along with special guest Dr. Daniel Lerner, founder and CEO of Strategic Family Solution, we will explore the traits found in people with narcissistic personality disorder and process some of the more common red flags that indicate we are interacting with a narcissist both in the workplace and in our personal relationships. We will explain how narcissists often acquire high levels of success and power while still experiencing a sense of emptiness in their lives. My guest will offer specific, effective strategies that explain how to respond to a narcissist in ways that don't increase their dysfunctional power and control. Just as importantly, we will explore what not to do when interacting with a narcissist to avoid inadvertently giving them the upper hand. We will also explore the differences between narcissists and sociopaths. Listeners will come away with concrete tools to better manage the narcissistic boss, parent, spouse or co-worker. |
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Fall 2013 Trauma Certificate Programs
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Registration for the Fall 2013 Trauma Certificate Programs is now open.
Level I
In an exciting, supportive, professional environment, clinical social workers and other mental health professionals will gain an in-depth understanding of the myriad dynamics related to trauma and its reverberating effect on clients' cognitions, affect, social functioning, and behavioral choices.
Level II
A certificate in Level II is offered to clinicians who have graduated from the Level I Certificate Program in Advanced Trauma Treatment AND to clinicians who demonstrate an expertise in the trauma field. Experienced clinicians can also register for an individual class that is relevant to their work.
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The Institute accepts both credit cards and checks for payment of classes. We use PayPal to administer credit cards payments. However, you do not need a PayPal account in order to use this service.
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The Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy Training and Education, Inc. is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland. CEU approval for all trainings is also granted to Psychologists, LCPC's and MFT's. In addition, reciprocity has been granted for clinicians in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia.
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