Tips to Help You Recover from Surgery

Having surgery for many is a major decision even a simple outpatient procedure.  Anxiety builds and worry ensues.  Before you know it you’re a bundle of nerves wishing you had another option.  Healthcare as a whole has made great strides in keeping patients in the know about their care, still there are three simple things you can do to have a smooth recovery.  

Information is power.

Understand what’s next. Now that you’re preparing for surgery ask your surgeon and medical staff what to expect next. To walk you through each step of the process including the steps that you may not want to hear – tubes, drains, forceps, etc. Knowing that certain actions are required to bring about a desired result will help you understand that bruising may result and pain may occur. Without this discussion you could end up in unnecessary pain and disillusioned about your procedure.

Recognize the signs.

Once you’re recovering at home, it’s important to know what signs and symptoms need your immediate attention.  Some concerns can be addressed at your next doctor’s visit while others may require emergency intervention. Ask your team for proper protocol should you experience the following:

·       Extreme pain other than at the surgery site

·       Fever over 100 degrees

·       Swelling, redness or bleeding

·       Dizziness, ringing in the ears

·       Difficulty breathing or swallowing

·       Inability to concentrate or stay awake

·       Insomnia

Take Care of Your Body

The recovery process is one that needs your full cooperation. You must be patient with yourself and know your limits, while doing that which your surgical team has instructed you to do. 

·       Sleep. Your body needs the rest to recoup under normal circumstances it will especially need that time now.  It’s during this time that they body will repair itself.

·       Eat. You must remember to eat healthy foods to assist in the recovery process.  Food is fuel. Speak with the nutritionist/dietician about suggestions as some foods may interfere with medication.

·       Positive reinforcements.  Surround yourself with positivity. Doing visualization exercises, listening to motivational videos, reading, praying and mantras all help to reinforce your goal. Having mind and body all working in tandem in key.

    

When Anger Gets The Best of You

Anger is a normal healthy response to a threat and may be used for a constructive purpose. Do you wonder why you fly off the handle so easily sometimes? You're not alone.  Many people have trouble managing their anger.

This show is for anyone who wants to learn how to deal with it in a constructive and healthy way.

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5 Scriptures Every Christian-preneur Should Know

As a Christian and a family focused entrepreneur, I believe that faith is a main ingredient in any size business success.  In spite of the economy, the people of God must remember that if you honor God through your business He will direct your path.

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Standing on Unshakable Faith: Coping With Adversity

Adversity is an unavoidable part of life, whether we like it or not - it will come.  Death of a loved one, breakup of a relationship, malicious action by another, job loss, etc.. Adversity is like a hurricane. It destroys everything in its path except that which is indestructible.  Learning to live through any adversity leaves us with the ability to see the truth about that situation and the lesson learned of how not to repeat it.  
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How Should Christians Celebrate Valentine's Day?

Christianity is all about love, and so is St. Valentine's Day, right? Would God want Christians to celebrate Valentine's Day; if so how?

Listen to How Should Christian's Celebrate Valentine's Day now.

Intimacy with God

Having an intimate relationship with God has become such a catch phrase amongst Christians, but what does it really mean?

Christians can have a thriving business, school or ministry without a thriving relationship with God, but only temporarily. Anyone can "fake it 'till you make it," but to go the distance, you need a constant devotional life and continual closeness to God.

LISTEN IN as we discuss action items for creating a personal intimacy with God.

I Want A New Marriage

Surprise! Marriage isn’t always a "happily ever after" afterall; At some point nearly every married person thinks "something needs to change." Perhaps you don’t want a new marriage, but a renewed one, a rejuvenated relationship - one with better understanding and communication.

If you've every taken a moment to look at marriage statistics and the lives of those around us it tells us that marriages need help and lots of it! Whether you’re married or single, JOIN US as we uncover the secrets to healthy, satisfying and successful marriages and relationships, as we kick off the New Year.

Tips for Finding a Good Therapist

Because every office is different, you must find the right match for you and your needs. This is a great article about tips on finding the right therapist for you.

Demystifying Therapy: 5 Insider Tips for Finding a Good Therapist 

Daniela Tempesta, LCSW
Psychotherapist, danielalcsw.com

 

It's a new year, you've set new goals, and you've decided it's time to go to therapy. Now what? Entering "find therapist" into your google search window is not going to help. There are a lot of therapists out there, but finding the right one for you can be as daunting as trying to find a good date online.

After more than 15 years of seeing a variety of therapists myself, I've had my share of bad experiences. I once met with a therapist who greeted me at the door dripping sweat and dressed like Run-D.M.C. (sans gold chain), straight from the gym. And while I don't think a therapist's outfit is a reflection of competence, I do appreciate a person who cools down first and dresses in a professional manner. And then there was the woman whose first question was "So, what's wrong with you?" Not exactly the best way to create a sense of safety.

But don't let me scare you off, I've also had amazing, life-altering, not-sure-what-I-would've-done-without-'em therapists. So even if it sounds like you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your "theraprince," the result is de



1) Ask People You Trust For Recommendations
Asking people you trust for recommendations is a great place to start. This could be a friend, family member, coworker or other health professional. If someone you trust can make a referral, this can act as a prescreening process. If you have a friend or family member who is a therapist, they would also be a good person to ask as well. Therapists tend to have good information about other reputable people.

2) Pick a Specialist if Necessary
Think about why you are seeking help and if necessary, find someone who specializes in treating your particular issue. If you are struggling with something very specific like OCD, ADHD, addiction or an eating disorder, it is very important that you see someone who specializes in the treatment of these disorders. There are evidence-based protocols which are used specifically to successfully treat issues like those listed above. If you are seeing someone who doesn't have specific training in your issues, you might be wasting your time and money. Also, someone who claims to be an expert in everything is likely an expert in nothing. The field of mental health is just too broad for any of us to be experts in all issues, so beware of someone who claims such things.

3) Use the Web, But Don't Be Limited By It
The web is a great resource for locating and learning more about local therapists. Psychology Today has a comprehensive listing of therapists and allows you to search based on several different factors. To be listed on Psychology Today, therapists must prove that they have an advanced degree and up-to-date professional license. You can read profiles or click through to individual therapist websites. If you are immediately turned off by someone's tone, listen to your gut and keep searching. Just make sure you are looking in industry-appropriate locations. For example, Yelp is great for restaurants, but the same principle doesn't apply to therapy. Finding a good therapist is a lot more nuanced than finding out which restaurant makes the best duck-fat fried Brussels sprouts.

4) Interview People Who Might Seem Like a Good Fit
Once you've narrowed down your list of potentials, give them a call. Get a feel for what they are like on the phone. Do you feel comfortable talking with them? Do they seem interested and empathetic? In addition, you might ask the following questions:

A) What is your style like?
This is important. Even if someone is a very skilled therapist, his or her style may not jive with yours. Try to get a feel for what it would be like to be in the room with the person. Are they active and engaged or will you be doing most of the majority of talking? Will they be giving you homework or will all the "work" happen in the sessions themselves?

B) Do you have experience working with my issue? If we were working together on this issue what can I expect?
You want to make sure that the therapist has familiarity and is comfortable working with the issue that brought you to therapy.

C) What is your theoretical orientation?
There are many different schools of thought in psychology and each therapist approaches problems differently based on their training and theoretical orientation. For example, a psychodynamic therapist might focus on childhood history, dreams and the unconscious roots of your behavior, while a cognitive behavioral therapist will help you identify problematic thoughts and help you shift those thoughts and their resulting behaviors. There are many different ways to approach the same issue, and while you may have no idea specifically what style you want or need, make sure that what the therapist is proposing is something that sounds aligned to your personality and needs.


5) The Relationship Is More Important Than the Resume
Don't be overly focused on finding someone with long list of accomplishments. Just because a therapist has written several books or has a busy public speaking schedule, it doesn't mean that they are the right fit for you. Research has found that the most effective therapists build strong therapeutic relationships with their clients and have highly developed interpersonal skills including warmth, acceptance, empathy and the ability to accurately identify how a client is feeling. So give more weight to how you feel in the room with the therapist, rather than their list of accomplishments.
Now that you are armed with strategies for finding a great fit I wish you the best of luck in your search. I hope you find the therapeutic experience as rewarding and life altering as I have. Happy therapist hunting!

 

Client vs. Patient

A few days ago, I learned that many of the shop people that I dealt with in the neighborhood, didn't realize my profession until one simple conversation in Nordstrom's Rack.

"Good afternoon Angela, how are you today?" she asked. "Having a great day; full day of clients this afternoon." I said feeling good about having completed my morning tasks, which allowed me time to look around and shop before starting my work day.

She then looked at me without batting and eye lash, "Where do you do hair?" she said. The question assumed that I was a hair stylist or cosmetologist. "I don't do hair, I'm a counselor." I replied, with a confused look on my face.

She quickly says, "I'm sorry, I thought,...you said clients." And then it hit me. She now fumbles with my credit cards trying to get me out of her line as fast as possible.  I responded, "I can understand that. You're right, I don't say patients, I say clients." Trying to reassure her.

It wasn't until she actually looked at my card to see that it read, Dr. Angela. Now, when she sees me, her greeting is "Morning Doc!"

I say that to say this -- there is a reason for the difference in usage of name for me and my office. A mind set that hopefully not only affects how I deal with the people who use my services, but how they think of themselves as well.

I use the word “client”, not “patient," because the word “patient” can imply a medical model in which the doctor works on and heals the patient, and the patient more passively receives the treatment. Pastoral Counseling is different; it involves your active participation. You hire me, and we work together.

The medical terminology of "patient" also implies that you are sick in your body - those who need help versus those who do not. I prefer to think of it as walking along a path and the occasional loosing of your footing: sometimes walking along the sure path, and sometimes walking along the overgrown, dead end path. It is during those times that you seek out my assistance.

So, I will only call those who visit with me - clients.
"Not accepting patients at this time."

GROUP - Anger Management Mornings

Do you have a short fuse or find yourself getting into frequent arguments and fights? Anger is a very powerful emotion that can stem from feelings of frustration, hurt, annoyance, or disappointment.

Learn anger management techniques that will help you improve your personal and family relationships, relationships with co-workers, or deal with what's bothering you.

==REGISTER NOW==
4 WEEKS FRIDAYS ONLY
$15 per class $60 Total
Fridays June 7, 2013 to June 28, 2013                                                                                11:00 AM until 12:00 PM (PDT) 
http://angryman.eventbrite.com/#

GROUP - Dealing with Anxiety

We all spend too much time worrying about things that will never materialize. And this worry only makes our lives unnecessarily complicated and painful. Learn how to deal with what you're feeling. 

This is a group setting. Other will be there who share your experience and understand.

== Register Now ==

Friday Evenings:  
June 7 - June 28 from 7:00pm until  8:00pm
http://anxietynights-efbevent.eventbrite.com/

Friday Mornings:
July 5th - July 26 11:00am until 12:00pm
http://morninganxiety.eventbrite.com/

Can Pain Medication Be Harmful?

For many suffering with acute and chronic pain the doctor will prescribe opiates (such as Vicodin, morphine, heroin, and codeine). These medications modify a person's sensation to pain, by causing a sense of joy and euphoria via the pleasure centers of the brain.  Because of that, your doctor may need to adjust your medication.  Adjustments will be made as your condition changes up or down. In most cases, when your medication is taken as directed they are safe and rarely lead to dependency.

When abuse of medication occurs, physical dependence to the opiate is extremely likely.  Attempts to reduce or quit the medication suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, nausea joint and muscle pain.  Contact your doctor immediately of this occurs.

Are you abusing or misusing your medication?  Answer the following:

• Have you considered or do you by medication from others?
• Have you attempted or wish to purchase the medication from the internet where lenient requirements are in place?
• In the past 12 months have you used your pain medication in amounts other than those required?

If you answered yes, please take a moment to speak with your doctor about the risks.

Happy Thanksgiving from New Life Pastoral Counseling