Saturday, December 5, 2009

Toxic Congregation or Group Psychotherapy with Addicted Populations

Toxic Congregation: How to Heal the Soul of Your Church

Author: G Lloyd Rediger

About the Author:
G. Lloyd Rediger, ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA)



Book about: Instant Bean or Cooking with Crazy Charley IV

Group Psychotherapy with Addicted Populations: An Integration of Twelve-Step and Psychodynamic Theory

Author: Philip J Flores

Be more effective in group therapy with addicted clients

Group Psychotherapy with Addicted Populations: An Integration of Twelve-Step and Psychodynamic Theory, Third Edition is the newly revised edition of the classic text, that provides you with proven strategies for defeating alcohol and drug addiction through group psychotherapy. Philip J. Flores, a highly regarded expert in the treatment of alcoholism and in group psychotherapy brings together practical applications of 12-step programs and psychodynamic groups. This updated book explores the latest in constructive benefits of group therapy to chemically dependent individuals, providing opportunities to share and identify with others who are going through similar problems, to understand their own attitudes about addiction by confronting similar attitudes in others, and to learn to communicate their needs and feelings more directly.

Topics in Group Psychotherapy with Addicted Populations: An Integration of Twelve-Step and Psychodynamic Theory, Third Edition include:

• Alcoholism, addiction, and psychodynamic theories of addiction
• Alcoholics anonymous and group psychotherapy
• Use of confrontational techniques in the group
• Inpatient group psychotherapy
• Characteristics of the leader
• Transference in the group
• Resistance in groups
• Preparing the chemically dependent person for group
• The curative process in group therapy
• Integrating a modern analytic approach
• A discussion of object relations theory
• Group psychotherapy, AA, and twelve-step programs
• Diagnosis and addiction treatment
• Treatment issues at early, middle, and late stages of treatment
• A discussion of guidelines and priorities for group leaders
• Countertransference
• Special considerations of resistance to addiction
• Termination of treatment

Professionals working in group therapy and addictions will find Group Psychotherapy with Addicted Populations: An Integration of Twelve-Step and Psychodynamic Theory, Third Edition an invaluable resource emphasizing the positive and constructive opportunities group psychotherapy brings to the chemically dependent individual.

What People Are Saying

Edward J. Khantzian
SCHOLARLY YET IMMENSELY HELPFUL AND PRACTICAL BOOK . . . covers all the bases, integrating how group therapy and twelve step programs help to access and transform the core vulnerabilities of addicted individuals. . . . BRILLIANTLY FOCUSES on how the relational and self regulatory problems of addicted individuals can be addressed and modified by informed clinical approaches and twelve step programs. . . . ASTUTELY INSTRUCTS us how group and twelve step programs can serve as correctives by replacing addictive behaviors with meaningful and transforming relationships. (Edward J. Khantzian, MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Medical School at Tewksbury Hospital and the Cambridge Health Alliance)


Henry I. Spitz
Every so often a rare text comes along that possesses the qualities of being theoretically sound, clinically wise and easily readable. Philip Flores has written such a book. . . . A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION toward enriching our understanding of the interplay between psychological theory, neuroscience research and clinical group work with people struggling with problems of addiction. With his unique blend of scholarship and pragmatism, Dr. Flores provides the reader with A THOUGHTFUL AND WELL DOCUMENTED ROAD MAP for negotiating the notoriously challenging terrain of treating addicted individuals. This book is A 'MUST READ' for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the use of group therapy for substance abuse treatment. (Henry I. Spitz MD, DFAGPA, Director Group Psychotherapy Training Program, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, & Distinguished Fellow, Americana Group Psychotherapy Association)


Molyn Leszcz
In this VERY CLEAR AND WELL-WRITTEN text book, DR. FLORES HAS SET THE STANDARD in his articulation of the way group therapy plays a pivotal role in the treatment of persons suffering from addictions. . . . Advances our understanding of the integration of addictions into mental health; psychology of the mind and biology of the brain; models of group therapy; 12-step approaches and leader led groups; scientific knowledge and clinical wisdom; and, the pivotal role that an understanding of attachment plays in effective group psychotherapy. . . . NEW CHAPTERS WRITTEN FOR THIS EDITION ARE OF GREAT VALUE: the first chapter on interpersonal neurobiology and addictions, is A MUST READ, not only for those who work in the area of addictions, but for psychotherapists in general, who are interested in understanding how the work that they do with their clients modifies their clients' brain as well as their clients' thinking. (Molyn Leszcz, MD, FRCPC, Psychiatrist-in-Chief, Mount Sinai Hospital, Professor and Head, Group Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto)


Marilyn Freimuth
THIS BOOK KEEPS GETTING BETTER! Flores has interwoven his in depth explorations into attachment theory and addiction to create a text that is rare to find: a practical guide to treatment that is theoretically grounded. After reading this book, practitioners will be able to PROVIDE MORE EFFECTIVE TREATMENT TO ADDICTED POPULATIONS because they will know what to do and why to do it. This is really five books in one. . . . Provides comprehensive readable overviews of the nature of addictions, group therapy, 12-step work and psychodynamic theory. At the same time he interweaves these topics to create a theoretically grounded practical guide to more effective addiction treatment. (Marilyn Freimuth, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Fielding Graduate University and author of Hidden Addictions)




Table of Contents:
Foreword (Jeffrey D. Roth)
PART I: THEORETICAL MODELS
Chapter 1. Interpersonal Neurobiology and Addiction: An Attachment Theory Perspective
Interpersonal Neurobiology
The Neurophysiology of Attachment
Interdisciplinary Research and Attachment Theory: A Source for Informing Addiction Treatment
Contributions from Child Development Studies
Contributions from the Neurosciences
Reward Deficiency Syndrome
Attachment and Animal Research
Contributions of the Relational Perspective to Group Psychotherapy
Chapter 2. Attachment Theory As a Theoretical Basis for Understanding Addiction
Attachment Theory and Self-Psychology
Attachment Styles and Secure Attachment
Ainsworth and the Strange Situations
Implications for Treatment
Implications for Addiction Treatment
Summary of Treating Addiction As an Attachment Disorder
Chapter 3. The Disease Concept and Group Psychotherapy
Abstinence: Is It Necessary?
Paradigm Shift
Specific Implications of Group Therapy and the Disease Concept
Addiction, Abstinence, and the Disease Concept
Chapter 4. Psychodynamic Theory and the Relational Models
Character Pathology and Addiction
Contributions of Object-Relations Theory and Self-Psychology
Margaret Mahler's Theory of Normal Development
Ego Psychology and Object-Relations Theory
Mahler's Stages of Normal Development
Beyond the Ego: Kohut's Self-Psychology
Definition of Terms
The Self-Medication Hypothesis and Affect Regulation
Application for Therapy: Corrective Emotional Expression
Addiction As an Attempt at Self-Repair
Self-Esteem Vulnerabilities
The Reparative Approach
Chapter 5. Alcoholics Anonymous and Twelve-Step Programs
Misconceptions About Alcoholics Anonymous
Values, Science, and AA
Philosophy of Science and the Limits of Rationality
The Self-Help Movement
Alcoholics Anonymous: Its Historical Roots
AA—Why and How It Works: An Interpretation of AA
Pragmatism: Its Influence on AA
Existential View of AA
AA—How It Works: A Phenomenological Perspective
The Self-Attribution of Alcoholism
Honesty, Denial, and the Need for Others
AA: A Self-Psychology Perspective
AA: A Treatment for Shame and Narcissism
Higher Power As an Attachment Object
PART II: ADDICTION TREATMENT IN GROUP
Chapter 6. Different Models of Group Psychotherapy
Some Models of Group Psychotherapy
Psychological Levels of Intervention
Specific Applications for Addictions Treatment
Chapter 7. Preparing the Chemically Dependent Person for Group Therapy
Selection and Composition
Implications of Research Findings
Therapeutic Alliance and Cohesion in Group
Pre-Group Preparation: Increasing Treatment Retention and Reducing Dropouts
Recommendations for Entry into a Therapy Group
Present and Gain Acceptance of a Contract
Chapter 8. Interactional Group Psychotherapy
Yalom's Basic Tasks
The Model Setting Participant
Interpersonal Honesty and Spontaneity
Establishment of the Group Norms
The Norm of Self-Disclosure
Procedural Norms and Antitherapeutic Norms
Importance of Group
The Here-and-Now Activation and Process Illumination
Interpersonal Theory of Behavior
Sullivan's Interpersonal Theory of Psychiatry
Examples of Yalom's Here-and-Now Focus
Integration of Modern Analytic Approach
Conclusion
Chapter 9. Modifications of Yalom's Interactional Model
Treatment Considerations and Group Therapy
Recommendations for Group Therapy
Protocol
Early and Later Stage Treatment
Therapist Attributes and Special Considerations for Affect Attunement
Careseeking, Affect Attunement, and Psychotherapy
Group Therapy and ACOA
Addiction and the Family
Common Identified Characteristics of ACOA
ACOA and Shame
Alcoholics Anonymous and Group Psychotherapy
Chapter 10. Co-Occurring Disorders and Group Psychotherapy: An Attachment Theory Perspective
Addiction—The Cart or Horse of Mental Illness?
Cross-Addiction
The Relationship Between Mental Health and Addiction
Axis I Disorders
Axis II: Character Pathology and Addiction
Borderline Personality Organization and Pathological Narcissism
Kernberg's Borderline Pathology
Kernberg's Description of Supportive Psychotherapy
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Dynamics of Multiple Addictions
Integration of Divergent Treatment Philosophies
The Relational Models: An Integration
Chapter 11. The Leader in Group Therapy
Values of the Group Leader
The Therapist As a Person
Qualities of the Group Leader
Guidelines and Priorities for the Group Leader
Roles of the Group Leader
Focus of the Group Leader
Characteristics of the Group Leader
The Therapeutic Process: Therapists' and Patients' Contributions
The Alliance and Addiction: Special Considerations
Group Leadership Functions
The Implications for Conducting a Successful Therapy Group
Alcoholism Treatment Outcome Studies
Patient Characteristics Related to Type of Therapy
Special Group Strategies and Requirements
Recommendations
Convergence of Therapist and Patient Characteristics
PART III: CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
Chapter 12. Diagnosis and Addiction Treatment
Avoidant Society: Cultural Roots of Impaired Attachment
Criterion Definitions of Addiction
Drug Groups
Drug Dependence and the Drug Groups
Neuropsychological Impairment
Stages of Change Model
Relapse Prevention
Interpersonal Neurobiology, Motivation, and Stages of Change Model and Brain Impairment
Chapter 13. Early Stage Group Treatment: Confrontation, Intervention, and Relapse
Special Problems of the Addicted Patient
The Use of Therapeutic Leverage
Confrontation
Intervention
Relapse and Recovery
Early Stage versus Later Stage Relapse
Therapist versus Patient's Contribution to Relapse
Later Stage Relapses
Relapse Prevention
Chapter 14. Inpatient Groups and Middle Stage Treatment
Yalom's Recommendations for Inpatient Groups
Composition of Inpatient Groups
Yalom's Strategies and Techniques of Leadership
Agenda Rounds
Difficulties with Agenda Rounds
The Special Circumstances of Inpatient Therapy Groups Within the Hospital
Leader's Transparency About Alcohol and Drug Use
The Group Contract
Simultaneous Membership in Other Groups
The Special Problems of Confidentiality on an Inpatient Unit
Active Outreach
Group Members Who Relapse and Come to Group
Attending Group Under the Influence
Summary Recommendations for Inpatient Group Therapy
Chapter 15. Late Stage Group Treatment: Conflict, Repair, and Reunion
Paradigm Shift
The Concurrent Treatment of Addiction and Character Pathology
Later Stage Treatment Strategies
Yalom's Model and Self-Psychology
Treatment of Internal Structure Deficits
Treatment of Introjections
Later Stage Treatment: Conflict, Repair, and Reunion
Attachment, Addiction, and the Working Alliance
Research and the Therapeutic Alliance
The Alliance: What Is it and Why Is it Important?
Attachment, the Alliance, and Negative Process
Chapter 16. Transference in Groups
Definition of Transference
Transference Possibilities in Group
Modifications of Transference Distortions in Groups
Types of Transference in Groups
Common Types of Acting Out Transference
Abuse of Transference
Countertransference
Projective Identification
Pathways for Psychological Change
Addiction and Countertransference
Chapter 17. Resistance in Group
Resistance: A Definition
Group Resistance and the Work of Wilfred Bion
The Leader's Influence on Basic Assumptions
Resistance to Intimacy in Groups
Resistance to Immediacy
Resistance to Feelings in Group
Special Considerations of Resistance to Addiction
The Group Leader's Effect on Group Resistance
Chapter 18. The Curative Process in Group Therapy
Yalom's Curative Factors
Curative Factors in Group
Existential Factors
Curative Factors in AA
Curative Factors Operating in Different Types of Therapy Groups
Mechanisms of Change and Cure in Group Therapy
The Curative Process
Working Through with the Addicted Patient
Stages of Cure in a Therapy Group
Addiction and Goals of Termination
Conclusion
References
Index

Friday, December 4, 2009

Echinacea or Yoga

Echinacea: Nature's Immune Enhancer

Author: Steven Foster

The plant group Echinacea (common name, purple coneflower) is known as a non-specific stimulant to the immune system. A native of this continent, it was highly valued in Native American medicine, where it had more applications than any other plant. Today, research shows clear scientific reasons for its effectiveness. Foster, a widely respected herbalist, provides both a contemporary and historical look at this important herb and its healing properties, and makes a plea for conserving and protecting it in the wild.

A portion of the author's proceeds will go to support Echinacea conservation efforts at the Ozark Beneficial Plant Project in Brixey, Missouri.



Table of Contents:

Nature's Immune Enhancer

Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. The Universal Remedy of the Plains Indians
2. From Nostrum to Specific Medicine
3. Medicinal Uses of Echinacea by Eclectic Physicians
4. Modern Research and Future Potential
5. Preparations: Past and Present
6. Safety: Risks vs. Benefits
7. On the Farm and in the Garden: Cultivating Echinacea
8. Is It Echinacea? Substitutions and Adulteration
9. A Natural Insecticide for the Future?
10. Chemical Constituents
11. The Evolution of a Name: Wanderings in Taxonomic History
12. Characteristics of the Genus Echinacea: The Botanist's View
13. The Species : Identification and Distribution
14. The Need for Conservation: Is Time Running Short?
Plant and Seed Sources
Bibliography
Index

Book review: Over the Influence or I Die but My Memory Lives on

Yoga: Mastering the Secrets of Matter and the Universe

Author: Alain Dani lou

Based on original Sanskrit sources, this book gives an authentic account of the methods of yoga in its different forms, including the challenging "left-hand" paths, as well as practices best suited to Western students.



Thursday, December 3, 2009

Live Now Age Later or Boost Your Heart Health

Live Now, Age Later: Proven Ways to Slow Down the Clock

Author: Isadore Rosenfeld

This #1 national bestseller gives you the lowdown on aging, uplifting news on medical breakthroughs, and practical ways to shoot your quality of life to the moon. Dr. Rosenfeld-trusted physician, medical columnist for Parade, and seven-time bestselling author-provides the information you need to slow down Father Time and stay as youthful as you possibly can. Learn how to help:

  1. Prevent cataracts and macular degeneration with proper diet-and a little wine
  2. Maintain a healthy sex drive and the ability to satisfy it-the latest on hormone replacement therapy and Viagra
  3. Preempt Alzheimer's disease and senility with the appropriate vitamins, herbs, and prescription drugs, including-believe it or not-painkillers
  4. Avoid hardening and blocking of the arteries with the proper lifestyle and proven medication
  5. Keep your skin young and, if you're a man, your prostate small with conventional and not-so-conventional approaches
...and much more!



Book about: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs or Three Cups of Tea

Boost Your Heart Health: Vital Ways to Nurture Your Most Vital Organ (52 Brilliant Ideas Series)

Author: Ruth Chambers

52 ways to strengthen your heart-for life.

Heart disease and stroke are some of the leading causes of death in this country-and they can affect anyone. Dr. Ruth Chambers reveals 52 practical strategies for keeping hearts strong, healthy, and happy.



Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Drink to Your Health or Asthma Survival

Drink to Your Health: Delicious, Easy-to-Prepare Juices, Smoothies, Teas, Soups and Other Beverages

Author: Anita Hirsch

As juice bars open across the U.S., the concept of healthy beverages is reaching more people than ever. Drink to Your Health offers over 125 vitamin- and mineral-packed recipes for both hot and cold beverages, including juices, smoothies, shakes, teas, infusions, soups, and more. Specifically formulated to help address - and possibly prevent - 40 ailments, from colds, headaches, and stress to cancer, HIV, and heart disease, the recipes include Tomato Veggie Powerhouse, Frosty Apricot Mint Cooler, and, of course, Classic Chicken Soup. Many recipes can be prepared with nothing more complicated than a hand whisk or long-handled spoon.



Book about: Inside the Apple or The Sex Lives of Cannibals

Asthma Survival: The Holistic Medical Treatment Program for Asthma

Author: Robert S Ivker

Modeled directly on the bestselling Sinus Survival, here is the most integrative, complete asthma-relief guide available today.

Here's why asthma sufferers can't afford to be without Asthma Survival:

  • It features a Quick Fix, fast-start program. The Quick Fix allows the reader to begin the most important aspects of the program immediately without having to read the whole book.
  • It is one of the only books to address the huge overlap of allergies (90 percent of asthmatics have them) and sinusitis (nearly 70 percent of asthmatics have them).
  • It provides specific, integrated instructions for a dietary supplement plan.
  • It lays out its New Life Eating Plan as one of the most profound ways to slow the disease.
  • It gives a balanced, comprehensive approach to herbal choices that are most accepted within the holistic medical community.
  • It offers a simple, powerful introduction to the most important breathing exercises.
  • It offers the only book to propose a unified theory of emotional causes of this disease based on worldwide trends and statistics of familial patterns

Author Biography: Robert S. Ivker, D.O., is an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Family Medicine and a clinical instructor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and past-president of the American Holistic Medical Association.

Todd H. Nelson, N.D., is a widely recognized naturopathic physician and the director of the Tree of Life Wellness Center in Colorado



Table of Contents:
Introduction1
1.The Asthma Quick Fix10
2.What Is Asthma? What Causes It? How Does Conventional Medicine Treat It?25
Risk Factors and Causes29
Conventional Medical Treatment38
NHLBI Classification of Asthma Severity and Pharmacological Treatment43
3.Holistic Health: The Thriving Self-Test48
4.Healing Your Body57
Holistic Medical Treatment and Prevention59
Symptom Treatment61
Physical and Environmental Health Recommendations for Asthma64
Air and Breathing64
Water, Moisture, and Nasal Hygiene91
Candida and Fungus102
Diet for Optimal Health: New Life Eating Plan (NLEP)140
Nutritional Supplements--Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs158
Professional Care Therapies188
Exercise and Rest189
Summary202
5.Healing Your Mind204
The Body--Mind Connection207
Play/Passion, Meaning/Purpose209
Psychotherapy210
Beliefs, Attitudes, Goals, and Affirmations211
Emotional Causes of Asthma224
Guided Imagery and Visualization229
Optimism and Humor234
Emotional Health236
Breathwork and Meditation241
Dealing with Anger244
Dreamwork and Journaling246
Work and Play250
Summary252
6.Healing Your Spirit254
Accessing Spirit255
Are We Spiritual Beings? The Near-Death Experience256
Prayer258
Gratitude260
Meditation263
Intuition265
Spiritual Counselors266
Spiritual Practices267
Social Health271
Intimacy--Communication, Recreation, Touch272
Committed Relationships and Marriage272
Touch276
Sex279
Parenting280
Forgiveness282
Friendship284
Selfless Acts and Altruism285
Support Groups287
Summary288
7.Asthma Survival Success Story289
Appendix297
References311
Resource Guide321
Product Index331

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Within the Wall of Denial or The Psychobiology of Mind Body Healing

Within the Wall of Denial: Conquering Addictive Behaviors

Author: Robert J Kearney

Denial is a natural process, a form of self-protection. It is a wall built layer by layer to shelter us from pain and frightful truths. It is a psychological defense that is as normal as flinching. Within the Wall of Denial shows how this valuable, instinctive reaction can become rigid and maladaptive. Retreat behind its protection can isolate people in their pain, alienate those around them, and facilitate the development of diseases, from addiction to heart disease. It precludes seeking professional help and thus blocks early diagnosis and treatment. It contributes to treatment failure and sets up the newly recovering addict to relapse. Those who suffer from such disorders retreat behind their wall of denial, and thus often seem unaware of the chaos around them. They behave as if there is no problem; they minimize it, make excuses, or just seem unwilling or unable to take effective action. The people who love and depend on them begin to need protection; they build walls of their own. Their "enabling" or "co-dependent" behavior is also addressed in this book. Kearney presents a fresh perspective on the nature and function of denial. He describes each layer in the wall of denial, including denial of fact, implications, change, and finally denial of feelings, in language so remarkably clear that the reader can quickly realize what it is like to be on either side. He then offers an innovative approach for working with people caught in denial that bridges the contrasting techniques of confrontation and support. Empathic and tough, Kearney demonstrates how to gain clients' trust so that the wall of denial can be dismantled layer by layer.

Booknews

Describes denial as a valuable instinctive reaction that can become maladaptive, details different types and layers of denial, such as denial of facts, implications, and feelings, and offers an innovative approach for reaching people in denial that combines the contrasting techniques of confrontation and support. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)



Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1What is Denial?1
2The Layers of Denial12
3Anxiety: Pressure Against the Wall of Denial27
4Successful Treatment of Denial59
5Joining the Client Within the Wall of Denial114
6Rapport and the Helping Relationship: Intravention Behind the Wall of Denial144
7Addiction and Loss: Grieving and Recovery179
References209
Index211

Go to: Belleza universal or YMCA Healthy Back Book

The Psychobiology of Mind-Body Healing

Author: Ernest Lawrence Rossi

'In this new edition Ernest Rossi continues to explore, synthesize, and integrate findings in the area of mind-body healing, not only across disciplines, but across time.

Booknews

Rossi brings together new evidence from psychoneuroimmunology, neuroendocrinology, molecular genetics, and neurobiology to show that there is no gap between mind and body, and outlines in a series of teaching tutorials a dozen new approaches to mind-body healing. Many of these utilize the ultradian healing response, based on the body's natural 90-minute psychobiological rhythms. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)