clinical social work association

Those of you who work in a not-for-profit role may well have heard of Founders’ Syndrome.  This is an interesting dynamic that arises when the organization determines that the time has come to move that founder from the head of the table. This article takes a different look at these behaviors and gives us pause for thought.

https://nonprofitquarterly.org/2017/12/06/rediagnosing-founder-s-syndrome-moving-beyond-stereotypes-to-improve-nonprofit-performance/

Science is supporting an insight many therapists have held. Language and how we use it suggests our state of mind. Research employing computers to analyze the words and phrases used by writers known to suffer from depression has offered us another tool to use in our diagnosis. Does the client utilize absolutist terms for his experience? Also the prevalence of first person pronouns over third person pronouns gives us more evidence of mood disturbance.  Read on.

https://theconversation.com/people-with-depression-use-language-differently-heres-how-to-spot-it-90877

Maybe the real cause of depression isn’t brain chemistry but instead personal chemistry.  In our society we see more and more people, working virtually, using social media as relationship, spending time with Netflix rather than with nature.  Are we abandoning connection as a way to find happiness?

This is an interesting perspective on everyday narcissism. The plethora of the sacrifices we make to please in life can result in even greater wounding at a spiritual level. Born unlovable and trying for a lifetime to reverse that can cripple most.

Our profession is one of the few where working till the late 80’s isn’t a myth.  But how do we do that in a healthy way? How can we model growth even at the end of life?  Read on to begin that journey.

Attachment is getting a lot of attention right now, but is there a deeper way to look at this topic?  Desire for connection is at the DNA level. If we are disconnected, separated from the tribe, we might die.  The lack of connection is a spiritual disconnect that results in loneliness and loss.  Listen to this for thoughtful dialogue.

https://onbeing.org/programs/brene-brown-strong-back-soft-front-wild-heart-feb2018

We’ve all run out of gas when doing couples work. It is so easy to get caught up in the distress and focus only on the difficulties. Mining for the strengths helps us and them to recall what works and why. It makes a great hedge against hopelessness….for them and us.

https://www.psychotherapynetworker.org/blog/details/1395/couples-therapy-with-a-positive-spin

The Chinese were right.  We have all experienced crisis as opportunity. Infidelity hits us like earthquake and we react reeling. Can we help our clients to reinterpret the event and find the path to reconciliation?

Read on for a helpful pod cast.

https://www.ted.com/talks/esther_perel_rethinking_infidelity_a_talk_for_anyone_who_has_ever_loved

The idea of being awake under anesthesia is an unusual perspective on consciousness and raises many questions regarding how aware we are of our experience. Studies are being pursued concerning our ‘presence’ during surgeries. Are we just below the surface hearing and experiencing?  And what is the implication of such awareness?

https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/are-we-all-awake-during-anesthesia?

Exciting research in the area of neurobiology is pointing to pinpointing the location of memories in the brain. Not surprising they vary. Studies done with mice indicate that memories might be manipulated or even expelled. Does this have value in helping clients deal with PTSD? Read on.

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-00107-4?utm_source=pocket&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pockethits